New Mexico 2008 Senate election

[freepcrusher]

does anyone know why Udall ran three or four points ahead of Obama? It seems that in most open seat races, the traditional minority party will always run ahead of the president albeit still losing (for instance Brad Carson ran twelve points ahead of Bush in an open seat race). I find this more interesting since Udall is one of the more left wing members of the senate. Was Pearce that bad of a candidate?

[Miles]

The Republican primary between Pearce and Wilson was pretty contentious.

Just by comparing the counties, Pearce probably ran 7-8% behind McCain in Wilson's district.

[Mr.Phips]

Pearce even lost his own district by eight points while McCain carried it by two. 

[King]

The Udalls are very popular throughout the Southwest.