Race of the day: Susana Martinez vs. Diane Denish for N.M. governor

Name & Party:

DEMOCRAT

Diane Denish

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REPUBLICAN

Susana Martinez

Basic Info:Gov. Bill Richardson's lt. gov. since '03

Age: 61District attorney of Las Cruces, NM

Age: 50

Issues:

• Opposes driver's licenses for illegal immigrants
• Pro domestic partnerships, anti gay marriage
• Opposes tax credits for religious school tuition
• Opposes driver's licenses for illegal immigrants
• Opposes both domestic partnerships and gay marriage
• Supports tax credits for religious school tuition

Polling At:42%50%Campaign Chest:$1.3 million$1 million

Key Quote:"My opponent, she wants to run against Bill Richardson."

"We have to...make sure we don't have a third Bill Richardson-Diane Denish administration."

Petty Controversy:A Denish campaign ad featured the endorsement of teacher whose husband spent 23 years in prison for kidnappingMartinez was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. The Denish campaign has tried to suggest that her primary loyalties are to the Lone Star state, not New MexicoWild card:If Martinez wins, she would be the first female Hispanic governor in U.S. historyDueling Ads:"Es Una Tejana": In this ad, the Denish campaign suggests that Martinez is "bought and paid for by Texas billionaires""License": This Martinez spot argues that Denish coddles illegal immigrants and that Martinez will get tough

Diane Denish's "Susana Es Una Tejana":

Susana Martinez's "License":