DPNM Pre-Primary Convention an Overwhelming Display of Democratic Grassroots Enthusiasm

3,000+ leave Convention Center ready to go to work on behalf of Democratic Candidates in all 33 Counties

For Immediate Release

March 10, 2012                                                                  Contact: Matt Ross (505) 263-4879

Albuquerque, NM – Today in Albuquerque more than 3,000 Democrats came together to celebrate an incredibly deep and talented slate of candidates and prepare to do the hard work necessary to re-elect President Obama, send a Democrat to the Senate to fill Jeff Bingaman’s shoes, hold onto our Congressional districts and give Steve Pearce a run for his money this November.

Candidates were campaigning for the votes of delegates elected at the county level from every corner of the state. A candidate needs at least a 20% share of the delegate count to get one the ballot – or face the prospect of having to collect additional petition signatures to qualify. Winners in each race also determine ballot order in the June primary election. On the ballot at the convention were candidates for the US Senate, the US House of Representatives in all three districts, and the New Mexico Court of Appeals. Results were as follows:

US Senate:     

Martin Heinrich –   54.77%   
Hector Balderas – 45.23%                          

CD-1:   

Eric Griego – 40.72%  

Marty Chavez – 33.33%   

Michelle Lujan Grisham – 25.94%                   

CD-2:            

 Evelyn Madrid Erhard – 87.9%

 Frank McKinnon –  12.1%

CD-3: 

Ben Ray Lujan – 91.91% 

Harry Montoya – 8.09%                                     

Court of Appeals:
Monica Zamora – 62.65%

Victor Lopez – 37.35%

Upon adjourning the convention, Chairman Javier M. Gonzales, DPNM, said, “It’s clear from the excitement in this room today that New Mexico Democrats are fired up for 2012 and ready to take the fight to Republicans in every county in the state. GOP enthusiasm – especially at the presidential level – is at an all-time low. Meanwhile, after two straight years of jobs growth nationally and candidates who are exciting and passionate examples of Democratic values here in New Mexico, the ever-critical election year momentum is undeniable.”

He added, “And our candidates are perfectly poised to capture the enthusiasm that electrified the room today. Every single one of them showed they had the organizational chops to run smart, effective campaigns that are ready and able to win in November. Today was a great day to be a Democrat in New Mexico.”

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