Harry Montoya
Former Santa Fe County Commissioner Harry Montoya announced today that he’ll challenge U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján in the Democratic primary this year.
Montoya didn’t mention Luján by name in what was to many a surprise announcement, but that doesn’t mean Montoya didn’t take any shots.
“I believe that being a Democrat means standing up for working people, for families, for children, and for the environment,” Montoya said. “… For too long, the corruption of the machine politics has been getting in the way of solving important problems in New Mexico. Today is our day, today is truly about returning democracy to the people.”
Montoya ran unsuccessfully for the 3rd District seat in Congress in 2008 – the year Luján was first elected – and for land commissioner in 2010. He’s not the only Democrat challenging Luján; Santa Fe artist Sean Closson is also running.
On the Republican side, Rick Newton is running.
Here’s Montoya’s full statement:
“Today I’m officially announcing my candidacy for New Mexico’s Third Congressional District. I was born and raised in this Congressional District with a deep respect and love for the natural beauty and cultural traditions of Northern New Mexico. As special as New Mexico is, we aren’t immune to the devastating effects of the economic crisis. Our economic problems here in New Mexico did not start with the recent great recession. The people of our state have been struggling for a long time. I believe that being a Democrat means standing up for working people, for families, for children, and for the environment. I will stand up for these ideals even when standing up is hard, or inconvenient or painful, because doing the right thing is what matters most of all. For too long, the corruption of the machine politics has been getting in the way of solving important problems in New Mexico. Today is our day, today is truly about returning democracy to the people.”