Richardson: Kilmer could run for governor
Related
Advertisement
Actor owns ranch in San Miguel County
9/12/2008 - 9/12/08
Actor Val Kilmer remains mum on whether he's looking at a future political career in New Mexico, but his voting record in the state is crystal clear.Kilmer has never cast a ballot in New Mexico since registering to vote in 1992, according to registration records.
Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson helped fuel speculation about Kilmer possibly running for governor when he told television reporters this week, "I like the idea." Richardson's term ends in 2010.
Richardson acknowledged he hasn't talked with Kilmer and doesn't know whether he's seriously considering a bid for the governorship.
But Richardson said "if he jumps in a race he's got name ID, so it can't be discounted." A spokeswoman for the governor later clarified that Richardson wasn't endorsing Kilmer.
The actor's agent, David Unger, declined comment Friday on whether Kilmer might become a candidate for governor, following other actors-turned-politicians such as California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and former President Ronald Reagan.
Kilmer's screen credits include playing Batman in "Batman Forever" in 1995, and he was a brash fighter pilot, Lt. Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky, in the 1986 hit film, "Top Gun," with Tom Cruise.
Kilmer also starred as rock icon Jim Morrison in the 1991 Oliver Stone film, "The Doors," and played gunslinger Doc Holliday in "Tombstone" in 1993.
Kilmer isn't registered as a Democrat or a Republican. He's unaffiliated with any political party — what typically is considered an independent — meaning he can't vote in New Mexico's GOP or Democratic primaries but can vote in the state's general elections.
No independent has ever won the governorship of New Mexico.
The actor initially registered to vote in Santa Fe County, where he once owned property north of the city of Santa Fe.
He has not changed his registration to update his address since selling the property in 2005. Kilmer bought a ranch near Rowe, about 20 miles southeast of Santa Fe in neighboring San Miguel County.
However, he is not registered to vote in San Miguel County, according to the county clerk's office.
