Conservative Steve Pearce edged moderate Heather Wilson for the Republican senatorial nomination in New Mexico, a probable blessing for the Democratic nominee Tom Udall, a liberal from northern New Mexico. Pearce’s hard-hitting appeal to "values" voters hurts him amongst moderates and independents who say they prefer the genial Udall. With incumbent Republican Pete Domenici retiring, this Senate seat is now one of the most likely to turn Democratic in November.