By Ed Asher
Tribune Reporter
Jimmie Hall, an Albuquerque Republican seeking to replace Rep. Rory Ogle, says domestic violence and education will be among his top priorities if elected.
"We have to find some way to address the issue of domestic violence. I have no preconceived ideas about the issue. I just think that's something that has to be given more attention," Hall, 56, said today.
Ogle withdrew from his race for re-election to the House earlier this month. He was arrested on domestic violence charges July 19.
The Bernalillo County Republican Party central committee on Saturday selected Hall to run for the District 28 seat. County GOP Chairman Ken Zangara said Hall was chosen over David Robbins, Nick Maniatis and Ogle's father, John Ogle.
Ogle's wife, Anita, had expressed interest in the seat but pulled out of the race.
The Democrats are still looking for a write-in candidate for the district, Sen. Linda Lopez said this morning. They have until Sept. 7 to find one. Lopez said several people have expressed interest.
Hall, a semiretired agricultural banker, said school funding will be another top issue for him.
"I'm really interested to learn what I can about education. I think that's one of the biggest challenges facing this state," Hall said.
"It's really disconcerting to see school facilities deteriorating. I want to learn more about the issue and get more involved."
Hall said he also wants to take a close look at the state's drunken driving laws.
"I'm sure DWI laws can always use some fine-tuning through the legislative process. But what we really need is to aggressively enforce existing laws," Hall said.
Hall is a former president of the Production Credit Association of New Mexico, which provides financing to farmers and ranchers.
He moved to Albuquerque from Gonzales in south central Texas in 1989.
The GOP committee on Saturday also named its choice for District 3 County Commission candidate, Zangara said - his daughter, Jennifer Zangara.
The seat is held by Democrat Tom Rutherford, who cannot seek re-election. Deanna Archuleta Loeser is the Democratic candidate.
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