Novemberjazz (talk | contribs) additional info Tag: Visual edit |
Added additional reporting and assessment to clarify "dark money" interference in NM 3D congressional Democratic primary. Tag: Visual edit |
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=== 2020 U.S. House election === |
=== 2020 U.S. House election === |
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After incumbent Representative [[Ben Ray Luján]] announced that he would not seek re-election in 2020 and run for [[Tom Udall]]'s seat in the [[United States Senate]], Leger Fernandez announced her candidacy to succeed him. In the Democratic primary, Leger Fernandez faced six opponents, including New Mexico State Representative [[Joseph L. Sanchez]] and [[Valerie Plame]], an author and former CIA officer.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 16, 2019|title=Santa Fe lawyer Leger Fernandez running for Congress|url=https://apnews.com/de1263ef9f2b4b298c88c628c4ea9ffe|access-date=June 3, 2020|website=AP NEWS}}</ref> |
After incumbent Representative [[Ben Ray Luján]] announced that he would not seek re-election in 2020 and run for [[Tom Udall]]'s seat in the [[United States Senate]], Leger Fernandez announced her candidacy to succeed him. In the Democratic primary, Leger Fernandez faced six opponents, including New Mexico State Representative [[Joseph L. Sanchez]] and [[Valerie Plame]], an author and former CIA officer.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 16, 2019|title=Santa Fe lawyer Leger Fernandez running for Congress|url=https://apnews.com/de1263ef9f2b4b298c88c628c4ea9ffe|access-date=June 3, 2020|website=AP NEWS}}</ref> Leger Fernandez emerged in the lead after winning 42 percent of the votes in the Democratic pre-primary convention.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-03-07|title=Democratic Party of New Mexico release results from pre-primary convention|url=https://www.kob.com/albuquerque-news/democratic-party-of-new-mexico-release-numbers-from-pre-primary-convention/5667869/|access-date=2020-07-04|website=KOB 4|language=en}}</ref> |
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The competitive primary among liberal candidates was largely civil. However, a late influx of "[[dark money]]" contributed by groups that use existing campaign finance law to remain anonymous, marred the campaign. A so-called Alliance to Combat Extremism posted attack ads that tarred Plame with being anti-Semitic. One featured [[Swastika|swastikas]] superimposed over her eyes, in reference to her retweet of a 2017 article titled “Jews Are Driving America’s Wars,” for which she repeatedly apologized.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Shelbourne|first=Mallory|date=2017-09-21|title=Valerie Plame tweets story blaming 'America's Jews' for foreign wars|url=https://thehill.com/policy/international/middle-east-north-africa/351745-valerie-plame-tweets-story-blaming-americas|access-date=2020-07-04|website=TheHill|language=en}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web|last=mgerstein@sfnewmexican.com|first=Michael Gerstein|title=Candidates jab Leger Fernandez over ad attacking Plame|url=https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/elections/candidates-jab-leger-fernandez-over-ad-attacking-plame/article_93ae08ec-9aba-11ea-a5ca-e39c1a9e1b0a.html|access-date=June 3, 2020|website=Santa Fe New Mexican|language=en}}</ref> Separately, Perise Practical Inc. and Avacy Initiatives Inc. paid for positive ads favoring Leger Fernandez; FEC filings for both groups listed as signatory David Krone, chief of staff for Harry Reid, former Democratic Senate majority leader from Nevada.<ref>{{Cite web|last=May 27|first=Matthew Kassel|last2=2020|date=2020-05-27|title=Leger Fernandez takes strong lead against Plame ahead of New Mexico primary contest|url=http://jewishinsider.com/2020/05/leger-fernandez-takes-strong-lead-against-plame-ahead-of-new-mexico-primary-contest/|access-date=2020-07-04|website=Jewish Insider}}</ref> Some of the trailing candidates subsequently criticized Leger Fernandez, alleging she was responsible for accepting dark money. Leger Fernandez, who advocates campaign finance reform and is endorsed by [[End Citizens United]], denounced the attacks on Plame and categorically denied any connection with the outside groups.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Editor|first=T. S. Last {{!}} Journal North|title=CD3 candidate criticized for support from 'dark money groups'|url=https://www.abqjournal.com/1455968/cd3-candidate-criticized-for-support-from-dark-money-groups.html|access-date=2020-07-04|website=www.abqjournal.com|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=mgerstein@sfnewmexican.com|first=Michael Gerstein|title=Candidates criticize 'dark money' spending on behalf of Leger Fernandez|url=https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/candidates-criticize-dark-money-spending-on-behalf-of-leger-fernandez/article_7d0eb8a8-9b9f-11ea-9472-17f2cb7f259d.html|access-date=2020-07-04|website=Santa Fe New Mexican|language=en}}</ref> Such external interference was unusual for New Mexico politics, and it was unclear whether it had any effect on the outcome, given Leger Fernandez’s front runner status, extensive endorsements, and advertising openly sponsored on her behalf. |
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⚫ | A political [[Progressivism in the United States|progressive]], Leger was also endorsed by the [[Working Families Party]], [[Elizabeth Warren]], and [[Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Blaber|first=Mona|date=2020-01-23|title=Sierra Club endorses Teresa Leger Fernandez for U.S. House|url=https://www.riograndesierraclub.org/sierra-club-endorses-teresa-leger-fernandez-for-u-s-house/|access-date=2020-07-03|website=Rio Grande Chapter|language=en-US}}</ref> Leger Fernandez placed first in a field of seven candidates with over 42% of the vote.<ref>{{Cite web|last=mgerstein@sfnewmexican.com|first=Michael Gerstein|title=With clear primary victory, Leger Fernandez eyes November|url=https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/elections/with-clear-primary-victory-leger-fernandez-eyes-november/article_b396ba1a-a5b3-11ea-ae93-5bc91acb6fe5.html|access-date=2020-07-03|website=Santa Fe New Mexican|language=en}}</ref> Leger Fernandez will face environmental engineer Alexis Johnson in the November general election.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Grover|first=Hannah|title=Leger Fernandez wins Democratic nomination for CD3, Johnson leads in Republican primary|url=https://www.daily-times.com/story/news/local/new-mexico/2020/06/02/2020-new-mexico-primary-election-results-farmington-congressional-district-3/5300965002/|access-date=2020-06-07|website=Farmington Daily Times|language=en}}</ref> |
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⚫ | During the campaign, Leger Fernandez was endorsed by Congresswoman [[Deb Haaland]], [[EMILY's List]], and ''[[The Santa Fe New Mexican]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Panetta|first=Grace|title=LIVE UPDATES: Valerie Plame and Teresa Leger Fernandez compete in the primary for New Mexico's third district|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/valerie-plame-teresa-leger-fernandez-new-mexico-primary-live-results-2020-6|access-date=June 3, 2020|website=Business Insider}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Endorsements|url=https://www.teresaforall.com/endorsements2|access-date=June 3, 2020|website=Teresa 4 All|language=en}}</ref> A political [[Progressivism in the United States|progressive]], Leger was also endorsed by the [[Working Families Party]], [[Elizabeth Warren]], and [[Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Blaber|first=Mona|date=2020-01-23|title=Sierra Club endorses Teresa Leger Fernandez for U.S. House|url=https://www.riograndesierraclub.org/sierra-club-endorses-teresa-leger-fernandez-for-u-s-house/|access-date=2020-07-03|website=Rio Grande Chapter|language=en-US}}</ref> Leger Fernandez placed first in a field of seven candidates with over 42% of the vote.<ref>{{Cite web|last=mgerstein@sfnewmexican.com|first=Michael Gerstein|title=With clear primary victory, Leger Fernandez eyes November|url=https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/elections/with-clear-primary-victory-leger-fernandez-eyes-november/article_b396ba1a-a5b3-11ea-ae93-5bc91acb6fe5.html|access-date=2020-07-03|website=Santa Fe New Mexican|language=en}}</ref> Leger Fernandez will face environmental engineer Alexis Johnson in the November general election.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Grover|first=Hannah|title=Leger Fernandez wins Democratic nomination for CD3, Johnson leads in Republican primary|url=https://www.daily-times.com/story/news/local/new-mexico/2020/06/02/2020-new-mexico-primary-election-results-farmington-congressional-district-3/5300965002/|access-date=2020-06-07|website=Farmington Daily Times|language=en}}</ref> |
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=== Political positions === |
=== Political positions === |
Revision as of 16:41, 4 July 2020
Teresa Leger Fernandez | |
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Personal details | |
Born | Teresa Leger 1959 or 1960 (age 63–64)[1] Las Vegas, New Mexico, U.S. |
Political party | Democratic |
Children | 3 |
Relatives | Ray Leger (father) |
Alma mater | Yale University (BA) Stanford University (JD) |
Website | Official website |
Teresa Leger Fernandez is an American attorney and political candidate. In the June 2, 2020 primary, Leger Fernandez became the Democratic nominee for New Mexico's 3rd congressional district in the 2020 elections.[2][3]
Early life and education
Leger Fernandez was born in Las Vegas, New Mexico.[4] Her mother was a bilingual educator and her father, Ray Leger, served as a member of the New Mexico Senate. After graduating from West Las Vegas High School, Leger Fernandez earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University and a Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School.[5]
Career
After graduating from law school, Leger Fernandez returned to New Mexico, to work as an attorney, specializing in community-building and tribal advocacy. Leger Fernandez was a White House Fellow during the Clinton Administration and later served on the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation during the Obama Admininstration.[6][7] She also worked as a liaison between the White House Office and United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. For 30 years, Leger Fernandez has operated Leger Law and Strategy, LLC in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The firm focuses on community development, tribal advocacy, civil rights, and social justice.[8][9] In 2017, Leger Fernandez led a successful effort to implement ranked-choice voting in Santa Fe municipal elections.[10]
2020 U.S. House election
After incumbent Representative Ben Ray Luján announced that he would not seek re-election in 2020 and run for Tom Udall's seat in the United States Senate, Leger Fernandez announced her candidacy to succeed him. In the Democratic primary, Leger Fernandez faced six opponents, including New Mexico State Representative Joseph L. Sanchez and Valerie Plame, an author and former CIA officer.[11] Leger Fernandez emerged in the lead after winning 42 percent of the votes in the Democratic pre-primary convention.[12]
The competitive primary among liberal candidates was largely civil. However, a late influx of "dark money" contributed by groups that use existing campaign finance law to remain anonymous, marred the campaign. A so-called Alliance to Combat Extremism posted attack ads that tarred Plame with being anti-Semitic. One featured swastikas superimposed over her eyes, in reference to her retweet of a 2017 article titled “Jews Are Driving America’s Wars,” for which she repeatedly apologized.[13] [14] Separately, Perise Practical Inc. and Avacy Initiatives Inc. paid for positive ads favoring Leger Fernandez; FEC filings for both groups listed as signatory David Krone, chief of staff for Harry Reid, former Democratic Senate majority leader from Nevada.[15] Some of the trailing candidates subsequently criticized Leger Fernandez, alleging she was responsible for accepting dark money. Leger Fernandez, who advocates campaign finance reform and is endorsed by End Citizens United, denounced the attacks on Plame and categorically denied any connection with the outside groups.[16][17] Such external interference was unusual for New Mexico politics, and it was unclear whether it had any effect on the outcome, given Leger Fernandez’s front runner status, extensive endorsements, and advertising openly sponsored on her behalf.
During the campaign, Leger Fernandez was endorsed by Congresswoman Deb Haaland, EMILY's List, and The Santa Fe New Mexican.[18][19] A political progressive, Leger was also endorsed by the Working Families Party, Elizabeth Warren, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.[20] Leger Fernandez placed first in a field of seven candidates with over 42% of the vote.[21] Leger Fernandez will face environmental engineer Alexis Johnson in the November general election.[22]
Political positions
Leger Fernandez has advocated for a "New Mexico Green New Deal," Medicare For All, a transition away from fracking to green energy, and a ban on the sale of military style semi-automatic rifles.[23] She has also supported comprehensive immigration reform and the passing of the DREAM Act.[24]
Personal life
Leger Fernandez and her husband, Luis Fernandez, have three sons.[25] Leger Fernandez and her husband have since divorced.
References
- ^ Grover, Hannah (July 20, 2019). "Election 2020: Teresa Leger Fernandez Hopes to Represent Congressional District 3". Farmington Daily Times. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
- ^ "New Mexico Primary Election Results: Third Congressional District". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
- ^ Medina, Jennifer (June 3, 2020). "Teresa Leger Fernandez Beats Valerie Plame in New Mexico House Primary". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
- ^ Reporter, Megan Bennett | Journal North. "Santa Fe lawyer kicks off campaign for Congress". www.abqjournal.com. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
- ^ mgerstein@sfnewmexican.com, Michael Gerstein. "Leger Fernandez wins Democratic primary for 3rd Congressional District seat". Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
- ^ Grover, Hannah. "Election 2020: Teresa Leger Fernandez hopes to represent Congressional District 3". Farmington Daily Times. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
- ^ "MEET TERESA". Teresa 4 All. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
- ^ "Birth Date", Definitions, Qeios, February 7, 2020, retrieved June 3, 2020
- ^ "Teresa Leger de Fernandez, Rebellious Lawyer". Rebellious Lawyering Institute #RebelliousLawyering. January 7, 2015. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
- ^ Editor, T. S. Last | Journal North. "Democratic nominee in CD3 inspired by state senator father". www.abqjournal.com. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
{{cite web}}
:|last=
has generic name (help) - ^ "Santa Fe lawyer Leger Fernandez running for Congress". AP NEWS. May 16, 2019. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
- ^ "Democratic Party of New Mexico release results from pre-primary convention". KOB 4. March 7, 2020. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
- ^ Shelbourne, Mallory (September 21, 2017). "Valerie Plame tweets story blaming 'America's Jews' for foreign wars". TheHill. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
- ^ mgerstein@sfnewmexican.com, Michael Gerstein. "Candidates jab Leger Fernandez over ad attacking Plame". Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
- ^ May 27, Matthew Kassel; 2020 (May 27, 2020). "Leger Fernandez takes strong lead against Plame ahead of New Mexico primary contest". Jewish Insider. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
{{cite web}}
:|last2=
has numeric name (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Editor, T. S. Last | Journal North. "CD3 candidate criticized for support from 'dark money groups'". www.abqjournal.com. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
{{cite web}}
:|last=
has generic name (help) - ^ mgerstein@sfnewmexican.com, Michael Gerstein. "Candidates criticize 'dark money' spending on behalf of Leger Fernandez". Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
- ^ Panetta, Grace. "LIVE UPDATES: Valerie Plame and Teresa Leger Fernandez compete in the primary for New Mexico's third district". Business Insider. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
- ^ "Endorsements". Teresa 4 All. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
- ^ Blaber, Mona (January 23, 2020). "Sierra Club endorses Teresa Leger Fernandez for U.S. House". Rio Grande Chapter. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
- ^ mgerstein@sfnewmexican.com, Michael Gerstein. "With clear primary victory, Leger Fernandez eyes November". Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
- ^ Grover, Hannah. "Leger Fernandez wins Democratic nomination for CD3, Johnson leads in Republican primary". Farmington Daily Times. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
- ^ "Editorial: Our picks for president, Congress". The Taos News. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
- ^ Candidate, The. "Q&A: U.S. House District 3 Teresa Leger Fernandez". www.abqjournal.com. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
- ^ "Teresa Leger Fernandez For NM US Congress In District Three". Retake Our Democracy. May 23, 2020. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
External links
- Campaign website
- {{Ballotpedia}} template missing ID and not present in Wikidata.