And you thought Indiana politics could get dirty:
SUNLAND PARK, New Mexico - A man facing extortion charges involving a stripper, and who is forbidden from entering City Hall, has been elected mayor of Sunland Park, New Mexico.
Daniel Salinas was accused of trying to blackmail a mayoral opponent, Gerardo Hernandez, to drop out of the race with a tape showing Hernandez receiving a lap dance from a topless stripper, New Mexico State Police spokesman Robert McDonald said.
He was arrested in late February for extortion, McDonald said. Salinas was later released on $50,000 cash bond on condition he not enter City Hall or contact city workers.
But his name remained on the ballot. On Tuesday, he won the election with an unofficial tally of 637 votes for Salinas and 553 for Hernandez.
We've had a couple of instances in Indiana recently of inattentive voters making blockhead moves -- electing charlie White secretary of state despite the legal problems that would lead him to felony convictions, and putting Tommy Schrader on the City Council At-Large election ballot. But this one probably takes the prize -- never assume voters are going to be informed voters.
Best part of the story:
The election on Tuesday was to replace former mayor Martin Resendiz, who resigned last year after admitting to signing contracts while drunk.
Hell of a town.
