Albuquerque mayoral race heats up with personal attacks, accusations

[left-of-center2012]

The Albuquerque mayoral race is getting heated. Candidate Manny Gonzales (R) launched serious (false) allegations against Mayor Tim Keller (D) in a debate on Tuesday night. During a debate on KOB -TV 4, all three candidates — Mayor Tim Keller (D), Manny Gonzales (R) and Eddy Aragon (I) — were allowed to question their opponents.

Gonzales asked Keller during the debate, "where is your accountability? There is serious misconduct allegations at city hall under your watch. Allegations of your own domestic violence incident being covered up by high-ranking city officials."

GOP rumors have been circulating on social media about an alleged domestic violence incident involving Keller. Target 7 (KOB-TV) submitted a public records request, called an IPRA, in May 2021. We asked for all calls placed to 911 from Keller's home. Target 7's public records request came back showing no evidence of a domestic violence accusation.

Target 7 reached out to Keller's campaign and in a statement, a spokesperson said, "Manny doubled down on his record of outrageous lies last night with a disgusting, false attack on the Mayor's family and the integrity of police officers. We're appalled by these tactics but not surprised that Manny is so desperate, with no record to run on, that all he has is internet conspiracy theories. We are pursuing legal options against these defamatory claims."

Target 7 reached out to Gonzales' campaign on Wednesday and did not hear back.

https://www.koat.com/article/boy-makes-remarkable-recovery-seriously-injured-in-drunk-driving-crash/38021424

[left-of-center2012]

1. Keller (D) campaign to pursue legal action

Keller (D) to pursue legal action following personal accusations made at mayoral debate

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – During the live televised Albuquerque mayoral debate Tuesday night, KOB 4 allowed each candidate to ask another candidate a question. Mayoral candidate and Bernalillo County Sheriff Manny Gonzales used that opportunity to get personal with incumbent Tim Keller.

Gonzales:

Mayor Keller, where's your accountability? There are serious misconduct allegations at City Hall, under your watch. Allegations of your own domestic violence incident being covered up by high-ranking city officials.

Also you have allegations of having an affair with a city subordinate. How can the public trust you to fight crime in Albuquerque, when you can't even fight crime in City Hall?

Keller:

What a disgusting, pre-prepared question you just read was.I mean, let's first off, be clear, I mean, I don't even know where to begin other than that I have never been involved in any of the incidents you just mentioned.

The Gonzales campaign alleges they are awaiting public records responses to confirm "direct knowledge" from "two high-ranking members" of APD who, according to the campaign, also allege sexual harassment and workplace misconduct occurred. These rumors have been circulating for months. KOB 4 received multiple tips, but went to search for records or documentation that police were called to the mayor's house, and came up empty-handed. The tips never provided any documentation or proof.

After the debate ended, Keller and Gonzales got into a verbal altercation inside the studio. Keller demanded Gonzales apologize to his wife for the remarks he made. Gonzales responded by saying he has no respect for the mayor.

https://www.kob.com/albuquerque-news/keller-campaign-to-pursue-legal-action-following-personal-accusations-made-at-mayoral-debate/6275674/?cat=500