Because I was on vacation when he died, I was unable to devote the attention I would have liked to give to the Dec. 27 passing of former Senate President Ben Altamirano.
But I can tell you this: Altamirano was well-respected by his peers and others. He was a devoted public servant whose last great accomplishment was the passage of the minimum wage increase that took effect Tuesday, just days after his death.
Altamirano was 77 and the longest-serving member of the Legislature, having been in office since 1971. He’s survived by his wife Nina Melendrez, his two sons Ben Jr. and Paul, and his daughter Yolanda Manzano.
His family has asked that donations be made to the New Mexico Heart Institute, located at
The commissions in the three counties Altamirano represented will nominate replacements, and the governor will choose from among them in making the appointment. The Senate will select a new president when it convenes on Jan. 15.
Click here to read about Altamirano’s memorial service in Santa Fe, here to read the Albuquerque Tribune’s editorial in remembrance of the senator and here to read about possible replacements for Altamirano.
Here’s what some of the state’s leaders had to say about Altamirano:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of a great New Mexican and my dear friend, Benny Altamirano,”
Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez called Altamirano “the ultimate statesman, a gentleman who always had a smile.”
“There wasn’t a person he didn’t know or a friend he didn’t have. He was the type of person who didn’t care if you were Democrat, Republican, young or old, he treated everyone the same. I will miss him, not only as a colleague, but as a friend,” Sanchez said.
Lt. Gov. Diane Denish called Altamirano “a gentleman’s gentleman.”
“Of all the people who could put a calming hand on the Senate, Ben was that person,” she said. “No one can replace him.”
Attorney General Gary King, who served with Altamirano in the Legislature, said
“On behalf of myself and the King family, I wish to convey our deepest condolences to the family of Senator Ben Altamirano. I had the pleasure of working with Ben during my time in the Legislature and I always knew him to be a dedicated public servant,” he said. “He accomplished a great deal for his constituency in
State Democratic Party Chairman Brian Colón said Altamirano was “always approachable and welcoming of my visits, as I’m sure he was with all New Mexicans. He will be missed by myself and certainly many others.”