ALBUQUERQUE — Republican Congresswoman Heather Wilson is pledging to participate in debates during her upcoming Senate race, what could end
up being among the most expensive campaigns in New Mexico's history.

Wilson, who has represented the Albuquerque-area 1st Congressional District since 1998, made her debate pledge Friday during an interview with The Associated Press. Wilson is seeking the GOP nomination for the Senate seat being vacated by incumbent Republican Pete Domenici.

"I think there's an obligation to be able to allow the people of New Mexico to see the choice between candidates," Wilson said. In past congressional races, she's participated in debates sponsored by media organizations and independent groups.

Domenici announced last week he was retiring at the end of his sixth term in January 2009 because he has an incurable brain disease.

A number of Republicans and Democrats are considering the Senate race.

Wilson has drawn at least one primary election challenger, and Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chávez has announced he's seeking the Democratic nomination.

Chávez said Friday that he also will participate in debates in the primary and general election campaign.

"I think it's great for the public and will continue that practice," said Chávez. He participated in debates and a host of joint appearances in 1998 when he was the Democratic nominee running against incumbent Republican Gov. Gary Johnson.

Wilson is no stranger to expensive and tough campaigns. She won re-election last year by 862 votes, defeating Democrat Patricia Madrid in what was the fourth most expensive House race in the nation.

Wilson spent about $4.9 million, and Madrid, a two-term attorney general, spent $3.4 million. Wilson said her Senate campaign could cost from $8 million to $10 million, but cautioned that was a preliminary estimate.

Wilson is gearing up for the race. Vice President Cheney will help her with a fundraiser in Washington, D.C. next month, she said. A fundraiser with Cheney as the "special guest" had been planned for an expected congressional re-election.

After entering the Senate race, Wilson asked Cheney whether he wanted to scrub the fundraiser because the GOP primary lineup remained uncertain. But Cheney wanted to continue with the event, she said.

She has about $754,000 in her congressional re-election account that can be used for the Senate race.

Oil industry investor Spiro Vassilopoulos says he intends to run for the GOP nomination. Republican Congressman Steve Pearce and State Land Commissioner Pat Lyons are considering the Senate race.

On the Democratic side, Lt. Gov. Diane Denish and Madrid are among potential contenders.

The New Mexico race is expected to draw lots of attention nationally because it could help determine which party controls the Senate.

"There will be a handful of very competitive Senate races, and this will be one of them because it's a swing state at the statewide level," Wilson said.

Democrats control the Senate with 49 seats plus the backing of two independents. Republicans hold the other 49 seats. Republicans must defend 22 of 34 seats on the 2008 ballot, and no Democrats have announced retirement plans.

In 2006, Democratic Sen. Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico spent almost $4.2 million on his re-election. He easily defeated Republican Allen McCulloch, who spent about $560,000.

Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson has set statewide fundraising records. He spent almost
$12 million and raised nearly $13.6 million for his winning re-election campaign last year, which was the most expensive by a gubernatorial candidate in state history.