Usually, most of the interest in New Mexico elections is at the very top of the ticket.

For the 2010 Democratic primary election, however, it may be the lieutenant governor's race that gets all the attention.

Nine people have publicly expressed interest so far, more candidates than in many years.

So what's the fascination with the state's No. 2 political post this year?

Some political analysts say it may be the only race that's really competitive on the Democratic ticket.

"It's like one of the only open seats in state government," said University of New Mexico political-science professor Lonna Atkeson. "Everyone is scared to run for governor. Denish has such a war chest, what's the point of going against her?"

Denish, in her second term as lieutenant governor, had more than $1.8 million in the bank at the end of June, and is seen by many as the front-runner for the post.

Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez, D-Belen, has said he's exploring a gubernatorial bid but hasn't announced that he's running.

On the Republican side, Doña Ana County District Attorney Susana Martinez has announced her candidacy for governor, as has public relations consultant Doug Turner. Rep. Janice Arnold-Jones of Albuquerque is expected to announce her candidacy today. Former state GOP chairman Allen Weh is considering a run, and former U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson is another possible candidate being mentioned.

No Republicans have announced for lieutenant governor, although several are said to be exploring the idea.

The lieutenant governor presides over the state Senate, breaking ties when needed. He or she also serves as governor when the governor is out of the state.

The field of candidates and potential candidates this year includes eight men and a woman. Four are state lawmakers, two are mayors, one is a longtime government executive, one is a sheriff, another is the past chairman of the state party and one is a law student. The candidates come from Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Santa Rosa and Española.

While some see the post as a stepping stone to governor, Denish would be the first lieutenant governor to be elected governor.

Still, the exposure and name identification don't hurt anyone with higher political aspirations, Atkeson said.

"It's a stepping stone. I think that's the major reason there are so many candidates," she said.

As for the other elections on the ballot next year, Atkeson said all except land commissioner are held by first-term Democratic incumbents, and "historically, Democrats don't run against incumbents for those posts."

Term limits prevent current Land Commissioner Pat Lyons from running again.

State Auditor Hector Balderas, Attorney General Gary King, Treasurer James Lewis and Secretary of State Mary Herrera are all expected to seek re-election.

Ray Powell and Patsy Madrid are two Democrats expected to run for land commissioner; Bob Cornelius is the only announced Republican.

The primary is in June of next year; the general election is in November 2010. Other positions up for election include all 70 members of the state House of Representatives.

With nine months left until the primary election, candidates for lieutenant governor are busy these days working to distinguish themselves from one another.

"We got to the point of a basketball team a while back and now we're at the point of a football squad," said candidate and Santa Fe County Sheriff Greg Solano.

The candidates are also busy raising money for the race, which political observers say could cost each anywhere from $100,000 to $500,000.

Contact Kate Nash at 986-3036 or knash@sfnewmexican.com. Read her blog at www.greenchilechatter.com.



CANDIDATES FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

Announced Democratic candidates

GREG SOLANO

Hometown: Santa Fe

Age: 45

What kind of Democrat are you? "I consider myself a progressive Democrat."

Experience: Santa Fe County sheriff since 2002. Ran for sheriff in 1998. Worked at the Santa Fe Police Department, 1988 to 1995. Former small-business owner.

Web site: www.solanoltgov.com



REP. JOE CAMPOS

Hometown: Santa Rosa

Age: 48

What kind of Democrat are you? "I guess I would be a moderate Democrat."

Experience: State representative since 2003. Going into his 12th year as mayor of Santa Rosa. Former Guadalupe County Commissioner. Current chairman of the Council of State Governments-West.

Web site: www.joecampos.org



LAWRENCE RAEL

Hometown: Sile

Age: 51

What kind of Democrat are you? "I'm a pretty middle-of-the-road Democrat, probably more conservative on finances than most Democrats."

Experience: Currently executive director of the Mid-Region Council of Governments. Spent 12 years as chief administrative officer for the city of Albuquerque. Deputy transportation secretary under former Gov. Toney Anaya.

Web site: www.rael2010.org



SEN. JERRY ORTIZ Y PINO

Hometown: Albuquerque

Age: 67

What kind of Democrat are you? "Progressive, an FDR Democrat."

Experience: State senator since 2004. Retired in 2008 after 42 years as a social-services planner, community organizer, social welfare program administrator, social worker, and human services and human-resource management professor.

Web site: www.jerryfornewmexico.com



SEN. LINDA LOPEZ

Hometown: Albuquerque

Age: 45

What kind of Democrat are you? "I consider myself a moderate Democrat."

Experience: State senator since 1997. Current chairwoman of the Senate Rules Committee. Former consulting-business owner. Background in facilitating organizational development and community organizing.

Web site: www.votelindalopez.com



BRIAN COLÓN

(Plans to announce Monday night.)

Hometown: Los Lunas

Age: 39

What kind of Democrat are you? "I'm a progressive Democrat dedicated and committed to inclusivity and working tirelessly for those without a voice."

Experience: Past chairman of the state Democratic Party, precinct official and vice chairman of the party, and served on various governor-appointed task forces.

Web site: www.electcolon.com



Possible candidates



MAYOR JOE MAESTAS

Hometown: Española

Age: 48

What kind of Democrat are you? "I would define myself as a progressive Democrat."

Experience: Mayor of Española since 2006. City councilor from 2000 to 2006. Past president of the Hispanic Elected Local Officials of the National League of Cities. Also has worked for the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Federal Highway Administration.


MATTHEW PADILLA

Hometown: Albuquerque Age: 28

What kind of Democrat are you? Progressive

Experience: worked on John Kelly's congressional campaign in 2000, was an intern for Rep. Tim Roemer, D-Ind., during his 2000 campaign, legal intern in U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman's office and worked as a fellow in office of Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.



SEN. TIM EICHENBERG

Didn't return calls seeking comment.