WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) issued the following statement praising President Obama’s nomination of Michael Connor to serve as Deputy Secretary of the Interior Department. Connor, of New Mexico, currently serves as commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation:
 
"I'm proud to support the nomination of Mike Connor. A Las Cruces native and NMSU graduate, Mike has proven himself to be a smart, thoughtful public servant and a leader on matters important to New Mexico. He brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding of issues ranging from land and water conservation to the impacts of climate change to the challenges facing Indian Country. I have been particularly impressed by his leadership on water management during this difficult drought. Mike will be a good partner for our state and for the West. I look forward to his confirmation and to working with him as our next Deputy Secretary of the Interior."