Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chávez is clearly gearing up to run for something, but just what he’s getting ready to run for isn’t clear at all.
He’s put up a new Web site at www.martychavez.com that wishes visitors a Happy Thanksgiving and asks for their contact information. In addition, he’s holding a Dec. 11 fundraiser for the Marty Chávez for New Mexico committee. It’s not clear whether the committee is a city, state or federal committee, so that doesn’t help reveal Chávez’s intentions.
Click here to view the flyer for the fundraiser. The minimum donation is $500, and the maximum is $2,500.
Chávez has not responded to an e-mail request for comment and I’ve been unable to reach him by phone. Mark Fleisher, who managed the mayor’s brief U.S. Senate run last year, has been telling people the fundraiser is to pay for a Thanksgiving card mailing and a holiday party.
Chávez could seek another term as mayor next year. He could jump back into the 2010 gubernatorial race — which he left last year to launch his failed U.S. Senate bid — but Gov. Bill Richardson’s departure means he’d be taking on an incumbent Diane Denish in a Democratic primary.
Maybe Chávez is gearing up to run for another state seat. Maybe he’s hoping U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman will retire in 2012 and he wants to be ready for the possibility.
He’s not saying. So we’re left guessing. One clue: Chávez has said in the past that he’s interested in three elected positions: Albuquerque mayor, governor and U.S. senator.