A Texas congressman's recent decision not to seek re-election next year might give U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján of Santa Fe a shot at a high-profile national position.

U.S. Rep. Charlie Gonzalez, D-Texas, chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. At least two national political publications — Roll Call and The Politico — have mentioned Luján as a strong contender to replace Gonzalez — although a spokesman for the New Mexico Democrat this week downplayed the possibility.

Though there's no real power in the position, other members of Congress say it would increase the profile and influence of Luján, who is serving his second term.

Roll Call last month quoted Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Calif., the Hispanic Caucus whip, as saying of Luján, "He really has the energy to do the job. If you're looking for a really bright rising star, you don't need to look any further than Ben Ray." Roll Call said Cardoza described Luján as "a proficient fundraiser who has the ability to energize the young Hispanic community."

"Several people interviewed referred to the New Mexico Democrat as 'young,' 'hungry' and 'an up-and-comer' and said he is eager to raise his profile nationally," the Roll Call article said.

"The odds-on favorite for the position so far is Rep. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., according to K-Streeters." Politico said in November. "Luján, who is currently chairman of the (Congressional Hispanic Caucus' Building Our Leadership Diversity PAC), has a strong following downtown and would be in line for the slot as long as Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., decides not to run.

"K-Streeters" is Washington, D.C.-speak for lobbyists. Luján has made it a policy not to accept campaign contributions from congressional lobbyists.

But Luján's spokesman, Andrew Stoddard, pointed out that others also might be interested in the post.

"(Rep.) Ruben Hinojosa of Texas is currently the first vice chair and next in line to be considered for the position," Stoddard said in an email. "As second vice chair and chair of (the caucus' political committee), Ben Ray's focus is on his duties and responsibilities in those positions, as well as representing his constituents and getting the economy moving."

Concerning Hinojosa, Roll Call pointed out that he might have baggage. Hinojosa filed for bankruptcy last year after he guaranteed a loan to his family's meat company and ended up more than $2.5 million in debt to a bank.

Nevertheless, two of Luján's Democratic colleagues in New Mexico's congressional delegation said Thursday that it would be good for the state if Luján became Hispanic Caucus chairman.

Sen. Tom Udall said through a spokeswoman, "As the Hispanic population grows in the U.S., so does the influence of the (Congressional Hispanic Caucus). Serving as the chair is a significant responsibility with the ability to influence the national agenda. Ben Ray is an energetic congressman with a lot of clout within the organization. When he takes the reins of the (caucus), I think it will be great for New Mexico."

Rep. Martin Heinrich, an Albuquerque Democrat, agreed. "Ben Ray has been an extraordinary leader in Congress and an unwavering advocate for the people of New Mexico," he said through his spokeswoman. "The future of our Hispanic community and our nation would greatly benefit from having a public servant like Ben Ray lead the Hispanic Caucus."

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus, which this week celebrated its 35th anniversary, consists of 18 representatives, one senator and congressional delegation from Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands. All are Democrats. Though originally established as a bi-partisan group, Republicans in 2003 started their own group, the Congressional Hispanic Conference.

According to its website, the Congressional Hispanic Conference "aims to address national and international issues and the impact these policies have on the Hispanic community. The function of the caucus is to serve as a forum for the Hispanic Members of Congress to coalesce around a collective legislative agenda. The Caucus is dedicated to voicing and advancing, through the legislative process, issues affecting Hispanics."

Luján hosted a reception for the caucus' political committee earlier this week at the headquarters of Cornerstone Government Affairs, a Washington, D.C., lobbying firm. The invitation, available on the Sunlight Foundation's "Party Time" website, which tracks congressional fundraisers, asked for contributions of $1,000 to $5,000. The committee has raised $286,740 this year, according to the group's most recent Federal Election Commission filing.

Contact Steve Terrell at 986-3037 or sterrell@sfnewmexican.com. Read his political blog at roundhouseroundup.com