Ben D. Altamirano

Ben D. Altamirano (October 17, 1930 – December 27, 2007) was a New Mexico politician and businessman. He was a Democrat.

Personal life

Altamirano was born in Silver City, New Mexico in 1930. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1946 and served with the European occupation forces after World War II. After his stint in the Army, he attended Western New Mexico University.

Altamirano owned several grocery stores for 40 years and was married to Nina Melendrez. They had two sons and a daughter.

Political career

Altamirano began his political career on the Silver City Town Council, where he served for 10 years. He then served for four years on the Grant County Commission.

In 1970, Altamirano was elected to the New Mexico Senate, representing District 28. He took office in 1971 and served until his death.

Altamirano ran for Lieutenant Governor in 1994. He was one of four candidates in the Democratic primary and lost the primary to Patricia Madrid, who lost that November.

Altamirano served as chairman of the powerful Finance Committee for 17 years before being selected by his colleagues to serve as President Pro Tempore in 2003.

Death

Altamirano died from a heart attack on December 27, 2007. He was 77. He had suffered from heart ailments since 1981 and had recently undergone surgery. He was survived by his wife and his three children. On January 9, 2008 Governor Bill Richardson appointed Grant County Clerk Howie Morales to succeed Altamirano.

External links

* [http://www.lcsun-news.com/news/ci_7833518 Obituary] from the "Las Cruces Sun-News"