N.M. Democrats attack Congressman Pearce’s record

Several leaders in the New Mexico Democratic party condemn U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce’s decision to run for governor and are attacking his record.

The three points that the democrats attacked most were education, healthcare and immigration.

“He is a ideologue who put ideology and right-wing philosophy above the interest of New Mexicans,” said Richard Ellenberg, chair of the democratic party of New Mexico. “That’s what we don’t need.”

Richard Ellenberg, chair of the Democratic Party of New Mexico; Chris Schaljo, chair of the Democratic Party of Doña Ana County; as well as state Rep. Joanne Ferrary gathered in Downtown Las Cruces on Wednesday.

“His lack of concern for the health and well-being of New Mexicans is a mere image of Governor Martinez,” said Ferrary.

“This is what people hate about politics,” Greg Blair, a spokesman for the Pearce campaign, wrote in a statement. “Steve Pearce is laying out a vision to put people to work, fight poverty, fix a broken education system, and get crime off our streets.”

Blair also defended the congressman’s views on immigration policy.

“Our communities are stronger when we have strong families and a good immigration policy,” Blair said. “So he’s fighting for immigration reform, but he understands that the wall and this harsh rhetoric from the White House is not productive.”

Other congressional candidates include U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.); state Sen. Joseph Cervantes (D-Las Cruces); businessman Jeff Apodaca; and Peter DeBenedittis, an activist and former teacher known for his work against alcohol.

Current Republican Gov. Susana Martinez terms out in 2018 and will not be able to run again.

Pearce appeared on ABC-7 at 4 on Tuesday.