Solano to run for lieutenant governor, not Congress

Santa Fe County Sheriff Greg Solano announced today that he won’t run for the Third Congressional District seat being vacated by Tom Udall, opting instead to continue his 2010 campaign for lieutenant governor.

“My family, supporters and I have weighed the issues and the races of lieutenant governor and the House seat, and have decided the place where I can best serve the citizens of New Mexico is in the lieutenant governor’s race,” Solano said in a news release. “It was very humbling to be asked by citizens and my peers to consider the (House) run and I am very thankful for the support.”

Solano said he is confident a Democrat will win the House seat, and he urged New Mexicans to “make real changes in Washington by electing Democrats for president and into all of the congressional races. We must turn away from those who have supported President Bush’s failed policies and wars.”

Democrats who have entered the House race are Santa Fe County Commissioner Harry B. Montoya, state Indian Affairs Secretary Benny Shendo Jr. and Santa Fe green builder Don Wiviott. Attorney Marco E. Gonzales is the only Republican who has entered the race. Several other Democrats and Republicans are considering running.