Former GOP Rep. Wilson to Run for N.M. Senate

 Former New Mexico Republican Rep. Heather Wilson will announce Monday that she’s running for the seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Jeff Bingaman next year, two Republicans told Politico.

That should make her the first official candidate in the race. She gives Republicans a strong candidate for a race the party thinks it can win. Wilson, who served five terms in the House, ran for the Senate seat vacated by the retirement of Pete Domenici in 2008, but lost in the primary to now Rep. Steve Pearce.

Pearce has publicly called for a conservative candidate for 2012. But GOP leaders believe Wilson's more moderate beliefs make her the most electable Republican. She didn’t hesitate to veer from then House Majority Leader Tom DeLay when she was in Congress.