FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2011
Contact: Annaliese Wiederspahn
annaliese@gopnm.org
Phone: 505-298-3662
Martinez Works to Build Bi-Partisan Support for School Reform
Democrat Senate Whip Takes Cheap Shot
ALBUQUERQUE, NM - Democrat Majority Whip Senator Mary Jane Garcia (D-Dona Ana) once again proved that no cheap shot is below her. Today, after committing to support the bill to end social promotion — the practice of passing one child to the next grade before they have learned the basics — Garcia backed out in a press conference announcing the bill.
"Governor Martinez is putting New Mexico first by working across party lines for education reform. Unfortunately, Senator Mary Jane Garcia would rather take political cheap shots than improve our schools," said Republican Party of New Mexico Executive Director Bryan Watkins.
Garcia has a history of taking cheap shots, including against Barack Obama, who she called arrogant before making this infamous blast:
Mary Jane Garcia, a New Mexico state senator and pledged Clinton delegate, cried as Clinton conceded. She first met Hillary Clinton in 1992 and speaks of her like a sister who has been wronged.
"It hurt me deeply," she said of Clinton's loss. "I'm really struggling. I'm going to Denver to cast my vote only for Hillary and no one else. She's good. She's kind. She's compassionate."
Garcia, 71, lives in Doña Ana, just north of Las Cruces. She thinks Obama has come off as condescending and arrogant.
"I don't know one single Hispanic over 50 who will cast a vote for Obama," she said, conceding that "there have always been conflicts between blacks and browns." (Rocky Mountain News, August 4, 2008)
Garcia also attacked Martinez in 2010, suggesting she was responsible for a child abuse death and accused Martinez of lying. Garcia's attack was completely destroyed by the media, including this post by Heath Haussamen:
"New Mexicans strongly support the Governor's plan to end social promotion in New Mexico and hopefully the Democrats will join the Governor in putting New Mexico ahead of partisan politics," added Watkins.
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