Posted at: 08/27/2009 8:53 AM
Updated at: 08/27/2009 4:10 PM
By: Antoinette Antonio, Eyewitness News 4, and Reed Upton, KOB.com

Kilmer: 'I’m not running… unless'

Val Kilmer

San Miguel County Rancher and heartthrob of the big screen Val Kilmer says he is definitely not running for governor of New Mexico – kind of.

Eyewitness News 4’s Antoinette Antonio caught up with Kilmer recently at a charity benefit for New Mexico’s foster children and posed some questions to Kilmer.

“Tell us,” asked Antonio, “there’s been a lot of talk about you testing the waters for a run for governor. Will you be running in the 2010 election?”

“No, I’m not running for governor,” said Kilmer. “But I have been really flattered and moved by the interest of other concerned citizens.”

Despite recent meetings at the Round House, reported talks with senators Bingaman and Udall and a report of a planned trip to meet with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to discuss the crossover from Hollywood to politics, Kilmer made it clear, in a tentative sort of way, that he’s not running – for now.

Antonio: “So you’re clearing the air for right now, not running for governor?”

Kilmer: “No, unless – oh isn’t that a good cut, ‘unless?’”

Later, Kilmer says, “Well, you never know in politics. I’ve learned that much.”

Antonio: “So you’re leaving the door open?”

Kilmer: “No. No, I’m not running. I’m looking forward to supporting our Democratic candidate.”

There is currently only one Democratic candidate for governor, current Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish. A call to her office for comment on Kilmer’s support were not returned.