A longtime Republican Party leader in
Mike Laurance died Thursday in
Laurance was a former chairman of the county’s Republican Party and former southern regional political director for the Republican Party of New Mexico.
“Mike was a mentor to me and so many others,” said Ceil Levatino of Las Cruces, the state party’s 1st vice chair. “He remained committed to the Republican Party and involved in what we do until the very end.
Laurance was instrumental in organizing the county party’s effort to find and train watchers and challengers to staff every polling place. The new level of organization he brought was instrumental in exposing problems with the 2002 primary election that led to the indictment and later conviction of then-county Clerk Ruben Ceballos, a Democrat, on five felonies related to mismanaging that election.
The conviction drove Ceballos from office.
Laurance also frequently designed and printed, at his own cost, programs for the county party’s annual Lincoln Day Dinner.
“On behalf of Republicans throughout
Update, 3:50 p.m.
Here’s Laurance’s obituary:
Duncan Michael Laurance
September 18, 1941 – May 24, 2007
Duncan Michael Laurance lost his battle with cancer May 24, 2007. He was born in
“Mike,” as he was known to his many friends, led an amazing, colorful, and diverse life. The term “renaissance man,” is often over used, but in Mike’s case – he truly was a “renaissance man.” He never stopped learning new things and mastering new skills. As a professional photographer, some of his clients included American Airlines, The Rolling Stones, and Richard Dreyfuss. Nationally recognized for both his editorial and photographic illustrations, Mike’s work appeared in such publications as Time, Life, Playboy, and National Geographic magazines. His work included directing advertising and PR departments for both Kodak and Bell & Howell.
Mike’s works have been exhibited at the
Mike earned his Master of Arts from
Mike established a graphics design, advertising and photography business in
He was the Chairman of the Dona Ana Republican Party from 2001 – 2003, and worked with the New Mexico Republican Party as Grassroots Field Coordinator.
Recently Mike was a driving force in establishing