The Grant County Democratic Party today announced the outcome of its election season raffle. Tickets were sold at many events during the summer and fall, with the prize being a Celestron Nexstar 90GT computerized telescope donated by Linda and Lee Hannan.

The winning ticket was purchased by Cristal Jones of Truth or Consequences. Ms. Jones is the daughter (and campaign manager) of Democrat Sandy Jones, the recent victor in the race for the District 5 Public Regulatory Commission (PRC) position.

"Cristal worked hard, and successfully, to put her father's PRC campaign over the top," said Mary Hotvedt, Chair of the Grant Co. Democratic Party. "She's a talented young woman and maybe she'll divine her own future in politics as she star-gazes with this telescope."

Ms. Jones was happy to learn of her win: "I am so so excited about this!" she exclaimed. Cristal was a regular visitor to Silver City during the campaign, and her good luck wasn't limited to the telescope raffle. She also took home two of the most coveted prizes in the blind auction at the Grant County Democrats' third annual Labor Day breakfast in Gough Park.

The funds raised via the raffle went toward Democratic Party events and campaign efforts. "The Grant County party congratulates all our successful Democratic candidates, and thanks every candidate for their willingness to do the hard work of campaigning for important public service jobs," said Dr. Hotvedt. "Our democracy depends on dedicated individuals putting themselves forward as candidates, often at great personal cost in time and money. We salute all those who ran for office in Grant County in 2014."

For further information, contact the Grant Co. Democratic Party at 654-6060 or email grantcountydemocrats@gmail.com, or Shelby Hallmark at 519-1426.