Pearce, Wilson announce new endorsements

Three elected officials from around New Mexico have endorsed Heather Wilson in the GOP U.S. Senate primary in recent days, while her opponent, Steve Pearce, picked up today the backing of a high-profile national organization.

Pearce was endorsed by the political arm of the Family Research Council, according to a news release from his campaign. FRC Action is dedicated to preserving and advancing the interests of family, faith and freedom in the political arena, the release states. Pearce has a 98-percent rating from the group.

“Congressman Steve Pearce has shown himself to be a loyal friend of the family,” David Nammo, executive director of FRC Action, said in a news release.

“The Family Research Council is one of the most respected pro-family organizations in the nation and I am truly honored to have their unqualified support,” Pearce said. “I believe the most important asset we have in New Mexico is a strong family, and organizations that understand this, like the Family Research Council, are speaking up in favor of my candidacy.”

Meanwhile, Wilson picked up the endorsements of Jeannette Wallace, R-Los Alamos, San Juan County Commission Chairman Tony Atkinson and Curry County Commissioner Tim Ashley.

“I have known Heather Wilson for many years and I am proud to support her in this race for U.S. Senate,” Wallace said in a release from the campaign. “The (recent) debate (in Los Alamos) showed that she is more well aware of, and tuned in to, the needs of northern New Mexico and, in particular, the labs.”

Wilson said she is “very happy” to have Wallace’s support, saying the state representative understands the challenges Los Alamos faces in dealing with federal-budget issues.

Atkinson, in a news release, said his decision came after Wilson supported a recent bill seeking to protect millions of dollars in funding for New Mexico’s rural hospitals.

“Heather Wilson convinced me that she is working with, and will continue to work with, New Mexico counties on important issues like this one,” Atkinson said. “… She understands how important this funding is for the people who rely on our hospital for care and she’s willing to fight to do what is right. I wholeheartedly offer her my support in this campaign for U.S. Senate.”

Ashley called Wilson the “best choice” in the race.

“Heather Wilson is the only Republican candidate running for Senate who voted against BRAC’s recommendation to mothball Cannon Air Force Base, and that was the right thing to do” Ashley said in a release from the campaign. “I’ve talked with Congresswoman Wilson about this and I know she understands how vital Cannon is to our military, our national security and our local economy.”