Senator Linda M. Lopez of Albuquerque’s South Valley issued a statement today affirming that she doesn’t believe Governor Susana Martinez possesses the heart to effectively govern New Mexico. This comes after the media reported that Attorney General Gary King referenced the words of legendary activist Dolores Huerta that this Governor, although she has a Latino surname, does not have Latinos’ interests at heart.
“It is just like the Martinez administration to make the truthful words of a genuine Hispanic woman with the best interests of New Mexicans at heart and politically twist them to make her opponent look bad,” Senator Lopez (D-11-Bernalillo) said. “This is classic Susana, who only seems to be on the woman’s side or the Hispanic side when it politically suits her. Her track record, especially during Legislative sessions, speaks otherwise.
“I seem to remember an appalling recording of a high-ranking member of the Governor’s staff referring to the late House Speaker Ben Lujan’s Hispanic accent as sounding retarded. She remained silent as this embarrassing statement was made, all during a conference call in which she and others disparaged the Commission on the Status of Women and the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce”.
A recent Albuquerque Journal poll showed the Governor struggling to court Hispanic and Latino voters in New Mexico. Martinez falls behind Gary King by nearly 20 percent amongst Hispanic voters. Combining such factors as New Mexico’s struggling economy and the lack of support from Hispanic leaders such as Senator Lopez and Ms. Huerta, the Martinez administration continues to lose traction in this race.
“The Latino culture is built around compassion and consideration for our communities,” Senator Lopez said. “While our state remains at the top of the list for child hunger, adult hunger and poverty, Governor Martinez has demonstrated an abject indifference for the people of our state by stifling legislation that would help those who need it most. Like many of my constituents, I cannot understand how she can justify huge tax cuts to corporations while so many of our citizens suffer.
“Her style of divisive politics, such as introducing legislation making our roads more dangerous by forcing mostly undocumented Latino immigrants to operate automobiles without some form of legal driver’s licenses is just another example of this administration’s inability to lead and come up with sensible solutions.”
Press Conference: FRIDAY, SEPT. 12, 2014 ABQ OLD TOWN PLAZA 3:30 PM—Join Sen. Lopez and other women leaders to hear more on this issue!