J.R. Damron
Santa Fe radiologist and former gubernatorial candidate J.R. Damron jumped into the lieutenant governor’s race Tuesday.
The Santa Fe New Mexican has the goods on the Republican Damron’s announcement in Santa Fe:
“Having practiced medicine in Santa Fe since 1984, Damron said he brings a unique perspective on a timely topic. ‘Health care is very timely right now and I’d be glad to talk about that. But it won’t be just that, it will be the economy of our state, education, corruption,’ Damron, 65, said.
“‘I feel there’s been way too much corruption and scandals that have really tainted our state,’ he said. ‘I think there should have been ethics laws enacted seven years ago and that hasn’t happened,’ he said.”
Damron made his announcement at the Santa Fe Imaging Center. In addition to practicing there, he works at Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center, Los Alamos Medical Center and the Santa Fe Indian Health Service Hospital, The New Mexican reported.
Damron ran for governor in 2006 but withdrew in mid-June during a closed-door state GOP meeting. He was replaced on the ballot at that meeting by John Dendahl, who went on to be steamrolled by the Gov. Bill Richardson re-election train.
According to The New Mexican, Damron “describes himself as a conservative Republican, has been treasurer of the Santa Fe County Republican Party and serves on the county’s Central Committee. In addition, he is on the State Republican Executive Committee and State Central Committee.”
The only other declared Republican lieutenant governor candidate is former state Rep. Brian Moore of Clayton, who entered the race last week.