Original scoop article by Michael Coleman / Journal Washington Bureau Wednesday, December 7th, 2016 at 11:23am
Sen. Tom Udall, who had been considering a run for governor in 2018, announced today that he will forgo a run and remain in the U.S. Senate.
Here's his full statement:
"I am very grateful for the support of so many New Mexicans who have personally urged me to run for governor in 2018. Under the current governor, our state has fallen behind in education and jobs. We have failed to take full advantage of our abundant natural resources and our potential for developing a renewable energy industry. While I firmly believe that I have the backing and the experience to properly address all these issues, I have determined, after consulting with my family, colleagues and constituents, that New Mexico will be better served by my remaining in the United States Senate.
"My seniority, my reform agenda and my appointments to the Appropriations Committee, the Indian Affairs Committee, the Commerce Committee, and the Foreign Relations Committee are indispensable to the well-being of the state. New Mexico depends significantly more on federal funding than it does on state revenue. Since I have been in the Senate, we have been able to increase funding for the labs, expanded access to public lands, strengthen our military bases, and encourage efforts to grow the state's private sector.
"This is not the time to weaken our position in Washington. President-elect Trump has proposed policies with respect to health care, constitutional rights, immigration, privatizing public lands, and foreign policy that could be devastating to the citizens of New Mexico. When I was elected to the Senate, I committed to standing up in Washington for New Mexico families to ensure everyone has an opportunity to get ahead and their needs never take a back seat to wealthy special interests. I believe that pledge is even more important now."
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