Mick Rich, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate speaks at Friday’s Patriot’s Day Dinner at De Colores. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.comMick Rich, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate seat held by Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich criticized Heinrich Friday evening for not voting for the confirmation of Gov. Rick Perry as Secretary of Energy.
“We’re up here on the hill and this guy can’t even vote for the confirmation of Gov. Rick Perry. I want a senator that can pick up the phone and call the Secretary of Energy and say, ‘We need you here in Los Alamos. You know I took the hit or you’,” he said. “He didn’t do that, and that’s why I’m running.”
Rich told attendees at the Republican Party of Los Alamos Patriot’s Day Dinner at De Colores that he has been part of New Mexico communities for 37 years, having worked in the construction business in almost every community in the state, including Los Alamos. He said there are fewer opportunities in New Mexico now than there were when he moved here in 1980 and that many people are leaving with no plans to return.
“We have worked too hard to see our state blow away,” he said.
Rich criticized Heinrich for “playing Lord of the Flies on television, running around half-naked on an island playing Survivor.”
“I’m looking at this and I’m thinking maybe that looks good in California but it sure doesn’t fit for New Mexico. This has to end! It’s time that we replace Martin Heinrich and I’m committed to this,” Rich said. “Martin Heinrich is California’s third senator. He votes right in line with Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer.”