Palin Endorsing Susana Martinez In NM Gov Race

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is endorsing Susana Martinez in New Mexico’s five-way primary race for the Republican gubernatorial nomination.

“Out of five candidates in this race, she selected me as the one that can deliver the results at the end of the day,” Martinez said. “It’s a positive when we get endorsements from all walks of life and Sarah Palin is certainly an important one.”

Dr. Gregory Rocha, a political science professor at UTEP, said Palin could be trying to broaden her own political network. “In taking a look at Susana Martinez, and seeing a woman latina candidate running for a prominent office in the state of New Mexico, it works fairly well for her,” Rocha said.

Martinez is currently the Dona Ana County district attorney. “Particularly for the short-term, now is a good time to get that enthusiasm into the campaign,” Rocha said.

Palin, the GOP’s 2008 vice presidential nominee, will join Martinez at a rally Sunday in Albuquerque. The rally is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Marriott hotel on Louisiana Boulevard.

The event is open to the public. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis from the campaign at 1-800-460-7245.