The Latest: New Mexico land commissioner may go Libertarian

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The Latest on Libertarian Party politics in New Mexico (all times local): 12:50 p.m. A family member and political spokesman says New Mexico State Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn is seriously considering a run for governor under the Libertarian Party. Albuquerque-based attorney Blair Dunn said Monday that his father, Aubrey Dunn, is giving "heavy consideration" to leaving the Republican Party to run for New Mexico governor as a Libertarian candidate or independent of any party. Second-term GOP Gov. Susan Martinez cannot seek re-election in 2018. Aubrey Dunn has said he will not seek re-election as land commissioner in 2018, and briefly campaigned this year for Congress in New Mexico's southern district before withdrawing. Support for Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson in 2016 elections has made it easier for Libertarian candidates to get on the ballot in New Mexico, and several other states including Iowa, Kentucky and Massachusetts. ___ 8:50 a.m. The failed campaign for president last year by former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson should provide Libertarian candidates with ready access to the ballot in 2018 as a major party, after he won 9 percent of the statewide vote. But not one candidate in Johnson's home state as of Monday had registered to run for statewide office or Congress under the Libertarian banner that espouses minimal government and maximum personal freedom. State Libertarian Party Chairwoman Elizabeth Hanes says at least five people have expressed interest in the Libertarian nomination for governor. Astrophysics student Grady Owens of the tiny crossroads community of Mayhill in southern New Mexico has begun collecting signatures from registered Libertarians for what he acknowledges as a longshot run for Congress in New Mexico's southern district.