Congresswoman Heather Wilson, a perpetual Democratic target, will announce in just minutes that she will be a candidate to replace New Mexico Senator Pete Domenici, who announced his retirement yesterday. Wilson, a five-term Republican representing Albuquerque, gives the Republicans a strong chance to hold the seat in an increasingly even state, while seeking to become a Democratic target once every six years, as opposed to once every two.

On the Democratic side, Congressman Tom Udall, initially seen as one of the party's best chances to capture the seat, announced yesterday that he will not run. Democrats now turn their attention to Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez and Lieutenant Gov. Diane Denish as two top candidates.

Gov. Bill Richardson, who would start a race as an overwhelming favorite, used yesterday to deny in every way he could that he would abandon his presidential bid to run for the seat.