Sandoval Dem Party boss seeks state post
SANTA FE — It’s been a turbulent month for New Mexico Democrats, and Marg Elliston is hoping to bring some stability. Elliston, chairwoman of the Sandoval County Democratic Party, said Wednesday that she will seek the state party’s reins in a special election set for April 21 in Truth or Consequences.
She is the only candidate so far for the party chairmanship, which was vacated earlier this month when Richard Ellenberg stepped down due to criticism over his response to sexual harassment allegations involving a prominent labor union official and a former Doña Ana County commissioner.
In a statement, Elliston said she would unify Democrats in all corners of New Mexico. She also predicted Democrats will fare well at the polls in November, citing the gubernatorial and state House races in particular.
“We need a strong, steady and trusted leader at the head of our party to ensure that all the hard work that has already been done continues and we cross the finish line strong,” Elliston said. “I have what it takes to see us through to Election Day — and to build the party along the way.”
Elliston, a Corrales resident, is married to former U.S. Sen. Fred Harris. A retired state government employee, she worked on Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election team in Sandoval County.
PRESSURED TO QUIT? Even as some Democrats look ahead to November, there are still lingering questions about March.
Mad Hildebrandt, one of two Democrats running for the southern New Mexico-based 2nd Congressional District seat, said Wednesday that former party Chairman Ellenberg had tried at least 10 times — both in person and via email — to coerce her to drop out of the race.
That would appear to be a clear violation of state party rules, which specifically prohibit the party’s chairman from taking sides in primary elections.
Hildebrandt, an adjunct college professor from Socorro, has remained in the race and is competing against Xochitl Torres Small, a water attorney from Las Cruces, for the party’s nomination in the open race for the seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce.
Four Republicans are also running for the seat.
Democratic candidates in other races have also alleged that party leaders have shown favoritism in this year’s primary election cycle, a charge denied by party officials.
The primary election will be held June 5.