New Mexico Gov. Martinez eyes tougher penalties for DWIs

New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez has announced proposals aimed at toughening penalties for those who have four or more drunken driving convictions.

Martinez unveiled Monday in Albuquerque another legislative push to increase mandatory minimum sentences for repeat drunk drivers.

The Republican governor has blamed the Democratic-controlled Senate for failing to act on similar GOP proposals to strengthen New Mexico’s drunken driving penalties. Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez says Martinez is attacking the Senate to distract voters from her efforts to ignore poverty.

Martinez announced new executive orders last week aimed at arresting repeat drunken drivers.

She toured the state to discuss plans for increased patrols on the state’s most dangerous highways and an aggressive effort to arrest drunken driving suspects who violate their parole or probation.