:format(jpeg):focal(3229x1014:3239x1004)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gfrmedia/FKUZ2A24NJBHPIEACOAIYKU6QU.jpg "New Mexico newspaper criticizes Senator Martin Heinrich for proposing statehood for Puerto Rico")
The Albuquerque Journal Criticizes Senator Heinrich for Supporting Puerto Rico Statehood
Washington DC – The Albuquerque Journal has published an editorial criticizing Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico for his support of statehood for Puerto Rico, despite potential negative consequences for his own state.
The editorial, published on Sunday, called on Senator Heinrich to focus on issues directly affecting New Mexico, such as illegal immigration, violent crime, education disparities, and energy independence, rather than pushing for altruistic initiatives like expanding the number of states for the benefit of his political party.
With New Mexico’s low population of 2.1 million inhabitants, the editorial warned that adding Puerto Rico as a state could result in four states losing a vote in the US electoral college, which is used to elect the president.
“We only have five electors and we do not want to become a donor elector state. In this case, it is in New Mexico’s interest to fully examine the bill,” stated the editorial.
Senator Heinrich has been a vocal advocate for making Puerto Rico the 51st state of the United States and is the main sponsor of project 3231, which proposes a binding plebiscite for the people of Puerto Rico to choose between statehood, sovereignty in free association, and independence.
While the legislation has the support of 26 Senate Democrats, it is not backed by any Republicans in the Senate.
The editorial also highlighted the potential impact on New Mexico’s representation in the federal Lower House, as the state is at risk of losing a congressional district after the 2020 Census. If Puerto Rico were admitted as a state, the total number of House members would temporarily increase to 439 before reverting to 435 after the next Census, resulting in a loss of seats for four states.
“With slow growth, New Mexico risks losing one in five presidential and vice-presidential electors after the 2020 Census, and therefore a seat in the US House of Representatives. Senator Heinrich’s initiative on statehood for Puerto Rico could practically ensure it,” added the editorial.
The editorial also referenced the support of two Democratic congresswomen from New Mexico for similar measures to Senator Heinrich’s proposal, while the former Republican congresswoman who opposed it has been replaced by a Democrat.
The debate over Puerto Rico statehood continues to stir controversy and is likely to remain a contentious issue in the lead-up to the November election.