Domenici's son mulls run for NM gov.

Former Sen. Pete Domenici's (R-N.M.) son is edging toward a gubernatorial run in New Mexico. "I'm looking very seriously at it," Pete Domenici, Jr. (R) told the Albuquerque Journal. "I'm going to make a decision in a few days."

Domenici, an attorney who hasn't held elected office, said yesterday that he has been contemplating a run since before the holiday season and could launch a campaign shortly. If he does enter the race, Domenici would bring solid name ID to the four-strong Republican primary field. His father, a six-term senator who retired in 2008, remains popular in New Mexico.

Meanwhile, Democrats called Domenici's interest a sign of dissatisfaction with the current crop of GOP candidates.

"Given that the current Republican candidates for Governor haven't given New Mexicans a reason to be excited or inspired, it's not surprising to hear that party bosses are scrambling for alternatives," Scott Forrester, executive director of the state Democratic Party, said in a statement.

On the Democratic side, Lt. Gov. Diane Denish is the only candidate running to succeed Gov. Bill Richardson (D), who is term limited.