Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Williams-Stapleton Gets Primary Challenger

Beleaguered State House Democratic Whip Sheryl Williams-Stapleton has a primary challenger for the Democratic nomination for her House seat this year.

 Rob Nikolewski of  Capitol Report New Mexico just confirmed that Cara Valente-Compton, a University of New Mexico law student, will run against the whip.

The challenger said that Williams-Stapleton's recent Roundhouse outburst -- in which she accused Rep. Nora Espinoza, R-Roswell, of "carrying the Mexican's water on the Fourth Floor," a barb aimed at Gov. Susana Martinez -- played a role in her decision to run.

“Of course it did,” Valente-Compton said, “but it’s not the primary reason why I’ve decided to run. But we do have to elevate the tone in Santa Fe … we’re professional people and we have to treat others, and those we disagree with, with respect …. I was raised by Republicans, you have to honor and respect them.”
Williams-Stapleton has apologized to Martinez, Espinoza and the public in general for the remarks.

I think there will be a few interesting primary challenges this year.