ALBUQUERQUE — On the eve of a special session of the New Mexico Legislature, Senate Majority Leader  Michael Sanchez says he’s “considering” a run for governor in 2010.

 

“At this point, I’ve been approached and asked to consider it and I’m considering it,” the four-term state senator from Belen told the Independent.

 

Sanchez’s possible entry into the Democratic primary for governor nearly two years away would add another heavyweight contender to the contest to succeed Gov. Bill Richardson.

 

Lt. Gov. Diane Denish has been an all-but-announced Democratic candidate for governor for nearly a year.

 

In a phone interview Friday evening, Denish said it was premature to talk gubernatorial politics.

 

"It’s too early to be commenting on the 2010 race. Right now, what I’m focused on is how are we going to help New Mexico survive this Republican economy, what are we going to do in the special session to help New Mexico families."

 

While the twice-elected lieutenant governor may not be officially running for a promotion coutesy of the voters, she’s walking awfully fast in that direction.

 

"It’s the next logial step for me and I’m very eager to run for governor," Denish, 59, elaborated. "I’m not thinking about any other office. I’m certainly in the game and planning on taking that next step."

 

She added, "I’m not going to comment on Michael Sanchez or anybody. I just think it’s too early for that."

 

Likewise, Sanchez, 58, wouldn’t speculate about running against Denish.

 

“I wouldn’t be considering it unless I thought I could do a good job,” Sanchez said. “I think I would make a good governor.”

 

The Democratic floor leader in the state Senate, Sanchez says he still needs to discuss the possible gubernatorial run with his family. A formal announcement, he says, isn’t imminent.

 

“It won’t be for a while yet,” Sanchez added.

 

Michael Rocco, a University of New Mexico political scientist, considers Denish the woman to beat – for now.

“I’d give the edge as of today to Diane Denish because she’s better known,” he said. “But any viable Hispanic candidate will do well here just because of the nature of our demographics.”

 

He added, “If he’s gonna be a viable candidate in the primary, he’s gonna have to raise money early and get his name out early to compete.”

 

While others may be surprised that serious candidates for governor are signaling their interest years before voters even begin casting ballots, Rocco isn’t.

 

“It just keeps getting earlier and earlier,” he said. “I think that’s just a reflection of today’s politics. We’re in a day and age when money is so important. The earlier you get your name out, the easier it is for a candidate to raise money and get support from the party and interest groups early.”