By KRWG News
New Mexico – The losing candidate in New Mexico's 2002 gubernatorial race, John Sanchez, says he will seek the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor in 2010.
Sanchez, a former state representative from Albuquerque, made the announcement Thursday.
Sanchez says he has been encouraged by friends and supporters to run again for governor. But he says he wants to avoid a potentially divisive GOP gubernatorial primary.
At least four other candidates are seeking the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor: Former Clayton-area state Rep. Brian Moore, Santa Fe physician J.R. Damron., state Sen. Kent Cravens of Albuquerque and Albuquerque nurse Bea Sheridan.
Sanchez lost to Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson in the 2002 campaign.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.