(Updates x 2) Dem Josh Anderson Seeking Appointment to Berry's House Seat

Update 2: Via Twitter, we learned that Republican Jim White was appointed tonight by the Bernalillo County Commission to the House seat vacated by RJ Berry, by a vote of 4-1 (Hart-Stebbins voted no). Alan Armijo didn't allow any other candidates to be considered due to supposed time constraints. The Commission is dominated by Dems 3-2. I wonder what the outcome would be if the situation were reversed. Do you believe that Republicans would have appointed one of their own to a seat held by a Dem? You know the answer. Read more in a report by Marjorie Childress at NMI.
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Update 1: Please call Bernalillo County Commissioner Alan Armijo at 505-468-7185 and encourage him to appoint well-qualified BernCo resident Josh Anderson to the Mayor-Elect Berry's vacant NM House seat. Armijo will have a big say in the decision.
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We now have at least one Democrat vying for RJ Berry's House seat in District 20. As I mentioned late last night on Twitter and Facebook, AFSCME political director Josh Anderson is actively seeking appointment to the seat vacated yesterday when Albuquerque mayor-elect Berry resigned. 

Instead of representing his District at the Special Session of the New Mexico Legislature that begins at Noon on Saturday, Berry will be devoting his time to putting together a transition team and selecting staff to serve in his administration when he takes office in December. Berry's resignation was somewhat of a surprise as many believed he'd keep his seat until after the Special Session was completed.

Before Anderson came into the picture, there was only one candidate seeking the appointment. Republican Jim White, a 67-year-old retired Air Force colonel has submitted an application to the Bernailillo County Commission. White lost to Berry in the 2006 Republican primary for what was then an open House seat, and has never served in an electoral office. He is a former treasurer of the Republican Party of New Mexico.

Because the HD 20 seat is in Bernalillo County, the Commissions are taking applications for the slot, and will vote to determine who gets the appointment. There are three Democrats and two Republicans on the Board of Commissioners, and no requirement exists to require them to appoint a Republican to succeed Berry.

According to news accounts, the Bernalillo County Commission may vote for a replacement for Berry as early as tonight, at its previously scheduled meeting at 5:00 PM.

It would be wonderful to have a Democrat in Berry's former seat. If you agree, please contact your County Commissioner and put in a good word for Josh Anderson. This is especially important if you live in Berry's District. Click for . Click to find your .