New Mexico state Sen. Eric Griego (D) is solidifying his position as the progressive favorite in what’s shaping up to be a tough Democratic primary in New Mexico’s First Congressional District.
A couple months ago, Griego became the first candidate of the 2012 cycle to get the backing of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, which hopes to turn the open seat into a liberal stronghold next year.
Today, TPM has learned, another big name in activist progressive politics will put his name behind Griego.
Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) will endorse Griego in a letter set to go out to supporters today. Grijalva is a co-chair of the House Progressive Caucus.
In his letter, Grijalva appears to take a shot at the other Democrats seeking to replace Rep. Martin Heinrich (D) — who is leaving Congress to run for Senate — in the Albuquerque district.
“Eric Griego believes that ‘the last thing we need to send to Washington is a Democrat who’s a kinder, gentler version of the Republicans.’ I agree,” Grijalva writes. “Democrats must fight for a government that works for all people, not just those with deep pockets and fancy titles.”
Griego’s main competition in the Democratic primary is Marty Chavez, a former mayor of Albuquerque who just picked up the endorsement from former Amb. Joe Wilson.
