New Mexico News
| Judicial Race Topsy-Turvy |
| Posted by () on May 21 2008 at 6:30 PM |
Bubbling quietly at the bottom of the ballot is a judicial race that has more twists and turns than a "Law and Order" episode.
The five candidates have learned quickly that vying for this Metro Court judge, Division 6, spot is not for the squeamish.
Or the slow.
"This is an interesting one, and a different one because it's happened so quickly," candidate and prosecutor Garry Breeswine said.
The position came open March 12 when the state Supreme Court ordered the immediate ouster of then-Metro Court Judge J. Wayne Griego for ticket-fixing.
Applicants wishing to be considered by Gov. Bill Richardson to replace Griego were given two weeks to apply.
But they were also given a second avenue to attain the seat when Richardson announced March 13 that he was placing the judgeship on the June 3 primary election ballot.
That meant judicial hopefuls had five days to gather enough signatures from registered voters— 816 for Democratic candidates, 449 for Republicans— to get on the ballot.
"It caught everybody off guard," said Reed Sheppard, a special commissioner in domestic violence cases and one of six Democrats to submit signatures to the Bernalillo County Clerk by the deadline. "Let's just say it was a very busy few days."
One candidate failed to submit the proper number of signatures, leaving five to compete in June. No Republicans entered the race.
Breeswine and attorney Maria Dominguez were among the five. But they also decided to double their chances by applying for the nominating process.
They and two others went before the nominating commission April 9 in hopes their name would be selected and submitted to the governor.
Meanwhile, back on the election side of things, Breeswine shocked the others on the ballot by filing a complaint challenging the number of valid signatures from two of his fellow candidates— Sheppard and attorney James A. Chavez.
Breeswine contended that 211 of Sheppard's 953 signatures were invalid and that 252 of Chavez's 998 signatures were invalid.
"I didn't like the way Breeswine did that," said candidate and attorney Charles Knoblauch, adding that he believed he was not included in Breeswine's complaint because he had enough signatures to withstand any challenge.
Knoblauch was apparently so incensed that he agreed to represent Chavez, who was out of town, at a March 14 hearing on the issue.
Dominguez, too, was not listed on the complaint. "I just figured all the guys can fight with each other, and I'll just do my own thing," she said.
Breeswine's challenge was over before it began when a judge ruled it was filed too late.
According to the state election code, a challenge must be filed within 10 days— including weekends— from the last day for filing the declaration of candidacy.
Since March 18 had been that last day, that meant Breeswine needed to file his challenge by March 28. He had filed April 1.
But under state rules of civil procedure, the 10-day deadline did not include weekends, Breeswine contended.
"It came down to a separation of powers issue: Does the Legislature have the right or do the courts?" Breeswine said.
Things on the nominating side were becoming more challenging as well. On April 9, the nominating commission decided to submit one name to the governor: Dominguez.
Richardson wanted more, saying that the commission was to nominate, not select, judicial candidates.
The application process was re-opened and a new deadline of Friday was set. The commission expects to interview candidates May 9.
The governor has 30 days from then to make an appointment. That means his choice might not come until after the June 3 primary.
The appointed judge would then have to join the electoral fray if he or she hopes to hold onto the judicial position for more than a few months.
Reed Sheppard
Political party: Democrat
Place of residence: Tijeras
Age: 56
Education: B.S., marketing, Louisiana State University, 1972; juris doctorate, University of New Mexico, 1992
Occupation: Lawyer. Special commissioner for domestic violence, 2002-present; Metro Court judge, civil division, 2000; private practice, 1992-1999, 2001-2002
Family: Wife, Diann; two sons
Political/government experience: Domestic violence commissioner, 2nd Judicial District, 2002-present; Metro Court judge, 2000
Major professional accomplishments: Earning respect and trust of community through my service as judge and domestic violence commissioner.
Major personal accomplishments: Married 20 years in October; wonderful relationship with children and grandchildren; very active in community.
James A. Chavez
Political party: Democrat
Place of residence: Albuquerque
Age: 50
Education: B.A., journalism, University of New Mexico, 1982; juris doctorate, UNM, 1986
Occupation: Lawyer. Private practice, 1986-present
Family: Wife, Deborah, three daughters, one son
Political/government experience: None
Major professional accomplishments: All cases that I have helped resolve to my clients' satisfaction and benefit are accomplishments.
Major personal accomplishments: My wife and I raising four wonderful children.
Maria Dominguez
Political party: Democrat
Place of residence: Albuquerque
Age: 37
Education: B.A., political science, New Mexico Highlands University, 1992; juris doctorate, UNM, 1995
Occupation: Lawyer. Private practice, 2006-present; assistant city attorney, 2004-06; public defender, 1996-2004
Family: Husband, Bruce Fox; one son
Political/government experience: Local politics volunteer
Major professional accomplishments: First member of my family to become attorney; recommended by Judicial Selection Commission for this position.
Major personal accomplishments: Learning how to balance career of solo-practice attorney with being mother of a 2-year-old son.
Charles Knoblauch
Political party: Democrat
Place of residence: Albuquerque
Age: 57
Education: B.A., political science, University of New Mexico, 1988; juris doctorate, UNM, 1993
Occupation: Lawyer. Private practice, 1996-present; contract public defender, 1993-96
Family: Wife, Susi, two dogs
Political/government experience: None
Major professional accomplishments: Keeping the office rent paid while providing quality representation to indigent clients.
Major personal accomplishments: Staying married while providing quality representation to indigent clients.
Garry "The Breeze" Breeswine
Political party: Democrat
Place of residence: Albuquerque
Age: 45
Education: B.S. criminology/criminal justice, A.S., political science, University of Albuquerque, 1986; juris doctorate, University of New Mexico, 1989; M.P.A., UNM, 2003
Occupation: Lawyer. Deputy district attorney, senior trial prosecutor, assistant district attorney, 1996-present; management positions, Metro Court, 1993-94, 1995-96, and Children's Court, 1996-present; UNM assistant law professor, 1993-94, 1995-96
Family: Wife, Veronica, three sons, two daughters (deceased)
Political/government experience: Juvenile Community Corrections Panel, 1990-1993 (approximate)
Major professional accomplishments: Serving 18 years using all four degrees and two licenses for a safer community.
Major personal accomplishments: Excellent balance— family, community and vocation, striving to maintain the integrity of our justice system.
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