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.
Lt. Gov. John Sanchez officially announced his Senate candidacy on Tuesday with a web video that highlighted his personal background and outsider status — including something that may foreshadow one of his campaign’s messages against Republican frontrunner Heather Wilson.
“We don’t want to return people back to Washington, D.C.. who got us into this mess in the first place,” Sanchez says in the video. “It’s time for a new voice. I can be one of those leaders who can stand up for principled, conservative values.”
Wilson is a former representative who left her seat in New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District to run for Senate in 2008. Wilson lost in a close and bruising primary against Steve Pearce, who also left his congressional seat for the run.
Wilson faced attacks from the right from Pearce and conservative groups in the 2008 primary.
If Sanchez were to get past the Republican primary he could face Martin Heinrich, who currently represents the 1st Congressional District.
Sanchez also mentioned spending, saying that it is “immoral to think that we’re spending money that we don’t have.”
Sanchez has won two statewide primaries before. In 2002 he was the Republican gubernatorial candidate, and in 2010 he became lieutenant governor on Susana Martinez’s ticket after winning the Republican primary for the position.
Another focus from Sanchez is his time as a business owner, something that may have baggage for him. He has been hit by political opponents in the past for hiring illegal immigrants at his roofing company.
During his 2002 governor campaign and his 2010 lieutenant governor campaign, his opponents hit him for employing 10 illegal immigrants at his roofing company. Sanchez is quick to point out the Immigration and Customs Enforcement has also given him special recognition for his work to combat the employment of illegal immigrants.
In addition to Wilson, there are two lesser known Republican candidates who have announced candidacies. Businessman Greg Sowards and columnist William S. English have also said they are running for the statewide office.
On the Democratic side, Heinrich is joined by State Auditor Hector Balderas and activist Andres Valdez as announced candidates.
