New Mexico U.S. representatives Heinrich, Wilson lead in Senate primaries
Rep. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and former Rep. Heather Wilson (R-NM) lead by a wide margin in their respective Democratic and Republican primaries to replace retiring Sen. Jeff Bingaman, according to a survey (pdf) released Thursday by Public Policy Polling.
Wilson, who gave up her seat in the House in 2008 to run for U.S. Senate, has the support of 52 percent of Republican primary voters. Lt. Governor John Sanchez garners 24 percent support, while businessman Greg Sowards get 8 percent and Bill English has four percent. Despite being seen as a moderate, she leads Sanchez 48-31 among “very conservative” voters.
Heinrich, who won the election for Wilson’s seat after she left, leads State Auditor Hector Balderas by a 47-24 margin. Both Heinrich and Wilson have superior name recognition compared to their competitors.
