RNC to hold chairmen’s meeting in N.M. next week

The Republican National Committee will hold its 2008 state chairmen’s meeting next week in New Mexico, and speakers will include John McCain’s presidential campaign manager.

The meeting will be held Tuesday through Friday at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort at the Santa Ana Pueblo near Bernalillo.

“New Mexico will be an important state for Republicans to carry this year, and one in which John McCain’s message of smaller and less intrusive government, lower taxes and a strong national defense has obvious appeal,” RNC spokeswoman Liz Mair said in explaining why the RNC picked New Mexico for its meeting.

A 1 p.m. session on Thursday will include speakers Robert M. “Mike” Duncan, the RNC chairman, and Carly Fiorina, the RNC Victory chairwoman.

On Friday at noon, the speaker during the chairmen’s luncheon will be Rick Davis, McCain’s campaign manager.

I’ll be interviewing Duncan about the importance of New Mexico to the GOP strategy on Tuesday. Check back after that for my article on the interview.

Update, 11:30 a.m.

State GOP Chairman Allen Weh said the party is honored to host Republican officials from throughout the nation next week.

“The selection of New Mexico for this important meeting is a testament to our battleground status, and to the well-held belief that some of the most competitive and important elections in the country will take place in New Mexico this year,” he said in a news release.