ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Democrats say the endorsement of GOP New Mexico gubernatorial hopeful Steve Pearce by a former Democratic governor is connected to the former governor's son losing the Democratic nomination for governor.
Democratic Party of New Mexico chair Marg Elliston said Sunday that former New Mexico Gov. Jerry Apodaca's endorsement of Pearce is "sour grapes" on the part of Jeff Apodaca being defeated by Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham in the Democratic primary.
Jerry Apodaca, a Democrat who was New Mexico's 24th governor from 1975-79, is the father of Jeff.
The elder Apodaca said Sunday he found Pearce to "be straightforward and an honest man."
Jeff Apodaca has drawn criticism from some Democrats for recently attending a Pearce campaign event and shaking the Republican congressman's hand.