Greer announces run for Pearce’s House seat

Sierra County Republican Party Chair C. Earl Greer formally announced today that he will run for the Second Congressional District seat being vacated by Steve Pearce.

Greer joins four Republicans who have announced candidacies for the seat. At least four other Republicans are considering running.

In a news release, Greer said he is “forging a new direction” with a campaign he calls “Grassroots for Greer.” The release said the campaign will focus on a “person-to-person approach” that involves one-on-one meetings with voters to discuss their concerns.

Greer is a fifth-generation resident of Sierra County, is half Hispanic and is fluent in Spanish. He has run unsuccessfully in the past against Pearce, for a seat on the Public Regulation Commission and to be the state chair of the Republican Party. He has more than 29 years of experience in the real-estate industry and is part owner of Plaza Realty, which specializes in farm and ranch real-estate brokerage.

He said in the release that his campaign will focus on border security, immigration, the military, welfare, energy, traditional values, property and water rights and agriculture. Most are issues he spoke about during a candidate forum in Alamogordo in December.

In the release, Greer provided these statements on each issue:

• Border security: “Let’s give every county sheriff’s department the resources they need so they can work effectively in conjunction with our state and federal law enforcement to effectively protect our borders.”

• Immigration: “Although immigration in America is a problem, we can accomplish much of what we want to by enforcing the immigration laws already in existence.”

• Military: “While I am against increased spending, I would open up the checkbook to take care of our military. The government has an obligation to the members and veterans of our armed forces, disabled or not.”

• Welfare: “I believe in a hand-up, not a hand-out.”

• Energy: “We need to protect our domestic gas and oil industries as we wean our country from dependency on foreign oil, and I believe nuclear energy can ease that transition.”

• Traditional Values: “I have been married for 31 years and have four married children and three wonderful grandchildren. Looking into my grandchildren’s eyes, I know that I am running for Congress so I can help make the world safe and prosperous for them. I believe that traditional family values will carry us into the next era of our great country.”

• Property rights and water rights: “Because I was raised on a ranch, I understand the importance of fighting for and protecting our private property rights and water rights.”

• Agriculture: “I am prepared to protect and promote New Mexico’s rich agricultural industry and history. I was born into agriculture and raised in agriculture, and I believe in agriculture.”

The other Republicans in the race are former Bernalillo County GOP executive director Bob Cornelius, rancher and retired banker Aubrey L. Dunn Jr., restaurant-chain owner and rancher Ed Tinsley and Las Cruces daycare center owner Greg Sowards. Those considering the race include Clint Chandler, a staffer for U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici; Mike Kakuska, Second Congressional District vice chair for the state GOP; Hobbs Mayor Monty Newman; and former state Rep. Terry Marquardt.

Four Democrats – retired Presbyterian pastor Al Kissling, Doña Ana County Commissioner Bill McCamley, Roswell businessman and retired teacher Frank McKinnon and former Lea County Commissioner Harry Teague – are running.