Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Eichenberg Running for Treasurer

Former Albuquerque state Sen. Tim Eichenberg, who didn't seek re-election to his Senate seat last year, is running to politics, running for the Democratic nomination for state Treasurer.

Eichenberg, 61, in his announcement today praised incumbent Treasurer James Lewis, who legally is barred from seeking a third consecutive term.

“We all owe a debt to our current State Treasurer, James B. Lewis, who is termed out, for the work he has done to restore ethics and honesty to the Treasurer’s office. We share the same core values of respect for the public trust as well as ethical behavior by elected officials, and I will continue his fine work. My experience and reputation for fiscal responsibility make me the right choice for the office so crucial to our state’s financial integrity.”

Lewis, who was elected in 2006, followed former Treasurer Robert Vigil who eventually served prison time after being implicated in a kickback scheme.

Eichenberg's first public office was Bernalillo County treasurer, to which he was elected in 1974 at the age of 22.

He will face former Bernalillo County Treasurer Pat Padilla in next June's primary.