New Mexico Lt. Gov. John Sanchez, speaking after an event in Albuquerque, N.M., on Saturday, gave us his take on the presidential race and Senate race.
“I think the race is much closer than the polling would show,” said Sanchez, who spoke following an event in Albuquerque, N.M., co-sponsored by Americans For Prosperity-New Mexico, The New Mexico Business Coalition and the Rio Grande Foundation. “And I think we have to look at the kind of the methodology behind the polling. I think it’s much closer, not only for Heinrich-Wilson, but I think even here for the presidential election between Romney and Obama [in] the difference between registered voters vs. likely voters. And I think you’ve seen a shift in momentum both nationally, and in New Mexico, when it comes to people who are supporting our Republican candidates. So, I think the race is going to be very, very close. It’s all about turnout and what group has a better ground game. And I’m confident the Wilson campaign is considering that and is making plans–and the same thing with the Romney team, as well.”
Sanchez, who ran in the Republican U.S. Senate primary against Wilson before withdrawing from the race in February, knows first-hand that Wilson is an aggressive campaigner. A former state representative from Albuquerque, Sanchez also ran as the Republican nominee for governor in 2002 against Democrat Bill Richardson. Here’s what he said about Wilson, who prepares to debate U.S. Rep. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., in Las Cruces at the second of four scheduled televised debates.
“I think Heather’s right on message when she’s talking about the failed policies of not only the Obama Administration, but clearly, you know, the Democrats in the U.S. Senate. Their failure to act on a budget for well over 3 years. The idea that they’re holding back job growth in our country, and in New Mexico as well. And in particular here in our state when it comes to who’s going to be the best fighter and defender when it comes to our national labs, our military installations.”
