FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, October 3, 2012

CONTACT: Matt Ross (505) 263-4879

Albuquerque, NM – Democratic Party of New Mexico (DPNM) Executive Director Scott Forrester today issued the following statement following Governor Martinez’s comments raising the stakes for Mitt Romney in tonight’s first presidential debate.Earlier today, the Governor called the debate “critical” for Mitt Romney and added that “it’s going to be extremely important for Mitt Romney to truly communicate with people with a plan”.

“Governor Martinez is right that tonight’s debate is ‘critical’ for Mitt Romney. After shockingly declaring to a group of wealthy donors that nearly half of the American people – 47 percent – view themselves as ‘victims’, entitled to handouts, and unwilling to take ‘personal responsibility’ for their lives, how could tonight’s debate not be? With only six days until early voting begins, Romney will do anything to distract from his comments attacking half of the American people, but New Mexicans know the truth about how he really feels,” said Democratic Party of New Mexico (DPNM) Executive Director Scott Forrester.

“At tonight’s debate, President Obama will continue his conversation with the American people about his specific, concrete plans to restore middle-class security and move our country forward. Romney will keep hiding his specific plans behind lies, distortions, and ‘zingers’. In fact, just this morning, one of Romney’s top advisors said it’s hard to get into specifics in a debate. Last time I checked, that’s what debates are supposed to be about.”

To see the full video of Governor Martinez’s remarks, courtesy of Capitol Report New Mexico, click here.

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