Democrat Jeff Armijo has withdrawn from the race for state auditor.
The move comes after a meeting earlier today with Gov. Bill Richardson.
“Governor Richardson has convinced me that I must leave the race for state auditor,” Armijo said in a statement to the Associated Press. “A debate on the issues could not take place if I remain in the race. I started this campaign with the notion to contribute to all the Democratic candidates. I feel if I stay in, I may detract from their efforts this fall.”
Richardson was pleased.
“I appreciate Jeff Armijo’s action,” Richardson said in a news release. “He has acted in the best interest of his family and the Democratic Party.”
Prosecutors are investigating allegations that Armijo made unwanted sexual advances toward a campaign volunteer. The 21-year-old woman reported to police on Aug. 3 that she had been at Armijo’s home doing volunteer work for his campaign. The two were at a computer, she said, when Armijo grabbed her and kissed her repeatedly, though she told him they should not be kissing. The woman told police Armijo removed some of her clothing, held her down on the floor and inappropriately touched her, though she told him to stop. After awhile, she was able to leave and call police.
Armijo had vowed to continue the campaign even after the news broke. He said Monday that he would not meet with Richardson to discuss the situation, but later changed his mind and agreed to a meeting held today.
Details of the meeting between the governor and Armijo were not made public.
The Democratic Party State Central Committee will select a new candidate to place on the ballot at its Sept. 9 meeting. That candidate will face Republican Lorenzo Garcia in November.
So who will replace Armijo on the ballot? Tom Buckner, who lost to Armijo in the Democratic primary, is apparently still interested, but some personal issues may affect his final decision. State Rep. Hector Balderas, D-Wagon Mound, has been mentioned as a possibility.
“I support a competitive process in which the State Central Committee chooses the best candidate to represent the Democratic Party on the ballot,” Richardson said.
A prior version of this posting incorrectly stated that Buckner was not interested in the position.
Democrat Jeff Armijo has withdrawn from the race for state auditor.