County elections supervisor files to run for clerk

Citing concerns about the health of Doña Ana County Clerk Rita Torres, the county’s elections supervisor, Lynn Ellins, filed today to run against her in the Democratic primary for clerk.

“This was not a decision easily arrived at, as it puts me in opposition to County Clerk Rita Torres, for whom I have the utmost respect and affection,” Ellins said in a news release. “However, many of us are concerned about her health and stamina and her ability to successfully complete what promises to be a long general election campaign.”

Ellins said he decided to run “at the urging of many Doña Ana County citizens.”

Ellins, an attorney, is a former committee counsel to the New York State Legislature, a former Regent for the University of Colorado and a former Deputy Secretary of State in Colorado. Torres hired him in 2006 to clean up elections in the county, which had a history of problems but has had smooth elections since he took over. Democrats and Republicans alike have praised the elections staff, under Ellins’ leadership, for professionalism and competence.

“The need for the highest level of integrity and professional service in the County Clerk’s Office is the reason I decided to seek the position myself,” Ellins said. “In my current position as the county’s supervisor of the Bureau of Elections, I have established high standards to guarantee a clean and transparent electoral process, and my office has worked with strict impartiality in our service to all parties, candidates and citizens. The County Clerk’s Office as a whole must maintain that same level of impartiality and competence in coming years.”

As I reported recently, many have expressed concerns about Torres’ health in recent years, and a number of Democrats expressed shock when she began telling them weeks ago that she was going to seek another term.

Torres, who says her health isn’t a concern, filed to run for clerk earlier today. In addition to Torres and Ellins, two other Democrats have filed to run: former Mesilla Town Clerk Yolanda Lucero, who had previously announced her run, and Martha Lucero, another employee of the clerk’s office.

Filing continues until 5 p.m. today.

Ellins cited his experience in saying he understands the role and function of the clerk’s office and the need for professional standards. He said he would, as clerk, “continue the hard work necessary to achieve the modernization of the office, and seek innovative ways in which to fund this activity.”

“Finally, as Bureau of Elections supervisor, my staff and I have always treated people who sought the bureau’s services with fairness, courtesy and respect,” Ellins said. “As county clerk, I promise no less.”