ABQ Mayor Marty Chavez surprised the state late Friday, announcing he is ending his bid for the Democratic nomination for the US Senate.

"While I deeply appreciate all the support I have received, it has become very clear to me that Democrats should not be divided in the upcoming election. A hotly contested primary, as this one certainly would be, would likely weaken the Democratic nominee and place the general election in jeopardy."

The announcement, made via news release, was greeted with glee by supporters of US Rep. Tom Udall who now is the only major Dem candidate for the Senate nomination. More on all this Monday.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2007
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