Former Guantanamo Bay Deputy Commander Army Brig. Gen. Greg Zanetti, who appears regularly on KOB and who we interviewed here, has formed an exploratory committee for a 2010 run for Governor of New Mexico.

Zanetti, a Republican, has not formally announced his run, but Joe Monahan got wind of it the other day on his blog.

Does the GOP stand a chance for statewide office? New Mexico now has an all-Democrat Congressional delegation for the first time in a loooong time. And polls show Gov. Bill Richardson's popularity sinking—but is it enough to overcome the Republican Party's Bush taint?

Here's a statement we got from Zanetti, fresh off the email server:

I am in the process of forming an exploratory committee to run for governor in 2010. As word has spread, I have been both heartened and surprised by the enthusiasm and support for my candidacy.

I also know it is a long road to the primary and there is a lot of work ahead.

I strongly believe that we need to restore trust in government here in New Mexico.  The people should trust their government and the government should trust the people.

More after the cut.

I bring a unique set of skills to this campaign.

People have told me that they are tired of career politicians...on both sides of the aisle.

I have extensive leadership experience in both the private sector and the public sector (military).

I understand finance.  I have worked in the financial sector for 22 years and know what needs to be done to restore prosperity to our pension funds and state finances.

Next, as a small business owner I understand how to make money and not just how to spend it.  I know the burden that over-taxation and regulation places on the productive members of our society.  We need to reward and encourage hard work over entitlement.

Next, as a Brigadier General, I served at both the State level (here in NM) and the National level (at GTMO).  I understand our security issues and challenges on the border.  I understand how to work with large bureaucracies and with Washington. And I've had the privilege to serve with the fine men and women of the NM National Guard.

Finally, as a father of two sons in the public school system, I understand how important the education issue is to the long-term health and viability of the State.  I am a product of the Albuquerque public school system.  My wife has been a teacher, State School board member and State Representative.  My father was on the APS School board and my mother was the principal of Sandia HS. ... I married my HS sweetheart (Valley HS 1976) Teresa 29 years ago.

I am a West Point graduate and have two Master's degrees...one from Boston University in Business and the other from the US Army War College in Strategic Studies.