By Mary Alice Murphy

Three meet-and-greet events Sunday afternoon had statewide, district and local Republican candidates for office talking one-on-one with constituents and also giving public statements.

Secretary of State candidate Nora Espinoza said she was asked to run. "After I decided I would run, I had only one week to collect signatures to put me on the ballot. I brought in 5,700 signatures in that single week, which was more than had ever been done in the state in that short time before. That was confirmation that I was doing what I was supposed to do."

"I believe in voter ID," Espinoza said. "I was born in the Canal Zone, where I was automatically born a U.S. citizen. I spent 22 years in Christian education. My husband and I own two businesses, although we shut down one, so I could campaign. And I have served 10 years in the New Mexico House of Representatives. It has been with pride and humility that I represent the people in my district.

"I believe in actions," Espinoza said. "You can look at my record. This position I'm running for is an administrative position. I will not be writing new law. I have to follow the law and implement the law."

"I have a great love of this nation and I believe in the rule of law," Espinoza said. "I've been (District 38 Rep.) Dianne's (Hamilton) roommate. Dianne has been an incredible representative, representing the hontest voter process.

Back on the issue of voter ID, she said that once people believe the system is fair to all, "voter turnout will go up."

She said the "other side" continually says that voter ID discriminates against minority voters. "I find that insulting. Albuquerque has had voter ID for 10 years and it has worked well. The reason for voter ID is to protect the sanctity of each individual vote. If one person, who is not supposed to vote, does vote, that disenfranchises you."

"I am focused," Espinoza said. "I take what I do very seriously. I believe every voter's vote should be legal."

She also noted that George Soros has put money into her opponent's campaign. "I ask for your financial support."

A man asked her what the consequences are for voter fraud. Espinoza alleged that her opponent falsified Espinoza's financial report after she turned it in.

She said there were no consequences for voter fraud.

Running to retain his seat as judge on the Court of Appeals, Stephen French was appointed to the position by Gov. Susana Martinez.

"After 35 years of being in the courtroom as a lawyer, bringing cases in front of judges, I have a wealth of experience," French said.

He said he didn't believe that judicial positions should be party positions, but that was state law. He said many Democrats and Republicans have tried to get rid of party on judicial races.

"As a sitting judge, the last thing I would look at in court is whether a person is Democrat, Republican, Independent, or their race or creed," French said.

Hamilton asked those gathered to support Republicans up and down the ticket. "Voting is one of the most important things a person can do. Elections matter."

District 39 Rep. John Zimmerman is running for re-election to his seat. "I can't say enough for all the help Dianne gave me and how much she has done for the state.

He stressed family values several times in his speech. "Many Democrats and Libertarians have the same family values we do. It will make all the difference."

"It pains me to see the shape Fort Bayard is in," Zimmerman said. "I've been working with the mayor of Santa Clara to get the fort taken care of. We have a treasure in Fort Bayard. Why are we letting it deteriorate? I've been an advocate for turning it over for economic development."

"All I can do is cut through the red tape in Santa Fe," he continued. "I'm not afraid to stand up to people. It's about who you are inside."

He said the U.S. Constitution Second Amendment rights are near and dear to him. "I have been endorsed by the NRA and Pro-Life."

Zimmerman noted that a big issue in the area is that Hurley does not have its own water. "I'm also very pro-business. It's small businesses that create jobs."

He volunteered to sit on six interim legislative committeesG