Rep. Steve Pearce To Announce Candidacy For Domenici’s Seat

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(AP) – The Associated Press has learned that Congressman Steve Pearce will run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by fellow Republican Pete Domenici.

Pearce represents New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District in southern New Mexico. He”ll be sending letters to friends and supporters on Wednesday, notifying them of his intent to run.

That’s what a source close to Pearce told the AP Tuesday, speaking on condition of anonymity so as to not detract from Pearce’s formal announcement. The source says Pearce will be make a public announcement of his candidacy in coming weeks.

Pearce is the third major candidate to declare his intentions to seek the Senate seat that Domenici has held since 1973. Earlier this month, Republican Congresswoman Heather Wilson of New Mexico and Democratic Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez announced their candidacies.

The announcement by Pearce and Wilson, coupled with Domenici’s retirement announcement, makes three New Mexico congressional races in the 2008 election without incumbents.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)