The number of Republicans interested in being New Mexico's next governor is growing.

The latest to consider a run is Doug Turner of Albuquerque, owner of DW Turner public-relations and strategic communications firm, who helped guide Gary Johnson's successful campaigns for governor.

Turner, 40, hasn't formed an exploratory committee, but is talking to potential supporters around the state, he said Tuesday.

"I've basically been gauging the vibe around the state and getting a feel for what Republicans want, what kind of a candidate they want," he said. "The sense I get is people are looking for a new face, someone who brings fresh energy and ideas to the party."

He expects to make a decision in six to eight weeks, he said.

Gov. Bill Richardson, a Democrat, is barred by term limits from running again. His term ends in 2010.

Turner in 1994 was the state director for Johnson — then a political unknown who owned a construction firm — and served as Johnson's campaign manager in 1998.

Turner also worked as a deputy political director for Steve Forbes' 2000 presidential run.

He received a bachelor's degree from the American University School of International Studies and his master's in international relations from the Centre Européen de Recherches Internationales et Stratégiques, according to his company's Web site.

Turner joins other Republicans running or thinking about running for governor. They include Greg Zanetti of Albuquerque, a brigadier general in the New Mexico Army National Guard; former U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson of Albuquerque; former state GOP party chairman Allen Weh of Albuquerque; and Rep. Janice Arnold-Jones, R-Albuquerque.

Another name being thrown out as a possible contender is former U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce of Hobbs.

On the other side of the political fence, Lt. Gov. Diane Denish of Albuquerque has been working to remind people she's running for governor. A recent e-mail to supporters was titled 'I AM running for governor.' The letter tries to separate her from other Democrats who are considering running, including Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez of Belen.

Her campaign on Monday released results of a recent poll conducted by the Democratic Governor's Association that shows her with a 57-35 lead over both Wilson or Pearce. Denish as of May had $1.7 million on hand for the contest.

The Democratic primary race for lieutenant governor also is shaping up to be crowded. Sens. Gerald Ortiz y Pino and Linda Lopez, both of Albuquerque, are said to be pursing the post, as is Santa Fe County Sheriff Greg Solano. State Auditor Hector Balderas is another name often mentioned for the job. No Republicans have announced they are seeking the spot.

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