Campos drops out of congressional race

Just two days after announcing that he would run for the Second Congressional District seat being vacated by Steve Pearce, state Rep. Jose Campos, D-Santa Rosa, is dropping out of the race because a ruptured disc in his back requires immediate surgery.

Campos said he has been aware of the problem in his back for some time and knew he would need surgery eventually, but he hoped to delay it at least a year with exercise and other natural treatment.

Campos had an MRI on Monday to ensure he could delay the surgery, and it revealed the ruptured disc, he said. His doctor has scheduled him for surgery on Wednesday that will keep him off his feet until just before the state Legislature convenes in mid-January. He said he plans to be ready for the session.

Campos said he is disappointed.

“After I called so many people, I’ve gotten so many commitments, now I have to call them all back and tell them I can’t run,” he said.

That leaves the Democratic primary to include state Rep. Joseph Cervantes of Las Cruces, Al Kissling of Las Cruces, Doña Ana County Commissioner Bill McCamley, Roswell businessman Frank McKinnon and former Lea County Commissioner Harry Teague.

On the Republican side, only GOP restaurant-chain owner and rancher Ed Tinsley has formally entered the race, but former Bernalillo County GOP Executive Director Bob Cornelius has formed an exploratory committee “with the intent to run.” Sierra County Republican Party Chair C. Earl Greer and Aubrey L. Dunn Jr. are expected to make final decisions soon, and others are also considering the race.