Jose Campos
State Rep. Jose Campos, D-Santa Rosa, wants you to know he’s still running for lieutenant governor.
He said there’s confusion because another lieutenant governor candidate, former state Democratic Party Chairman Brian Colón, is listing a Jose Campos as a co-host of an upcoming fundraiser. But that’s a different Jose Campos, Rep. Campos said.
“His name is listed as a host for a function and some are thinking that I’ve dropped out of the race to support Colón,” Rep. Campos wrote in a Tuesday evening e-mail. “That could not be further from the truth.”
“In fact, I’m dedicating myself full time to the campaign and feel I’m gaining momentum,” Rep. Campos wrote. “I’ve been crisscrossing the state meeting with mayors, city councilors, democratic chairpersons, and other supporters. After I visited with you last week I went on to Deming and Silver City. Since then I’ve spent time in Socorro, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, Pecos, Santa Fe, Espanola and Taos. Tonight I’m in Albuquerque and tomorrow I will be in Grants. The race is on!”
The race is on, and crowded. In addition to Campos and Colón, the others who have entered the race are Santa Fe County Sheriff Greg Solano, state Sens. Linda Lopez and Gerald Ortiz y Pino of Albuquerque and Lawrence Rael, executive director of the Mid-Region Council of Governments.
In addition, Matthew Padilla, a law student and former U.S. Navy officer, and Española Mayor Joseph Maestas say they are considering running.