Nunez Leads the House Follows

Andy Nunez

Andy Nunez is a one man caucus. Yet Santa Fe is not exactly a place where Independents have ever had any traction. In fact, so entrenched are Democrat and Republican party interests there, the laws in the state characterize Independents with a dismissive "Decline to State" party label. The good news for New Mexicans is Andy Nunez is not just any Independent. Yesterday he became a modern day political "David" who used his experience and his ability to overcome Ben Lujan and lead the New Mexico House of Representatives. It seems that at least on this issue our state government will finally respect the rule of law. Governor Susana Martinez issued a statement last night after the House of Representatives passed a bill that would overturn New Mexico’s widely unpopular policy of issuing driver’s licenses to people who have entered the country illegally.

Governor Martinez

“Today, the will of the people of New Mexico was heard in the House of Representatives,” said Governor Martinez. “Despite numerous procedural schemes to defend the status quo, a broad coalition of Republicans, Democrats, and the House’s lone Independent came together to stand with an overwhelming majority of New Mexicans who want to see the dangerous practice of issuing driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants overturned. I hope the Senate will also listen to the people of New Mexico and give this bill an up-or-down vote.” Despite efforts by House Speaker to kill the legislation in committees once Nunez found a way to get the bill to the floor it passed by a vote of 42-28. You can see the list of the Yes votes for the Nunez bill and the No votes against the Nunez bill here: News New Mexico

Nunez Leads the House Follows