Solano makes lieutenant governor run official

Santa Fe County Sheriff Greg Solano made official today his 2010 campaign for lieutenant governor.

Solano made the announcement during a news conference in Santa Fe, then sent out a news release and the text of the speech he gave at the Roundhouse.

Solano spoke about spending time as a child at the Roundhouse because his grandmother was a custodian there and his family could not afford child care.

“As a child I roamed the halls of this building,” he said, according to the text of the prepared remarks. “Legislators and governors would buy me candy from the vending machines.”

Solano said he has “never been a man of money,” but is one who “works hard to make an honest living while trying to make a difference.” He said he’s a candidate “of the masses.”

“How many of the candidates know what its like to get a late notice from the electric company?” he asked. “How many know what its like to make a decision between health insurance deductions from their paychecks and having enough money to pay rent, buy groceries, fill up the car with gas and have enough left to make sure you can buy your teenager that cool but expensive backpack that they want for school?”

Solano said he would work for access to affordable health care, improvements in education, veterans’ rights and the development of mass transit and sustainable energy. He also pledged to combat domestic violence, drunken driving, gangs and drugs.

“I care about the future of New Mexico’s communities and families,” he said. “I want to work to improve our schools for our children, safeguard the spectacular natural environment that makes New Mexico such a wonderful place to call home and ensure the beauty is there for future generations.”

He also pledged to “enhance voting rights and open government in New Mexico” and work to “strengthen ethics laws in state government and give law enforcement the tools they need to prevent and prosecute corruption.”

Solano said he is beginning his campaign more than three years early “to allow time for the rest of New Mexico to get to know me,” saying he is committed to visiting all 33 counties and spreading the message “that I am the people’s candidate.” It’s likely he also has in mind the possibility that the job will come open in January 2009 if Gov. Bill Richardson leaves for Washington.