We’re not even at the midway point of 2009, but the 2010 electoral cycle is already shaping up.

Steve Terrell of the Santa Fe New Mexican reports that second-term state senator Jerry Ortiz y Pino will be running for Lt. Gov. in 2010. Ortiz y Pino is an Albuquerque Democrat.

“I think if I’m going to have more of an impact, I should run for lieutenant governor,” Ortiz y Pino said of the $85,000-a-year job, which includes presiding over Senate sessions.

Ortiz y Pino also told Terrell that he has no ambitions for any office higher than that of Lt. Gov. “I’m not aiming to be a (U.S.) senator or governor,” Ortiz y Pino said. He also said he said “it would be great to work with Diane Denish.” Denish is the current lieutenant governor and the only announced Democratic candidate for governor.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Greg Solano is already running for the number two position. Mid-Region Council of Governments Executive Director Lawrence Rael, New Mexico Democratic Party Chair Brian Colon and state Sen. Linda Lopez as well as State Auditor Hector Balderas are all rumored to be potential candidates in the Democratic primary.

And, as Terrell notes, no Republican has announced a run for the Republican lieutenant governor nomination. However, National Guard Brigadier General Greg Zanetti has announced his own gubernatorial run, and former New Mexico Republican Party Chair Allen Weh has formed an exploratory committee to run for governor next year.

Gov. Bill Richardson is barred from seeking a third term.