DPNM Executive Director Laura Sanchez Resigns

ALBUQUERQUE - An official of Gov. Bill Richardson's unsuccessful presidential campaign has been named interim director of the Democratic Party of New Mexico, party chair Brian Colón announced today.

Josh Geise, the Richardson campaign's Early States Political Director, was named to replace Laura Sanchez. A statement released by the party gave no reason for Sanchez's departure, the first among the party leadership since the widely criticized handling of the Feb. 5 Democratic caucus where final results took 10 days to tabulate.

This is the statement issue today by the party:

Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman Brian Colón

Names New Executive Director

Albuquerque, NM - Democratic Party Chairman Brian Colón announced today that Laura E. Sanchez has resigned as Executive Director. Chairman Colón named Josh Geise as the Interim Executive Director.

"Laura did a tremendous job during my first year as Chairman as we embarked on an unprecedented listening tour around our State to reach out to Democrats in all corners of New Mexico," Colón said. "Laura's work ethic and dedication to the Democratic Party have never wavered and I wish her the best of luck in the future."

"As we move forward to November our singular focus is carrying New Mexico for our Democratic Presidential Nominee, electing Tom Udall to the US Senate and winning all three open congressional seats," Colón said. "This is a historic year in New Mexico and I'm excited to have Josh leading our staff at the Party as we move forward to November."

"I am excited to be returning to the Party in what is shaping up to be the most intense campaign cycle in New Mexico history," Geise said. "We have a lot of long days and nights ahead of us and with the leadership of Chairman Colón, I am confident November 4th is going to be a very good night for New Mexico Democrats.

Geise most recently worked on Governor Richardson's Presidential campaign as his Early States Political Director. Prior to that he served as the Coordinated Campaign Director for the Democratic Party of New Mexico in 2006.