Many Republicans hoped that John Dendahl would wage a fierce campaign against Democratic incumbent Bill Richardson in the New Mexico governor’s race; and, despite assertions downplaying his abrasive political style, he has already gone on the offensive.

As the chairman of New Mexico Republican party, Dendahl launched waves of partisan attacks against state Democrats and the Republicans that worked with them. Via the Free New Mexican, Dendahl said that during that period he was “something of a lightning bolt thrower,” but that his new campaign will not be a relentless assault on Richardson, the favored candidate and possible 2008 presidential candidate. Dendahl recently replaced J.R. Damron as the Republican nominee for the 2006 gubernatorial race.

Dendahl’s opening salvo, however, belies his claims. He spent Monday promoting his candidacy and, of course, attacking Richardson. Richardson chief-of-staff David Contarino has also begun criticizing Richardson’s opponent, calling the nomination of “a partisan, negative bomb-thrower” a hopeless battle against the popular governor.