Lujan Grisham ad shows Pearce with child abuser
SANTA FE — With the campaign in its final two weeks, New Mexico’s gubernatorial candidates are distributing photos of each other posing with people convicted of crimes. The latest dust-up centers on a photo of Republican Steve Pearce with a Deming pizza shop owner who pleaded no contest and was convicted of felony child abuse in 2014.
Pearce’s campaign said Tuesday that it had no knowledge of the man’s history.
Lujan Grisham’s campaign noted this week that Pearce had shared a photo on Facebook of himself with his arm around Bob Yacone and congratulated Yacone’s restaurant in 2017 for winning an award at the International Pizza Expo — recognition that triggered
articles on Forghed aboud it Pizza in the Journal and other news media.
Lujan Grisham’s campaign also noted that Yacone contributed $1,000 to Pearce’s gubernatorial campaign this year.
The Pearce campaign said it will donate the money to a child abuse prevention charity.
The back-and-forth comes after the Pearce campaign launched a TV ad that features pictures of Lujan Grisham with Jerry Padilla Sr., a convicted heroin dealer released from prison in 1994.
Lujan Grisham supporters said she has no connection to Padilla and noted that it’s routine for candidates to take photos with people at campaign events.
Pearce spokesman Kevin Sheridan said Lujan Grisham is trying to distract the public from her own problems.
TELEVISION AD: Save the Children Action Network, based in Washington, D.C., is airing TV ads promoting Lujan Grisham’s support for expanding early childhood education programs and services.
It’s part of a $400,000 ad buy on broadcast TV and online.
Lujan Grisham supports a proposed constitutional amendment that would withdraw more money from New Mexico’s permanent fund to pay for expanded pre-K, home visiting programs and other services for young children.
Pearce opposes the proposal, arguing that the permanent fund isn’t the right source for more money for education.
ENDORSEMENTS: Pearce picked up the endorsement of Albuquerque’s police union Tuesday. In a letter announcing the endorsement, Albuquerque Police Officers Association President Shaun Willoughby said the union believes Pearce “will continue to be a friend to law enforcement in our effort to make our community a safe and enjoyable place in which to live.”
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., weighed in this week for Lujan Grisham, endorsing her campaign for governor. Warren said Lujan Grisham “fights for working families, for seniors, for veterans, for everyone who needs a fighting chance at the American dream.”