East New Mexico News

The state legislature's Republican ranking member said the ruling Democratic Party does not respect the traditional values of residents and has been attacking those beliefs in the last two years.

The comments by Minority Whip Rod Montoya, R-Farmington, came during a Republican Party of New Mexico rally posted to the political organization’s Facebook page on March 11.

“We put out a shirt last year that got a little bit of notoriety that said ‘Do not Californicate New Mexico,’” Montoya said. “We’ve seen values that are external to this state. We’ve seen those values be the values that have dominated two legislative cycles. And all along the way, traditional New Mexicans have lost.”

New Mexico oil and gas industry | N/A

The representative said the Democratic-controlled government has tried to impact traditional jobs and life issues.

“Traditional jobs in New Mexico are under attack,” Montoya said. “Oil and gas, which pays for almost 50% of our entire budget, is under attack.”

He added the ruling party does not respect life for the unborn and also with the Death with Dignity legislation, which he said Republicans called “Killing Grandma.”

The March rally was held to convey the party’s agenda and to announce it has candidates in 101 legislative races in its bid to take control of both state chambers to stop what they call “the progressive agenda in Santa Fe, demonstrate fiscal responsibility and protect the rights of New Mexicans.”

 New Mexico will hold its primary on June 2.