SANTA FE, N.M. – Val Kilmer for governor?
Gov. Bill Richardson helped fuel speculation about the actor possibly running for governor of New Mexico when he told television reporters last week, "I like the idea." Richardson's term ends in 2010.
Richardson acknowledged he hasn't talked with Kilmer and doesn't know whether he's seriously considering a bid for the governorship, but said, "if he jumps in a race he's got name ID, so it can't be discounted." A spokeswoman for the governor later clarified that Richardson wasn't endorsing Kilmer.
The actor's agent, David Unger, declined comment Friday on whether Kilmer might become a candidate for governor.
Kilmer, who lives in San Miguel County, has never cast a ballot in New Mexico since registering to vote in 1992, according to registration records.
Kilmer's screen credits include playing Batman in "Batman Forever" in 1995, a fighter pilot in 1986's "Top Gun" and rock icon Jim Morrison in the 1991 Oliver Stone film, "The Doors."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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