Steinborn to challenge Lujan in Dem primary

Jeff Steinborn (left) and Antonio Lujan

From NMPolitics.net - Former State Rep. Jeff Steinborn, D-Las Cruces, announced today that he’s running for the seat currently held by a one-time Democratic House colleague, Antonio Lujan, who announced his own re-election plans last week.Steinborn’s attempt to unseat Lujan in this year’s Democratic primary is certain to upset some party insiders. The race will likely be one of the most hotly contested legislative primaries in the state.Steinborn used to represent District 37 on the northeastern edge of Las Cruces, but he lost the seat in 2010. This year’s redistricting appears to be moving him into Lujan’s inner-city District 35. Though redistricting is still up in the air, the maps currently being considered affect the Las Cruces area the same way, so most think the district boundaries in this area are set.“But Lujan announced his re-election campaign last week, saying he was committed to the race regardless of how redistricting turned out. In an interview today, Lujan said he has no hard feelings against Steinborn, who informed him during the recent legislative session that he might run.“I just told him, Jeff, if you want to run, feel free to do so. It’s nothing personal,” Lujan said. “I don’t have any problems with opposition, and we’ll see who the people choose.”He said he asked Steinborn to commit to a positive campaign.“He didn’t commit to it, but if it doesn’t stay positive then there’s going to be some blood on the ground,” Lujan said. “I don’t want to go that route. I’ve never run a negative campaign. I know how to do them, but that’s not my preference or my style.” Read more

Steinborn to challenge Lujan in Dem primary