I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
Lt. Gov. John Sanchez is reportedly joining the Republican Senate primary, according to a report from Roll Call. The Hill cites a close associate of Sanchez saying the report is “premature.”
Roll Call reported:
New Mexico Lt. Gov. John Sanchez is poised to join former Rep. Heather Wilson in the Republican primary for the Land of Enchantment’s open Senate seat, according to GOP sources. The move sets up the likelihood of heated GOP primary that could test the loyalties of newly elected Gov. Susana Martinez (R).
However, The Hill reports that a Sanchez entrance into the U.S. Sen. race isn’t imminent.
The Albuquerque Journal quoted Mark Van Dyke, a spokesman for Sanchez, saying that an announcement would not come until after the legislative session, which ends at noon on March 19.
Sanchez was the Republican gubernatorial candidate in 2002, losing to Bill Richardson in the general election.
The scramble for Senate candidates came after long-serving U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman announced he won’t run for re-election in 2012. Bingaman has served for five terms and currently chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
On Monday, Heather Wilson announced her Senate candidacy and became the first top-tier candidate in the race. Wilson formerly served as the U.S. Representative from New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District.
Two lesser known Republicans, former congressional candidate Greg Sowards and activist and columnist William S. English, have already announced they are running.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee released a statement on the report of Sanchez’s entrance, saying that he has “baggage.”
“Sanchez’s business history is chock full of questionable dealings,” Eric Schultz, Communications Director for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said. “If Republicans think New Mexico voters are looking for a Washington politician with ties to scandal or a former business executive responsible for shady business practices, Democrats will do even better than expected next November.”
So far no Democrats have announced their candidacy though 1st Congressional District Rep. Martin Heinrich and State Auditor Hector Balderas have both confirmed they are looking into Senate runs.
