Contact: Erika Martinez
(505) 986-4263
Erika.Martinez@nmlegis.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2015
Senate Democrats Proud to Defeat Matt Chandler’s UNM Regents Appointment
Students and faculty will not be political props for Gov. Martinez
Santa Fe, NM – Senate Democrats today defeated the controversial nomination of Matt Chandler to the University of New Mexico (UNM) Board of Regents by Governor Susana Martinez by a vote of 23 to 17. Senators pointed to the strong opposition expressed by many UNM students and faculty, and numerous attorneys from Curry County where Chandler served as District Attorney, as key factors in rejecting the appointment. Chandler’s high-profile record of divisive, unfair partisanship also ruled him out from getting the Senate’s appointment to the Board of Regents.
“I am proud of all the Senators who voted against this unwise appointment from Governor Martinez today. They showed great courage,” said Senate Majority Leader Michael S. Sanchez (D-29-Bernalillo and Valencia). “It is our profound duty as senators to ensure that we create a stronger and a better future for our students and our institutions of higher education. Today we chose progress over politics, and I have never been prouder.”
###