Howie Morales Appointed State Senator in District 28

Governor Bill Richardson today appointed Howie Morales, Ph.D. to represent state Senate District 28. Morales will fill the vacancy left by the passing of Senate Pro-Tem Ben Altamirano, who held the District 28 seat for more than thirty years. Morales has served as Grant County Clerk since 2005 and teaches leadership and government courses at Western New Mexico University. Morales earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a Masters degree in Bilingual Special Education from Western New Mexico University and a Doctorate in Philosophy from New Mexico State University. Read more of the Governor's statement.

Socorro's El Defensor Chieftain has on Morales and Socorro County's recommendation. According to the newspaper,

Morales was personally recommended by the Altamirano family to fill Ben Altamirano's term. Santillanes said Altamirano's wife, Nina, had considered putting her name in for the position, but decided against it. Instead, the family is supporting Morales who is a distant relative.

In addition, former majority floor leader of the Legislature, Michael Olguin, was recommended by Bennie Berreras in Socorro County to fill the vacancy. However, Michael Olguin's name was eventually withdrawn by Commissioner Phillip Anaya based on the Altamirano family's wishes.