While central-New Mexico Democrats hope that someone has the courage to step into the ring against Heather Wilson for the November 2008 election, down south, Democrats are virtually lining up to take on incumbent Republican Representative Steve Pearce.

The district leans heavily towards Republicans.  Pearce easily won, 59%-40%; but it wasn't as big a victory as Democrats had around the state (Rep. Tom Udall won re-election 75-25%, Sen. Jeff Bingaman won 70%-30%, and Governor Richardson won 69%-31%).  The district went for George W Bush over Kerry 57.71% - 41.26%.  Not exactly a blue district.

More under the fold.

A similar version of this was crossposted at New Mexico FBIHOP and Daily Kos.

First up, we have Al Kissling, the Democrat who ran against Pearce last November. Kissling lost the election to Pearce; he was outspent $1,287,521 to $183,160 by Pearce.  Kissling pulled in forty percent of the vote, very good considering he was outspent ten-to-one in a heavily Republican district.  His name is also known from his previous campaign.

The downside is that Kissling is a 71-year old man.  He will be 72 when the elections come around.  He also has never held a public office.

Second comes the news that Bill McCamley is going to throw his hat into the ring.  The Democratic primary will be a contrast in, if nothing else, ages.  McCamley is just 29 years of age, but has held the position of Doña Ana County commissioner since 2005.  He has experience.

Kissling immediately began drawing battle lines, calling McCamley "young and impetuous", and painting the race as one between "the grassroots [and] the politicos."

But if these two aren't for you, there may be a third candidate.  State Rep. Joseph Cervantes.  According to Heath Haussamen, Cervantes is still mulling his options.

Today, he said on The Morning Show with Michael Swickard that he's still thinking about it.

"I do have a tremendous interest in going to Washington," he told Swickard. When asked if he was also considering running for governor in 2010, Cervantes said he believes "there are great opportunities there, too."

Before Democrats start getting ready to campaign for Cervantes, we should remember that he made similar remarks in 2005.  And we all know that he did not make a run against Pearce in 2006.  According to the interview, we should know around November of this year.

Can Pearce be taken down?  It will be tough.  Something will probably need to happen (a scandal, a "macaca"-like gaffe) for Democrats to get it done.  But I wrote back on November 8, "With a well-funded, well-known candidate who campaigns well ... Pearce could be in trouble."

Will one of these three be that candidate?  Hopefully.