By Barry Massey/
Associated Press
SANTA FE — The Democratic candidate for state auditor, Jeff Armijo, will withdraw from the race amid allegations against him of sexual misconduct.
Armijo met with Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson on Tuesday and then announced he's ending his candidacy.
"Governor Richardson has convinced me that I must leave the race for state auditor,'' Armijo said in a statement. "A debate on the issues could not take place if I remain in the race. I started this campaign with the notion to contribute to all the Democratic candidates. I feel if I stay in, I may detract from their efforts this fall.''
The Democratic state central committee will select a nominee Sept. 9 in Albuquerque to replace Armijo on the November ballot to run against Republican Lorenzo Garcia, an Albuquerque accountant and retired government auditor. The Democratic incumbent, Domingo Martinez, cannot seek re-election because he's served two terms.
Richardson, who is seeking re-election, said, "I appreciate Jeff Armijo's action. He has acted in the best interest of his family and the Democratic Party.''
Armijo's departure from the race saves Democrats from a potentially damaging campaign dispute.
The allegations against Armijo surfaced as ethics issues already were a sizzling election season topic because of a corruption scandal in the state treasurer's office. A retrial is scheduled to start next week in federal court for former Treasurer Robert Vigil, a Democrat, who is charged with racketeering and extortion for a kickback scheme involving state investments.
Armijo's announcement was a turnaround from defiant statements he had made a day earlier when Richardson said he was "extremely troubled'' by the accusations against Armijo by two women. Armijo insisted on Monday that he planned to stay in the race, saying, "I'm on the path to victory.''
On Tuesday after meeting with Richardson, Armijo said, "My focus will now turn to facing the accusations against me. As I have done all my life, I will maintain my honor and dignity throughout this process. I would remind everyone that I am presumed innocent until proven guilty. I have full faith in the judicial process.''
Two women have filed police reports alleging that Armijo made unwanted sexual advances against them. The most recent incident involved a 21-year-old woman earlier this month who was a volunteer on Armijo's campaign. The other complaint was brought by an 18-year-old woman in 2003. Both incidents occurred in Armijo's Albuquerque home.
No charges have been filed in either alleged incident. Bernalillo County District Attorney Kari Brandenburg has said her office was reviewing the latest case to determine if charges are warranted.
Armijo, who owns an Albuquerque travel agency, won the Democratic primary in June, defeating former fraud examiner and bank officer Thomas Buckner of Rio Rancho with 62 percent of the vote.
"Although a number of people have urged me to stay in the race, I believe leaving is the best decision for my family. I would ask that my privacy be respected during this difficult time,'' Armijo said.
State Democratic chairman John Wertheim said the party has a "deep bench of competent, capable'' individuals who could step into the auditor's race.
Among those considering a bid for the vacant Democratic nomination is Rep. Hector Balderas of Wagon Mound, a lawyer.
"Voters are looking for someone who can be independent and kind of a watchdog,'' said Balderas.
Buckner said he hasn't decided whether to try for the nomination.
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