Hybrid giveaway is part of effort to defeat Pearce

This posting originally stated that the Las Cruces event would be held Wednesday, but the group changed the day to Thursday, so the posting has been updated.

A group that is working to elect Democrat Tom Udall to the U.S. Senate this year is using rising gas prices and a hybrid-vehicle giveaway to gain attention.

As part of its “Wrong 4 New Mexico” campaign — in reference to Udall’s opponent, Republican Steve Pearce — Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund is unveiling its giveaway of a Toyota Prius today in Santa Fe. The car is decorated in an anti-Pearce theme.

The group — and its car — will be in Las Cruces on Thursday to promote the giveaway. The event will be held at the corner of Las Cruces Avenue and Main Street at 10:30 a.m.

The group is attacking Pearce for voting against increasing fuel-mileage standards “even while New Mexicans are being gouged at the pump,” according to a news release.

To enter the contest to win the Prius, click here. Only New Mexico residents 18 and older are eligible to enter.