For the first time in state history, the Libertarian Party of New Mexico held a pre-primary convention Saturday to vote nominees for state and federal offices.
Because all six candidates were unopposed, there wasn’t the contention usually expected at major party nominating conventions.
Courtesy photo
Aubrey Dunn
Instead, members focused on celebrating the party’s move towards prominence and public visibility in the New Mexico political sphere.
“This is, by far and away, the most visibility the party has successfully achieved in the state,” Libertarian Party of New Mexico Vice-Chair Helen Milenski said.
Still, the group of about 100 attendees spent the day meeting the candidates and listening to their stump speeches.
The candidates are all relatively new to the party, but each said they have always lived the values of less government regulations and more personal liberty.
One of the more recognizable candidates was State Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn, a long time Republican who recently registered as a Libertarian. He’s running for U.S. Senate this year as a Libertarian.
“Maybe I haven’t had the title, but I’ve walked the walk,” Dunn said.
Milenski said the convention was just one step toward a bigger goal for the party.
“The goal for this year is to reach far, gain wins and then position for greater wins in 2020,” she said.
This article comes from New Mexico Political Report, a nonprofit news organization focused on promoting a greater public understanding of politics and policy in the state of New Mexico.