Brian Colón, chairman of the Democratic Party of New Mexico, is seriously considering running for lieutenant governor next year and plans to make a decision in “less than two weeks,” according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
Colón did not respond to a request for comment.
He would be joining a crowded field of Democrats seeking the party’s No. 2 spot on the ballot in 2010. Already in the race are Santa Fe County Sheriff Greg Solano and state Sens. Linda Lopez and Gerald Ortiz y Pino of Albuquerque.
Others have been considering entering the race for awhile, including state Auditor Hector Balderas, New Mexico State University Regent Javier Gonzales and Lawrence Rael, who heads the Mid-Region Council of Governments. This week, former U.S. Navy officer and current law student Matthew Padilla announced that he’s also seriously considering entering the race.
Colón is a lawyer and works for the Albuquerque firm Robles, Rael & Anaya. The law firm is currently suing two defendants in the housing authority scandal on behalf of the State Investment Council to try to recover millions of dollars in lost bond money.
Colón also chairs Popejoy Hall’s board of directors and serves on the board of trustees for the Albuquerque Community Foundation.
Lt. Gov. Diane Denish is the only declared 2010 gubernatorial candidate, though Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez says he’s formed an exploratory committee.