AP sources: Ex-congresswoman to run for US Senate

[March 05, 2011]  SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) -- Former Republican U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson will enter the race for New Mexico's U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Democrat Jeff Bingaman.

Two sources close to Wilson confirmed to The Associated Press that Wilson will announce her candidacy on Monday. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity Friday to avoid upstaging her formal announcement.

Wilson will become the most prominent Republican in the Senate race. Conservative businessmen Greg Sowards of Las Cruces and Bill English of Alamogordo announced for the GOP nomination late last year.

The 50-year-old Wilson represented the Albuquerque-area 1st Congressional District for five terms. She gave up the seat in 2008 to make an unsuccessful run for the GOP Senate nomination after Sen. Pete Domenici announced his retirement.

Bingaman said last month he will not seek re-election in 2012.

[Associated Press; By BARRY MASSEY]

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