Group forms to boost Keller’s chances

He’s the only mayoral candidate who qualified for public financing, but it appears that Tim Keller will have some extra help in his bid to be Albuquerque’s next mayor.

A Measure Finance Committee dubbed ABQ Forward Together has been formed “to support Tim Keller’s bid for mayor of Albuquerque.”

The group, which is soliciting contributions on its website, is quick to point out that it is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

Keller qualified for public financing by submitting $5 contributions from more than 3,802 registered city voters. He has received roughly $380,000 in city funds, minus the “seed money” he raised, to run his campaign.

As a publicly financed candidate, Keller cannot accept campaign contributions. But there is no prohibition against an unconnected political group raising money in support of Keller’s mayoral run.

More endorsements

Keller continues to amass endorsements. Among those throwing their support behind Keller are Teamsters Local 492, Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 16, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Local 823, the New Mexico Building & Construction Trades Council, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 611, Iron Workers Local Union 495, American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees Council 18 and the New Mexico Working Families Party.

“Blue Collar workers ensure that our city parks are clean and safe for our children, that our city busses are running on time, and that our streets are clean,” Casey Padilla, president of AFSCME Council 18 and Local 624, said in a news release. “Our members work hard every single day to make our city beautiful and improve the quality of life for all of us. We are honored to endorse Tim Keller for mayor because he shares that same vision and will work hard to make all of us proud to live here.”