Washington Post's Chris Cillizza reports today that Rep. Steve Pearce will run to replace retiring Sen. Pete Domenici in New Mexico. Pearce's entry sets up what will likely be an ugly primary contest between him and First District Congresswoman Heather Wilson.

Pearce's sprawling district, on the southern side of the state, gives many more votes to Republicans than Wilson's Albuquerque-based seat. Rumors around Washington indicated that Pearce waited to announce his intentions until a poll he commissioned came back. A SurveyUSA poll last week showed Pearce leading Wilson in a primary.

The Democratic field is currently led by Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez, while some top Democrats are said to be leaning on Lieutenant Gov. Diane Denish, encouraging her to make a bid. Until Domenici retired, Chavez and Denish were thought to be headed toward a showdown to replace Gov. Bill Richardson when his term expires in 2010.

Richardson himself has repeatedly shot down rumors that he will get in the race if his presidential campaign doesn't go anywhere. The state's early filing deadline, just two weeks into February, would be just a week after a February 5th primary when Richardson learns the fate of his White House hopes.

Wilson reported more than $750,000 cash on hand at the end of the third quarter, while Pearce showed $580,000.

[Correction: I wrote that Pearce's district encompassed the northern side of the state. He represents the southern portion of the state. Udall represents the top half of New Mexico. Entirely my fault, I regret the error.]