Lower Visibility Contests Showcased at Judge Mannie Arrieta Meet and Greet in Las Cruces

District Court Judge Mannie Arrieta, Appeals Court Judge Robert Robles, Magistrate Judge candidate "Joel" Cano

Contributing writer Stephen Jones checks in with another report from Southern New Mexico.

Less visible contests for public office were front and center at Judge Mannie Arrietta’s Meet and Greet event Sunday afternoon in Las Cruces. Judge Arrieta is seeking a second full term as District Court Judge. Making note of the large, diverse and enthusiastic crowd that filled Roberto’s on 908 East Amador Ave. in Las Cruces, Arrieta pointed to his lifelong roots and many friendships in the community. “This is the community that shaped me,” Arrieta said.

District Court Judge Mannie Arrieta

Crowd and mariachis at Roberto's in Las Cruces

Judge Arrieta shared the spotlight with several other “down ballot” Democratic candidates, primarily those also seeking judicial office. On hand were Judge Robert E. Robles, seeking re-election to the New Mexico Court of Appeals, and Jose L. “Joel” Cano, candidate for Magistrate Judge, Division 6 in Doña Ana County. A former police officer, this is Cano’s first attempt at public office.

Magistrate judge candidate Jose L. "Joel" Cano

Other candidates on hand were Billy Garrett, the Democratic nominee for Doña Ana County Commissioner, District 1, and State Representative Nate Cote (D-53), whose district includes much of Doña Ana County. Representative Cote urged the crowd to get out to vote and to keep Democrats at the helm in New Mexico. Cote outlined a record of accomplishment by New Mexico Democrats, including himself, in the past two years.

Rep. Nathan Cote, District Judge Mannie Arrieta

Judge Robles reminded the crowd of the importance of maintaining a strong voice for southern New Mexico by turning out to retain representation from down state. Robles, who sits on the New Mexico Court of Appeals, is from Doña Ana County.

NM Appellate Court Judge Robert E. Robles

Other candidates introduced included Magistrate Judge Olivia Garcia and Juan “JR” Stewart, candidate for Doña Ana County Sheriff.

Sheriff candidate Juan "JR" Stewart, Doña Ana County Commission candidate Billy Garrett

Since judicial candidates are required to meet stricter guidelines in terms of partisan campaigning, and cannot make traditional endorsements, or engage in standard fundraising appeals, the meet and greet event provided an opportunity for Arrieta and his fellow judicial candidates to meet local voters. All of the candidates are running as Democratic nominees in contests that will be decided in the November 2010 general election.

Judge Arrieta was approved by a special selection commission and appointed to the District Court bench in December 2008 by Governor Bill Richardson. He is a judge in the Civil Division, where most of his cases involve contract disputes, personal injury claims and other civil matters. A lifelong resident of Doña Ana County, Arrieta attended the University of Michigan Law School.

Click on images for larger versions. All photos by Stephen Jones. To see more posts by Stephen, visit our archive.