Gov. Susana Martinez of New Mexico mum on GOP primary

Gov. Susana Martinez is keeping clear of the Republican Senate primary — for now. Martinez announced in a statement Tuesday morning that she does “not intend to make an endorsement in the Republican primary at this time.”

Martinez did say in her statement that she wished all the candidates well.

Martinez has ties to both top-tier Republican candidates. John Sanchez, who made it official that he is running for Senate today, is her lieutenant governor. Heather Wilson headed Martinez’s transition team.

The governor also promised that Sanchez’s candidacy would not interfere with his work in state government.

“To prevent this race from becoming a distraction, Lt. Governor Sanchez will not be given responsibilities in my administration beyond the select few provided for in the state Constitution,” Martinez said.

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She also said that Sanchez believes that this is a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to run for Senate.”

Sanchez is running for the seat vacated by Sen. Jeff Bingaman, who is retiring after his fifth term in the Senate.

The last open Senate race was in 2008 after Pete Domenici announced his retirement for medical reasons. Domenici served six terms.