Full slate of candidates file to run in state, county elections

Full slate of candidates file to run in state, county elections

Sun-News report
LAS CRUCES — State Rep. Mary Helen Garcia, a Democrat, will retain her District 34 seat without a challenge, as no other candidates had thrown their hat in the ring by the filing deadline Tuesday. But she was the exception, as a full slate of candidates signed up to run in county and state races.

The primary election, for those races with more than one candidate from the same party, will be June 5. Winners will meet in the general election on Nov. 4.

Because of redistricting, County Commissioners Scott Krahling and Leticia Duarte Benavidez are now both in District 5, and will face each other in the Democratic primary, where Benjamin Luchini has also filed to make it a three-person race. The winner will face former Commssioner D. Kent Evans, who represented District 4 for eight years.

Primary elections will be held for both parties in the race to replace Krahling in District 4. David Luther Bonner and Wayne D. Hancock will square off on the Democratic side. The winner will face either Vernon C. Wilson or Robert S. Jeska, both Republicans.

In District 2, three Democrats have filed to replace Dolores Saldaña-Caviness, who must give up her seat because of term limits. They are David Garcia, Alfredo Garza and Alexander Cotoia. The winner will face Republican Janice R. Brooks in the Nov. 4 general election.

Incumbents Lynn Ellins and David Gutierrez will both face Republican challengers in November. Former Las Cruces City Council member Dolores Lucero Conner will challenge Ellins for county clerk, while Hank Bear Strevel will take on Gutierrez for treasurer.

Democrats Paul A. Martinez and Keith E. Lamonica will vie for magistrate judge in Division 3. The winner in the primary will earn the judicial seat, as no Republicans are running.

In state Senate races, there will be two local vacancies this year, with Cynthia Nava (District 31) and Stephen Fischmann (Distrcit 37) both stepping down.

Longtime House member Joseph Cervantes will give up his District 52 seat to seek Nava’s Senate seat. He’ll be challenged by former Sunland Park Mayor Jesus Ruben Segura in the Democratic primary. The winner will face Republican Brett C. Preston in the general election.

Democrat William Peter Soules and Republican Cathey Jo Alberson will run for Fischmann’s District 37 seat.

Longtime incumbent Mary Jane Garcia will face a challenge from former county commissioner Oscar Vasquez Butler for her District 36 Senate seat. The winner will face Republican Lee S. Cotter in November. Mary Kay Papen will be challenged by Republican Neal L. Hooks for his District 38 seat.
In District 35, which now includes Doña Ana County, John Arthur Smith of Deming, longtime chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, will face a primary challenge from Larry Martinez. The winner will face Republican Russell G. Allen.

Andy Nuñez, who left the Democratic Party to become the only independent in the Legislature, is not yet on the ballot, but said he plans to collect enough petitions to run again in District 36. If successful, he’ll face Phillip M. Archuleta, a Democrat, in the general election.

Democrats Doreen Yvonne Gallegos and Andrew Moralez and Republican Arlington E. Brewbaker Jr. are running for the District 52 seat vacated by Cervantes.

Joni Marie Gutierrez is also stepping down this year. Former county commissioner Bill McCamley, a Democrat, and Republican Angelina Carver will vie for her District 33 seat.

Former Rep. Jeff Steinborn, who had represented District 37, is now in District 35 as a result of redistricting, and will face incumbent Antonio Lujan in the Democratic primary. The winner will face Republican Charles Green in November.

Terry McMillan, who defeated Steinborn two years ago, will be challenged by Joanne J. Ferrary in District 37. And in District 53, Democrat Nate Cote will look to get his seat back from Republican Rick Little, who beat him in 2010.

In District 39, which now stretches into Doña Ana County, incumbent Rodolpho Martinez of Bayard will be challenged by Republican John L. Zimmerman of Las Cruces in the general election.

Butler to challenge longtime lawmaker in state Senate race

Butler to challenge longtime lawmaker in state Senate race

Sun-News report
LAS CRUCES — Former Doña Ana County Commissioner Oscar Vásquez Butler, a Democrat, has filed to run for state Senate in District 36.

Butler will face longtime Sen. Mary Jane Garcia in the primary election. The winner will face Republican Lee S. Cotter in the general election.

"People ask me why I'm running against the incumbent senator, Mary Jane Garcia. This is a fair question and I will answer it straight up," Butler said. "The short answer is that I'm not running against anyone. I'm running for the position and for a chance the address the future needs of the county and state, not the past."

Butler said Garcia, the majority whip, is to be commended for her work on a number of issues during her 24 years in the Senate. But, he said with a number of Democratic leaders not running for re-election, new leadership is needed.

"It's a new ballgame, and every legislator is Santa Fe will be challenged and must prove themselves to a new set of leaders," he said. "With these new challenges come new opportunities, and that requires to work in cooperation with the other legislators to have a good plan."

Butler said his priorities if elected would include early-childhood education, historical preservation, prison reform, water conservation, infrastructure improvement, economic development and the Colonia Initiative. He said he would also seek repeal of the Extra Territorial Zoning Act.

Butler served on the county commission from 2002 to 2010, when he was prohibited from seeking re-election because of term limits.

The primary election is June 5. The general election is Nov. 6.

Larry P. Martinez to challenge for Senate seat


Sun-News report
LAS CRUCES — Larry P. Martinez has filed his candidacy for the newly expanded New Mexico Senate District 35.

Martinez, a Lordsburg resident, will challenge longtime Sen. John Arthur Smith in the Democratic primary. Smith, who has served in the Senate since 1989, is chairman of the Finance Committee.
Martinez said he in running to bring jobs and prosperity to the district.

“I’m running because I care about the great people in this part of New Mexico,” he said. “The area is hurting for jobs. The poverty rate in parts of this district is the highest in the state and hasn’t dropped in 25 years.  I’m running because I think whoever represents Deming, T or C, and Lordsburg needs to be someone who supports making investments in our people that will draw jobs and better opportunities to southwest New Mexico.”

Martinez is retired from PNM, where he was a journeyman electrician for over 20 years. He is also secretary of the Hidalgo County Democratic Party and a member of the Board of Directors of the Hidalgo Medical Center. Martinez is a native New Mexican, 54 years old, and owns a small electrical contracting company in Lordsburg.

Because of redistricting, District 35 now stretches into Doña Ana County. Theater owner Russell G. Allen, a Republican, will challenge the winner in the Democratic primary.

The primary election is on June 5. The general election is on Nov. 6.

Evans seeks return to county commission

Evans seeks return to county commission

Sun-News report
LAS CRUCES — D. Kent Evans, who served on the Doña Ana County Commission from 2000 to 2008, has filed to run again.

Evans represented District 4 during his eight years on the commission. This year, because of redistricting, he will run in District 5. He is the only Republican in that race. Democrats Scott Adam Krahling, Leticia Durate Benavidez and Benjie Luchini will meet in the primary. Krahling and Benavidez are both incumbents, with Krahling also changing districts because of redistricting.

Evans was forced to step down in 2008 because of term limits. He ran unsuccessfully in 2009 for the Public Regulation Commission. He touts efforts to improve mental health services, start a health collaborative and bring professionalism to the county as accomplishments during his eight years in office.

"Once you've been on the County Commission for eight years, I would have to say that you now understand how the county works and all the people involved," Evans said. "I want to run because I like helping the county and my constituents. For eight years, I was honored to serve the whole county, not just my district. I enjoy helping my constituents, but I never forgot I was representing the interests of the whole county, from Hatch to Sunland Park."

As a commissioner, Evans was active on both the state and national Association of Counties.

Evans moved to Doña Ana County in 1975. After working three years at the NASA White Sands Test Facility, he spend 20 years with the Physical Science Laboratory at New Mexico State University. He has since served on the New Mexico Spaceport Authority.

Evans and his wife, Anna Mae, who ran for a seat on the county commission in 2008, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in June. They have three grown children, who all live in Las Cruces.
"This is where we want to live, and I want to do what I can to make this an even better community for others to raise their children," he said.

The primary election is on June 5. The general election is on Nov. 6.

State Rep. Andy Nuñez seeks re-election as independent

State Rep. Andy Nuñez seeks re-election as independent

Sun-News report

LAS CRUCES — State Rep. Andy Nuñez of Hatch announced he’s seeking re-election to his District 36 seat.

The 76-year-old former Democrat won’t appear on the June 5 primary election ballot because he switched his registration to independent in 2011. But he’ll appear on the Nov. 6 general election ballot.
Nuñez said he’s fielded inquiries from people wondering whether he’ll run again.

Over the years, he’s been a member of the House agriculture panel, both during the legislative sessions and in the interim periods. However, outgoing Speaker of the House Ben Lujan removed Nuñez from the committee that meets during the session, after a political battle between them.

Lujan, who announced in January he’s got lung cancer, has said he won’t seek re-election.

“We’re going to have a change in Santa Fe, now that the leadership is gone,” Nuñez said. “I want to see the ag and water committee get back on track. To me, it was a do-nothing committee last year.”

Nuñez said he believes he’s one of the few — if not the only — independent to seek election to the New Mexico House.

Nuñez, also a Hatch trustee, has been a state representative since 2001, according to the New Mexico Legislature website.

With a redistricting in place, District 36 dropped the Picacho Hills area and Rodey, but gained some more area in Las Cruces downtown and Radium Springs, Nuñez said.

Moralez sets sights on District 52 House seat

Moralez sets sights on District 52 House seat

Sun-News report
LAS CRUCES — Democrat Andrew Moralez, 41, of Anthony, N.M., has announced his candidacy for the District 52 state representative seat.

Moralez, a former manager for the city of Sunland Park and former director of the state’s Border Authority, is seeking the seat now held by state Rep. Joseph Cervantes, who’s vacating it to run for state Senate.

Moralez  said Cervantes has “done a good job representing the district, and I look forward to the challenge.”

“Although I have wanted to hold elective office for 20 years, it was never the right time,” he said in a news release. “I knew I had to earn the experience to prove to myself that I have what it takes to advocate for communities sometimes forgotten by Santa Fe.”

Moralez said he believes he has a “reputation for getting things done.”

Job creation, election reform, the promotion of open government and education are goals Moralez said he’d pursue, if elected.

“I will be meeting with voters over the next several months, and, if elected, I will continue to be accessible,” he said. “This election is about the people — the way all elections should be.”

Moralez is seeking to become his party’s nominee in the June 5 primary election. The general election is on Nov. 6.

He’s a former director of constituent services for Gov. Bill Richardson and is a co-founder of a strategic consulting company.

    

Alberson pursues state Senate seat

Alberson pursues state Senate seat

Sun-News report
LAS CRUCES — Cathey Alberson, a Republican, has announced her intention to run for the New Mexico Senate in District 37.

The district has been represented for the past four years by Steve Fischmann, a Democrat, who has announced that he will not seek re-election. Before that it had been held for several years by Republican Lee Rawson.

The her announcement, Alberson described herself as a native New Mexican who earned her bachelor’s of finance degree from NMSU and is a small business owner along with her husband, Dennis.

"Cathey is committed to Las Cruces, and knows the importance of community service," the announcement states. "She has been active in the Junior League and the Republican Party of Doña Ana County. Cathey has a heart for our youth, working with organizations that provide political education to our young people and encouraging them to be involved in their community, state, and nation. As a tennis coach for our youth, she has promoted active participation in the United States Tennis Association."

Alberson has also served other communities through mission trips to Juárez, New Orleans, and various cities in Texas, he announcement states.

"Cathey believes it is a moral responsibility to be involved in the lives of others and to serve them as opportunities arise," the announcement states. "As a mother of five, Cathey is passionate to see families represented and supported in the New Mexico Legislature. She sees a need for small businesses of New Mexico to have a voice in Santa Fe. The next generation will have to live with the decisions and actions of this generation and Cathey is resolute about leaving a legacy of ethical standards in business and life, while teaching young people how to be involved and responsible for their state."

The primary election is on June 5. The general election is on Nov. 6.

Archuleta announces House bid for District 36

Archuleta announces House bid for District 36

Sun-News report
LAS CRUCES — Phillip M. Archuleta, a Democrat, has announced his intention to run for the New Mexico House of Representatives in District 36.

The district has been represented since 2001 by Andy Nuñez, who was a Democrat for most of those years, but switched his party affiliation to independent at the start of last year's legislative session. Nuñez has announced that he will seek re-election.

Archuleta highlighted that difference in making his announcement.

"I have been a loyal Democrat and have never compromised my values or integrity to my constituents as a public servant or civic leader," he said. "I decided to run for this seat because I believe that House District 36 needs a true fighter that represents the real values of Doña Ana County."

Archuleta describes himself as a native New Mexican whose family has ties to the state dating back 400 years.

He said his priorities, if elected, would be water rights, affordable health care, protection of the environment and ensuring collective bargaining rights for workers.

"We need someone who will fight for education, health care, economic growth, but at the same time protecting the rights of the working and middle-class residents of the state," He said. "I will fight for these core democratic values and principles that demanded change in 2008. I will not represent out-of-state special interest groups that have ultimate issues, which spread hate, xenophobia and create distention in our state on issues that have nothing to do with the economy."

The primary election is on June 5. The general election is on Nov. 6.

Gallegos to run for House seat in District 52

Gallegos to run for House seat in District 52

Sun-News report
LAS CRUCES — Democrat Doreen Gallegos has announced her candidacy for state representative in District 52, which covers south Las Cruces to Anthony.

The district has been represented since 2001 by Joseph Cervantes, who has announced he will step down from his House seat to run for the Senate seat being vacated by Cynthia Nava.

Gallegos is the executive director of Mesilla Valley CASA, a program that provides advocacy to children in foster care in Doña Ana County. She points to her experience with children and families as key to her decision to seek the legislative seat.

“For 18 years I've worked with families throughout this county and surrounding areas,” Gallegos said. “It doesn't matter whether they are Republican or Democrat: they deserve the highest representation, access to affordable health care, and a quality education for their children. That is what I'll work for in Santa Fe.”

Gallegos said she wants to create greater opportunity for the people of southern New Mexico.

“The people of our area work hard, and they want good lives for their children," she said. "We need to put aside the partisan politics and work together to create economic opportunity, and to provide the services families need to succeed.”

She received her undergraduate and master's degrees from New Mexico State University, and lives in Las Cruces with her husband, Adolfo, and son, Nicolas. She pointed to the strong example set by her parents, who stressed education and service to the community.

“When we talk about family values, for my family that meant fairness, respect for others, and an obligation to make our community better. I want to bring those same values to my service as state representative.”

The primary election is on June 5. The general election is on Nov. 6.

Mary Kay Papen seeks re-election to Senate

Mary Kay Papen seeks re-election to Senate

Sun-News report
LAS CRUCES — Mary Kay Papen, a Las Cruces Democrat, announced Friday she will seek re-election to the New Mexico State Senate.

Papen was first elected to the Senate in 2000. She represents District 38.

“I look forward to continuing the work I have started in improving mental health services, supporting agriculture and encouraging economic development in southern New Mexico,” Papen said. “I am pleased with the progress we have made, but there is still much to do.”

Papen serves on the Senate Finance Committee, the interim Legislative Finance Committee, the Water and Natural Resources committee, chairs the Behavioral Health Sub-committee and is vice chair of the New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee.

Papen has championed many important pieces of legislation including mental health insurance benefits, Katie's Law, affordable housing reform, and legislation dealing with water, economic development and education.

Papen said she is proud of the work she has done supporting the colonias initiative, by bringing state funds to help improve infrastructure in the colonias. She has also supported numerous quality of life initiatives in Las Cruces, such as carrying the downtown Tax Increment Development District legislation, supporting the Las Cruces Regional Aquatic Center, and helping New Mexico State University fund projects the community can enjoy.

Papen has demonstrated her commitment to public service by serving in the Legislature, and by volunteering as a board member for the La Casa Domestic Violence Shelter, St. Luke’s Health Clinic, the First Step Clinic for Prenatal and Pediatric Care, the Las Cruces Symphony, and the Border Book Festival.

“My mother used to tell me we had to pay for our space in this world,” Papen said. “Volunteering my time serving District 38 has been the best way to give back to the community I love.”

The primary election is June 5, and the general election is Nov. 6.