RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) – U.S. Rep. Xochitl Torres Small of New Mexico released this week a new commercial touting her bipartisan work on a COVID-19 relief package as she prepares to face a tough reelection fight.
The Las Cruces Democrat unveiled the ad entitled “Accountable ” that says she worked with Republicans, Democrats and President Donald Trump to get the measure passed.
Appearing with farmers and walking alongside an arroyo, Torres Small said it was time to hold the federal government and banks accountable for mismanaging relief dollars.
“As New Mexicans continue to pull together during this crisis, we need to make sure that stimulus money and relief efforts are reaching the small businesses, farmers and working families who really need it,” Torres Small says in the ad. “Working together for meaningful solutions also means holding others accountable, and that’s what I’ll continue to do in Congress.”
The ad is scheduled to air in the Albuquerque and El Paso media markets in English and Spanish.
Republicans immediately attacked the ad’s bipartisan message and reminded voters in a news release that Torres Small voted to impeach Trump.
“Rep. Torres Small’s weak and ineffective leadership has now caused great harm to our 2nd Congressional District. She passes herself off as one who understands its citizens and then votes 95% with (House Speaker) Nancy Pelosi,” said Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman Steve Pearce said. “She cannot continue to represent her constituents with this two-faced behavior.”
Torres Small faces Republican Yvette Herrell in a closely watched race in southern New Mexico. It’s a rematch of the 2018 election where Torres Small won by less than 4,000 votes to flip the traditionally GOP-leaning district.
Torres Small has more than a 10-to-1 money edge over Herrell, according to the latest federal campaign finance reports. Records show she raised $795,444 from mid-May to June 30 but had $3,920,818 cash-on-hand.
Records show Herrell raised $395,062 during the same period following a grueling and personal GOP primary. However, the former state lawmaker reported having $379,094 cash-on-hand, illustrating the costly effect of the three-way Republican race.
Steve Jones, an independent candidate in the race, raised no money during the same period and only had $250 cash-on-hand, records show.
