"... just leveling the playing field", says McClesky.

Political adviser Jay McClesky
.

In the Journal this morning, link; the first details about Gov Susana Martinez' involvement in the APS School Board election.

Gov Susana Martinez and her political adviser Jay McClesky are pushing the envelope on the meaning of "non-partisan" as it applies to school board elections.

McClesky admitted right up front; ... Korte’s criticisms of the Martinez’s agenda played a role in (Gov Martinez') unprecedented involvement in the election.

"Kathy Korte chose to make her campaign a referendum against meaningful education reform supported by Gov. Martinez and boasted about receiving thousands of dollars from unions, so the governor wanted to ensure that Peggy Muller-Aragon had the support she needed to level the playing field.”

Update; In a comment left on the Journal report, Kathy Korte claims the Martinez McClesky team out spent her 5 to 1;  $40K to $8K.

Their conduct begs a question;

Is it appropriate for the Office of the Governor to be influencing the outcome of a local election?

Should Martinez be throwing her weight around in a local school board election?  Or for that matter, in any local election?  State Auditor Tim Keller endorsed in the district 4 contest.  Should any elected use their office to endorse any candidate?

The list is long.  And, also a matter of public record.

Perhaps the Journal will investigate and report on by name,  
all of the electeds who used the influence of their elected office in an effort to affect the outcome of a school board election.

School board elections non-partisan? Right,
and a pint of Haagen-Dazs serves four.




photo Mark Bralley