Lynn Ellins

As a Democrat, Doña Ana County Clerk Lynn Ellins says he worries that the allegations against Secretary of State Mary Herrera may hurt the party’s ability to keep the state office in the November election.

“Obviously Democrats should have concern about the ability to have the party retain that office,” Ellins said. “I think that is a serious concern if you’re a Democrat. I’ve heard this voiced by other people in the party to me.”

Herrera hasn’t drawn a primary opponent, but she is facing State Sen. Dianna Duran, R-Tularosa and a former county clerk, in November.

Former state Elections Director A.J. Salazar alleged two weeks ago in his resignation letter that Herrera is violating the Governmental Conduct Act and elections law.

Among Salazar’s allegations is that Herrera ordered exempt employees to collect signatures for her re-election bid at a meeting held during work hours, that she was improperly soliciting donations from contractors doing business with the office to help fund a training, and that she retaliated against him after he tried to stop those potentially illegal actions.

Salazar has turned his allegations over to the attorney general, who is looking into the situation.