SANTA FE (Tuesday, March 23, 2010). In an announcement on Santa Fe Radio KSWV or Qué Suave this morning, Santa Fe County Commissioner and State Land Office candidate Mike Anaya endorsed Ray Powell for State Land Commissioner and has ended his bid for the seat.

Both men were on the radio to discuss the endorsement and the importance of the position.

“I’m honored to have the support of Commissioner Mike Anaya,” said Ray Powell. “As I’ve come to better know Mike, it’s clear he’s passionate about his support for rural communities. It’s clear he got into the race for all the right reasons: he’s dedicated to bettering the lives of New Mexican families.”

“We see eye-to-eye on the need for strengthening local economies and taking care of important state lands like White Peak,” said Ray Powell.

“I appreciate Mike Anaya’s offer to help my campaign, especially given his deep understanding and appreciation of the importance of our working lands and his breadth of knowledge of issues facing New Mexico’s families,” Ray continued. Mike Anaya and his brothers and extended family have a family ranch in Stanley, New Mexico.

Speaking to why he’s supporting Ray Powell, Mike Anaya had this to say:

“We’ve seen the smart leadership Ray brought to the Land Office. He knows the land, he knows New Mexicans, and he knows the job. I trust him and believe he’s is the best choice for Land Commissioner.”

“Ray’s is committed to preserving the farming and ranching traditions on our state lands in New Mexico. He will maintain access for sportsmen”

Ray Powell is running for Land Commissioner on a platform of reform in the State Land Office, creating economic development, and conserving and protecting New Mexico’s valuable public lands.

Ray Powell served as Land Commissioner from 1993-2002 and worked with opposing groups to find common interests and solve problems. His accomplishments won praise from business and agriculture groups, sportsmen, academic researchers, and conservationists.

Ray Powell is a veterinarian and currently works as a regional director for the Jane Goodall Institute for Wildlife Research Education and Conservation in Santa Fe.

Ray Powell is running in the Democratic Primary against Sandy Jones, Harry Montoya. At the March 13 Democratic Pre-Primary convention, Ray Powell received 44% of the delegate vote and became the only candidate to qualify for the June 1 ballot. Candidates must receive at least 20% in order be on the Primary ballot.