El Paso’s outgoing county judge is returning a campaign contribution from the man she voted to replace her.
Tuesday, Veronica Escobar — who is running for congress — announced she is sending back a $1,000 donation from Ruben Vogt in order to avoid the appearance of impropriety.
Vogt is currently Escobar’s chief of staff. He was selected Monday by El Paso county commissioners to serve as interim county judge until the November 2018 election. The vote was 4 to 1 with Commissioner Vince Perez voting against.
Vogt’s donation was made last week, according to Escobar. In a statement released to the media, Escobar wrote, in part:
“I was the 4th and final vote for Ruben (to be appointed judge) and I supported his nomination because I know his professionalism, dedication, work ethic and commitment to the County. …because it’s important to me that there be no ethical questions concerning the contribution, I am returning it.”
Escobar said she checked with the El Paso county attorney who told her both the contribution and Escobar’s vote in favor of Vogt’s selection were legal.
Vogt said though he works for Escobar at the county courthouse, he is not a part of her congressional campaign team.
“We wanted to keep that separate,” Vogt told KTSM. “As you know, we cannot be using county resources on county time to support elected officials outside the office.”
KTSM asked UTEP political and communication expert Richard Pineda to weigh in. He said he sees no issue with the vote and believes Vogt’s appointment makes sense for the county.
“This was a 4 to 1 vote,” Pineda said. “The fact that the judge herself did not actually nominate (Vogt), that it came from another commissioner, I think all of that helps.”
Pineda added, “I think the first question after an appointment like this is, ‘Does the person have the skill set to do the job?’ I think it’s an overwhelming yes in this case.”
Vogt is scheduled to be sworn in as county judge on October 16.
