This article has been updated.
New members of the state’s congressional delegation are being officially sworn in today, but the most interesting statement I have found about the situation didn’t come from any of them.
It came from Johnny Cope, chairman of the state Transportation Commission, who wanted to congratulate the new 2nd Congressional District representative, Harry Teague, for being named to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Here’s Cope’s statement, sent by a spokesperson for the state Department of Transportation:
“I would like to congratulate Congressman-elect Teague on this important appointment. He will be a strong voice not only for New Mexico but for our nation as we undertake a major transportation and highway infrastructure improvement plan proposed under President-elect Obama’s economic stimulus package. This is a testament to the Congressional leadership’s confidence in Harry because it is very rare that a freshman congressman is appointed to such a key committee, especially now that it will be overseeing hundreds of billions of dollars in transportation improvement projects. His appointment also is an opportunity for us to have a strong New Mexico presence on this very important committee.”
What’s interesting about that? Cope failed to mention one important fact: He and Teague are business partners. In fact, Gov. Bill Richardson still owes their company, Lea King LLC, $139,000 for use of the company’s jet during his presidential campaign.
I figured that was worth disclosing in this context. Meanwhile, here are some other statements from the new members of Congress:
From Teague about his swearing-in:
“I am honored and humbled to have been elected to this important position during a challenging time in our nation’s history. Economic development and job creation will be my top priorities and I will work hard each day to address the varied needs of New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District. As your representative, I will have an open-door policy and I encourage citizens to contact my offices in Washington and in New Mexico with any concerns, questions or comments.”
From Teague about his committee assignment:
“I am honored to have been appointed to the Transportation Committee. We must have a voice for southern New Mexicans as we develop the economic recovery and infrastructure package that is so vital to the people of my district and to the health of our nation.”
From 1st Congressional District Rep. Martin Heinrich, about his appointment to the Armed Services Committee:
“I know that Kirtland Air Force Base and Sandia National Laboratories are of the utmost importance to our district, and this was key in my mind when seeking my committee assignments. I am proud to serve on the Armed Services Committee and I look forward to the work ahead. Although I don’t know my other assignment yet, I will do all I can to ensure that I am placed on a committee that is in the best interests of our community.”
From 3rd District Rep. Ben Ray Luján, who was assigned to the Committee on Homeland Security:
“As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I will be able to work on behalf of important programs at Los Alamos National Laboratory and Cannon Air Force Base — promoting our nation’s security and providing thousands of jobs in the district. As a committee member, I will also work hard to protect the civil rights and liberties of all Americans, maintaining these essential protections while keeping our country safe.”
Update, 10:20 p.m.
Here are a couple of photos Teague’s office released today. The first is of him shaking hands with Lt. Gov. Diane Denish. The second is of him being interviewed.
Update, 10:40 p.m.
Here’s new U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, accompanied by his wife, being sworn in by the vice president earlier today. “I am honored and elated to officially be serving the entire state of New Mexico in the United States Senate,” Udall said in a statement released by his office. “I felt a great sense of bipartisanship within the Senate chamber today, and now it’s time we get to work to make our economy work for all Americans again.”
