I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
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Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
Susana Martinez looks on while Sarah Palin speaks
Susana Martinez is looking for a jolt to push her ahead of Allen Weh in June, and past Democrat Diane Denish in November. And depending who you ask, Sarah Palin’s endorsement might just be the lightning strike Martinez needs.
On the same day the Albuquerque Journal released a poll showing Martinez in a virtual tie with Allen Weh, the 2008 Republican Vice Presidential candidate offered her support to Martinez.
“I love that poll today that was released!” Palin told a crowd of several hundred gathered at an Albuquerque hotel. ”The wind is at her back. We need to surge forward!”
The former Alaska governor mentioned Martinez’ major competitor again, saying “Allen Weh. We appreciate his service to the country and the contributions he has made, but I’m telling you, we’re backing a winner here.”
In a speech that hit on many Republican tent pole issues, Palin highlighted three major issues in New Mexico, ethics reform, the budget and corruption.
For the crowd, the event was not only a chance to hear Palin, but to also to find out more about Martinez, the Doña Ana County District Attorney, who was dismissed as a “regional candidate” earlier in the race.
“I’ll just judge each candidate,” Roger Pimkins told The Independent. Pimkins said he’s undecided between Martinez and Weh. He said while it’s nice to hear from Palin, her appearance wouldn’t affect his decision when has casts his ballot.
His friends might not feel the same way, though. Pimkins said many of them could be swayed by Palin’s endorsement. ”To a lot of them it’s played a big role,” he said.
Chuck Cramer, an Albuquerque Republican, said he hadn’t heard much from Martinez before Sunday, but thought the endorsement could swing the momentum her way, ”This is is probably going to play a role in it. I’ve not heard her talk publicly other then on TV in the ads.”
”I think her (Palin’s) support and endorsement of Susana Martinez is huge” said state Sen. Sander Rue (R-Albuquerque), who also backing Martinez.
”All the campaigns right now are competing for that column space in the papers and segments in the broadcast media, so to the extent this creates more noise for Susana’s campaign– that’s excellent.”
Voter Elizabeth Olson agreed. ”Not that she (Palin) will be the one to carry her (Martinez) totally, but I’m sure it will help.”
Both Palin and Martinez spent plenty of time with the crowd after their speeches, and attendees’ eagerness to meet Palin, have their photos taken with her and get her autograph, showed she has plenty of support in albuquerque.
But among those who didn’t go to the free event, the endorsement may not be as important—or as positive.
Palin proved to be a deeply divisive character during the 2008 elections, a point Palin brought up when relaying a conversation she’d had with Martinez before the event.
“This is sort of a two edged sword when we show up here,” Palin told the crowd she’d said to Martinez. “Holy moly the press is going to come after you.”
