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Calling himself "one of the masses," Santa Fe County Sheriff Greg Solano announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor on
Aug. 21.
"I'm running because I care," Solano said at the Roundhouse press conference, as he ticked off a laundry list of concerns ranging from improving schools and access to health care, to supporting mass transit and sustainable energy.
Flanked by his wife, son and daughter, Solano read a prepared statement highlighting his Santa Fe roots, noting that as a child he spent many hours in the Roundhouse where his grandmother worked as a custodian.
"I remember playing in Gov. Bruce King's office on the fourth floor," Solano recalled. "He always was my favorite governor."
In his remarks, Solano emphasized his own modest background.
"So many politicians are men and women of great wealth and high power," he said. "How often does one of the masses run?"
Solano was asked if the campaign might distract from his duties as sheriff.
"I'll work hard to make sure that it doesn't," Solano responded, saying he carries a laptop and a palm pilot with him at all times. "I'm always available."
Solano also was asked why he decided to run for lieutenant governor, and not another office.
"I really feel that it's time that we had a strong lieutenant governor, not saying that we don't now," he said. "But I really think this office is the place that I can make a difference."
Solano wouldn't say if he'd prefer to run along side either of two candidates most often mentioned for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination-current Lt. Gov. Diane Denish and Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez-but he did say they were both "great candidates."
Solano said he and his campaign team expect to raise "in the range of $300,000 to 400,000 to run a good strong campaign."
Saying he plans to personally visit each of the state's 33 counties, he noted that he was beginning his campaign early in order to get to know voters beyond his base of support in Santa Fe County.
Solano also said he plans to continue writing the
, and will launch another as well.
"I will start up a second blog that will chronicle in a way that has never been seen before what it's like to run for a statewide office," Solano said. "I think it will be great for my grandchildren and great grandchildren one day to look upon."
Update: Solano has
.
