Tinsley, Cornelius make congressional runs official

Republicans Ed Tinsley and Bob Cornelius both made official last week their candidacies for the Second Congressional District seat being vacated by Steve Pearce.

They’re the first Republicans to enter the race. On the Democratic side, state Rep. Joseph Cervantes, retired Presbyterian minister Al Kissling, Doña Ana County Commissioner Bill McCamley, Roswell businessman and retired teacher Frank McKinnon and former Lea County Commissioner Harry Teague are all running.

Tinsley, a rancher and restaurant-chain owner, ran unsuccessfully for the seat in 2002. He said in a news release last week that he has “waited for the right time and circumstances to make a run for this congressional seat,” and the time is now.

“I’m someone who will go to Washington to represent our Southern New Mexico values,” Tinsley said. “I’m committed to upholding the Second Amendment, supporting a tough but fair immigration policy, working hard to resolve the health care issues we face, addressing the safety needs of Americans and keeping a tight reign on government spending.”

He also said he has received more than $221,000 in contributions since announcing on Nov. 7 that he was seriously considering the race.

“From ranching, to the oil and gas industry, to tourism and the hospitality and restaurant industry – and the families who are the heartbeat of each of these businesses – I am part of each,” he said in the release. “I know and understand our challenges and our values in the second district. Through my experience as an officer of the National Restaurant Association, and most recently as chairman of the board, I know how to get things done in Washington, D.C. for my constituents.”

Cornelius, a former Bernalillo County GOP executive director, had previously announced that he had moved back to his hometown of Tatum with the intention to run. He formally announced his candidacy in a news release sent on Thanksgiving.

“One of the things I am most thankful for is that I was lucky enough to have spent most of my life here in southern New Mexico,” he said. “It was here that I learned about family, about values, and about the importance of character. I’m running for Congress because we deserve someone in Washington who understands our problems and shares our values.”

Cornelius also praised Pearce for his service.

“We’ve been lucky these past few years to be represented by Congressman Steve Pearce,” he said. “It’s time for us to elect a new congressman who will represent us in Washington with the same integrity and conviction.”

In a YouTube video released on Thanksgiving, Cornelius took a shot at wealthy candidates. There are at least three in the race who plan to pledge some of their own money to their campaigns – Tinsley, Cervantes and Teague.

“We will not stand for candidates who will try to buy elections. Washington has plenty of millionaires, and look where it’s gotten us,” he said. “The American people have lost confidence in their elected officials, and rightfully so.”

Cornelius also appealed for help.

“Some candidates can write themselves a check and try to buy a seat in Congress, but that’s not me,” he said in the video.

Here’s Cornelius’ YouTube video:

Update, 11:50 a.m.

Tinsley said he had raised $230,550 as of Thanksgiving Day. It’s all from outside sources. Tinsley hasn’t yet put any money into his campaign, but has said he is willing to do so.