Updated: Lt. Gov. John Sanchez Quits U.S. Senate Race

“Throughout the course of this campaign, it has become clear to me, that in order to ensure that a Republican is elected to represent New Mexico in the U.S. Senate, the G.O.P must stand united,” Sanchez said in a statement released today. “A bitter and divisive Republican Primary would only diminish our party’s genuine opportunity to bring real change in Washington. The reality is that the path forward to success in the campaign could cause a negative primary struggle that would leave the eventual nominee bruised, bloody and broke.”

The Journal first reported that Sanchez was considering abandoning his Senate bid. At at the time, some Republicans were urging him to seek the Albuquerque-based CD1 seat instead.

Sanchez’s decision leaves former Rep. Heather Wilson in a two-way Republican primary race with Las Cruces businessman Greg Sowards. Wilson said Sanchez can leave the race with his head held high.

“Lt. Gov. John Sanchez is a fine public servant who has always put the needs ofNew Mexico first,”Wilson said in a statement. “He ran a good campaign that questioned the current direction of our country and emphasized the importance of this election. I consider John a friend, and I know he will continue to serve New Mexicans with honor.”

Wilson was crushing Sanchez in the ever-important chase for campaign cash. According to filings with the Federal Election Commission, Wilson had collected $1.6 million in contributions as of Dec. 31 (the end of the last filing period), compared to just $381,000 that Sanchez had taken in at year’s end. Wilson had about $1.1 million cash on-hand at the end of the filing period compared to about $110,00 for Sanchez.

Brian Sanderoff, the Journal’s pollster and a longtime observer of New Mexico politics, said money was likely a key factor in Sanchez’s decision.

“John Sanchez needed to raise at least 1.5 million dollars in the next three months to have any chance of overtaking Heather Wilson,” Sanderoff said. “This daunting task would have been highly unlikely.”

Sanderoff also said the Sanchez withdrawal will benefit Wilson if she wins the primary election.

“Sanchez’s departure from the Republican primary is good news for Heather Wilson since she will avoid a slugfest in the primary and be able to save much of her resources for the general election,” he said.

Here is Sanchez’s full statement:

 Eight months ago, our campaign for the U.S. Senate began with one clear objective: to give New Mexicans the opportunity to send conservative leadership to Washington D.C.  The timing on this race was not ideal nor did we choose it. But the need for a conservative leader from New Mexico is real.

  Throughout the course of this campaign, it has become clear to me, that in order to ensure that a Republican is elected to represent New Mexico in the U.S. Senate, the G.O.P must stand united. A bitter and divisive Republican Primary would only diminish our party’s genuine opportunity to bring real change in Washington. The reality is that the path forward to success in the campaign could cause a negative primary struggle that would leave the eventual nominee bruised, bloody and broke.

 After much prayer, counsel with my family, and discussions with supporters, I have decided to end my campaign for the U.S. Senate, and continue to serve New Mexico as your Lt. Governor.

  I want to express my sincere thanks to those New Mexicans who joined our campaign. I am forever grateful for the support we received from grassroots leaders, tea party patriots, business owners, GOP activists and everyday citizens. They offered their efforts and their dollars and it meant the world to me. This was not my time, but I will never forget their friendship.

 I am redirecting myself today to helping our party advance the strongest slate of candidates to victory in November, from the Roundhouse to the White House.

 I hope that you will join me in working with Governor Martinez, and all conservatives to complete the important work that we have begun in New Mexico.

May God Bless and Keep You, and may God Bless America and New Mexico.