New Mexico governor candidates meet for final debate

The candidates vying for New Mexico governor met one last time Wednesday night in Albuquerque.

State representatives and gubernatorial candidate Steve Pearce (R) and Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) are looking to replace outgoing Governor Susana Martinez who has reached her term limit.

Pearce and Lujan Grisham took part in the third and last debate before Election Day on November 6.

The two took on several topics and questions from New Mexico voters.

The Albuquerque Journal reported in September that in 2017 the number of violent crimes in Albuquerque increased by 23 percent last year.

Each candidate said crime is a statewide issue and offered a solution.

Pearce said there has to be a change to the laws in order to protect the streets of New Mexico.

“My opponent has supported a position by the ACLU that would turn loose convicted murderers at the thrity-year point, even if they were given life sentences. That to me is what’s wrong.

Pearce said that sends a wrong message to law enforcement that Lujan Grisham does not care.

Lujan Grisham said she is the only candidate with a detailed crime plan that is very clear about not having automatic parole and holding the state’s serious, violent offenders in jail.

“I’ve secured millions of dollars to put more cops and training on the streets in every community in the state.”

Lujan Grisham said she has been endorsed by 50 law enforcement officers.

Early voting ends Saturday, November 3.

Election Day is November 6.