Portales woman running write-in governor campaign

A Portales woman is running a write-in campaign for the governorship of New Mexico.

Ginger Grider hadn't planned on running for office until she, a self-described "real Libertarian," saw what she believes was a move by Republicans to subvert the Libertarian Party.

Grider is in the governor's race with incumbent Democrat Michelle Lujan Grisham, five Republican challengers and Libertarian candidate Karen Bedonie.

Grider is a fourth generation New Mexican who spent her first 10 years in Las Cruces

Grider's great-grandfather and grandfather had a barber shop in Roswell.

"Their customers included [former governor] Bruce King and [former congressman] Joe Skeen," Grider said.

When Grider was 10 the family moved to Roosevelt County, the home of her mother's family.

Grider graduated from Portales High School and spent some time at Eastern New Mexico University.

Grider has been married for 28 years, has four children and two grandchildren.

She said her husband's family has been involved in politics for years and their work inspired her to be in public service.

Q: Why are you the best candidate for governor?

A: As a Libertarian I am beholding to no party or national agenda.

I'm dedicated to protecting and upholding the rights of the smallest minority and that would be the individual New Mexican.

I understand the duties of governor as outlined in the New Mexico constitution.

I understand the United States constitution. All authority in any public office held rose from it along with the powers delegated to the state.

Q: What is your response to those who might say, "A vote for a third party candidate is a wasted vote"?

A: I am so glad you asked that.

Our votes are ours. They do not belong to anyone. The two major parties have done nothing as to recommend themselves as to be due anyone's vote.

The current climate in our political system isn't one where a member of one of the two big parties casts their vote for the best possible candidate but rather one that is cast in order to beat the other guy.

It is time we get back to voting in our own best interest as it is plain as the nose on your face that neither of the "big two" have the citizens best interest in mind.

I seek to represent not only my party but the population that currently has no political home which encompasses 24.6 % of the population as well as giving those in the traditional "big two" parties that feel unheard and underrepresented an alternative and a voice.

It is my firm belief that if people would simply read the Libertarian platform they will find that is exactly what they thought their party sought to represent and will hopefully find a new political home or at least begin their journey towards true "liberty for all." 

Q: If elected governor what would you bring to New Mexico?

A: I would bring unity to New Mexico.

Together we can rise out of the mess we find ourselves in.

I have worked with citizens from all over our beautiful state in many different capacities over the years and have learned that when people sit down to address a certain problem the political differences fade into the background and they strive to work together to best solve whatever issue is before them.

By removing an agenda driven by a national party it becomes very easy to focus on what is in the best interest not only of yourself but also your neighbor.

I am not even a member of the national Libertarian Party as I like to put my money and attention where it is most effective and I can't in good conscience try to serve two masters as it were.

I will bring that focus and unity to the legislature and the people of New Mexico. 

Q: What are New Mexico's most pressing issues?

A: Jobs or the lack of them, diverse employment opportunities that offer room to grow and challenge our citizenry.

That's what excites and engages young people's hearts and minds to not only be employed but to create new industries.

When I ran for Secretary of State the overwhelming question asked by citizens was "How can we get our children to stop leaving the state to stay home where we can be family and watch our grandchildren grow up?"

As a mother and "Mimi" I connected with that question.

I am blessed to have all of my children and grandchildren living in the same town with me.

We must revitalize our industry here in New Mexico.

We must seek to remove burdensome rules and regulations that impede entrepreneurship and do everything in our power as government to make being your own boss a reality for whomever is desirous of in my opinion the highest level of freedom.

We must seek to reduce the burden of government on the people so that they are free to pursue their own brand of happiness as they see fit as long as doing so doesnt harm another.

Q: What is the purpose of government?

A: To ensure that the natural unalienable rights of the individual are protected and upheld.

- Compiled by Grant McGee, The Staff of The News