New Mexico, Do We Need Val Kilmer for Governor?

Val Kilmer is talking about running for New Mexico governor when Bill Richardson's term ends in 2010. I asked some long-time New Mexico residents what they thought about Val Kilmer as governor of New Mexico.

"Oh! You mean governor of New Mexico! I thought you meant California," said T.

Yes, Val Kilmer is a resident of New Mexico, living on his 6000 acre ranch south of Santa Fe. Kilmer was born in California and spent most of his youth there, attending the Hollywood Professional School among others. He does have roots in New Mexico. His grandfather was a gold prospector in the Gila area and is now buried in Truth or Consequences

D said, "He's an improvement on Bill Richardson." In fact, Val Kilmer has never held a public office, or even run for one. Recently, he was on the transition team for Diane Denish, New Mexico's current Lt. Governor, when it looked like Bill Richardson would be leaving for Washington. He would be running against Ms. Denish if he does run in 2010. Kilmer rarely even votes. Kilmer has been a registered voter in New Mexico since 1992. However he has only voted once, in 2008, from Bulgaria where he was working on a movie.

N. said, "We need more coverage on what he stands for."

Kilmer hasn't specifically stated what his platform would be. We can make some guesses. "I'm just looking for ways to be contributive," Kilmer told reporters last week. He contributed to Ralph Nader's run for the White House in 2008 and attended a rally in the summer of 2008. But, according to The Boston Herald, he voted for Barack Obama. He has run at least one fund-raising event at his New Mexico Ranch for The Wildlife center of New Mexico, raising $100,000, according to his blog.

"I'm not a president but I play one on TV," Laughed J.

I'm not sure if Kilmer ever played a president but he did play Batman in Batman Forever. He also played the FBI agent in Thunderheart and acted in a number of other movies including Top Gun and Willow. He played Jim Morrison in The Doors and, my favorite, he played Doc Holiday in Tombstone.

"His job is selling me Pepsi," said N.

On Wednesday, February 4, he paid a visit to the NM House of Representatives, where he was introduced by the House Speaker before adjournment. When asked about his visit, Kilmer said he was, "Saying hi to some friends," according to The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper. Shortly after he left, the NM Capitol Building PA system paged Val Kilmer for the LT. Governor. Many thought it was a joke as he would be running against her in 2010, if he runs.

Kilmer has said that he is certain that if he runs he will win. It sounds like he's counting on his name recognition for a boost. I wonder how much it will help him in a New Mexico where we are accustomed to famous faces showing up in the oddest corners.

"If Val Kilmer takes on the character of Doc Holiday, I'll vote for him," was the one statement we all could get behind.

Val Kilmer's Official Website

Val Kilmer's Myspace page

Esquire Magazine, interview by Chuck Klosterman, July, 2005. http://www.esquire.com/features/ESQ0705VALKILMER_120

Santa Fe New Mexican, Steve Terrell, Feb 4, 2009

http://www.santafenewmexican.com/Local%20News/Kilmer-keeps-quiet-on-political-plans

Boston Herald, Associated Press, Feb. 6, 2009

http://news.bostonherald.com/track/celebrity/view/2009_02_05_Val_Kilmer_ponders_run_for_New_Mexico_governor_in_2010/srvc=home&position=recent