Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Valerie to Challenge Jerome?

Santa Fe County Clerk Valerie Espinoza told me Tuesday she intends to run for the Public Regulation Commission seat held by Jerome Block Jr.

Espinoza is serving her second term as county clerk. She leaves that office at the end of 2012 and constitutionally isn't allowed to seek a third term.

Block, who is serving his first term on the PRC, couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday. Assuming he runs for another term, he would face Espinoza in the Democratic primary in June 2012.

Both have problems. Some Democrats are still mad at her for supporting a Republican -- Dianna Duran, who defeated incumbent Secretary of State Mary Herrera last year.

As for Block, well, he still faces felony charges stemming from his 2008 election.

My story in today's New Mexican can be found HERE