Embattled Secretary of State Mary Herrera held a Thursday morning press conference — but bolted before reporters could ask her any questions about allegations of "criminal activity" in her office and about two administrators she recently put on paid leave.

Before leaving, however, she called allegations of wrongdoing "blatantly false and ridiculous ... thrown at the press like red meat in an election year."

Herrera, who is seeking election to a second term in November, apparently was referring to allegations, made by an attorney for two of her current employees, that there has been criminal wrongdoing in her office.

Lawyer Rudy Martin represents Manny Vildasol and James Flores, both of whom were recently put on administrative leave. He also represents former elections director A.J. Salazar, who left his job in March and complained about possible wrongdoing by Herrera. Herrera said Martin's motives were "unclear." Martin told a reporter Wednesday that Vildasol had spoken to federal agents and the state Attorney General's Office about "issues dealing with contracts and possible pay-to-play and sending secretary of state employees campaigning on state time."

Martin said he couldn't discuss specifics of the issues.

Reading a statement, Herrera said the state is investigating the two employees — office administrator Vildasol and public information officer Flores.

She emphasized that she is not involved with that investigation. Martin said Wednesday that his clients were scheduled to be interviewed Thursday by an investigator hired by the state Risk Management Division.

The press conference, held in the lobby of the Secretary of State's Office at the Capitol, had been called to discuss voting information being mailed to active voters before the general election.

As reporters began asking questions about the investigations, Herrera turned and walked briskly to her own office.

Deputy Secretary Francisco Trujillo told reporters, "The secretary of state has said all she's going to say on this matter. So thank you and have a great day."

Trujillo also declined to take questions.

Later in the day, Herrera and her staff went to the Capitol Rotunda for a group photo shoot.

Encountering reporters afterward, Herrera declined to elaborate on her statements about her staff being put on leave and the allegations of wrongdoing in her office.

Herrera was asked why she recently made a public information request for e-mails between Deputy Los Alamos County Clerk Sheryl Nichols — who has made critical statements about Herrera in news articles — and several people, including Santa Fe County Clerk Valerie Espinoza and several members of Herrera's staff.

"I did that as a citizen," Herrera said, adding that just because she's an elected official doesn't mean she has to give up her rights as a citizen. "I made that (request) for me."

She said she used her own money in making the request. She declined to say why she wanted the e-mails or what information she found in them.

Contact Steve Terrell at 986-3037 or sterrell@sfnewmexican.com

Read his political blog at roundhouseroundup.com