New Mexico State Representative Accuses Opponent's Employee of Harassment at Public Events
New Mexico state Rep. Sarah Silva (D-Las Cruces) has publicly accused an employee of her Republican opponent, Ben Luna, Jr., of harassing her and her husband, journalist Heath Haussamen, at several public events between April and July. Silva stated that Adalberto Rodriguez, who was employed by Luna's campaign, filmed them while brandishing a tripod and phone, making derogatory comments, and in one instance, thrusting a tripod towards Haussamen. Silva and Haussamen filed a police report in late July, though the sheriff's office reportedly decided not to press charges. Silva also contacted House Speaker Rep. Javier Martinez (D-Albuquerque), who then spoke with House Minority Floor Leader Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena) about the situation. Martinez expressed concern, citing his own experience as a victim of political violence. Armstrong, however, stated that Luna had fired Rodriguez on July 8, prior to the July 13 incident, and accused Silva of resurfacing a resolved matter to distract from her involvement in t...
