Former Bingaman State Director Terry Brunner Discusses Jeff's Decision, Mulls Possible Senate Run

In this video, Terry Brunner, who served as Sen. Jeff Bingaman's State Director from 2002 through 2009, talks to Mary Ellen about his response to the Senator's announcement today that he will not run for a sixth term in the U.S. Senate in 2012. As State Director, Brunner managed 5 district offices and 19 staffers for Bingaman and also served previously as the Senator's outreach staffer on the issues of economic development, public health, energy and public lands. He has always spoken very highly of Jeff. 

Asked about his response to Bingaman's announcement, Brunner said, "I think all of us are a little depressed because you just can't match Jeff's record of accomplishment in the Senate -- the thoughtful way he approached all these issues. You always knew whatever vote he took a lot of thought went into it, a lot of consideration, and he really kept the interests of the state in mind. So there are giant shoes to fill."

Commenting on what New Mexico needs in terms of the 2012 race, Brunner said, "I think all of us are a little in shock and wondering what we're going to do next, because we need really good representation for New Mexico. It's a small state. We have a tough time getting the resources we need. When we had Jeff up there we had a dependable voice for New Mexicans, and so he's really going to be missed. 

Asked about Bingaman's reputation as a modest and gentlemanly Senator, Brunner said, "You just don't see it enough these days. Again, a thoughtful approach, someone who is considerate of everybody, the nicest guy in the Senate. And we need more like him."

Brunner Contemplating Senate Run
Turns out Brunner, himself, is contemplating entering the 2012 Senate race to replace his old boss. According to an article on The Hill's Ballot Box Blog today:

According to a Democratic source in the state, Brunner spoke with New Mexico party officials in recent weeks about a potential run in the event of a Bingaman retirement.  

Reached by email Friday, Brunner confirmed that he was weighing a run for the seat, saying he intends to make a decision "in the next few weeks."

In 2009, Brunner was appointed by President Obama to serve as Director of USDA Rural Development in New Mexico, a post he still holds. Brunner has led the way in reactivating and reinvigorating the agency's important work in the state.

Under the Bush administration, Rural Development had been neglected and inactive for the most part. However, with increased funding from a Democratic president and Congress as part of the nation-wide economic recovery program, Rural Development has thrived. In fact, last year featured record funding for the agency's projects, including $384 million in infrastructure and business investments across New Mexico through a variety of programs. 

More Background on Brunner
From 1999-2001, Brunner served as a Policy Analyst for the Santa Fe County Commission. During his time with the Commission, he helped create the County's citizen-led Health Policy Commission and implemented the County's Open Space program -- the first of its kind in New Mexico. Brunner led the County's economic development activities and was the assistant to Santa Fe County Commissioner and National Association of Counties Vice President, Javier Gonzales.

Terry also served as campaign manager for the Sen. Bingaman's successful reelection campaign in 2006 and as the Senior Advisor to the 2008 Presidential campaign of U.S. Senator Barack Obama in New Mexico.

Brunner earned his B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Arizona and his M.A. in Latin American Studies with an emphasis in Political Science and Community and Regional Planning from the University of New Mexico.  In 2006, Mr. Brunner was recognized as one of New Mexico’s 40 under 40 Power Brokers by the New Mexico Business Weekly. He is a former member of the Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Library Board and an Eagle Scout. Terry is married to Leigh Brunner, an Albuquerque attorney, and they have two daughters.