About two hours before House Democrats are set to vote on who will be the next speaker, Gov. Bill Richardson has appointed Thomas Garcia of Ocate, a likely supporter of Ben Lujan, to the House District 68 seat.
Garcia is expected to vote later today for Lujan. The race between Lujan and Ken Martinez is so close that Garcia’s might be the deciding vote.
The House Distrcit 68 seat was vacated when former Rep. Hector Balderas resigned following his election as state auditor. Garcia has served as deputy district director for U.S. Rep Tom Udall since 2000. He also serves as an adjunct professor of history and political science at
“Thomas Garcia knows northeastern
Ulibarri is the
“David Ulibarri has a broad, working knowledge of the issues that are most important to the people in western
Richardson’s office has denied that he is attempting to influence the speaker race, and said he would fill the House seat so quickly after Balderas’ resignation on Dec. 7 because constituents were anxious to make capital outlay requests. Few believe that was
Regardless of his intent,
Update, 11:55 a.m.:
Paula Garcia of Mora, who was the other candidate considered by
Paula Garcia of Mora, who was the other candidate considered by Richardson for the House District 68 position, just sent this e-mail to supporters:
Hello Friends and Supporters,
I am writing to thank you for all your support during the past few weeks in my effort to seek the appointment for the position of State Representative for House District 68. Your phone calls and letters made a significant impact. I was nominated by the county commissions of Mora and
I am also writing to share with you the most recent news. As of 8:30 a.m. this morning I had not received a phone call from the Governor’s office at home, and, as of now (11:20 a.m. in my office), I have yet to receive a phone call from the Governor’s office on my cell phone. However, Thomas called me about half an hour ago informing me that he has been chosen by the Governor for the appointment.
Thanks again for all your support. It really means a great deal to me personally and it demonstrates the extent to which we share the same convictions about social justice. I was proud to have your support and to be the cause of a paper jam at the fax machine on the fourth floor because of a large volume of support letters.
Con mucho respeto,
Paula
Update, 12:40 p.m.:
Udall issued this statement about Garcia’s appointment:
“During his six year tenure with my office Thomas has served my constituents in