The primary votes weren't even counted before the partisan barbs started flying.
In a preview of what promises to be a tough, expensive and closely watched race for New Mexico's open U.S. Senate seat, Republican nominee Heather Wilson and Democrat Martin Heinrich are jumping immediately from quiet primaries into negative territory.
Shortly after her race was called early in the evening, Wilson went straight to blasting Heinrich, saying he has made things worse for New Mexicans since he replaced her in Washington as Albuquerque's congressman.
Heinrich responded that he was looking forward to "being able to contrast my record of standing up for Social Security and Medicare with her record of tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires."
From The Albuquerque Journal:
Democratic Rep. Martin Heinrich and Republican former Rep. Heather Wilson trounced their opponents in Tuesday’s primary election, setting up what is sure to be a bruising battle for New Mexico’s open U.S. Senate seat. With 85 percent of the projected statewide vote counted, Heinrich rolled past state Auditor Hector Balderas with 58 percent of the vote and Wilson easily defeated Las Cruces businessman Greg Sowards with 69 percent of the vote.
The two are vying for the seat of retiring Democratic Sen. Jeff Bingaman.