Almost immediately after the June 6th primary, GOP candidate for State Auditor, Daniel Alvarez, who ran unopposed for the position, informed his state party that he wanted out. State Election law allows a major party to replace a nominee should one withdraw from the general election race. In the case of a statewide candidate's withdrawal from a general election race, the party's governing body, elected at the precinct, ward and county level, must convene and vote on a replacement. Such a meeting was called for Saturday.
Sometime early last week, Damron contacted the NM GOP to inform them that he too would be dropping out of the contest. Not one to leave his fellow partisans without a champion to cheer for, Damron, had a replacement in mind, former NM GOP Party Chair and fellow Santa Fean, John Dendahl, who he thought would do a better job taking on GBR. (WMQB, Saturday, June 17th)
Heath Haussamen provided the further news enhancement, capturing the entirety of Damron's statement to the 100 Republican SCC members.
“For the good of the state of New Mexico and its citizens, I believe there needs to be a change in the 2006 Republican gubernatorial candidate. Therefore, I have submitted the required Secretary of State form announcing my resignation as the Republican gubernatorial candidate for 2006. (the rest is worthy of a read)
WMQB's described the well executed play as only a player of the game could:
And on the heels of Damron’s announcement, one of the members present voted to nominate John Dendahl to replace him.
The nomination was seconded by Ceil Levatino, the party’s 2nd Vice Chair from Las Cruces New Mexico. Lt Gov candidate and State Senator Sue Wilson Beffort spoke in strong support of Dendahl’s nomination.
The Committee voted unanimously to place Dendahl on the ballot to take on Gov Bill Richardson in November.
Damron and Party Chair Weh either conspired to keep the Doctor's orders secret to ensure a smooth installment of the new nominee, or Weh couldn't find anybody else to take the job. One weh or another, the operation went off without a hitch.
Technorati Tags: Bill Richardson, Elections, New Mexico, Politics, Republicans
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