Taos mayor hosts Lujan-Grisham for feast
As part of the 2018 New Mexico gubernatorial campaign, Congresswoman Michelle Lujan-Grisham stopped in Taos Sunday (Sept. 2) for a gathering at Mayor Dan Barrone’s northside El Prado home. Lujan-Grisham earlier had dropped by to greet supporters in Peñasco and planned to end the day in Raton, all part of a statewide jobs tour she’s on.
Over 100 people packed Barrone’s horse stables to eat roast pig and listen to Democrat candidates running in the 2018 New Mexico elections speak about various issues and concerns in Taos. The event also allowed the candidates to become familiar with their Taos base and gather support for the upcoming general election in November.
Lujan-Grisham is facing off against Republican Congressman Steve Pearce for the governor’s seat in a race that’s become a tight one.
During Sunday’s event, candidates touched on community needs, such as veterans, addiction and education during their speeches and conversations with constituents.
“We are on the edge of transformation in this state,” Lujan-Grisham told supporters.
During her speech, Lujan-Grisham said she was going to make sure veterans were taken care of in New Mexico and also that she would help the public take back control of their state. While not providing specifics on how to accomplish these goals, Lujan-Grisham had her crowd cheering and clapping as the event moved from a political forum to a backyard party.
Bales of hay lined the walls of the barn for guests to sit on as they feasted and enjoyed the event. Shortly before speaking, some of the candidates, including Lujan-Grisham, took to the dance floor as music played in both Spanish and English.
Members of Barrone’s family helped serve food to the guests as musicians took the stage and the candidates sat and talked with voters. Many of the people present were mostly concerned with the education system under Gov. Susana Martinez’ administration and expressed hope for the future of the schools under Lujan-Grisham.
“We’ve been seeing a lot of (Lujan-Grisham’s) advertisements and what she’s talking about and we like it,” said county resident Rosie Martinez. “I think she’s going to make a good governor because I really like what she’s all about.”
Lujan-Grisham has made several stops in Taos in recent months, including a July 4 trip where she helped Barrone serve at the annual pancake breakfast.
Republican candidate Steve Pearce has also made several stops in Northern New Mexico and plans to return in the next few months for more events.