Wilson announces bid for Senate

It's not surprising, but it is official. Former U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson is the first to announce her candidacy for the post Jeff Bingaman is leaving next year. She did so this afternoon in Albuquerque.

"I feel blessed to see so many friends here today. Friends from my decade of service in the House of Representatives. Friends from our work together in state government, helping abused and neglected children," Wilson said in a release. "And even a handful of friends from the Air Force Academy, who knew me as a 17-year-old kid with a single suitcase and a one-way ticket to Colorado Springs. Mother. Wife. Air Force Officer. Small business owner. Member of Congress. I am and have been all of these things," she said. "And today, you can add one more. I am a candidate for the United States Senate."

In a release, Wilson listed the support of 40 prominent Republicans, including party titans former U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici and former Interior Department secretary and Congressman Manuel Lujan. U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce was not on the list, adding to speculation that he may run as well. Ditto for Lt. Gov. John Sanchez. (Read Heath Haussamen today for the scoop on Sanchez.)

With so many in Wilson's camp, will other Republicans even announce? If they do, expect it to happen soon. After all, the primary election is just more than a year and four months away.