Judge rejects elections ban on ABQ workers

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - A judge has ruled that Albuquerque's prohibition on employees running for office is unconstitutional.

State District Judge Beatrice Brickhouse has granted an injunction to block City Hall from taking disciplinary action against Emily Kane, a firefighter running for a state House seat.

A provision in the City Charter approved by Albuquerque voters in 1989 prohibits city employees from holding a state office, and city personnel rules say employees can't even be a candidate.

The Albuquerque Journal says Brickhouse ruled both are unconstitutional.

City Attorney David Tourek says the city respects Brickhouse's decision, but hasn't decided whether to appeal.

Kane has worked for the Albuquerque Fire Department for nearly 20 years. She won the Democratic primary in state House District 15 and faces Republican Christopher Saucedo in the fall.

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Information from: Albuquerque Journal