Senator Adair will not seek Reelection

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 3, 2012

ROSWELL--State Senator Rod Adair, R-Roswell, today announced his decision not to seek reelection to the state senate from the newly redistricted Senate District 33, which includes parts of Chaves, Lincoln and Otero Counties. Adair has consulted on numerous Republican campaigns and has provided mapping and demographic analysis during the redistricting process. Through New Mexico Demographic Research he also conducted extensive polling and campaign consulting for state house races in 2010. Adair said his decision will give him time to concentrate on the "great opportunity we have to help bring about real reform in New Mexico." Adair pointed out that the Democrats not only have 14 incumbent legislators retiring or not seeking reelection, but that there are also 23 incumbent Democrats who are being challenged in primaries. He notes that by stepping down, no incumbent Republican senator will be facing a primary. "This will conserve resources and create a focused and united Republican effort as we move to the general election," he said. "Republicans have fielded more candidates in more competitive districts than ever before," Adair said, "Now is the time to try to effect change. I have determined that I can be of better service to my community and our state by concentrating my efforts on helping these campaigns be successful. That would bring about lasting change." "For the first time in my lifetime we have a governor truly committed to changeto real reformfor our state. Because Susana Martinez blocked the Democrats' radically partisan gerrymander, the voters finally have a say in redistricting. As a result, we have the greatest opportunity we've ever had to free the state from more than 80 years of Democrat domination in the legislature. Freeing New Mexico from that yoke would benefit our state for generations to come, in every area of our lives. We could finally reform our tax system, attract industry and medical care professionals, reform our educational system and lay the groundwork for job growth and economic vitality. Now is the time to help effect change from the ground up."

"Just as was the case in the redistricting negotiations, it's clear to me that I can have a greater impact trying to help create a Republican majority, rather than trying to be a part of it. Its an easy choice to make," Adair stated. "I have greatly enjoyed my tenure in the State Senate, Adair concluded, "It has been a real honor to serve the great people of Chaves and Lincoln Counties, as well those of North Eddy County during my first term." (Adair was elected in 1996 from Chaves and Eddy Counties, and was redistricted to represent Chaves and Lincoln Counties in 2001.) Tuesday afternoon Adair filed a statement with the Secretary of State withdrawing from the primary ballot. 30