Rep. Herrera dies following battle with cancer

State Rep. Manuel Herrera, D-Bayard, died Sunday morning following a long battle with cancer.

Herrera, who had been a member of the Legislature since 1999, was vice chair of the House Labor and Human Resources Committee and a voting member of a number of other committees, and was a fighter for issues in Grant and Hidalgo counties.

Gov. Bill Richardson ordered flags flown at half-staff beginning today in memory of Herrera.

“Manny Herrera was a quiet but effective advocate for the people in Grant and Hidalgo counties,” Richardson said. “I always turned to Manny Herrera on any issue that affected Southwest New Mexico. He will be missed.”

The county commissions in Grant and Hidalgo counties will now recommend replacements to the governor, who will make an appointment from among those names submitted.

Update, 2:45 p.m.

Lt. Gov. Diane Denish released this statement on Herrera:

“He was a solid Democrat who strove to improve the lives of the working poor, especially those who were chronically hungry, and to empower small businesses,” she said. “His fighting spirit was much admired.”