Local GOP picks new treasurer candidate

The Quay County Republican Party last week filled an empty ballot for county treasurer after its previous candidate unexpectedly withdrew last month.

The Quay County Republican Party Central Committee chose Theresa Lafferty, office manager at the Arch Hurley Conservancy District in Tucumcari, from four applicants after interviews on Aug. 13 at the Tucumcari Convention Center.

Lafferty replaces GOP county treasurer candidate Albenita R. Rael, who withdrew from the ballot on July 24. Rael also resigned as deputy county treasurer the same week. She cited personal reasons for both moves.

No Democratic candidate filed to run for treasurer, which means the Nov. 5 ballot for that position would have been blank unless county Republicans selected a substitute.

Quay County Republican Party Chairman Slik Knapp said the four candidates impressed him and other committee members, but Lafferty stood out.

"She was confident and well-spoken," he said. "All of them interviewed well. It seemed like she had the more relevant experience."

Knapp admitted after Rael withdrew, he was wondering whether the local GOP would be able to fill the ballot slot for the November election.

If the Republicans couldn't find a candidate, the Quay County Commission would have appointed a treasurer for a two-year term in January.

"We were sweating on whether we would have one at all," he said. "But I think we picked a good one."

The current treasurer, Patsy Gresham, is term-limited and cannot run for re-election.

Lafferty, who has been office manager for four years at the Arch Hurley, explained why she applied to be a treasurer candidate.

"I just saw a need in the community, so I was willing to step up and meet that need because I'm qualified for the job," she said, adding she has an associate's degree in accounting and has worked in financial and lending institutions.

Because she is unopposed in the election, Lafferty was asked what she wants to do once she takes the oath as treasurer.

"I would just like to continue upholding the integrity of that office, run it well and do a good job for the constituents of Quay County," she replied.

Quay County Clerk Ellen White said Thursday the required paperwork for Lafferty's candidacy already had been filed.

Early voting for the November election begins in the county on Oct. 8.