Here is the latest on the candidate filing front. Former GOP Executive Director John Ryan will challenge fellow Republican and State Chair Ramsay Gorham for her ABQ North Valley Senate seat. Ryan was ex. director under John Dendhal, whose forces continue to feud with Gorham. Ryan has previously said he would NOT run. TV newswoman Janet Blair, a Dem, has filed to run for the State House seat held by Republican Eric Youngberg. Thomas Nordstrand also filed as a Dem for the Youngberg seat. Bernalillo County State Senator Bernadette Sanchez has drawn a primary challenge from Dolores Griego. State Senators Altimirano and Fidel, the deans of the Senate, have filed for re-election. Republican Gary Whittington has filed for the Fidel seat. Bernalillo County District Attorney Kari Brandenburg will win another four year term without opposition. She filed today, but no Republican or fellow Dem challenged her. In Carlsbad, State Rep. John Heaton has filed for re-election to his House seat, forgoing a bid for State Senate that was rumored.

Deborah Torza has filed as a Republican for the State House seat held by Dem Ray Ruiz. State Dem Party Chairman Joni Gutierrez has filed for the house seat in Las Cruces being vacated by Paul Taylor. Joni is resigning as state chair of the party. The Trib's Shea Andersen reports ABQ attorney John Wertheim is being touted as her replacement.

Greg Payne has filed for the Joe Thompson House seat. He will fight for the GOP nomination against retired sheriff's deputy Bill Rehm. Thompson did not seek reelection today.Kathy Leyendecker has filed as a Republican for the House seat held in Bernalillo County by Democrat Al Park.

We will keep you posted, so check in with us. Filing ended at 5 p.m. today.

Get the latest on the filings from the Sec. of State And the latest Bernalillo County filings here
Candidate filings

c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2004
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