Race Analysis

In 2002, Democrats replaced libertarian Republican Gary Johnson with Democrat Bill Richardson. Richardson was a fairly popular governor, who won re-election overwhelmingly in 2006. But his approval numbers hit 28 percent by the time of a 2010 elections rolled around, and formed a drag on his lieutenant governor’s bid  to succeed him. As a result, Dona Ana County (Las Cruces) District Attorney Susana Martinez was able to win the governorship by seven points. The Democrats have a more-than-credible nominee in Attorney General Gary King, but Martinez remains popular and has the edge.