This news is especially interesting given Gov. Bill Richardson’s withdrawal of his nomination to be commerce secretary: Heather Wilson, who is leaving public office after serving 10 years in Congress, may run for governor in 2010.
The Republican told The Associated Press last week that she is considering running, but said she doesn’t know how soon she will reach a decision.
“When I run, I run hard and I run to win,” the news service quoted Wilson as saying. “It’s a major commitment.”
Wilson’s chances will be greatly impacted by the results of a federal grand jury investigation into allegations of pay-to-play in Richardson’s administration, an investigation that resulted today in Richardson announcing that he will remain governor, at least for now, instead of accepting Barack Obama’s nomination to be commerce secretary.
Lt. Gov Diane Denish, who would have become governor if Richardson had left the state, has said Richardson might still leave, pointing out that Obama said he looks forward to Richardson joining his administration in some capacity at a later date. Despite Richardson’s withdrawal, Denish isn’t ending all transition plans at this point. An e-mail from Kathy Keith, Denish’s transition director, sent Sunday evening to members of the advisory team, says the team’s work “will continue along the same schedule,” according to the Albuquerque Journal.
Denish is already an announced 2010 gubernatorial candidate and has raised almost $2 million for her bid, but if she takes office before the election because Richardson leaves she’ll also have the benefit of incumbency. On the other hand, if the worst-case scenario for Richardson plays out and he or members of his administration are indicted, Denish could be hampered by anti-Richardson sentiment that would likely develop.
New Mexico has never had a woman as its governor. Expect the events of Sunday and the way the grand jury investigation plays out in the coming weeks and months to be a big factor in whether Wilson decides to try to challenge Denish to become the first.