Unions Concerned About Republicans Winning New Mexico House

Labor unions fear that if Republicans win a majority in the lower house of New Mexico’s legislature, they will push for a right-to-work state. Democrats have only a three-seat majority in the New Mexico House of Representatives and if they lose those seats, the Republicans are more than likely going to make right-to-work a primary issue, Albuquerque Business First reports. Beverlee McClure of the New Mexico Association of Commerce and Industry has said that New Mexico’s lack of right-to-work policies hurt the state’s ability to recruit businesses. Carter Bundy, the political and legislative director for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees disagrees, saying that such a claim is not true. Bundy told the Albuquerque Business First that right-to-work is more an issue for Republicans and more “a nonissue for most companies.” “We fight right to work every year, ” Bundy went onto say. “They’re going gangbusters. Right to work is not what drives companies to places. Its quality of life,” Bundy continued. “For companies that rely on cheap labor and bad safety standards, sure. For those companies, Texas is great. But those aren’t good jobs anyhow. People who get those jobs still end up on government assistance.” READ THE REST AT THE DAILY CALLER.

Republicans have chance to control New Mexico House

Alamogordo Daily News SANTA FE Republicans last controlled the New Mexico House of Representatives when Dwight Eisenhower was president and Rocky Marciano was the heavyweight boxing champion. It was 1953 when they held a 28-27 majority. Republicans think 2013 could be their year to take back the House. Democrats are in control, but the margin is close. They number 36 compared to 33 Republicans and one independent. The June 5 primary elections will be a first step in reshaping the House of Representatives. These primary races could be pivotal as to which party runs the House for the next two years. analysis here