Public Regulation Commission Chairman Ben R. Luján will announce Friday that he’s running for the Third Congressional District seat being vacated by Tom Udall.
Luján will hold a news conference at 11:45 a.m. at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe, and a second event at the Best Western Hotel, 1465 Rio Rancho Boulevard in Rio Rancho, at 6 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday he plans to visit Las Vegas, Mora Taos, Española and Pojoaque.
Luján, the son of House Speaker Ben Lujan, said in a news release that 2008 is “one of the most important elections of our lifetime.”
“This election will impact generations to come. Together we can make a positive difference that will benefit the citizens of New Mexico and hold the Bush Administration accountable for its disastrous policies,” he said. “New Mexicans want to change the misguided policies and uncompromising opposition to our Democratic ideals and principles so that we can make positive progress to take America in a new, improved direction.”
“With the help of New Mexico’s voters, I will continue to keep fighting for and protecting the interests of the people of New Mexico in Congress,” he said.
For three years, Luján has served as a member of the PRC, his first elected position. The seat is up for grabs next year, and he won’t seek re-election since he’s running for Congress.
Luján joins Santa Fe County Commissioner Harry B. Montoya, state Indian Affairs Secretary Benny Shendo Jr. and Santa Fe green builder Don Wiviott in the race for the Democratic Party’s nomination for the congressional seat. One Republican – Marco E. Gonzales, an attorney who spent 10 years working for U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici as a defense appropriations specialist – is running. At least three other Democrats and Republicans are considering running.
Public Regulation Commission Chairman Ben R. Luján will announce Friday that he’s running for the Third Congressional District seat being vacated by Tom Udall.