New Mexico Dem Sen. Bingaman to Retire

Democratic senators continue to drop like flies. Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico will be the latest to announce his retirement, a Democratic source with knowledge of his plans tells The Hill.

Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M.

That would make Bingaman the fourth senator who caucuses with Democrats to bow out before having to face a stiff challenge in next year’s elections. The other retirees are Kent Conrad of North Dakota, Jim Webb of Virginia, and Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, an independent.

Democrats say they will be able to maintain control of Bingaman’s seat, but Republicans beg to differ. And if it was truly a safe seat, it’s highly unlikely Bingaman would retire.

His departure represents "another strong pickup opportunity," according to The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC). "It also further limits the ability of national Democrats to play offense when their resources will be spread out.”