That he made Charlie Trie a celebrity in Asia with an illegitimate seat on his commission, that Trie parlayed that (and a half million in illegal contributions) into a position as Beijing's mouthpiece ("Dear President"), that Bingaman covered for Clemons and obstructed Burton's investigation--these concern only those who are foremost American patriots.
Bingaman pretends to commoness which explodes upon examination: the new New Mexican is family and church oriented, not baby-killing and atheism.
It is in fact the junior senator who is grossly out of step with his constituency, as he claimed of his 2000 opponent Bill Redmond.
The state party seems moribund in the bitter aftermath of the gubernatorial race.
And one questions how much support will come from the national party.
The race may seem a bridge too far for seasoned pols--but would be a fresh opportunity for those not jaded by conventional wisdom.
Though I don't live in New Mexico myself, I am willing to give this race a chance. Bingaman actually wanted to retire but was persuaded to seek reelection by his colleagues. A candidate who doesn't truly want the office can be caught off guard by an ambitious opponent.