A Republican U.S. Senate hopeful is blasting New Mexico’s health orders, which limits public political fundraisers and traditional door-to-door campaigning.
RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — A Republican U.S. Senate hopeful blasted on Friday New Mexico’s health orders, which limits public political fundraisers and traditional door-to-door campaigning, and suggested they are designed to influence the election.
Mark Ronchetti said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s restrictions are violating free speech and are “tilting the playing field” toward Democrats, including his opponent, U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján.
The Democratic governor said Thursday the health orders aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19 allows for peaceful protests but not public “political organizing” by candidates.
“The governor’s words are a completely unacceptable attack on the right to free speech and political expression,” Ronchetti said in a statement. “While we must all perform safe health practices, banning safe door knocking and restricting the ability of candidates to solicit support is a purely political action.”
Lujan Grisham spokeswoman Nora Sackett called Ronchetti’s criticism “nonsense” and said candidates could find other creative ways to reach voters.
“The virus doesn’t care which political party you belong to,” Sackett said. “The governor’s comments were in keeping with her very consistent approach to fighting this virus.”
Ronchetti and Luján are running for an open U.S. Senate seat in New Mexico. Incumbent U.S. Sen. Tom Udall is retiring.
Source- US News By Associated Press
