Lt. Gov. John Sanchez's decision Thursday to drop his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Democrat Jeff Bingaman is great news for former congresswoman Heather Wilson, who already was considered the front-runner in the Republican primary.

That's the opinion of longtime New Mexico pollster Brian Sanderoff of Albuquerque.

While there's still a contest in the Democratic primary between U.S. Rep. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., and state Auditor Hector Balderas, on the GOP side Wilson "avoids a pretty big slugfest," Sanderoff said in a phone interview. "She can conserve her resources until the general election."

And, Sanderoff said, the former congresswoman from Albuquerque now doesn't have to work so hard at appealing to the conservative base of the Republican Party. This could help her with moderates and independents in the general election, he said.

Sanchez had been seriously lagging in fundraising, in the few polls conducted in the state and in endorsements from Republican leaders. But he said Thursday that avoiding a nasty primary was his main motive in dropping out.

"I've been involved in tough primaries," Sanchez told reporters. "The last thing we want to do, whoever becomes our nominee, is for that person to come out bruised, bloody and broke. It's going to be a tough general campaign. We want to make sure we have peace among Republicans."

In a news release announcing his withdrawal, Sanchez said, "A bitter and divisive Republican Primary would only diminish our party's genuine opportunity to bring real change in Washington."

Wilson released a statement responding to Sanchez's withdrawal.

"Lt. Gov. John Sanchez is a fine public servant who has always put the needs of New Mexico first," she said. "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."

That's a strong contrast to a statement issued last year by Wilson's campaign after Sanchez announced his candidacy: "John Sanchez is not who he says he is, and Republican voters will be quick to figure that out," that statement said.

A lesser known Republican, Greg Sowards, a Las Cruces businessman, also is running. Sanderoff said it's unlikely he'll give Wilson a serious challenge. "It's tough for candidates who aren't that well known," the pollster said.

Sanchez's campaign never caught fire.

According to his latest campaign finance report filed this month, Sanchez had raised more than $374,000 by the end of 2011 and had about $117,000 cash on hand at the end of the year.

Wilson had raised nearly $1.7 million by the end of last year and had $1.1 million cash on hand.

On the day Sanchez announced his candidacy, his 2010 ballot mate, Gov. Susana Martinez, issued an icy statement saying, "To prevent this race from becoming a distraction, Lt. Governor Sanchez will not be given responsibilities in my administration beyond the select few provided for in the state Constitution."

Though she never formally endorsed Wilson, Martinez was spotted with her the next day at a breakfast in Albuquerque.

Sanchez on Thursday didn't endorse Wilson but said he'd work for the eventual nominee.

"The day after the primary, I, along with I'm sure all Republicans and conservatives, are going to be working hard for every Republican on the ballot. Clearly our presidential candidate, Senate, congressional. We have legislative races that are going to take place. I look forward to working hard, not only to raise money but supporting candidates throughout the ballot so that we win in November."

Sanchez, who previously made an unsuccessful run for governor, said he would not run for a congressional seat or any other office this year.

Some wonder whether Sanchez's withdrawal will put pressure on Balderas -- who is trailing Heinrich in the polls and in fundraising -- to do the same to avoid a bitter Democratic primary.

Heinrich, according to his most recent report, had raised nearly $2 million by the end of the year and had $1.1 million cash on hand as of Dec. 31 -- about the same as Wilson.

Balderas' report said that he raised nearly $758,000 last year and had about $434,000 in the bank.

Balderas, while acknowledging he's the underdog, said in a statement Thursday that he's still in the race. "... I believe that a Washington outsider with a record of holding government and corporations accountable, and who can represent New Mexico communities that don't feel they have a voice, is the best person to take on an ultimate Washington insider like Heather Wilson."

Trip Jennings contributed to this report.

Contact Steve Terrell at 986-3037 or sterrell@sfnewmexican.com. Read his political blog at roundhouseroundup.com.