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…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
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 today released a new television ad called “Standing Up” touting her record of standing up to corruption.
The ad refers to Martinez’ former boss, Democratic District Attorney Greg Valdez. Martinez had originally been hired by DA Doug Diggers and she campaigned for him in the primary race between Diggers and Valdez. After taking office, Valdez had fired an investigator and Martinez let him know she was preparing to testify against him at a personnel hearing. He fired her. She ended up suing Valdez and settling out of court for $120,000.
The Journal’s Colleen Heild wrote about the incident in a profile of Martinez.
“I was going to testify about what conversations Mr. Valdez had with me in reference to, he was going to get rid of him (the investigator),” Martinez said. “My first question to him when he handed me my (termination) papers was, ‘Does this have anything to do with the (subpoena)?’ … and his response was, and I’ll never forget it, ‘I’m not going to tell you either way.’ I grabbed my letter and I left.”
Valdez claimed he was within his rights to terminate at-will employees.
Martinez became an attorney in Las Cruces with the state Children, Youth and Families Department. She filed a civil rights lawsuit against Valdez, which was settled out of court for about $120,000.
In 1996, Martinez ran against Valdez as a Republican. And she won handily.
Here’s a transcript of the ad:
SUSANA MARTINEZ: As a young prosecutor, I was called to testify against my boss.
SM: I could’ve looked the other way, but I didn’t.
SM: I stood up to him, and he fired me for it.
SM: So I ran against him for D.A. and won.
SM: I don’t back down to corruption, never have.
SM: I’ve taken it on my entire career, so don’t be fooled by the negative attacks.
SM: If you’re ready to end the corruption of the last eight years, join me.
SM: It’s our state. Together, we’ll take it back.
ANNOUNCER: Susana Martinez for Governor.
ANNCR: Bold change for New Mexico.
