The 2006 United States Senate election in New Mexico took place on November 7, 2006. The primaries were held June 6, 2006. Incumbent Democrat Jeff Bingaman won re-election to a fifth term in a landslide. This was one of five Democratic-held Senate seats up for election in a state that George W. Bush won in the 2004 presidential election.
As of , this was the last time a Democratic Senate candidate, as well as any candidate in New Mexico, has won all 33 of New Mexico's counties.
Democratic primary Candidates Jeff Bingaman, incumbent U.S. Senator
Results
Republican primary Candidates Joe Carraro, State Senator Allen McCulloch, physician David Pfeffer, Santa Fe City Councilman
Campaign Pfeffer announced on August 23, 2005, that he would be entering the primary. A former Democrat, he supported George W. Bush in 2004 and became a Republican in 2005. In his campaign announcement, Pfeffer focused mainly on border controls with Mexico. He criticised Bingaman in comparison to his own support for reform of the Social Security system and the Iraq War as well as U.S. relations with China, saying "With all due respect, I do not believe the present occupier of the junior seat from New Mexico is doing all that can and should be done on these fronts," he said of Bingaman. "I believe I can do a better job..." Pfeffer also commented that he would have a hard time raising an amount equivalent to Senator Bingaman, a problem faced by any of the latter's potential challengers.
Results
General election Candidates Jeff Bingaman (D), incumbent U.S. Senator Allen McCulloch (R), physician
Campaign Bingaman had a 60% approval rating in one poll.SurveyUSA News Poll #5984 He faced no primary opposition. There had been speculation that Bingaman would give up the chance to run for another term to pursue a lobbyists' job in Washington.
Debates Complete video of debate, October 26, 2006
Predictions Source Ranking As of The Cook Political Report November 6, 2006 Sabato's Crystal Ball November 6, 2006 Rothenberg Political Report November 6, 2006 Real Clear Politics November 6, 2006
Polling Source Date JeffBingaman (D) AllenMcCulloch (R)ZogbyZogby March 22, 2006 53% 29%RasmussenRasmussen June 30, 2006 59% 33%Albuquerque Journal/Research & Polling August 31, 2006 62% 23%RasmussenRasmussen September 7, 2006 61% 26%Albuquerque Journal/Research & Polling October 3, 2006 65% 19%
Results
Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic Curry (largest village: Clovis) Lincoln (largest city: Roidoso) Roosevelt (largest city: Portales) San Juan (largest city: Farmington) Union (largest city: Clayton) Catron (largest city: Reserve)
See also 2006 United States Senate elections
References
External links Bingaman's campaign website McCulloch's campaign website Pfeffer's campaign website Pfeffer announces candidacy New Mexico Democratic party New Mexico Republican party