The Fix, always first on the scene, reports this afternoon that veteran New Mexico Sen. Pete Domenici is expected to announce his retirement tomorrow, throwing into play another once-safe Republican seat.

Domenici has long been said to favor Republican Rep. Heather Wilson to take over his seat. Wilson narrowly survived a strong challenge last year from New Mexico Attorney General Patricia Madrid, and as a seasoned campaigner representing a Democratic district would be a strong candidate in a general election. Congressman Steve Pearce, from northern New Mexico, may also be interested in a bid, setting up the potential for a nasty GOP primary.

The state's third Congressman, Democrat Tom Udall, ruled out a bid against Domenici but has yet to say no to a race for the open seat, leaving open the possibility that all three of the state's congressional seats could be up for grabs next year.

Spokespeople for the three members of Congress did not answer phone calls or emails seeking comment.

Madrid, too, is said to be contemplating a race, while New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, running for president, has shot down suggestions that he will leave the race to run for Senate. Activists Jim Hannan and Lelan Lehrman are already running, as is real estate developer Don Wiviott, who has already contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to his own campaign.

Domenici's departure, coming weeks after President Bush held a fundraiser for the longtime Senator in New Mexico, is another blow to Republicans. In recent years, the state has inched more Democratic, though neither Domenici nor Senator Jeff Bingaman, a Democrat, has seen a serious challenge for several terms. Incidentally, after a replacement is elected, Bingaman will no longer be saddled with the distinction of being the longest-serving Junior Senator in the Senate.

Democrats see a huge opportunity to pick up what has for decades been an untouchable seat. With the DSCC's financial advantage, which sits at more than two to one over the NRSC when debt is factored in, New Mexico becomes an automatic target for what could be millions of dollars in investments.