Next In Line

In Brief

By Alexa Schirtzinger

When US Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-NM, announced his retirement on Feb. 18, speculation about his successor immediately abounded.


SFR decided to keep the proverbial feet out of our mouths and instead asked our readers to speculate for us. In an online survey, here's what we learned:


• 87.8 percent of you prefer a Democrat in Bingaman's seat (though we've been told that's our readership).


• …but if you had to choose a Republican, 67.7 percent of you would tap former Gov. Gary Johnson.


• Martin Heinrich is the favorite to replace Bingaman from the Dem side, but with only a 38.8 percent plurality. Other favorites: US Rep. Ben Ray Luján (18.4%), Bill Richardson (16.3%) and State Auditor Hector Balderas (12.2%)


• Write-ins: state Sen. Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, Attorney General Gary King and one vote for "Waz from Madrid."


This week's online SFR poll also concerns Bingaman's replacement. When given fewer options but an open field of Dems and Republicans, 29 percent of you opted for Bill Richardson. Seriously, people, were you asleep for the past eight years?

Santa Fe Reporter

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