New Mexico
Outlook: Solid Democratic
November 8, 2006 Update:
As the Crystal Ball predicted, Gov. Bill Richardson (D)
Update:
Physician J.R. Damron withdrew for personal reasons as the GOP’s nominee against Gov. Bill Richardson on June 17. Former state GOP Chairman John Dendahl was picked as the substitute by the state Republican Central Committee. It won’t make the slightest bit of difference. It’s still Richardson for reelection in a walk.
Background
Governor Bill Richardson (D) is still the favorite to win his second term, but he has had some problems recently, not least the controversy over his frequent traveling and the decision to buy a new, expensive state jet. Possible Republican nominees have been hard to come by so far, but it’s still early.
Our bet stays with Richardson, but it matters how well and easily he wins, if he intends to be a serious 2008 Democratic presidential candidate.