Albuquerque, December 17—The following is a statement from Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman Steve Pearce following Gov. Lujan Grisham signing off on the new Congressional redistricting maps:

"The maps Gov. Lujan Grisham signed into law are nothing more than a Democratic power grab and a clear attempt to put New Mexico's Congressional districts in the clutches of Democrats. These maps are far from fair representation, and they are a disservice to constituents. The real losers are the rural voices of New Mexico, conservative Democrats, Republicans and independents. Democrats have deliberately carved up and extended areas in order to have an advantage. This is not democracy but simple partisanship. These maps consciously put the state in a position to no longer have a Republican or conservative voice in Congress. In some areas, the maps shut out rural voices and minority voices. This is a blatant case where the system of checks and balances have failed, and New Mexican representation will not be true or just. Even non-Republicans understand these maps do not serve constituents properly. Sen. Jacob Candelaria has called these plans an 'arbitrary and capricious and racially discriminatory approach.'"

The Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) advances the ideals of individual liberties for the advancement of its citizens and the greater prosperity of our communities throughout New Mexico. Led by an Executive Board and its Chairman, former NM Congressman Steve Pearce, RPNM serves all New Mexicans via its headquarters in Albuquerque and can be contacted at (505) 298-3662.