New Mexico United States Senate Election, 2006 Article Index for
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New Mexico United States Senate Election, 2006





DEMOCRATS

Jeff Bingaman , the incumbent, was the only candidate who filed for the Democratic primary.

There had been speculation that Bingaman would give up the chance to run for another term to pursue a lobbyists' job in Washington. Instead, Bingaman, who has been in the Senate since 1983 , announced he was running for a fifth term.

In a SurveyUSA Senate Ratings poll released on August 18 2005 , Bingaman was ranked 33rd, with an approval rating of 60% of New Mexicans' versus 28% disapproval {Link without Title} .


REPUBLICANS


  • Allen McCulloch - A Urologist and former chemical engineer, won the primary on June 6, 2006. He has no previous political experience. {Link without Title} . McCulloch won with 52% of the vote; Carraro had 31% and Pfeffer had 17%.



Lost in primary




: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.


Did not run


  • John Sanchez - The 2002 Republican gubernatorial nominee, Sanchez lost that year 55%-39% to Bill Richardson .


  • Heather Wilson - There had been speculation that Representative Wilson might run against Bingaman. Wilson decided to run for reelection instead; her own Congressional seat is a target of New Mexico Democrats.



POLLING



ELECTION RESULTS


  party Democratic Party (US)
  candidate ''' Jeff Bingaman ''' ( Inc )
  votes 394,079
  percentage 706
  change +89


  party Republican Party (US)
  candidate Allen McCulloch
  votes 163,732
  percentage 293
  change -90


  party Write-in
  candidate Orlin G Cole
  votes 376
  percentage 01
  change +01


  votes 230,347
  percentage 413
  change +179


  votes 558,187


  winner Democratic Party (US)
  swing +90


Bingaman won every county in the state with at least 56% of the vote.


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