Helen and Leif Nordell, who transported the elephant and represented the Republican Party of Grant County at the statewide elephant contest. The Republican Party of Grant County entered the NM State Party's elephant contest at the Silver Elephant Dinner in Albuquerque on April 27.  

5 other counties from around the state entered the contest. Those present at the dinner voted for the favorite elephant. Grant County won first place and was awarded $500.  

"The elephant was graciously made for our party by Jared Lackey of Lackey’s Welding. The cutouts represent many of the major concerns for Grant County residents  including: the baby for Right to Life for the unborn babies, mining picks representing our mining industry, the gun represents our 2nd Amendment rights, the horse and cowboy represents our agriculture culture, the cross represents our faith, the US flag represents our great nation and our desire to remain free with much less government control and interference. Thanks to Leif and Helen Nordell for transporting it to Albuquerque and representing our county so well,” said Cyndi Donovan, treasurer.