Former Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson is firing back at Republican Gov. Susana Martinez for a hard-hitting campaign ad that renews allegations of corruption during Richardson's tenure.
Richardson said in a statement Friday that Martinez is airing the TV ad against Democratic Gary King in the governor's race because of "her pathetic accomplishments" and a need to "divert attention from a miserable record" on education and the economy.
Richardson called Martinez a "clueless governor."
Martinez campaign spokesman Chris Sanchez said the GOP governor is focusing on how to improve the state while Richardson "worries about his tarnished legacy."
The ad refers to pay-to-play allegations that politically influenced state investments benefited Richardson's supporters, and touts the Martinez administration's recovery of than $27 million from settlements with investment firms, brokers and others.
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