Benny Aragon

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Benny Aragon...a political operative in these parts for many years.

When I first started covering politics, Benny was a player at the state legislature.  He rose through the ranks, partially because he could count votes - on the floor - and in his home precinct.

We worked together at the state fair - where he once operated a food concession.  Benny also pointed proudly to the fact that he was one of those state lawmakers who voted to establish Villa Hispana at the state fair.  It was a turning point for that institution.

Here's a picture of Benny taken a few years back during a political meeting in Albuquerque. Obviously, he was doing what he loved.