Damron withdraws from gubernatorial race; former GOP chairman replaces him Last Update: 06/17/2006 6:12:59 PM By: Associated Press ALBUQUERQUE (AP) - Former state Republican party chairman John Dendahl is the party’s new nominee to challenge Democratic Governor Bill Richardson. State Republican Party Chairman Allen Weh says Dendahl, 67, was nominated by unanimous voice vote Saturday at a Republican State Central Committee meeting in Albuquerque.