Albuquerque City Councilor Martin Heinrich has set up a formal exploratory committee as he prepares to run for Congress.
And though he says he’s not yet an official candidate, Heinrich has taken an immediate, unpaid leave of absence from his job as the state’s natural resources trustee as is required of candidates.
He’s preparing to take on U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson, R-N.M., in the November 2008 general election.
“We’re not ready to make an announcement, but you can see which direction we’re headed,” Heinrich said this morning.
Heinrich, reached on his cell phone, was on his way to his new campaign headquarters, and said he expects to make “an official announcement… in a matter of weeks.”
Gov. Bill Richardson announced the leave of absence today in a news release. Heinrich will be replaced on an interim basis in his state job by Jim Baca.
“I appreciate Martin’s dedicated service and his commitment to protecting the environment,”
Heinrich said he has met with the governor about his candidacy but did not want to comment on published reports that he had the governor’s backing.
“I reached out to the governor right away. He’s been very encouraging and supporting,” Heinrich said. “Obviously, I’ve got to do this for myself. I’m not going to count on the governor to do this for me.”