BREAKING NEWS: Richardson appoints Thomas Garcia in time to vote in today’s speaker race

About two hours before House Democrats are set to vote on who will be the next speaker, Gov. Bill Richardson has appointed Thomas Garcia of Ocate, a likely supporter of Ben Lujan, to the House District 68 seat.

Garcia is expected to vote later today for Lujan. The race between Lujan and Ken Martinez is so close that Garcia’s might be the deciding vote.

Richardson also appointed David Ulibarri of Grants to replace the retiring Joe Fidel in the Senate.

The House Distrcit 68 seat was vacated when former Rep. Hector Balderas resigned following his election as state auditor. Garcia has served as deputy district director for U.S. Rep Tom Udall since 2000. He also serves as an adjunct professor of history and political science at Luna Community College.

“Thomas Garcia knows northeastern New Mexico and he will be an excellent advocate of this diverse district which spans five different counties,” Richardson said in a news release. “Thomas Garcia, who was personally touched by the recent DWI accident that took the lives of five Las Vegas natives, expressed a commitment to make fighting DWI a priority in the Legislature. I look forward to working with him on that and other issues.”

Ulibarri is the Cibola County manager, and has held that position since 2001.

“David Ulibarri has a broad, working knowledge of the issues that are most important to the people in western New Mexico,” Richardson said. “I am confident that David Ulibarri can hit the ground running in the Senate.”

Richardson’s office has denied that he is attempting to influence the speaker race, and said he would fill the House seat so quickly after Balderas’ resignation on Dec. 7 because constituents were anxious to make capital outlay requests. Few believe that was Richardson’s only motivation, and the timing of the appointment – when Garcia will spend his first moments as a legislator voting to keep Lujan as speaker – furthers doubt about Richardson’s assertion.

Regardless of his intent, Richardson’s action will have an effect on the speaker race.

Update, 11:55 a.m.:

Paula Garcia of Mora, who was the other candidate considered by Richardson for the House District 68 position, just sent this e-mail to supporters:

Paula Garcia of Mora, who was the other candidate considered by Richardson for the House District 68 position, just sent this e-mail to supporters:

Hello Friends and Supporters,

I am writing to thank you for all your support during the past few weeks in my effort to seek the appointment for the position of State Representative for House District 68. Your phone calls and letters made a significant impact. I was nominated by the county commissions of Mora and Taos counties and interviewed by Governor Bill Richardson.

I am also writing to share with you the most recent news. As of 8:30 a.m. this morning I had not received a phone call from the Governor’s office at home, and, as of now (11:20 a.m. in my office), I have yet to receive a phone call from the Governor’s office on my cell phone. However, Thomas called me about half an hour ago informing me that he has been chosen by the Governor for the appointment.

Thanks again for all your support. It really means a great deal to me personally and it demonstrates the extent to which we share the same convictions about social justice. I was proud to have your support and to be the cause of a paper jam at the fax machine on the fourth floor because of a large volume of support letters.

Con mucho respeto,

Paula

Update, 12:40 p.m.:

Udall issued this statement about Garcia’s appointment:

“During his six year tenure with my office Thomas has served my constituents in Northeast New Mexico with great respect, sincerity and integrity,” he said. “It is an honor to have a member of my staff be appointed to the New Mexico State Legislature. I am very pleased for Thomas and his family and I look forward to working with Thomas in his new official capacity as representative of New Mexico District 68.”