New Mexico Republican candidates are bashing Democrats, who they claim are responsible for the crime wave that has engulfed cities like Albuquerque. Several Republicans along with crime victim advocates are proposing a Safe Communities Plan to make the state a safer place to live.
“We are done living in a city of crime, that’s exactly why you have these candidates standing at my side ready to take on Santa Fe’s pro-criminal lobby,” State Rep. Bill Rehm (R-Albuquerque) said in a press release. “Albuquerque is tired of hearing the progressives use conservative talking points before an election and then legislate on behalf of people murdering our neighbors. I am confident that when January rolls around, we will have elected several pro-public safety candidates that are ready to make New Mexico a better place to raise a family.”
The Albuquerque metro area recorded new highs in murder in both 2019 and 2021. The crime rate for 2022 remains high. The Republican legislative candidates proposed a three-point Safe Communities Plan to address crime in Albuquerque. According to a release, the first part is to “close the revolving door” with more pro-public safety lawmakers who will introduce practical criminal justice reform which honors the victims while providing services that assist in rehabilitation. The second part is to “take on organized crime,” with legislation eliminating the loopholes that out-of-state criminals are using in New Mexico to run their enterprises. The third part deals with victims’ rights by temporarily increasing funding for the New Mexico Crime Victims Reparation Commission.
“I am a retiree of Albuquerque Police Department, and even I feel overwhelmed by the daily violence in this city,” Greg Cunningham, candidate for NM House District 29, said in the release. “Santa Fe has tried and failed to legislate with catchphrases, what we need now is to seriously address the reckless violence. It starts with targeting the root cause, which is organized crime. These criminals are running their enterprise from our city because our laws are weak. We must stand up to organized crime and make it clear they are not welcome in New Mexico.”
There are 50 candidates across the state looking to flip the state legislature. “Make no mistake, we are seeing what pro-criminal lawmaking has created- the progressive Democrats in power have made our community unsafe and they are responsible for the violence in this city,” Nicole Chavez, candidate for NM House District 28, said. “My family is not only a victim of crime, but also a victim of Santa Fe’s failure to protect our people. I stand in solidarity with those that have been affected by the violence in Albuquerque.”