Spiro Vassilopoulos
Oilman and geologist Spiro Vassilopoulos announced today that he will enter the Republican primary for land commissioner.
“As a certified petroleum geologist and independent oil and gas producer, my domestic and international experience gives me considerable advantage over those with no such expertise,” Vassilopoulous wrote in an e-mail received by NMPolitics.net.
In 2008, Vassilopoulos, a political newcomer, campaigned briefly for Sen. Pete Domenici’s seat after the six-term senator announced his retirement, but he dropped out of the race after then-U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce jumped in.
Vassilopoulos has hired Daniel Garza has his campaign manager. He told NMPolitics.net that he’s confident he will have enough petition signatures and will file with the secretary of state’s office on Feb. 9.
In the Republican primary race, Vassilopoulos will face Jim Jackson, who took a leave of absence from the land office to campaign for the post; cattle rancher Matt Rush; retired law-enforcement officer Errol Chavez; and GOP activist Bob Cornelius. All are vying for the 20 percent of votes at the party’s pre-primary nominating convention on March 13 in Albuquerque, which would guarantee them a spot on the ballot.
Four candidates have entered the Democratic primary, including Santa Fe County Commissioners Harry Montoya and Mike Anaya, PRC Commissioner Sandy Jones and former commissioner of public lands Ray Powell.
St. Cyr is a contributing writer for this site and a reporter at 770KKOB.com. He can be reached at peter.stcyr@gmail.com.