Former Gary Johnson campaign worker Clayburn Griffin to run for Pearce's seat

LOVINGTON - A Lovington native who worked for Libertarian Gary Johnson's presidential campaigns in 2012 and 2016 has announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination for New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District.

Clayburn Griffin on Friday released a statement saying his campaign plans to focus on the economy and push for on-the-job training programs in emerging markets.

"I want to bring compassionate conservatism back to the GOP and build a new American Dream that works in our modern economy," Griffin said.

"People are tired of working dead-end jobs, of living paycheck to paycheck with the fear of being laid off at a moment's notice as new technologies continue to disrupt industry after industry," he added. "We need to invest in our workers and give them the skills that are in high demand in today's market."

Incumbent Steve Pearce will be giving up his Congressional seat to run for New Mexico governor. A host of Republicans and Democrats have announced their intentions to seek the position, which represents the southern part of New Mexico in Congress.

More: Rep. Steve Pearce to seek New Mexico governor's office

Griffin said other issues he'll focus on include preserving public lands and defending the US against the growing cyber threats.

Griffin said he intends to travel around the district in the coming weeks to gather signatures for his nominating petition and to meet with voters directly.

He said his early interest in politics started as founder and president of Lovington High School's Teenage Republicans club where he campaigned for Rep. Pearce in his initial run for this same seat.

For information, see http://www.clayburnforcongress.com.