Race to replace Darren White is heating up.

Another name has surfaced as a possible sheriff's candidate. Albuquerque Deputy Police Chief Michael Castro is considering a run, according to sources close to the police veteran. When asked about his candidacy, Castro, 49, who is a Republican, wouldn't comment. The APD vet instantly becomes a front runner, at least partly because of his bank account. Early in life, Castro invested into stocks and real estate. He is a person most candidates go to when seeking campaign contributions.  He has donated to Mayor Martin Chavez's mayoral and current-Sheriff Darren White's congressional campaigns.

Castro was promoted to deputy chief about three years ago and was immediately tasked with growing the department to 1,100 officers -  a goal he reached last year. His name has made headlines due to some of APD's untraditional recruiting tactics, which have included billboards poking fun at George W. Bush and runaway bride Jennifer Wilbanks.

When asked about the Castro rumor, White, whose term expires Jan. 1, 2011, acknowledged Castro was a serious contender and a possible front runner.

Other candidates who have announced their candiacy or been rumored to be considering a run include: Republicans John Walsh (APD spokesman); Democrats Manny Gonzales (Bernalillo County sheriff's captain), Conrad Candelaria (APD commander);  Sylvester Stanley (retired sheriff's captain) and Chris Sanchez (a retired sheriff's Lietenant who won the Democract nomination in 2002).