“A Bold Agenda For Fighting Corruption”

Public corruption is a deep and unacceptable scourge that has befallen New Mexico and threatens every aspect of life in our state.  This corruption has resulted in inflated budgets and costs that are passed onto every one of us in the form of higher taxes and lost jobs.  In a time of historic budget deficits, the consequences are catastrophic.
 
There has been a massive failure on the part of the Richardson/Denish Administration in this area resulting in one of the most corrupt state governments in New Mexico history where “pay-to-play” has become a household term.
 
Some in state government feel they are above the law.  They have abused their positions and the public trust and left our state weakened and vulnerable in pursuit of personal gain.
 
To rectify this, I have established a framework that allows us to reform how state government functions so we can eliminate corruption and deliver bold change for New Mexico
 
We must restore integrity and trust in our government.  That starts on day one of a Martinez Administration as real leadership with a record of fighting malfeasance and holding people to account will arrive in Santa Fe.  The acceptance of a culture of corruption will finally come to an end, and a new culture of zero tolerance and responsibility will be instilled in the Roundhouse as we once again serve the people we represent.

MEANINGFUL ENFORCEMENT

Public corruption is a serious crime and must be treated as such.  We must strengthen our enforcement mechanisms and provide real consequences for corruption.  There will be zero tolerance for violating the public trust in a Martinez Administration.

• Failure To Report – Elected officials have a responsibility to the public to report crimes of violating the public trust.  Failure to report these acts should be a crime.                                                                                                                                                                                               
• Loss Of Contract Status/Lobbyist Registration – Lifetime ban for any contractor of the state or lobbyist convicted of violating the public trust.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
• Public Corruption Division – A new Public Corruption Division should be created within the New Mexico State Police.  The division will be charged with collecting tips from the public on government corruption through a new public corruption hotline, investigating acts that violate the public trust and referring any cases for prosecution to the proper authority.                                                                                                                 
• Harsh Sentences For Public Corruption – For public officials or public employees convicted of violating the public trust, the sentence should be severe.  For each of these individuals they should face harsh felony consequences along with minimum mandatory imprisonment.                           
• Increased Penalties – For any elected official or public employee convicted of violating the public trust for personal gain, they must surrender their accrued pensions as well as face a fine not greater than their salary.                                                                                                                         
• Elected Official Removal From Office – Those convicted of a crime for any felony or crime of moral turpitude, while serving in office should be immediately removed from office upon conviction and barred from elective office for life.

ELIMINATING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

• Disclosing & Avoiding Conflicts –All appointed members of the Martinez administration will file personal financial disclosure information to ensure their work for the public does not benefit themselves, their family or their business associates.  All financial disclosure statements will be posted online for easy access by the public.                                                                                                                                                                            
• Capital Outlay Reform –We must eliminate conflicts from the capital outlay process.  Legislators should be prohibited from appropriating funds that benefit any private company or organization with whom they have financial interests or government entity controlled by relatives.  Each capital outlay request must have an affidavit by the sponsoring legislator stating that they, their family or business associates will not benefit from the capital outlay funds.  Those found in violation of the policy will face penalties. 

POLITICAL CAMPAIGN REFORM

• Campaign Report Examinations – Currently, the Secretary of State must examine 10% of all campaign reports at random.  These examinations should be posted online with a report of how many were conducted, what discrepancies were discovered and what is being done to remedy the problems that were uncovered.                                                                                                                                                       
• Increased Campaign Reporting – Campaign contributions too often fly under the radar in New Mexico, with too much time between reporting cycles, especially in non-election years.  To help increase transparency we need to move to a year-round, real-time campaign reporting system.  This will help to identify who is giving to campaigns and who is receiving, helping to root-out pay-to-play issues.

 LOBBYING REFORM

• Implement Cooling Off Period – Legislators and members of a Martinez Administration will be prohibited from lobbying for two-years after leaving the legislature or leaving the administration.  By implementing a two-year waiting period before legislators and members of the executive can become lobbyists, it will ensure that we close any revolving doors and ensure there have been no inappropriate relationships between those in decision-making positions and those seeking to do business with the state.  Currently legislators are excluded from this provision in the Governmental Conduct Act.                                                                                                                                                                                       
• Limit Government Lobbying – Currently, state agencies are allowed to utilize the services of paid lobbyists to advocate for or against bills during a legislative session.  No department or agency should be allowed to use taxpayer funds to lobby the legislature.  Cabinet officials and departments of government have many talented individuals who are experts in their field.  As a savings to state government these secretaries, deputy secretaries or department heads should be the advocates for their agencies in front of the legislature, not paid contract lobbyists. 

OPEN GOVERNMENT

• Web Casting Of Meetings – All meetings of the legislature that are Web cast should be archived online, bringing people closer to the workings of state government regardless of where they live.Recently the legislature opened their doors for the first time to live broadcasts of their meetings online to help people watch and listen to the legislature in action.  The governor and executive branch of government should follow their lead and open up meetings of executive boards and commissions to the public by streaming them online.                                                                
• Create An Online Real-Time Checkbook – If New Mexico is to become truly transparent, our online checkbook must have real-time information, similar to the award winning operation created by Missouri.Transparency at all levels of state government is necessary, but especially so in our budgeting and spending process.                                                                                                                                                    
• Contracts Online – Allgovernment contracts should be available online in an easy-to-search database.  Currently only state contracts of $20,000 or greater are posted online.

CLEAN GOVERNMENT 

• Reduce/Eliminate Political Positions – Over the last eight years,the number of political appointees has exploded under the Richardson/Denish Administration.  We must reduce or eliminate many of these positions.  We must have greater reliance on merit, qualification and experience as factors in the hiring of state government positions, rather than on political connections.                                                               
• Strengthen The Governmental Conduct Act – Currently, only legislators are required to undergo ethics training every two years.  All state elected officials, political appointees and state employees should take ethics training, attending a minimum of two hours of ethics and professionalism continuing education and training each year.                                                                                                                                                           
• Eliminate Finders Fees – New Mexico needs a strong law eliminating the use of finder’s fees in state investments.  The State Investment Council has implemented a policy against this practice, but the only way to strengthen this policy is to place it in law and institute harsh penalties for violating it.

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More Proof That Diane Denish Has Failed New Mexicans

Albuquerque –Ryan Cangiolosi, Susana Martinez for Governor Campaign Manager today released the following statement in response to news stories reporting “New Mexico moved into the bottom five this year in a national study measuring child well-being.”

“Almost daily, we are reminded of the failures of the Richardson/Denish Administration and the toll it has taken on New Mexico.  In most cases, Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish points the finger and assigns blame to someone, anyone other than herself.  Today’s reports that New Mexico has fallen to the bottom concerning the well-being of our children should mean Denish has serious questions to answer.  As head of the Children’s Cabinet, Denish has promoted herself as a ‘champion for New Mexico’s children,’ yet the most innocent among us, our sons and daughters are in a worse position after eight years of her administration.  As governor, Susana Martinez will not accept or tolerate mediocrity and will stand up and defend children as she has done her entire career as Doña Ana County’s District Attorney.  Today’s news is deplorable and further proof that every New Mexican, including our children, deserve a state government that functions properly and is able to deliver real results.  For that reason, New Mexico is demanding bold change and will support Susana Martinez this November.”     

BACKGROUND:

“New Mexico moved into the bottom five this year in a national study measuring child well-being.  The state dropped three places to No. 46 in the 2010 Annie E. Casey Foundation Kids Count report.  The report measures states’ performances in 10 categories, including low birth weight, teen death rate and the percentage of children in poverty.  The data in the report come from 2007 and 2008.  An increase in the number of child and teen deaths accounted for some of New Mexico’s low ranking.  Last year, the report showed the teen death rate, for those 15 to 19, was 84 out of every 100,000.  This year, the number went up to 96.  In 2000, it was 99.  New Mexico’s ranking in the category fell from 37th to 48th.”(Juan Carlos Rodriguez, “N.M. Dips In Children’s Ranking,” The Albuquerque Journal, 7/27/10)

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CONTACT: press@susana2010.com; Contact Number: (505) 872-2070 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT!

INSURANCE STUDY: NEW MEXICO HIGHEST RATE OF UNINSURED DRIVERS
Driver’s Licenses For Illegal Immigrants Has Not Reduced Uninsured Motorists

Albuquerque –When the Richardson/Denish Administration passed a law allowing illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, they stated it would reduce the number of uninsured motorists on the streets.  But a recent study by the Insurance Research Council (IRC) shows just the opposite.  According to the study, New Mexico has the highest rate of uninsured motorists in the country.  Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish previously said that she would allow illegal immigrants who are already in possession of driver’s licenses to keep them.  Without offering any specifics, Denish now says the law may need to be “changed.”
 
In response, Ryan Cangiolosi, Susana Martinez for Governor Campaign Manager stated, “Diane Denish’s weak position on the issue of driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants is just another example of her willingness to shamelessly say anything and proves that she represents more of the same.  Susana Martinez speaks with great clarity on this issue and understands that giving driver’s licenses to those here illegally only encourages more unlawful immigration, and simply ‘changing’ the law is not sufficient.  Martinez will work to repeal the law that gives driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants and she will fight to revoke the licenses that have been issued.”

 
BACKGROUND:

Economic Downturn May Push Percentage of Uninsured Motorists to All-Time High

Approximately one in six drivers across the United States may be driving uninsured by 2010, according to a recent study from Insurance Research Council (IRC). Although the estimated percentage of uninsured motorists decreased nationally, from 14.9 percent in 2003 to 13.8 percent in 2007, the recent economic downturn is expected to trigger a sharp rise in the uninsured motorist rate.

The recently released study, Uninsured Motorists, 2008 Edition, estimates the percentage of uninsured drivers countrywide and by state for the period 2005 to 2007. The IRC estimates the uninsured driver population using a ratio of insurance claims made by individuals who were injured by uninsured drivers to claims made by individuals who were injured by insured drivers. The study contains recent statistics by state on uninsured motorists claim frequency, bodily injury liability claim frequency, and the ratio of uninsured motorists to bodily injury claim frequencies.

The magnitude of the uninsured motorists problem varied widely from state to state. In 2007, the five states with the highest uninsured driver estimates were New Mexico (29 percent), Mississippi (28 percent), Alabama (26 percent), Oklahoma (24 percent), and Florida (23 percent). The five states with the lowest uninsured driver estimates were Massachusetts (1 percent), Maine (4 percent), North Dakota (5 percent), New York (5 percent), and Vermont (6 percent).

The report also found a strong correlation between the percent of uninsured motorists and the unemployment rate: An increase in the unemployment rate of one percentage point is associated with an increase in the uninsured motorist rate of more than three-quarters of a percentage point. Based on current unemployment rate projections, the percentage of uninsured motorists is expected to rise from 13.8 in 2007 to 16.1 in 2010.

“An increase in the number of uninsured motorists is an unfortunate consequence of the economic downturn and illustrates how virtually everyone is affected by recent economic developments,” said Elizabeth A. Sprinkel, senior vice president of the IRC. “Responsible drivers who purchase insurance end up paying for injuries caused by uninsured drivers.”

To access the Insurance Research Council(IRC) release, click here <http://www.ircweb.org/news/IRC_UM_012109.pdf> .

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CONTACT: press@susana2010.com; Contact Number: (505) 872-2070

Will Diane Denish Veto Her Own Budget Plan?

Denish’s Plan Calls for Generating Revenue By Eliminating Tax Credits

Albuquerque – Yesterday, Gubernatorial Candidate Diane Denish disingenuously claimed to be against tax increases to solve the state’s budget crisis and pledged to veto any effort to raise taxes. Denish has been breaking her arm patting herself on the back so hard about the strength of her budget “plan.” But apparently Denish hasn’t even read it, or she does not understand the net effect of eliminating tax credits is to raise taxes. Maybe she is not quite the policy whiz she wants New Mexicans to believe.
 
“It is stunning that Diane Denish would tell the public that she will veto any tax increases when her own plan very clearly promises to raise taxes by eliminating tax credits. That raises the interesting question: Will Diane Denish veto her own budget plan?” said Ryan Cangiolosi,  campaign manager for Susana Martinez for Governor.           

“The contrast could not be more clear: Susana Martinez will review all agency budgets to identify and eliminate wasteful spending, promising to cut at least 5% from the new spending of the Richardson/Denish administration, while Diane Denish is promising to review tax credits in order to find taxes to raise,” concluded Cangiolosi.”

BACKGROUND:

http://www.dianedenish.com/news/press_releases?id=0026

FROM DENISH’S BUDGET PLAN:

“Initiate a thorough review of all the tax credits our state offers to make sure tax credits are being used to create jobs. Denish supports fair tax credits that directly help companies settle here and create jobs for New Mexicans, but she will change, sunset or claw-back any tax credits that aren’t creating new jobs.

Savings: The state currently issues roughly $111.2 million a year in tax credits. If after the review, 3 percent of the tax credits were deemed not to lead directly to job creation, the state would save $3.3 million per year or $16.5 million over five years.” (www.dianedenish.com)

FROM ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL: 

Spokesmen for Denish and Martinez each said Wednesday that their candidates would veto any tax increase legislation sent to them by the Legislature in 2011. (Alb Journal; 7/22/10) 

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CONTACT: press@susana2010.com  Contact Number: (505) 872-2070

Martinez: On The Issues

Republican Gubernatorial Nominee Continues To Drive Message On Jobs & Economy

Martinez Travels New Mexico Speaking To Jobs & Economy:

“Republican gubernatorial candidate Susana Martinez says she wants to make the private sector in New Mexico the source of job creation.  But she says the state has to cut government spending first before looking at a long-term phase-out of many business taxes.”(“Susana Martinez Outlines Jobs Plan For New Mexico,” The Associated Press, 7/7/10)

“State government growth has outpaced that of New Mexico, Susana Martinez, the Republican gubernatorial candidate and Las Cruces district attorney, told business-owners and other constituents Friday afternoon.  Local business owners are jumping the border for Texas’ lower taxes, Martinez said.  The oil and gas industry is not being used to its fullest potential. Contracts and jobs are being given to friends, relatives and businesses that are no more local than a phone number, a rented office and a PO Box.  These things will change if she is elected, Martinez vowed.”(Ashley Meeks, “Martinez Talks About Business Needs,” Las Cruces Sun-News, 7/10/10)

“Republican gubernatorial candidate Susana Martinez held a roundtable discussion with Roswell business leaders Monday, promising to cut government regulation if elected in November.  Martinez met with about 30 representatives of local businesses at Roswell Regional Hospital.  She took questions during the roundtable as attendees used the opportunity to get a feel for what the candidate would do as governor.”(Matthew Arco, “Martinez Holds Roundtable Meeting,” Roswell Daily Record, 7/13/10)

“In an interview after her speech, Martinez explained that the most important issues for New Mexicans revolve around the poor economy.  She said 50,000 jobs have been lost in the past 2-1/2 years and this was is due to high taxes and extreme regulation.  When asked what is the biggest concern she hears from voters.  Martinez said most New Mexicans just want to be able to provide for their families.  Martinez plans to help small business by controlling spending.  Her first aim is ‘not to raise taxes,’ and then she wants to phase out taxes to get competitive tax rates with New Mexico’s southwest neighbors like Texas and Arizona.”(Kelcie MacRunnels, “Susana Martinez Rallies Support In Socorro,” El Defensor Chieftain, 7/21/10)

“District attorney and Republican candidate for New Mexico governor Susana Martinez said she’s aware of the situation and says she has an economic stimulus plan for it.  ‘It has to be competitive all the way around, from the infrastructure to the cost of doing business, to providing water to providing electricity,’ said Martinez.  Martinez said New Mexico cannot afford to lose companies like the ones that are established in Santa Teresa because that means a loss of jobs.  ‘We have to fight for the businesses.  We have to make sure we take this to the PRC.  We have to make sure we’re partners with the businesses, so businesses grow and they don’t feel like they’re out there on their own,’ said Martinez.”(Monica Balderrama, “Industrial Business Managers Meet With NM Gubernatorial Candidates,” KFOX-TV, 7/21/10)

Martinez Launches New Ad Titled “Jobs Plan”:

Susana Martinez: “Over 80% of all jobs are created by small businesses.  And that’s why my plan focuses on them.  By ending corruption and eliminating wasteful spending, we can phase out job-killing taxes to help all small businesses grow.  If we have the courage to make bold changes, we will turn New Mexico around.” (Press Release, “Susana Martinez For Governor Launches New Ad,” Susana Martinez For Governor, 7/23/10)

Public Officials Support Martinez Economic Plan:

“Susana Martinez, Republican gubernatorial nominee recently met with Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry and discussed the need to eliminate waste, cut government spending, fight corruption and reform Albuquerque and state government.  Mayor Berry has aggressively confronted Albuquerque’s economic and budget challenges, while Susana Martinez has laid out her vision for Jobs & Economic Recovery.”(Press Release, “Susana Martinez Statement Concerning Meeting With Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry,” Susana Martinez For Governor, 7/12/10)

“The reality is that for the last two months, Martinez has been speaking very publicly and consistently about New Mexico’s economy and the budgetary disaster created by the Richardson/Denish Administration and the establishment in Santa Fe.  And rather than just assigning blame, which correctly falls at the feet of those in power including our esteemed lieutenant governor, Martinez has been prescribing solutions to move the state forward.  Susana Martinez’s five-point plan to clean up the mess created by the Richardson/Denish Administration, includes: restraining government spending, ending corruption which wastes millions in precious taxpayer dollars, phasing out job-killing taxes to make New Mexico more competitive with surrounding states, reviving our struggling energy sector, and improving the state’s business climate.  For too long, New Mexico has been under the grip of those who put themselves in front of the people who create the jobs and pay the bills.  Susana Martinez is a unique and different kind of candidate who will not bend to the status quo and will challenge those in power to do what’s right and put the state and its people first.  She has put forward, campaigned on, publicized and won plaudits for an economic plan that will change the way business is done in the Roundhouse.”(John Sanchez, “Martinez Has Released A Comprehensive Budget Plan,” Ruidoso News, 7/21/10)

Martinez Speaks Out On Job Losses:

“Today’s jobs report confirms what we already understand to be reality, the Richardson/Denish Administration has failed miserably on the top issue confronting our state: job creation.  For months, Diane Denish has tried to avoid any criticism related to an administration she helped lead for the last eight years, while disingenuously claiming credit for its few successes.  New Mexicans understand we can’t simply continue on the same track and we need to turn things around.  We need new leadership that will shake up the status quo and deliver bold change if we are to get back on track economically.  For months now, I have campaigned on an economic plan that was introduced in the primary campaign and will make our state competitive, clean up the budget mess in Santa Fe, and bring real accountability and transparency to the Roundhouse.  My plan has been endorsed by state leaders, employers and small business organizations.  As governor, I will do what Diane Denish has proven incapable of: turn New Mexico’s economy around and help small businesses create good-paying, quality jobs.”(Press Release, “Martinez Statement On Newly-Released Employment Numbers,” Susana Martinez For Governor, 7/20/10)

Martinez Addresses Budget Deficit:

“For months now, Diane Denish has been telling New Mexicans she has a plan to get us out of this mess.  What she isn’t telling voters is that she – along with Bill Richardson – got us into it to begin with.  The Richardson/Denish Administration has failed New Mexico.  Today, more people are looking for work and we are on the verge of bankruptcy due to the reckless and abusive actions of those in Santa Fe.  If we are to solve the problems facing New Mexico, we will require someone who is not beholden to the establishment and who will challenge the status quo.  I have an economic plan that will create jobs and restrain spending in state government, put an end to the corruption running rampant in the Roundhouse and eliminate the exempt positions created to pay back supporters of the Richardson/Denish Administration.  We can solve this budget crisis by growing New Mexico’s economy through assisting our small businesses and reducing the out-of-control spending in state government.” (“Gov Candidates Respond To Wednesday’s News About Budget Mis-Estimates,” Capitol Report, 7/21/10)

New Mexico Business Leaders Stand With Martinez:

“Susana Martinez, Republican gubernatorial nominee today announced her statewide small business leaders’ coalition.  Coalition members include small business owners, employers and leaders from across the state who have endorsed Martinez’s plan to get New Mexico’s economy back on track and support her vision for job creation and bold change.”(Press Release, “Susana Martinez For Governor Announces Small Business Leaders For Martinez Coalition,” Susana Martinez For Governor, 7/14/10)

New Mexico Job Creators Endorse Martinez:

“Susana Martinez for Governor today announced that the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of New Mexico have endorsed her candidacy.”(Press Release, “Susana Martinez For Governor Receives Endorsement Of Associated Builders & Contractors Of New Mexico,” Susana Martinez For Governor, 7/15/10)

Martinez Releases Jobs & Economic Recovery Plan:

“Making New Mexico Competitive.”(Press Release, “Making New Mexico Competitive,” Susana Martinez For Governor, 7/7/10)

“Eliminating Waste.”(Press Release, “Eliminating Waste,” Susana Martinez For Governor, 7/8/10)

“Improving New Mexico’s Business Climate.”(Press Release, “Improving New Mexico’s Business Climate,” Susana Martinez For Governor, 7/14/10)

“Martinez: On The Issues.”(Press Release, “Martinez: On The Issues,” Susana Martinez For Governor, 7/16/10)

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CONTACT: press@susana2010.com  Contact Number: (505) 872-2070

SUSANA MARTINEZ FOR GOVERNOR LAUNCHES NEW AD
“Jobs Plan” Speaks To Doña Ana County District Attorney’s Economic Plan

Albuquerque – Susana Martinez, Republican gubernatorial nominee today began airing a new television advertisement titled, “Jobs Plan.”  The commercial speak to Martinez’s economic plan, which is focused on repairing the failures of the Richardson/Denish Administration and creating jobs by making New Mexico competitive, phasing out job-killing taxes and rooting out the corruption that is costing the state both wealth and opportunities.
 
To view “Jobs Plan,” click here.  
 
“JOBS PLAN” AD SCRIPT:

ANNCR: As jobs were lost, Richardson/Denish wasted millions.
 
Abused the state jet.
 
Denish even spent federal stimulus funds on campaign Christmas cards.
 
We need change, Susana Martinez.
 
SUSANA: Over 80% of all jobs are created by small businesses.
 
And that’s why my plan focuses on them.
 
By ending corruption and eliminating wasteful spending, we can phase out job-killing taxes to help all small businesses grow.
 
If we have the courage to make bold changes, we will turn New Mexico around.
 

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CONTACT: press@susana2010.com  Contact Number: (505) 872-2070

In Case You Missed It!

Susana Martinez Rallies Support In Socorro

Kelcie MacRunnels

July 21, 2010

El Defensor Chieftain

Republican gubernatorial candidate Susana Martinez was in Socorro on Saturday, July 17, to rally with party supporters at a fundraising cookout held at Ranchers Steakhouse.

All were welcome to attend the event to meet Martinez, listen to her speak about the issues, discuss the November election and enjoy the cookout.

Guests enjoyed a home style cookout meal of hamburgers, hot dogs and lemonade, and many were eagerly anticipating Martinez’ speech.

“She was the best out of the five (gubernatorial candidates) we had, and it’s time for a change,” said Leonela “Leo” Murphy, who has been an avid supporter of the Republican Party since childhood and is now a member of the Socorro County Federated Republican Women.

Martinez began her speech after the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer and a parodied acoustical performance of “Oh Susanna.”

Issues Martinez addressed in her speech included increasing graduation rates and education, fixing corruption in New Mexico’s government (especially in Santa Fe), and ensuring the decrease of taxation on New Mexico citizens and small businesses.

After eight years with a Democratic governor, Martinez is campaigning for change she said would “bring New Mexico back to New Mexicans.”

For the past 13 years, Martinez has been the district attorney for the 3rd Judicial District in Doña Ana County.

In an interview after her speech, Martinez explained that the most important issues for New Mexicans revolve around the poor economy. She said 50,000 jobs have been lost in the past 2-1/2 years and this was is due to high taxes and extreme regulation.

When asked what is the biggest concern she hears from voters. Martinez said most New Mexicans just want to be able to provide for their families.

Martinez plans to help small business by controlling spending. Her first aim is “not to raise taxes,” and then she wants to phase out taxes to get competitive tax rates with New Mexico’s southwest neighbors like Texas and Arizona.

…

Martinez is campaigning for change. She said New Mexicans are tired of the way the government has been doing business. She said New Mexico needs “not just a new leader, but a different leader.”

Although this election will be historic, guaranteeing that New Mexico will elect its first female governor, Martinez said, “It is certainly historic — but it will be more historic if we can change New Mexico from what it has been.”

Martinez said she visits Socorro frequently and will be back again before the November elections.

“We’ll be in Socorro a whole bunch,” she said.

Other Republican candidates attending the cookout included, Amanda Gallegos, who is running for county commissioner in District 3; Pauline Jaramillo, also running for county commissioner in District 1; Phillip Montoya, who is seeking re-election as county sheriff; Emma Griego King, who is running for probate judge; Gayl Dorr, who will seek the county assessor position; and Rep. Don Tripp, who is running unopposed.

To access El Defensor Chieftain, click here.  

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Martinez Has Released A Comprehensive Budget Plan

John Sanchez

July 21, 2010

Ruidoso News

Last week, in an unfortunate column published in the Ruidoso News, Sherry Robinson attacked Doña Ana County District Attorney and Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Susana Martinez’s position on the economy and state budget. Robinson wrote, “What do our candidates for governor have to say? Republican Susana Martinez has three paragraphs on her Web site…For the most part, these are platitudes, not plans.”

Robinson goes on to praise Diane Denish’s economic and budgetary plan, which should not be surprising.

A quick search of Robinson’s previous columns demonstrates she is a fan and frequent advocate on Denish’s behalf. What is disturbing is how ill-informed Robinson was concerning Susana Martinez and her economic platform.

Here are some basic facts that would be useful for readers of the Ruidoso News that one won’t otherwise see in Robinson’s writings.

On May 6, Susana Martinez released her comprehensive economic plan for New Mexico, including a detailed approach to deal with the epic budget mess created by none other than the Richardson/Denish Administration. Martinez even had an op-ed published speaking to her plan and getting the economy back on track.

Martinez spoke to that plan as she campaigned across the state and after winning the primary election, and conducted a Jobs & Economic Recovery tour with stops and media events in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Roswell and Hobbs.

Going further, Martinez met with Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry to discuss the plan, rolled out a small business coalition and received the endorsement of the Associated Builders and Contractors of New Mexico. All of which was distributed to the media and prominently featured on Susana Martinez’s gubernatorial campaign Web site.

The reality is that for the last two months, Martinez has been speaking very publicly and consistently about New Mexico’s economy and the budgetary disaster created by the Richardson/Denish Administration and the establishment in Santa Fe. And rather than just assigning blame, which correctly falls at the feet of those in power including our esteemed lieutenant governor, Martinez has been prescribing solutions to move the state forward.

Susana Martinez’s five-point plan to clean up the mess created by the Richardson/Denish Administration, includes: restraining government spending, ending corruption which wastes millions in precious taxpayer dollars, phasing out job-killing taxes to make New Mexico more competitive with surrounding states, reviving our struggling energy sector, and improving the state’s business climate.

For too long, New Mexico has been under the grip of those who put themselves in front of the people who create the jobs and pay the bills. Susana Martinez is a unique and different kind of candidate who will not bend to the status quo and will challenge those in power to do what’s right and put the state and its people first.

She has put forward, campaigned on, publicized and won plaudits for an economic plan that will change the way business is done in the Roundhouse.

We will not shy away from any fair criticism and expect to continue to engage in a vigorous debate, particularly related to the top issue confronting New Mexico – jobs and the economy. But we will not allow or accept unfair and narrow-minded attacks that in no way reflect the truth.

We must not ignore the obvious; Diane Denish had a front row seat as her administration wasted and spent our state to virtual bankruptcy. This is not a record worthy of a promotion.

So, the next time you read a column saying Susana Martinez has not driven the debate on the critical economic issues confronting New Mexico, like dealing with the budget mess, please consider the source as it appears the only homework the dog ate was Sherry Robinson’s.

John Sanchez is the Republican Lieutenant Gubernatorial candidate. He has been in business for over 27 years and has been honored by the Greater Albuquerque and Albuquerque Hispano Chambers of Commerce as the Small Businessman of Year in 2000 and 1993.

To access the Ruidoso News, click here.

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CONTACT: press@susana2010.com  Contact Number: (505) 872-2070

MARTINEZ STATEMENT ON NEW MEXICO’S MASSIVE BUDGET DEFICIT

Albuquerque–Susana Martinez, Republican gubernatorial nominee today released the following statement in response to news reports of New Mexico’s massive and increasing budget deficit:

“For months now, Diane Denish has been telling New Mexicans she has a plan to get us out of this mess.  What she isn’t telling voters is that she – along with Bill Richardson – got us into it to begin with.  The Richardson/Denish Administration has failed New Mexico.  Today, more people are looking for work and we are on the verge of bankruptcy due to the reckless and abusive actions of those in Santa Fe.  If we are to solve the problems facing New Mexico, we will require someone who is not beholden to the establishment and who will challenge the status quo.  I have an economic plan that will create jobs and restrain spending in state government, put an end to the corruption running rampant in the Roundhouse and eliminate the exempt positions created to pay back supporters of the Richardson/Denish Administration.  We can solve this budget crisis by growing New Mexico’s economy through assisting our small businesses and reducing the out-of-control spending in state government.”

BACKGROUND:

“Just when Governor Bill Richardson and his Cabinet Secretaries say there’s nothing left to cut, it looks like they need to cut more.  KRQE News 13 has learned state lawmakers will hear Wednesday how the state is at least $300-million in the hole.  That means the Governor and his replacement have some painful choices to make.  People just aren’t spending what they used to.  That’s the big reason why the state won’t be able to spend what lawmakers planned.  Wednesday they’ll hear new official revenue estimates showing the state in another big financial hole.  According to Legislative Finance Committee Chair Rep. Luciano ‘Lucky’ Varela (D) of Santa Fe the state is between $30 and $40 million dollars short for the fiscal year (2010) that just ended a few weeks ago.  That can be made up with reserves.  But it gets worse. Legislative Finance Committee Vice Chair Senator John Arthur Smith (D) of Deming expects estimates to show lawmakers over-budgeted by around $150 million for the fiscal year (2011) that just started July 1st.  That means Governor Richardson will have to cut across state government and it could mean more furloughs for state workers or even salary cuts and layoffs.  The only thing off limits will be funding for Medicaid and the Developmentally Disabled.  Next year may be even worse.  Lawmakers and the next Governor will have to come up with a way to cut at least $150 million more from the budget (2012) that kicks in next July.”(Michael Herzenberg, “New $300 Million State Deficit,” KRQE-TV, 7/20/10)

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CONTACT: press@susana2010.com  Contact Number: (505) 872-2070

MEDIA ADVISORY: SUSANA MARTINEZ BRINGS JOBS & ECONOMIC RECOVERY TOUR TO SANTA TERESA

Albuquerque– Susana Martinez, Republican gubernatorial nominee will bring her Jobs & Economic Recovery tour to Santa Teresa where she will meet with employees of ADC Telecommunications, Inc. to discuss her plan to create jobs and get New Mexico’s economy back on track.
WHO: Susana Martinez, Republican gubernatorial nominee

WHAT: Meeting with ADC Telecommunications, Inc. employees and suppliers

WHEN: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 9:45 a.m.

WHERE: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.

              101 Lindbergh Drive

              Santa Teresa, NM 88008-9722

To RSVP, please call Susana Martinez for Governor at (505) 872-2070.

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