By Heath Haussamen


C. Earl Greer, one of six Republicans vying for the right to replace Steve Pearcein Congress, won a straw poll that followed a forum last week in Alamogordo.

Of 53 votes cast, Greer received 23, or 43 percent. Aubrey Dunn received eight votes, Terry Marquardt and Ed Tinsley each received seven, Monty Newman received four and Greg Sowards received three. One attendee left comments but didn’t vote.

“We are ecstatic with this result, where we see what happens when real people get a real vote,“ Greer said. “I think voters are tired of the secret polling and mudslinging going on in this race. I have pledged to remain above that fray and we appreciate this support in Otero County and across this diverse district.“

The campaigning between the most well-funded candidates in the race, Tinsley and Dunn, has been increasingly contentious in recent weeks. I’ll have more on that later this week.

Greer also said he was pleased with the result of the poll because the forum was held “in the backyard“ of three opponents Marquardt, Tinsley and Dunn.

The forum was held Tuesday and sponsored by the Otero County GOP. The candidates were asked 10 questions, and those in attendance cast ballots following the forum.

Winning a straw poll is generally a sign of organizational strength.