Senate President Ben Altamirano, D-Silver City, died today at his home after suffering from a massive heart attack.
Altamirano, who had served in the Senate since 1971, will be remembered as a hard worker with a warm personality.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of a great New Mexican and my dear friend, Benny Altamirano,” Gov. Bill Richardson said in a statement released by his office. “Benny was a true statesman whose soft-spoken demeanor and love for the State of New Mexico helped earn him the respect of everyone who crossed his path. Benny will be dearly missed. Barbara and I send our condolences to Benny’s wife, Nina, and his entire family.”
I’ll have more on this next week.