This is the fourth in an occasional series of articles based on conversations with the Second Congressional District candidates. Articles on each candidate who agrees to an interview will run before the parties’ preprimary nominating conventions on March 15.
Some dismiss C. Earl Greer’s candidacy for the Second Congressional District seat being vacated by Steve Pearce because he lost the GOP primary for the seat in 2002, a Public Regulation Commission race in 2006 and the state party chair race in 2007.
Greer is quick to point out that he won the PRC primary in 2006, beating two other candidates, including a popular
“I’m not a quitter. I don’t flip-flop. I’m not going to quit my party because I’m a little unhappy. I’m not going to leave the district because I lost,” Greer said in a recent interview. “They should be proud that I’m not a quitter.”
Greer said that’s what’s different about his campaign.
“I don’t get mad, take my toys and go home,” he said.
The other Republican candidates in the race are rancher and retired banker Aubrey L. Dunn Jr., former state Rep. Terry Marquardt, Hobbs Mayor Monty Newman, Las Cruces daycare-center owner Greg Sowards and restaurant-chain owner and rancher Ed Tinsley.
Greer is focused on reaching voters directly, calling his campaign “Grassroots for Greer” and pledging personal meetings with anyone who requests them. Though he isn’t expected to raise as much money as the better-funded candidates – Dunn, Newman and Tinsley – Greer said his campaign “will have the resources we need.”
The issues he is focusing on during the campaign are defense, the economy and energy.
Defense
Greer includes a number of other issues – including immigration and caring for veterans – under defense.
He said securing the border is critical to the nation’s security, and said attempts to limit illegal crossings using technology and National Guard troops have helped, but to fully secure the border, additional Border Patrol agents are needed.
“It’s absolutely necessary, from a national security standpoint, that we get that border closed,” Greer said.
But he’s also quick to point out that the 9/11 hijackers came through
Greer’s second focus under defense is
“If they’re going to be willing to sacrifice everything for us, we’ve got to be willing to have both pay and care that is unequalled in the world,” Greer said.
Though Greer said President Bush has mishandled some issues related to the war on terror, he doesn’t believe
“We’ve not had another attack since Sept. 11,” Greer said. “So you can second-guess, you can armchair quarterback, but the proof is in the pudding.”
Greer said President Bush has made mistakes, but so have other presidents. He said President Clinton pulled some resources from the intelligence community that might have been useful before and after 9/11.
The economy
Greer said he has been disappointed with Washington Republicans when it comes to the economy.
“They let the budget get out of control and we can’t do that. They became Democrats,” Greer said.
When I pointed out the inflammatory nature of that comment against members of his own party, Greer also said Democrats who now control Congress are doing nothing to fix the problem. And he talked about the need to work together.
“I don’t want to be red. I don’t want to be blue. I want to be red, white and blue,” he said.
Greer said Congress and the president must balance the nation’s budget. He contends that will fix a host of other problems, including the fluctuating interest rates that have led to so many home foreclosures in recent months.
Greer also advocates a simpler tax code. He’s interested in both a flat-tax system and a sales-tax system, and said he hasn’t decided which he prefers. The overall goal, Greer said, needs to be allowing people to keep as much of their own money as possible. He also favors making the Bush tax cuts permanent.
Energy
“We have to become independent from the Middle East and
Greer advocates offering incentives for the energy industry to develop alternative-energy technology. His focus, because we live in
Greer said the
‘Why can’t a regular guy run?’
Greer’s roots are deep in
Greer has been married for 31 years and has four children and three grandchildren. He’s been in real estate for 30 years. He sold most of his family’s
Greer said one of his strengths is straight talk. He said people have learned they can trust him because he doesn’t flip-flop.
“If I change my mind on issues, you’ll always know that there was something very specific that I wasn’t aware of,” Greer said. “I don’t say what I think it takes to win. I tell you what I believe and am going to do.”
Talking about his commitment to grassroots campaigning, Greer said his agenda “is what’s best for the district, not what’s best for me.” He said while other candidates will “come in and be slick,” he believes voters will see that he is “one of them.”
“Others will surround themselves with consultants. … When you sit down with me, you’re going to be talking to the guy who is making the decisions,” Greer said. “That’s the way we will govern. That’s the way we will lead. We’re going to know where the people are at.”
“Why can’t a regular guy run?” Greer asked. “This isn’t supposed to be an elitist group.”
Prior interviews with Second Congressional District candidates:
• Al Kissling, published Jan. 28, 2008
• Aubrey L. Dunn Jr., published Jan. 14, 2008
• Harry Teague, published Dec. 20, 2007