There's no doubt that Democrats are hoping to clear the primary field for Tom Udall, who by all indications has decided to run for Senate (he's started hiring campaign staff). Some worry that Udall will stay out unless the field is cleared, a sentiment Marty Chavez is exploiting by threatening to go nuclear on Udall in case he enters the race.
But just as likely is that Udall is actually trying to be kind to Chavez.
A Santa Fe source: “What I think will probably happen is that Udall polling will come out showing him way ahead. He’s not reconsidering, he’s in. The reason he’s reconsidering — Tom’s unusual, he’s kind and gentle — and tenacious, too. He’s trying to give Marty a face-saving way to get out, but if he doesn’t I fully believe he’s prepared to get in and crush him. I think some other heavy hitters in the Democratic Party in New Mexico are telling Marty that the numbers aren’t there for him, why doesn’t he run for the Heather Wilson seat, which he can win?”
On the web:
Draft Udall
Daily Kos Research 2000 poll on the race