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Thursday, October 29, 2009
UPDATED: Wilson Won't Run for N.M. Governor
By Heather Clark
Associated Press
Former Rep. Heather Wilson said Thursday she won't run for governor of New Mexico in 2010, preferring to continue her work as a private consultant.
Wilson, a Republican, said New Mexico residents have been encouraging her to run for governor since she left her Albuquerque-area 1st Congressional District seat in January after five terms.
Wilson gave up the seat to run for U.S. Senate, but lost her first statewide race in the June 2008 GOP primary against former Rep. Steve Pearce.
"I am well aware of the demands and limitations of elected office," Wilson said. "My work in the private sector is satisfying, I do volunteer work that matters and I am enjoying having more personal time to spend with family and friends."
Wilson said she has been doing consulting work on defense and scientific issues with private firms.
The governor's post has no significant national security role, which Wilson said is an issue important to her.
Asked whether the decision not to run was a difficult one, Wilson said, "I usually am more decisive and I had expected to have decided earlier."
She said she made the decision over time with her family.
Wilson declined to talk about how her decision would affect the governor's race.
Seeking the GOP nomination are: former state Republican Party chairman Allen Weh, state Rep. Janice Arnold-Jones of Albuquerque, Dona Ana County District Attorney Susana Martinez and Albuquerque businessman Doug Turner.
Lt. Gov. Diane Denish is seeking the Democratic nomination.
Wilson, 47, left the door open to return to public office in the future. She said her family has decided to remain in New Mexico.
"I do feel a calling to public service," she said. "I don't think that's going to change."
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