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The Latest: Libertarian US Senate hopeful in New Mexico out

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The Latest on Libertarian Party U.S senatorial candidate Aubrey Dunn quitting race in New Mexico. (all times local): Noon Aubrey Dunn, the Libertarian Party U.S senatorial candidate in New Mexico, has announced he is quitting the race, opening the door for former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson to jump in. Dunn said in a statement Monday that he wanted to focus on his current job as New Mexico land commissioner and that a water crisis in southeastern New Mexico demanded his "full attention." Dunn called upon former New Mexico governor and Libertarian Party presidential candidate Gary Johnson to take his place as the Libertarian candidate for the New Mexico seat. Dunn says Johnson is willing to replace him if the Libertarian Party State Central Committee nominates Johnson as his replacement. Johnson consultant Ron Nielson told The Associated Press on Friday the former governor is "strongly considering" running if Dunn quits the race. ___ 10:30 p.m. Libertarian Party U.S senatorial candidate Aubrey Dunn is expected to announce that he is quitting the race, opening the door for former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson to jump in. Dunn is scheduled to unveil Monday his reasons why he is leaving the race in New Mexico where he was to face Democratic incumbent Sen. Martin Heinrich and Republican Mick Rich in November. Dunn is the current New Mexico Land Commissioner and won that seat in 2014 as a Republican. Johnson consultant Ron Nielson told The Associated Press on Friday the former governor is "strongly considering" running if Dunn quits the race. Johnson garnered 3 percent of the vote against President Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. He ran as the Libertarian Party candidate.