An adviser to New Mexico Auditor Hector Balderas (D) told Roll Call there is no chance the auditor will run for Rep. Martin Heinrich’s (D) 1st district seat, refuting the notion floated by state insiders.

The thinking was that Balderas, who is seriously considering a Senate bid, might instead run for the open Albuquerque-based seat now that Heinrich is running for Senate. Roll Call mentioned this possibility in an extensive primer on the New Mexico and other Senate races published Tuesday.

But the adviser says that is not an option.

Balderas is still undecided about the Senate race, but he is expected to announce his plans within the next month.

Democrats hope to avoid a contested primary like the one Republicans will likely have. Former Rep. Heather Wilson (R) and two conservatives are running, while Lt. Gov. John Sanchez (R) is taking a serious look.

Rep. Steve Pearce (R) has not ruled it out, but he has not shown much interest either. He just got back the House seat he left for his unsuccessful Senate bid in 2008.