While South Dakota dominated the national political headlines, voters also went to the polls Tuesday in New Mexico and Alabama.

In New Mexico, Democrats chose nominees for two House races that the national party is targeting this fall.

In the Albuquerque-based 1st district, state Senate President Pro Tem Richard Romero (D) fought off a surprisingly pesky challenge from political neophyte Miles Nelson, 58 percent to 42 percent. Romero now faces a rematch with Rep. Heather Wilson (R), who beat him by 10 points in 2002.

In the 2nd district, meanwhile, former state Rep. Gary King (D) enjoyed a 30-point victory over former Congressional aide Jeff Steinborn in the Democratic primary. King will take on freshman Rep. Steve Pearce (R) in the conservative district.

In Alabama, both Reps. Spencer Bachus (R) and Artur Davis (D) trounced their primary opponents on Tuesday.

Bachus defeated attorney Phillip Jauregui, 87 percent to 13 percent. Jauregui was the lead lawyer for ousted Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore.

Meanwhile, Davis beat Perry County Commissioner Albert Turner Jr., 88 percent to 12 percent.

Sen. Richard Shelby (R), heavily favored to win a fourth term in November, will face perennial candidate and former Social Security Administration claims representative Wayne Sowell (D). As of April 15, Sowell had just $420 in his campaign account, while Shelby had more than $11 million.

The only competitive race expected in the Yellowhammer State this fall is in the 3rd district, where freshman Rep. Mike Rogers (R) will square off against former state Department of Human Resources Commissioner Bill Fuller (D).