If Martinez gets the nomination, it will be an all-Hispanic GOP ticket for Gov/Lt Gov as fmr. State Rep. John Sanchez (Richardson’s opponent in ‘02) will do whatever is necessary to get the #2 slot and use his money to help the ticket win.
Your point about Pete, Jr. running for a downballot statewide office is a good one, but the problem is, the GOP usually is on the losing end for those races and, in fact, no Republican has gone from a lower statewide office (exclusive of Lt Governor) to the Governorship since statehood. Also, remember the last two of our GOP Governors never held or ran for public office before their election (Garrey Carruthers and Gary Johnson).
Of course, none of the GOP lower statewide officeholders from the past had the same name as a 6-term U.S. Senator. I think that Domenici might be able to swing a U.S. Senate seat if he runs from a perch as AG or Secretary of State.
I didn’t see John Sanchez listed among Lt. Gov. candidates on Politics1, and the filing deadline is February. If he’s so hell bent on getting the #2 slot, why hasn’t he filed yet?