BREAKING NEWS: Auditor candidate accused of making unwanted sexual advances

Prosecutors are investigating allegations that the Democratic candidate for state auditor made unwanted sexual advances toward a campaign volunteer.

No charges have been filed, and prosecutors say a review could take months.

Political blogger Joe Monahan first reported earlier this week that a problem related to a “personal relationship” could force Jeff Armijo to quit the race for state auditor, but Monahan didn’t report specifics.

In a Wednesday e-mail, Armijo told me he did not want to comment on “the rumors perpetuated by Mr. Monahan” and said no Democrats had asked him to resign, contrary to Monahan’s report.

An article today in the Albuquerque Tribune reveals that these aren’t rumors at all. They’re serious allegations that have been probed by police and are being reviewed by prosecutors.

According to the Tribune, A 21-year-old woman reported to police on Aug. 3 that she had been at Armijo’s home doing volunteer work for his campaign. The two were at a computer, she said, when Armijo grabbed her and kissed her repeatedly, though she said “they shouldn’t be doing this.” The woman told police Armijo removed some of her clothing, held her down on the floor and inappropriately touched her, though she told him to stop, the Tribune article states.

The woman was able to leave and called police.

This is the second time allegations of this nature have been made against Armijo, according to the Tribune. In October 2003, an 18-year-old woman told police she was working with Armijo at his home when he grabbed her and tried to kiss her. She told him no and left. Armijo later called her cell-phone eight times and left an apologetic message, she claimed.

No charges were ever filed in that case, according to the Tribune.

“The accusations are false. I have no further comment,” Armijo told the Tribune. He also said his campaign is “full-bore ahead.”

Armijo, president of Paradise Travel in Albuquerque, faces Republican Lorenzo Garcia, a former auditor for the state, on Nov. 7.

Piled on top of the other scandals involving state Democrats, this places Armijo and the party in a difficult position. Charges may never be filed. Then again, they might. It’s very difficult to know what happened, and that’s why the Bernalillo County district attorney told the Tribune an investigation could take months.

What’s certain is that the state auditor is charged with being the most ethical politician in the state. He has to keep track of all the others.

“The Democratic Party will not tolerate sexual violence of any kind,” state Democratic Party Chair John Wertheim told the Tribune, adding that he’s reviewing the matter. “It is a serious matter and it should be dealt with seriously, which is why it is premature for me to pass judgment on the allegations in these police reports today, without further consideration and review.”

Though he says he’s not stepping down, the last day Armijo could quit the race and be replaced on the ballot by the party is Sept. 12.

I’m seeking an interview with Armijo. I’ll let you know if he speaks with me.