ALBUQUERQUE – The New Mexico Democrats' annual convention has unraveled into chaos just a few hours after being called into session. At least one candidate has have accused party leaders of stacking the deck to achieve their desired outcome, while another has described the convention activities as indefensible. It appears party leaders are doing whatever they can to ensure Michelle Lujan Grisham comes out on top in the race to earn the gubernatorial nomination – even if voters and party activists prefer someone else as their nominee.

"Democrat leaders in New Mexico are doing everything they can to suppress the votes and voices of their party members in order to drag Michelle Lujan Grisham across the finish line," said RPNM Chairman Ryan Cangiolosi. "New Mexico Democrats must have a very short memory to ignore the lessons of their party leaders attempting to rig the presidential primary in 2016. With multiple candidates are publicly decrying party leadership at their own convention, it's clear that Democrats are fostering chaos rather than party unity."

Earlier today, Peter DeBenedittis hurled accusations from the podium, alleging party leaders of breaking the rules and urging delegates to cast their votes against the party's anointed candidate, Michelle Lujan Grisham:

Later, Joseph Cervantes called the convention 'bedlam' and declared there was 'no possible way' to defend the hours-long lines to vote and apparent payoffs made to ensure votes for certain candidates.