Richardson endorses Luján in CD3 race

Gov. Bill Richardson today endorsed Ben R. Luján in the 3rd Congressional District Democratic primary, calling him “the most qualified candidate” and “best prepared to represent the diverse communities that stretch across northern and eastern New Mexico.”

“I am also proud to endorse a candidate who has taken the high road against negative and unnecessary political attacks from some of his opponents,” Richardson said in a news release from Luján campaign.

In the news release, Richardson called Luján “the candidate who will stand up for New Mexico.”

“He has worked hard on the Public Regulation Commission to serve the people of New Mexico,” the governor said. “No other candidate can match his record of fighting for consumers, increasing renewable energy production and creating regional solutions to climate change.”

Luján said he is “proud” to have Richardson’s endorsement.

“In Congress, I will carry on the tradition that Governor Richardson and Congressman Udall set of standing up for the people of New Mexico,” he said.

Update, 2:20 p.m.

Webster Cash, spokesman for Luján primary opponent Don Wiviott, had this to say about the governor’s endorsement:

“While Wiviott has nothing but respect for the governor, this endorsement comes as no surprise. It is well known that the speaker (Luján’s father) and the governor have a close relationship, and that Don Wiviott is not a political insider or a career politician,” he said. “The only endorsement that matters in this race is the support of Third District voters.”