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Governor thank you for doing this in a -- absolutely thinking I was gonna be -- I've met one of your cats who didn't meet.
-- -- and Jacqueline fled from me when she saw me apple will who have I not seen of the.
And finance and Jacqui Antoinette and -- -- can't -- that they're out.
Sitting out front -- because -- we have three dogs as well I do sterling silver and race.
How big the dots.
We have them now minute who -- about him 45 pounds.
And sterling and silver are why were -- And there about 45 to -- pussy animal lover you or your husband checked both of us -- both are I was I have a letter.
And until they started to kind of -- around the front of the house and I started to rescue them.
And then answers to -- then and then as house slowly became.
The currently -- You and your sister lives here with his to death and I became her legal guardian when my mom past -- six and -- -- years ago.
And be -- just needs a guardian for what reason my sister is disabled she has -- cerebral -- And so my mother and sister that together.
Him -- his entire life.
And so when she passed away there was -- Unspoken understanding.
That I would -- -- and -- -- -- with me and -- managed -- it's harming your sister's kids she's wonderful she's two years older than I am and she does.
Love the fact to that she is meeting someone that she is seen on television -- love meeting here and check and that check.
How do you check.
Well I was a young prosecutor.
I had been on the job just a -- repeated time.
And they gave -- is it even legal office and that they should be around and said this is how the security we have in the office.
So that nobody who's a bad -- -- -- -- I walked into my office immediately made right turns on him sitting there.
With Nate hair nets.
Parent and -- and he is very cover is wearing and a I'm using undercover and I got like a regular -- that -- Internet.
Those woven hair nets that.
Sometimes Mexican gang members were aware of right back and he had a muscle -- And khakis and tattoos in -- and he looked.
Like -- -- So I.
I quickly thinks he's an apparent back.
Went out.
-- from the from the offices that I thought we had security at a bank in an office we need a police.
She's coming I had that happen and she comes inside and seasons is only -- this is -- Franco thank of course of course and that's the.
But a procedure that you -- security and that's essentially this I didn't I have a -- -- -- -- He needs to be resident didn't -- So was it then love at second -- It was the first that it is very -- it up yeah I mean you think the part.
Somebody who is involved in in criminal activity.
Same drug dealer yeah.
I -- idea Pete can't about a month a month later he cleaned up and now.
Went back to regular detective work and and was a big difference that so he's the first -- state if it does it like if -- -- -- enjoy it quite a bit.
The first two years he spent time at home and are -- -- -- have cancer.
And so he is home and available for them.
We didn't know how long it would last.
And he hunts he loves to hunt that's we've done a lot of that as well -- analysts people -- -- analyst good movies.
The great lengths to go to take care of -- lets you should get a dog house in the backyard it's heated.
We have a little heater in there and hit -- insulated.
All three fit in there.
And it is carpeted and mean we are big dog lovers and they're in Santa Fe which is very old compared here and so we had to make sure that they're comfortable.
To become governor what what Judy this you know as a prosecutor for 25 acres and as a prosecutor I was a fighter.
As a fighter for people who did have a voice but there was in the courtroom.
Or was.
It it -- house to fight for stronger laws that protected people.
And we we had a hit place in New Mexico where there was an awful lot of corruption.
We were spending like crazy.
The administration had -- -- become excessive.
And I felt that I could make a difference and fight for people that come rely on her leadership.
To do the right thing as they -- relied on me to do right thing for them when I was the district attorney and so on my fiftieth birthday.
-- and I sat down and decided that I was -- forgotten.
Now this is -- democratic state.
And -- Republican.
So that's a little bit of a challenge would you not agree to run as a Republican -- Well it was a challenge thrown for district attorney as well because this can only doing -- Kennedy is the second largest county in the state.
And Republicans are outnumbered three to one.
And so I ran as Republican.
And I was able to win.
Torture us.
And the last when I was not even contested so I thought and felt that if I -- worked just as part.
And showed up and every -- Regardless of how -- -- registration was Democrats I thought that I could.
Not appeal to them by having conversations on his conversations with -- and convince him to -- -- -- Not necessarily change parties.
Just consider crossing party.
-- senator Harry Reid said in 2010 when you're running his son was also running for governor in Nevada he says.
I don't know how anyone of Hispanic heritage could be a Republican.
But you know I -- disappointed anyone with think and that.
We're not independent thinkers.
I'm an independent think.
I am a woman -- -- a Republican.
And diet.
Think for myself and I decide where I vote and how I vote.
And to make a statement like that is -- soon.
And that we are not independent thinkers.
And we are.
You guys Republicans don't always tell the story at the Republican National Convention which is how you became one -- I registered as a Democrat -- like my parents but they weren't registered Democrats.
I did it the same thing but -- -- -- had a real conversation with me about no philosophy in and wait what would you stand on issues where did you stand on.
Political issues and how big government should be and how well there should be a hand up vs where life the Second Amendment -- To support that -- knowing it truly had a discussion with me.
But one day to Republican leaders.
In doing an accounting -- invited check in nineteen you know.
Have months and I I knew.
There are friends of ours.
Acquaintances and I knew it and I thought that there's election coming up.
They know I want Erin for district attorney and I think they want me -- which.
So I said Tenet would be nice will be very polite we'll have a free lunch -- only get out of there as fast as we can't.
But what was interesting is that they never spoke about Republicans or Democrats and they never used the words conservative or.
Liberal.
The -- what do you think about and -- that should be.
How much of a taxi small businesses.
-- -- think about welfare.
And let us answer the questions and as -- -- answering these questions it just became clearer and clearer to us.
That.
Would Republicans.
And we weren't there -- my -- had two hours and then -- in the -- -- doing.
It -- just switch parties in -- to doing.
We got in the car turned to check -- -- I leaned over Jamison -- begin and where Republicans and now.
I intend to run forgot at a forum district attorney and -- about eighteen months.
Ended -- run as a Republican I'm sure to lose.
So we thought about it talked about it and couple weeks later we change parties and said this is who we are Republicans.
So -- the beginning of the end of my running for office -- and it's.
I'm -- on the -- and who land and that's it has the Republican.
In any conversation with them since.
Since that -- -- -- system and Republican Convention.
Now is the Republican Convention before -- absolutely.
And John -- was one of them and he's a lawyer.
On his since passed away but we've had many conversations.
And and he knows that I have credit him.
With that for -- time did a gentleman was a developer here and I talked to him when I was running.
For governor and he they've heard me speak about him.
Both of them.
In many my speeches but again it was about discussing the issues.
And not.
Single words that are supposed to define -- completely.
And I definitely got away from conservative does that mean.
It let's talk about the issue where do you stand on that particular issue instead.
Are you answer it or not are you more conservative in this person and that person.
Well depends -- talk about the seasonal type of -- and -- pretty hotly contested primary for governor.
Governor Sarah Palin can not and support he writes she did.
What do you think about the way Governor Palin as they know about her political career and and how the public responded to -- and the media.
Well you know I think certainly.
She is someone that.
Has made a difference in the Republican Party in the Tea Party she has.
Cause a lot of interest.
To come about in reference to the issues she speaks a -- about the different issues and how.
Strong she feels about them.
I was pleased for her to come and support me.
I think it made a difference.
But I also think that to.
But she is still very available to give her opinion reference to.
Politics and where America's going on and whether we're on the right track or not and I think she certainly free to do that.
I was pleased to receive her endorsement.
He and when he became governor the -- inherited a deficit.
What was this do you remember it exactly what the deficit was yes well the day before the election the general election.
It was 250 million dollars and he moved to keep in mind state budget is only five point six billion.
So the day before the general election over having it reported as 250 million.
Today after the election became 450 million but happened in -- 24 hours or 48 whatever it is well certainly the administration that was in place was not.
Being truthful with the public.
And so the day after.
I certainly was informed that the deficit was much -- That -- hunters have a minimum like the public figures public and didn't commit acts and that people were found in reporting -- governor Richardson as a Steward of the economy here and now that was not to what was happening what was coming out of the governor's office was.
-- figures that were not to.
We're not being honest with people.
So you -- -- just that all -- our when he saw the number jump in the period of 2440 absolutely absolutely and and it was a number that.
I knew we had to deal with.
I knew I had to -- -- 1050 million that's above and we're just gonna have to do with the rest of the new Mexicans are doing in which is tighter -- and figure -- haven't solved this problem.
Because when I was running for office.
I was committed to not raising taxes I was -- balance the budget.
And I was going to make sure that we were not gonna raise taxes so that we can really contain continue to be competitive.
In bringing businesses to New Mexico grow our economy so that.
That deficit.
Will never come back again.
And -- fast -- -- -- my students cut spending or eliminate waste in this to grow the economy grow the -- takes look at a time.
So I take it that it was expense cutting back because you what you -- went to let.
He bounced it but I did.
-- I presented a budget and the governors is expected to present a budget.
And in that budget my budget actually increased spending in Medicaid and in education.
I proposed budget but also trimmed back for example I -- back from the number Reagan and exempt employees I.
Are exempt employees people who -- just to pick up her purse is classified employees who you have to you.
You can only get rid employee for costs -- basically civil service verses.
Appointment so when it's exactly and governor Richardson had grown -- -- number of exempt and please by over 340.
I have -- -- -- 212 at this time.
I got rid of -- two ships that were assigned to the residents we sold the jet.
-- that governor Richardson had purchased.
We sold the jet in addition to four other planes.
We cut the -- -- exempt employees no one was going to earn more than a 125000.
Dollars cabinet secretaries.
And we were going to cut back on salary significantly and -- we we went through the budget to tooth and nail.
From cell phones and take home cars and I put.
Moratorium on deep purchased a brand new cars for two years.
I mean we went through it in a way that.
I had never been done before we balanced it.
-- -- Was it did he had a democratic republic and house and senate as a business.
I have had a Democrat house and senate since I became governor and has been that way for decades today like you.
Why some do I think some -- have an opinion of them may be too.
Oh difficult sometimes and act I don't see it'd be difficult I mean I and that I'm an advocate for -- -- -- believe.
When things that I was told initially when I first.
Became governor -- Leadership was you need to stop campaign.
And you need to start governing.
But -- quite understand that.
And I submit what you mean by patents as well.
You know it you've promised to do all kinds of things but I just need to govern and raise the taxes and balance the budget and let's move on.
-- massive massive difference that's the problem when people don't have confidence.
In our government because.
People run for offices and whatever it is they want to say to get elected.
And then if -- can't.
And they do whatever they want.
And that's what the difference between a politician.
And a -- -- and I have a list of the things I promise I was going to do.
And I'm not gonna stop fighting for those things and includes.
Not raising tax so that was and as -- when you cut something someone's got to.
Lose something really cool Austin all the cuts well what we did was done with a freeze on hiring they had already been a freeze previously.
Governor Richardson the year before had frozen.
And any hiring to take place.
And so what happened is governments to -- my 54%.
When the population and inflation in our -- -- grown by 23%.
To didn't justify an extreme growth.
So when he started to see that the stimulus dollars were going away.
He then started to freeze hiring.
And so what we do is very selective.
Rehiring if necessary.
In could be justified.
So they were vacancies that we were able to hold on to.
And not -- and completely get rid of it.
Because -- jobless still.
The person distilled from people in place could still do the job.
Without having to an additional employees in that department.
And so we really studied the departments in ways that are you efficient are you doing it well and -- you're serving the public.
Without having all these extra employees.
And really work necessary.
-- of the hot button items education Medicare Medicaid those didn't get cut the did not we did not cut spending in the classroom we asked for the administration.
To -- because there were some school districts and had enormous time administrative costs PI shows that.
You know we're largest school districts in New Mexico -- time at PI Rios and -- you know you'll have war.
Assistant.
Not -- principles.
In an elementary school.
-- said why we have so much administration.
But we did not cut spending in the classroom.
And we did not in fact we raise the amount of money there's going to be dedicated towards Medicaid with our proposal.
The legislature actually put in less.
And -- so we did it in a very thoughtful.
Way.
To balance that budget and we did it.
And we didn't cut any of the important that we set our priorities.
And we did not cut it anymore -- Unemployment rate when you took office was light of what is it now in the state it was eight point six when I took office and it is six point four.
So the people that the next administration have a stimulus it's not a huge number but -- the people that you cup where they go.
What but we didn't cut anybody -- layoff for taking but he offered the -- made sure that we didn't fill the positions that were necessary.
But we did cut spending for example the cars and sold the plane -- the shaft.
And -- those folks went away we made sure that we.
Itself -- if it was amazing who had -- -- cars.
We cut that back by hundreds.
Oh dollars.
And hundreds of vehicles and went home.
All of that trimming.
Took place in it did at the end of that being having a a balanced budget we also asked for teachers.
To pay a little bit more.
One point 5% into their pension more than happy about that on I think initially they -- but it is something we were taking it from the neighbor putting more into their pensions debt.
And something that they still won't.
-- -- -- But we had to make sure that that pension was going to be available long term and had to be sustainable and at the rate we're going it was -- point.
It do you -- did method that you employed -- -- democratic house and senate.
Do you see that that would be ineffective when the national level lowers the federal government so vastly different that.
You know because you remedy seemed quite.
Straightforward and simple but.
Would they transcend on national level well certainly -- heading.
Spending is is he's one of the things that can transcend to the federal government to -- -- I think with the federal government has grown.
Com -- by leaps and bounds and they need to look where -- they need to cut and I'm not sure that I think Washington is such that at such a gridlock.
That they're not willing to even really look and where is the access where do we cut and they can't be across the board.
Because some things or are some agencies and some departments such as her -- her defense.
It's very important our national defense is very important such as our our public safety New Mexico's that are important.
And in particular children children youth and families department that's very -- -- education that's been put.
I can't do across the board 5% cut and not impact them differently.
And that's that's not giving it great -- and you need to be able to give -- great -- So I take from that that your post just letting us go off the fiscal -- because at domestic cut straight across the board.
-- it takes is and it makes those cuts across the -- New Mexico will actually feel enormous impact.
Unfortunately New Mexico.
Depends significantly on federal dollars we have four military bases hearing in Mexico.
We have two national labs that are very important to our national defense.
And so.
We could possibly lose 20000 jobs.
What do you make of the gridlock community -- -- states and this gridlock in and goes back through with several administrations Republican Democrat.
You do you have any sort of suggestion -- and some new.
Watch it who haven't thought about it yet.
It it all boils down to developing relationships.
And having the leadership.
To develop those relationships.
There -- have to be a coming together of the leadership.
In congress and with the president being the leader to say we're going to sit down and we're going to solve these problems and we're going to come up with a real solutions.
Real IDS.
And not.
Posturing.
I think that's what -- people lose so much.
Confidence in government there was constantly posturing.
-- citizen in this is my proposal and I I'm serious about it and this is how it will impact people because behind every policy.
And every suggestion it's going to impact people.
And you have to understand how that's gonna happen.
And so they had to be real solutions that aren't going to impact our national defense but I think we've lacked that leadership.
-- -- -- And certainly with the president as well.
How did you get the Democrats.
Pounding your house and senate not to want to simply oppose not wanna -- black here.
Mean they probably could have made your life very miserable.
Well because what is I promised -- ran for office was to make sure to bring people to the process.
And by that I mean.
Our legislatures not -- legislature record.
And so they do live -- but that's hit if you're not watching at the time you get to see this happening.
On the senate floor of the house and so what we try to do was videotaped committee hearings.
Aniston house floor that you could hear any arguments that are being made it pro or con and certain bill.
So the people and then we would videotape it upload it on our web site and allow people at 10 o'clock at night.
When you're done with the -- -- you know all things figuring they can click on the computer and watch what was happening.
And then hold their elected officials accountable.
So they started here wait a minute my -- -- is arguing against this particular -- and this is very important to me.
And I'm going to call my senator and say I want -- to vote this way.
And -- and I am one of your constituents.
So I was trying to bring people -- the process but also I made it important for me to meet with people.
I met -- daily -- there was one or two of the leadership.
Whether it was.
You know.
Going to the caucus and this is with and there what are your thoughts about the bills meeting with and showing them what I was proposing what were they thinking about it they had to change the deep -- something different today the better idea.
If you don't have that constant.
Conversation with them he -- -- -- -- because they gonna go and do their candidate posturing.
Instead I have to work very hard -- constantly reaching across yeah.
And making sure we're part of a bipartisan.
Solution.
It does Norton takes credit for.
As -- and Mexicans benefit at the end of the day.
And what is your government surplus -- state government surplus of all of you work together again.
-- are proposed surplus coming up this session which will be nine in January is about 257.
Million dollars.
We had a four point 9% to reserve.
Right now it is hats I think -- about 13%.
Reserve.
And it.
We have a balanced.
Proposed budget that will be coming forward as well.
And again.
Putting more money into education.
-- and were 47 in the nation education.
That's an acceptable.
And there has been in democratic control.
My house and senate where decades.
So hot and we've been 4748.
And forty ninth the entire time.
So obviously doing the same thing over and over when I get a get a different result.
So we are proposing some education reform and putting -- -- below the line.
To focus on getting our kids to read before -- -- they're great because that's for releasing her children.
We're losing our children -- -- -- into the fourth grade and they're not reading at that third grade level getting prepared going to the fourth.
Democratic -- in the Democrats is said.
Election cycle talk about the war on women.
Is there war -- women now I don't think there is a war and I think -- and stupid comments have been made.
And I think that we need to speak out against those.
Speaking within your own party for sure absolutely I mean there comments that are.
-- comments are being made.
About women back -- we should.
On immediately.
I condemn.
But I don't believe that there is a war.
I guess is the -- beaten mr.
Murdoch and mr.
Aiken apparently the two that stand out -- your party you use united and yes absolutely.
An end and night completely.
Disagree with your statements and the party should immediately say that they do not condone those statements and there are no excuse for the states.
You have spoken out on three -- and were.
Probably.
And harsh and governor Romney not harsh -- in contrast to what he said.
His self deportation didn't agree with I don't think that you like the 47% comment -- in the most recent one where post election we talked about yes.
You'll speak out against -- party.
Sure.
Well I mean I disagree.
I'm at that I think sometimes people will say things and and it's not meant.
As is being stated.
And it and it you know the gifts for example.
That statement -- I'm not sure they meant to you.
Be hurtful necessarily but it is taken absolutely that way.
People of Hispanic people are independent thinkers and will vote.
The depending on what.
The candidate has to offer in a sense of policy and education bringing jobs to -- their community.
That is not the way we need to get rid of rhetoric.
You know blaming it the reason we lost was gifts and there.
Though those are things that it's rhetoric that that we need to get rid we have not taken the time to develop a relationship with the Hispanic population.
We visit then.
When it comes time for an election.
And we will.
We need to make sure that we embrace the Hispanic population.
And make sure that we make -- part of the solution that we elect.
Women minorities it -- that they look alike the population that they represent.
We need to not -- asked for their vote.
And then walk away in four years later compact you can that is not embracing the Hispanic but he.
Thought the background.
You think as the greatest influence on your policies and just type practices as a governor height government.
Well my background and that certainly as.
My parents restarted their business the struggle.
The struggle that we had on the forehand we -- paycheck to paycheck I mean it there was.
There was no doubt.
That to come we'll into the grocery store once every two weeks period is going to last or adware that was it.
And my parents -- their business.
And they started to do well they tried to understand what it meant to have more of their own money and not to have to be so much in taxes because that -- -- -- afternoon the contract.
And hire ten more people and wait for that contractor to pave them because it may take two or three months they needed that -- -- world.
And so they understood what it meant to -- more more of their money.
But when I -- became a prosecutor.
You know.
As a prosecutor with that relates over to because it's being governors I learned to edit advocated.
I learned how to debate I've learned how to.
Negotiate.
Compromise.
I also have done just know very well enough to give them all my principles.
But those are tools that I have brought with me as a lawyer and the legislature Odyssey are passing loss.
And as a lawyer I can read these laws and I can see when there is language that is inserted thumb that takes that -- a different direction.
From what was intended.
And so I think that.
It has been very helpful for me to understand that the decisions I make.
And the policies that I push for.
Impact people's lives just like I did when I was a prosecutor.
Every decision I -- -- a prosecutor I knew I was impacting someone's life in him very big way.
To that to the point of taking their liberty.
And had taken her seriously.
And I do that now even as governor take every decision I make very seriously because -- not impacting people's lives doing.
I was like a first -- speeches like your father's -- and taking your thought your father on the alzheimer's you whether that has any sort of you know it gives -- different perspective on the summoned for instance who might not have had that probably apply for that issue it is.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Being taking care -- health care.
My brother takes care of my father.
While he lives in El Paso with him -- -- live with him but providing the people to take care of him.
-- get a different perspective for making sure that we have a health care system that's.
Medicare that's gonna last.
A mock up oval you know is sustainable.
For another generation of people who will end up -- -- same disease.
It has gives -- great passion.
To make sure that -- week are putting together a budget.
That people who harm them are more -- vulnerable.
That we have money for Medicaid because they can't take care of themselves my sister.
Being handicapped -- and she's -- -- -- disabled.
I have to make sure that people like her are taking care.
And that that fun to be sustainable.
For.
Decades to come because I don't want someone like her.
Not to have.
The resource is to be taking care of the way she can be taking care today.
Health care exchanges you're setting him up some Republican governors are not why did you decide to set -- -- Well we're moving in that direction but were also still negotiating with the federal government.
And were negotiating for flexibility.
We're negotiating for what is best for new Mexicans.
Instead the one size fits all that's coming from Washington DC.
Where can we be flexible that best serves new Mexicans.
And we've asked many questions of the president and -- -- hoping for answers.
-- in several months that we had.
Been asking these questions and haven't received responses.
But if -- the end of the day.
The responses or not.
What benefit -- Mexicans we can still always go and allowed federal government to.
Push for those exchanges it's no secret.
That there are a lot of eyes and you -- -- 2016 year will that your governor.
Hispanic.
Any thoughts on running for president -- sixty.
-- thoughts on that I am.
Running for reelection for.
The governor of New Mexico I want to make sure that.
I fulfill the promises that I made it to new Mexicans that's extremely important to me.
In and I'll tell you why.
-- is the first Hispanic female governor in the country.
There are many little girls and I bump into.
To -- -- my day I do my grocery shopping.
I'll be at a restaurant Robby -- remedy and -- you'll see little girls must mean Sarah Hughes who's on and they know misses -- And with the governor -- at age are you Susan.
And I -- -- and those other so excited -- take pictures with me and I keep in mind that those of the little girls.
That hopefully -- paving a path for that there have been one -- And so they do this well.
Then they will see the becoming governor of state.
Or more.
From a greater things.
Is possible.
Because they happen and role model to look at and they have a path that they can I.
And that to me is more important than anything except that you could as you noted that -- -- and another level and we can make that path even broader and either.
Is there any sort of party and the senate I know -- -- -- -- Christina you know I think about it.
Well right now my focus is on New Mexico and -- focuses on my family.
-- I have a father with alzheimer's and I haven't -- sister I have to make sure that they are together as much as possible.
And that the -- could put -- I thought that he thought this was a wanna did not talk to anybody that's the -- the did not talk to anybody that being different she's -- And that I think she's Todd has that the end of his -- right I'll take the cue from the cat and I got to thank you very much -- very -- and that they -- the.
