The Democratic primary for state land commissioner is becoming one of the more crowded races for 2010, and two Santa Fe County commissioners are among the contenders.

Commissioners Mike Anaya and Harry Montoya both confirmed Monday they will seek the post. Both are prevented by term limits from seeking re-election to the commission.

Public Regulation Commissioner Sandy Jones and former land commissioner Ray Powell Jr. also have announced they are seeking the Democratic nod for the job.

Land Commissioner Pat Lyons, a Republican, is prevented by term limits from seeking another term.

Montoya and Anaya listed different reasons for wanting the job.

Montoya said he'd like to focus on making sure the land is generating as much as it can for schoolchildren and diversifying the leases for the state land.

"We need to look at renewable energy, photovoltaics, wind energy," Montoya said.

"We also need to look at transparency and accountability, making sure we are doing a good job of leasing the lands we are currently leasing," he said.

The office manages 13 million acres across the state. Revenues from land leases help fund public schools, among other things.

Anaya, who said he plans to make an official announcement in December, said he'll use his background as a rancher and sportsman if elected.

"I want to continue to be a good steward of the land and take care of it for years to come," he said. "We need to continue to generate revenues for public schools ... and make sure the public has appropriate access to public lands."

So far, the race has been pretty mundane, with no candidates' forums or mudslinging. One topic that may come up, however, is that an Española man filed a tort claim notice accusing Anaya of having inappropriate sexual relations with the man's wife, who was an employee with the New Mexico Association of Counties while Anaya was on the board.

Anaya acknowledged the issue "could come up" but said no lawsuit has been filed in the case and he doesn't believe one would be.

The land commissioner job pays $90,000 a year and typically doesn't draw a large number of primary contenders. The post historically has been held by Democrats.

All four Democrats are expected to attend a free, open forum from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 18 at the NEA Building, 2007 Botulph Road. It is sponsored by the Santa Fe County Democratic Party.

Jones, chairman of the PRC, announced in September he'll seek the land job rather than another term on the commission.

Powell Jr., who was commissioner from 1993 through 2002, announced his plans early this year.

Republican Bob Cornelius is running for the job and former drug enforcement agent Errol Chavez has said he's considering seeking the GOP nod for the job.

The primary election is Tuesday, June 1.

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