Cibola Beacon - Denish: Fighting for New Mexico Families

News Article

By Donald Jaramillo

Lt. Governor Diane Denish is in full swing in her campaign as the general election is only 13 days away. Her "Families First Tour" was launched last week and she is expected visit Cibola County next week.

During the tour, Denish is visiting families in their own living rooms and discussing with them the economy, veterans' issues, jobs, training and educational opportunities.

On Friday, Denish said she had visited with 12 families from Albuquerque's west side. She said her priority is jobs -- "How can we create jobs?" sheasked. "We need balanced regulation and tax credits . . . I want to create jobs.

"These times are too important to elect a Republican politician who wants to bring back the Bush-era anything goes policies that got the economy into this mess in the first place," Denish said.

When asked about the uranium industry, Denish quickly replied saying the federal government needs to step up to the plate and address the legacy issues as soon as possible and that the industry needs a fair and balanced regulatory system. "New Mexico's approach needs to be "we can do it all' while protecting our land and water," said Denish. Denish told the Beacon there are many differences between she and her opponent Republican Susana Martinez. "While Martinez is trying to become familiar with Native American culture I was invited to be grand marshal of the Navajo Nation's Inter-Tribal parade in Shiprock. While Martinez is busy fighting for people who fund her campaign I am busy fighting for New Mexico families," Denish said.

Denish said that her proudest moment as Lt. Governor over the past eight years was the creation of the Pre-K program for four-year-olds. "I took the lead and made it happen," she said. She also noted hers and Richardson's efforts in gaining capital for small businesses and going after unscrupulous lenders. "We regulated the predatory lenders," said Denish.

A lifelong New Mexican, Denish was born and raised in Hobbs. Her parents were active in public service and she credits them for her values of family, faith and giving back to the community.

Diane is married to Herb Denish and has three children and three grandchildren. Diane and her husband live in Albuquerque.

"For rural New Mexico," Denish said, "small towns need a more fair playing field. The qualifications and process for capital outlay favors bigger communities and that is not fair. I would like to change that." She also noted that smaller communities need more technical assistance to access funds from the state and especially the federal government, and "I would work toward providing assistance."

And as far as healthcare Denish favors reform. "I will not meet with the medical industry leaders without having representatives from the public at the table," she said.

Lastly, Denish said she is running for governor of New Mexico because she wants to fight for New Mexico families. "I am on your side, one that New Mexico can trust," she emphasized.

Denish is and has been Richardson's Lt. Governor since 2002.

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