Lt. Gov. Diane Denish (Photo by Heath Haussamen)
It’s been less than a week since 2010 candidates for state offices could begin collecting the signatures necessary to run, and Lt. Gov. Diane Denish is announcing that she’s already collected three times the required number.
The Democratic gubernatorial candidate has collected more than 6,300 signatures, including signatures from every county in the state. The required number is 2,163.
A news release from her campaign said the signatures reflect “the strong grassroots support” Denish enjoys.
“I am inspired by the optimism, enthusiasm and energy I feel across New Mexico,” Denish said in the release. “… The signatures we’re collecting reflect the faith that New Mexicans from all regions of the state have in me, and likewise, my candidacy will reflect the faith that I have in them. Together, we’ll win in November 2010 and then seize the opportunities ahead for our state.”
Almost 400 people have volunteered to help Denish gather signatures thus far.
Denish doesn’t currently have a primary challenger, but Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez says he’s still thinking about running. Though most doubt he will enter the race, Denish is trying to deter anyone from challenging her in a primary.
Her news release said she “plans to fully participate in the preprimary convention and the campaign will continue to mobilize its grassroots organization and collect more signatures until February.” In the coming weeks, the campaign plans canvasses in several counties including Lea, Doña Ana, Santa Fe and Bernalillo.