Lt. Gov. Denish's Statement on Senate Run Decision

As you've probably heard by now, Lt. Gov. Diane Denish (right) has formally announced she won't be pursuing a run for U.S. Senate in New Mexico in 2008. Her statement is included below the fold. As the race now stands, the Dem candidates competing for the Senate nomination include Don Wiviott, Martin Chavez, Jim Hannan and Leland Lehrman. On the Repub side, we have Rep. Heather Wilson (NM-01), who announced her run the day after Sen. Pete Domenici announced his retirement, and Steve Pearce (NM-02) who just made his run official and is touring the state this weekend.

Of course all eyes are on Rep. Tom Udall (NM-03) and whether he will officially begin a Senate run. Let's hope that he comes to a firm decision ASAP so Dem candidates and activists alike can gauge what they want to do to assure a Senate win in 2008. According to an article in the Albuquerque Tribune, Udall called Dem State Party Chair Brian Colón yesterday to inform him he might be getting into the race after all. Udall's spokesperson in Washington, Marissa Padilla, said yesterday that, "New Mexicans have urged the congressman to reconsider running for the United States Senate and he's doing just that."

It seems to me that a perfect opportunity for an announcement from Udall will present itself tomorrow, November 3rd, when the Democratic Party of New Mexico's State Central Committee meets at Smith-Brasher Hall at CNM from 1:30 to 4:30 PM. Registration starts at Noon and all Democrats are welcome to attend. Most of the Dem candidates for office will be giving short speeches at various times during the meeting's business agenda. I imagine it will be a raucous and energetic affair, to say the least.

Press Release: Lt. Governor Chooses to Stay and Fight for New Mexico

"Keeping our progress going is a fight I can't leave now," says Lt. Governor Diane D. Denish

Nov. 1, 2007

Lt. Governor Diane D. Denish today made the following statement about her intentions for 2008:

I am flattered and honored by everyone's interest in my considering the Senate race. I appreciate the encouragement of everyone I've heard from in Washington, but most of all I appreciate the support, counsel and friendship of so many of you here in New Mexico.  I'm honored by your confidence in me.

We're a country with serious problems.  We are in a war that the President has no plan to end. And that same President just vetoed a children's health care plan that our New Mexico children desperately need. We have been led to the brink of rocky financial times because of reckless economic policies the President has pursued. Because of the state of our country I felt I must give serious consideration to a Senate run.  It's simple: The nation is on the wrong track.

Over the last five years, I've worked with Governor Richardson to keep New Mexico on the right track. I've seen the difference our commitment to early childhood education means for our children's future. I've seen how fighting crime at a neighborhood level and investing in small businesses changes a community and helps make it a great place to live.

Together, we're reaching higher. We've made our state a better place to start a business or start a family, a place where every child in every community has a chance to grow and succeed.

But our work isn't done.  For all the progress we've made, keeping that progress going is a fight I can't leave now.  My heart and soul are in New Mexico. Therefore, it's clear to me that I best serve New Mexico by continuing as Lieutenant Governor, and I hope one day as your Governor. In the meantime, I'll be working hard to elect a Democratic Senator and President in 2008.

I love New Mexico, and the fact is, my feet are firmly planted on the ground here. I like to get up and see that big, blue sky and I'm committed to working hard for everyone who lives below it. Together, we can build a New Mexico that's stronger, safer, and more prepared than ever to take on the challenges we face.

To read our previous coverage of the 2008 U.S. Senate race in New Mexico, visit our archive.

(Photo credit: Don Unser, from .)