Fired workers point to retaliation, sue New Mexico AG

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Six fired employees are suing New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas over claims that the state's top prosecutor retaliated against them and three dozen of their colleagues after he was elected in 2014. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports (http://bit.ly/2j4qFgB) the lawsuit was filed last week in state district court after workers failed to have their dismissals overturned by the state Personnel Board. Balderas spokesman James Hallinan says the lawsuit is without merit. The personnel board said the employees serve at the pleasure of the attorney general. That decision is being appealed in a separate case. Balderas, who previous served as state auditor, fired about 40 employees after taking over as attorney general. The lawsuit and the appeal come as Balderas is being mentioned as a possible Democratic candidate for governor in 2018.