House Minority Whip Dan Foley, R-Roswell, announced today that he’s seeking re-election this year.
The District 57 representative has served five terms in the Legislature, and wants a sixth.
“I want to continue the success we’ve had in the first 10 years,” Foley said in an interview. “Clearly, we’ve built a foundation from which to make New
Foley cited among his successes his tough stances on crime and border security. He said in his first year in the Legislature he voted for Megan’s Law, and this year his was one of the key votes that helped pass domestic violence legislation being pushed by the governor. He was a cosponsor several years ago of an unsuccessful attempt to repeal laws that allow driver’s licenses and college scholarships for undocumented immigrants and other immigration-reform measures.
He also cited the securing of capital outlay for his district as a success.
“We’ve done a lot, from the baseball fields in Capitan, to the police building in Tularosa, to the parks and school repairs in Chaves county, roads,” Foley said.
And Foley mentioned the enactment of a new practice in the House that capital outlay funds will be divided evenly among the members, regardless of party affiliation. Foley was instrumental in making that happen in 2007.
Foley pointed to the nation’s economy and the looming redistricting battle as reasons for District 57 voters to send a senior legislator, instead of a freshman, to
“In my opinion, for the last few years we’ve been deficit spending,” he said. “This is a train wreck that’s waiting to happen. … I think we have to work harder in
Foley, 38, is a
He was arrested in June and charged with disorderly conduct, obstructing an officer and resisting arrest – all misdemeanors – stemming from a fight between two teens at a basketball tournament in
The charges against Foley were later dismissed, and a special prosecutor hired to consider the case decided not to refile them. Still, Foley said he expects the situation to be an issue this year.
“I’m sure there will be mudslinging. I’m sure that I will be attacked,” he said. “But I think the people of District 57 know what I’ve done for the district. And I won’t apologize. I’m the kind of guy who, when I see a child attacked, I don’t think of my re-election first, I think of the child.”
“I will continue to stand up for children, whether it’s through legislation or personally,” he said.
Foley also pledged that he won’t resort to personal attacks during the campaign. He said he may point out policy differences between him and any opponents who file to run against him, but he won’t resort to negative campaigning.
“My campaigns have always been about me, the future, the vision and issues, and always will be,” he said.
Republican Dennis Kintigh, a retired FBI agent, filed today to run against Foley in the primary.