The resignation two weeks ago of former District Judge Larry Ramirez creates an interesting situation for the Democratic Party.
Applications for his replacement were due Thursday, and the judicial nominating commission meets Monday to recommend candidates to the governor, who will make an appointment.
Meanwhile, the Doña Ana County Democratic Party meets Tuesday to decide who to place on the ballot for that judgeship in November.
A similar situation existed in 2004. When then-Magistrate Judge Anne Segal lost her primary bid to unseat Ramirez, she resigned her magistrate position and moved to Arizona.
Richardson sought advice from State Sen. Mary Jane Garcia, D-Doña Ana, who suggested he appoint Maria E. Rodriguez to replace Segal. He did.
Upset that it wasn’t consulted, the county’s Democratic Party revolted. Two days after Rodriguez’s appointment, the party shafted the governor’s pick by selecting Richard Silva to run for the seat in November 2004, giving Rodriguez only a few months on the bench.
It was a huge embarrassment for Richardson, who began reaching out after to that to several other county Democratic leaders before making major decisions.
Sources tell me Democrats are making efforts to avoid a similar situation.
Don’t forget that the Republicans also get to place someone on the ballot in November. This could become an interesting race. With the problems several local Democratic judges have faced in recent years, voters might opt for a Republican in November, if the party can find a good candidate.
Then again, Republicans didn’t find anyone to run against Jim T. Martin, the only other district judge whose seat is up for grabs this year.