Bingaman Becomes Fourth Dem To Announce Retirement

Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) announced on Friday that he will not seek a sixth term in office.

Bingaman, who coasted to victory in 2006, receiving 70% of the vote, becomes the fourth Democrat - including Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) who caucuses with the Democrats - to announce his retirement next year, leaving both parties with yet another open seat to contend for.

Rep. Steve Pearce (R-N.M.) has been mentioned as a likely GOP candidate. Pearce ran in 2008 to replace departing Sen. Pete Domenici, but fell in the general election to Sen. Tom Udall by a 61 to 39 percent margin.

Both Reps. Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) are also potential Democratic candidates, along with former Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish.

In total, six Senators, including Republicans Kay Bailey Hutchinson (Texas) and John Kyl (Ariz.), will end their careers in 2012. Bingaman, who chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, becomes the third sitting chairman to announce his retirement.