State health secretary leaving job to run for office

Michelle Lujan Grisham is leaving her job as health secretary is pursue an “opportunity involving elected office,” according to a news release from the governor’s office.

The Democrat lives in Albuquerque, so it’s fair to guess that she might be jumping into the race against U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson, R-N.M. A spokeswoman for the Department of Health said Grisham “is deciding that.”

“She’s got a lot of different options,” said spokeswoman Deborah Busemeyer. “I think she’s leaving all of her options open.”

Since there are no statewide offices open in 2008, it’s hard to believe a cabinet secretary would be dropping such a prestigious job for a run at any office other than U.S. representative or senator. Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., is also up for re-election next year, and the Democratic Party has had a hard time finding any known candidate to challenge him.

Replacing Grisham on June 11 will be Dr. Alfredo Vigil, CEO for El Centro Family Health, a non-profit primary care organization in Northern New Mexico, according to the news release.

“Secretary Grisham has worked hard to guide strategic legislation and overseeing a vast array of health programs,” Gov. Bill Richardson said. “I respect her many talents and tireless work ethic, and I am confident New Mexico will continue to benefit from her devotion to the citizens of this state.”

Richardson said Vigil’s experience will be a good fit for the job.

“I am confident that, with Dr. Vigil’s extensive clinical and leadership experience, coupled with his intimate knowledge of health care delivery in New Mexico, we will reinvigorate our public health policies and services and work on other key initiatives such as access to services, workforce development and improving New Mexico’s health rankings,” Richardson said.

In 1991, Grisham was appointed to direct the Aging and Long-term Services Department. Richardson appointed her as health secretary in August 2004. The governor’s release said she is “now looking into pursuing a political office that will enable her to continue her advocacy work for individual rights.”

“In my 18 years in state government working for three governors, I have had the opportunity to lead agencies that improve access to health care and enhance the quality of life of New Mexicans,” Grisham said in the release. “I am proud to have worked with a dedicated team of professionals who devote their lives to serving and protecting New Mexicans.”

Albuquerque City Councilor Martin Heinrich, the only Democrat who has officially filed the paperwork to run against Wilson next year, hadn’t heard about Grisham’s departure, but said he ran into her recently and she mentioned nothing about a potential run.

Heinrich, who had previously set up an exploratory committee to consider a run, said he is definitely running and plans an official announcement in the summer.

Since Grisham said nothing to Heinrich about challenging him in a primary, perhaps she’s leaning toward a run against Domenici.

Busemeyer said she would try to get me an interview with Grisham later today. If I speak with her, you’ll know about it.