Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
On this date ...
1957: John Burroughs, a Portales peanut processor, announced his candidacy for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 1958. He pledged a “businessman’s administration” if elected.
Burroughs, 50, was the first man from either major political party to announce for the governor’s seat.
Burroughs, who entered politics a year earlier when he won a seat in the state House, said he spent four months talking to people in various parts of the state about a possible gubernatorial run.
“Many of them seem to feel our state would benefit from a businessman’s administration … for a few years,” Burroughs said.
“I am aware that this sentiment is not unanimous. Some politicians would prefer a seasoned politician. Some lawyers would prefer another lawyer, and so through other professions.
“My belief, however, is that the rank and file citizen would like to see a businessman’s approach to the executive office tried.”
Burroughs was president and owner of Portales Valley Mills Inc., the largest peanut processing firm in New Mexico and one of the four largest peanut mills in the Southwest, United Press reported.
Burroughs was elected governor in 1957, defeating incumbent Gov. Edwin Mechem by fewer than 2,000 votes. Two subsequent runs for governor ended in defeat.
He died in Portales in 1978 at age 71.
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