Photos and article by Mary Alice Murphy

[Editor's Note: This author lost the notebook in her pile of old meeting notes and found it today after forgetting to write this up. Apologies for not getting photos of every candidate. Better late than never, I guess.]

After the dinner, County Commissioner Billy Billings spoke at the event and gave his take on what the word patriot stands for. "It is more than oneself. It includes God, family, country, life, liberty, peace, prosperity and happiness. We need the blessings of God more than ever."

He then said that seven of the eight local Republican candidates would speak at the event.

Candidate for Grant County District 4 Commissioner Eddie Flores said because there are many great people at Gila Regional Medical Center, he would strive and work hard to improve the hospital, as he has heard too many bad stories about it. "I will also work on improving public safety. I served 39 years in public safety, and I will work to get more officers. Another thing that needs improvement are our roads. I also support the two main industries in our county, mining and farming and ranching."

County Commissioner District 5 Candidate Tom Shelley said he had served in the U.S. Army. "I will always defend our flag and our country." He said the three main issues facing the country are immigration, the need for good government leadership and fixing the economy. "I aim to fight for things that matter to you, especially the economy and public safety. I have retired from the mine, but I still work there as a consultant. I am also a longtime rancher in the area."

Sixth Judicial District Attorney Candidate Norman Wheeler noted the district serves three counties, Grant, Luna and Hidalgo. "I plan to do the right things for the community and family. Everyone wants their family to be protected." He said he had heard that the 32nd person from the present DA's office, which has started with 40 people, had resigned.

Incumbent State Representative District 39 Candidate Luis Terrazas said at age 18, he had registered as a Republican. "My dad didn't like it, but I believe it's OK to be conservative and to hold the line." He noted that voter registration in New Mexico is 54 percent Democrat, 34 percent Republican and the rest are Independents or decline to state.

Candidate for State Senator District 28 Gabriel Ramos, who served a term as senator, after replacing then senator, Howie Morales after he was elected Lt. Gov., said out of the past 26 years, he has served 22 of them in government. He was county clerk, county commissioner, served as a Hurley councilor, among other public positions. "I'm the candidate that really wants this position. I really want to serve you again." He noted the area had lost the Central Arizona Project Entity due to actions of the state Legislature. "That was money for our region that they took away from us. Since I left in 2020, the legislators have a approved abortion up to birth, which I strongly oppose. They have tried to get rid of the Second Amendment, which is a federal right, not a state one. I will support the police. I will support bringing morals back to New Mexico. I will fight to close the borders. We need to protect our jobs, our rights and our southwestern values. Please get your friends out to vote. Three words lead me and they are God, family and freedom."

Carol Miller of the Grant County Republican Party announced and awarded the 2024 Volunteer of the Year to Cindy Donovan.

"We have a great team. To God give the glory," Donovan said in acceptance.

The next speaker was New Mexico District 2 Candidate for Congress Yvette Herrell. "I am made in America. I support veterans, family and first responders. I am pro-life, pro-God and pro-business. I will work to protect our borders, to improve our economy and for universal school choice. It is our moment. the government is not going to save us, but God will. I am a war horse to replace the show ponies in government."

Candidate for one of the two New Mexico Senators in Congress Nella Domenici spoke. "I toured the mine (Chino) today and it reminded me of my father, Sen. Pete Domenici, who served many years as one of New Mexico's senators. My father's footprints will be the prints I will follow. I was one of eight kids, and I was born in Albuquerque. I went to law school, but I loved business. I had two requirements for myself, be a good mother and wife and excel. I graduated at the top of my class from law school when I was nine months pregnant. The school gave me a silver rattle for my baby. I wanted to be a role model. I worked for 30 years in business. I want to go to Congress to help businesses grow and thrive. Radical government regulations keep businesses, like the mine from growing. I support ranching and the mining and oil and gas industries. I will fight hard against the progressives and environmentalists. They don't put people first; I will. My values will lead me. My sister has schizoprenia and my parents said most people are ashamed of mental illness. My father looked me in the eyes and said: 'We have to be the voice for those who have no voice.' My father worked with Sen. Ted Kennedy to help change the law so that insurance would pay for mental health care. So now they serve medical and mental health, with parity. I'm running to follow my father in service to be the voice for those without a voice."

Domenici said now is the time to run, because New Mexico is in crisis as the destination for criminals. "New Mexico is at the top for crime and use of drugs, including fentany, and at the bottom for education. I will focus on control of the border. I will fight crime. The federal role is to fight the cartels and the fentanyl. I will fight for the economy to limit spending bills that cause inflation. The current senator has fought to shrink drilling in New Mexico. I will support drilling and developing oil and gas. I will fight against bad education policies that provide the worst social justice. I will push really hard to transform the schools. I will address mental health issues. I am a 35-year member of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. I will unleash the energy industry in our state."

She noted that her campaign had raised more than any prior senator in New Mexico.

After the speeches, people mingled with one another and chatted with candidates.

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