John Sanchez
Encyclopedia
John A. Sanchez is an American
politician
and, as of January 1, 2011, the 31st Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico
by winning the primary election on June 1, 2010, and the general election on November 2, 2010.
's North Valley
. Sanchez's great, great grandfather was a territorial legislator in 1860, and his grandfather served as a state representative
in 1930. He served as a village trustee and one term in the state legislature.
Sanchez, a one-time flight attendant
and real estate agent
, has stated that, after graduating high school, he started a small business in Albuquerque called Right Way Roofing, though this has been disputed.
In 1993, Right Way Roofing was named Small Business of the Year by the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. It has also been investigated by the Immigration and Naturalization Service
for hiring illegal immigrants.
.
In 2000, Sanchez was elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives
, defeating 30-year incumbent and Speaker of the House
Raymond G. Sanchez, by 206 votes (5,083 (51%) to 4,877 (49%)).
primary election
for Governor of New Mexico. Sanchez was defeated in the general election
by Democratic
gubernatorial nominee Bill Richardson
(55% to 39%).
primary election
for Governor of New Mexico, Sanchez was accused of employing illegal immigrants
at his roofing business, Right Way Roofing. In a radio interview, Sanchez demanded that his accusers "put up or shut up." His campaign "handed out copies of a letter from an INS special agent praising Right Way Roofing as never having had a problem with the agency.” However, later “Sanchez’s campaign…disclosed that the INS found a total of 10 illegal workers on Right Way’s payroll in the late-1990s seven during one visit and three during another.”
supported issues, including:
Project Vote Smart
data shows that Sanchez voted with the AFL-CIO
58% of the time in 2001. Sanchez voted with the AFL-CIO
71% of the time in 2002.
Sanchez missed more votes than any other freshman representative during the 2001 legislative session—159 substantive votes. The average for freshmen was 65 missed votes.
seat being vacated
by Democratic Senator Jeff Bingaman
in 2012.
stated that she would restrict Sanchez's activities to only those required by the Constitution of the State of New Mexico
. In a press release, the Governor stated, "To prevent this race from becoming a distraction, Lt. Governor Sanchez will not be given responsibilities in my administration beyond the select few provided for in the state Constitution."
deadline, the Sanchez campaign reported having raised $312,000 during the period. Of that amount, Sanchez loaned himself $200,000. He raised a total of $126,000 from 78 individuals and six Limited liability company
(LLCs).
The FEC
sent the Sanchez campaign a letter indicating that his July Quarterly Report included "one or more contributions that appear to exceed the limits" of federal law. Sanchez accepted two donations from a Limited Liability Company
in addition to donations from the LLC's owner.
Sanchez's campaign raised $164,059.79 in contributions other than loans during the third quarter, compared to $231,144.00 raised by Greg Sowards and $532,228.18 raised by Heather Wilson
. New Mexico political blogger Heath Haussamen concluded that Sanchez "hasn’t proven that he can raise or spend the money to compete." National Journal included Sanchez in its "Losers" section for Senate fundraising during the quarter. Sanchez latest disclosure shows that his campaign has raised a net of $31,293 ($248,898 latest cash on hand; $217,605 debts owed), compared to Sowards' -$366,869 ($496,732 cash on hand; $863,601 debts owed) and Wilson's $952,898 ($952,898 cash on hand; $0 debts owed).
in late September 2011. Paul's endorsement was announced quickly after Sanchez's primary election opponent, Greg Sowards, announced his own endorsement from Tea Party
icon and former Nevada U.S. Senate candidate Sharron Angle
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
politician
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
and, as of January 1, 2011, the 31st Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico
Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico
Lieutenant Governor of New Mexico is an official in the state of New Mexico that ranks just below the Governor of New Mexico. The current lieutenant governor is John Sanchez.- Partial list of Lieutenant Governors of New Mexico :...
by winning the primary election on June 1, 2010, and the general election on November 2, 2010.
Biography
Sanchez, the youngest of eight children, was raised in Albuquerque, New MexicoNew Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
's North Valley
North Valley, New Mexico
North Valley is a census-designated place in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, in the United States. As of the 2010 Census, the CDP population was 11,333...
. Sanchez's great, great grandfather was a territorial legislator in 1860, and his grandfather served as a state representative
New Mexico House of Representatives
The New Mexico House of Representatives is the lower house of the New Mexico State Legislature.There are 70 members of the House. Each member represents roughly 25,980 residents of New Mexico.The Speaker of the House is Ben Luján .-Composition:...
in 1930. He served as a village trustee and one term in the state legislature.
Sanchez, a one-time flight attendant
Flight attendant
Flight attendants or cabin crew are members of an aircrew employed by airlines primarily to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers aboard commercial flights, on select business jet aircraft, and on some military aircraft.-History:The role of a flight attendant derives from that of similar...
and real estate agent
Real estate broker
A real estate broker, real estate agent or realtor is a party who acts as an intermediary between sellers and buyers of real estate/real property and attempts to find sellers who wish to sell and buyers who wish to buy...
, has stated that, after graduating high school, he started a small business in Albuquerque called Right Way Roofing, though this has been disputed.
In 1993, Right Way Roofing was named Small Business of the Year by the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. It has also been investigated by the Immigration and Naturalization Service
Immigration and Naturalization Service
The United States Immigration and Naturalization Service , now referred to as Legacy INS, ceased to exist under that name on March 1, 2003, when most of its functions were transferred from the Department of Justice to three new components within the newly created Department of Homeland Security, as...
for hiring illegal immigrants.
Electoral history
In 1997, Sanchez was elected Trustee for the Village of Los RanchosLos Ranchos de Albuquerque, New Mexico
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, known locally simply as "Los Ranchos," is a village in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 6,024 at the 2010 Census. Part of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area, Los Ranchos is located on the east side of the Rio Grande, adjacent to...
.
In 2000, Sanchez was elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives
New Mexico House of Representatives
The New Mexico House of Representatives is the lower house of the New Mexico State Legislature.There are 70 members of the House. Each member represents roughly 25,980 residents of New Mexico.The Speaker of the House is Ben Luján .-Composition:...
, defeating 30-year incumbent and Speaker of the House
Speaker (politics)
The term speaker is a title often given to the presiding officer of a deliberative assembly, especially a legislative body. The speaker's official role is to moderate debate, make rulings on procedure, announce the results of votes, and the like. The speaker decides who may speak and has the...
Raymond G. Sanchez, by 206 votes (5,083 (51%) to 4,877 (49%)).
2002 Gubernatorial bid
On June 5, 2002, Sanchez received 59% of the vote in a four-way RepublicanRepublican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
primary election
Primary election
A primary election is an election in which party members or voters select candidates for a subsequent election. Primary elections are one means by which a political party nominates candidates for the next general election....
for Governor of New Mexico. Sanchez was defeated in the general election
General election
In a parliamentary political system, a general election is an election in which all or most members of a given political body are chosen. The term is usually used to refer to elections held for a nation's primary legislative body, as distinguished from by-elections and local elections.The term...
by Democratic
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
gubernatorial nominee Bill Richardson
Bill Richardson (politician)
William Blaine "Bill" Richardson III is an American politician, who served as the 30th Governor of New Mexico from 2003 to 2011. Before being elected governor, Richardson served in the Clinton administration as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and Energy Secretary. Richardson has also served...
(55% to 39%).
Illegal immigrant controversy
During the 2002 RepublicanRepublican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
primary election
Primary election
A primary election is an election in which party members or voters select candidates for a subsequent election. Primary elections are one means by which a political party nominates candidates for the next general election....
for Governor of New Mexico, Sanchez was accused of employing illegal immigrants
Illegal immigration to the United States
An illegal immigrant in the United States is an alien who has entered the United States without government permission or stayed beyond the termination date of a visa....
at his roofing business, Right Way Roofing. In a radio interview, Sanchez demanded that his accusers "put up or shut up." His campaign "handed out copies of a letter from an INS special agent praising Right Way Roofing as never having had a problem with the agency.” However, later “Sanchez’s campaign…disclosed that the INS found a total of 10 illegal workers on Right Way’s payroll in the late-1990s seven during one visit and three during another.”
Resume controversy about Right Way Roofing
During the 2002 election, Sanchez came under scrutiny for "faking his resume." Sanchez stated that he had "started" Right Way Roofing "right out of high school in 1980," but state documents "show he wasn't listed as president of Right Way Roofing until three years ago. His stepfather, a state-licensed roofer, held that title until then."Tax avoidance controversy
Prior to the 2002 gubernatorial election, Sanchez was accused of unethical business practices in an Albuquerque Journal article written by Colleen Heild (October 24, 2002). His roofing business, Right Way Roofing, "offered discounts on some roofing jobs in the mid-1990s if customers paid in cash, according to interviews and a review of documents. The discounts typically represented the gross receipts tax total. One customer said his discount was for cash only as opposed to payment by check or credit card. That was disputed, however, by Sanchez campaign spokeswoman Whitney Cheshire. She said Wednesday that Right-Way Roofing on occasion had offered promotional discounts for payment by check or cash." A professor emeritus at the University of New Mexico was offered a deal and stated "it was clear to him no discount would be given if a personal check was used."Labor
A June 2011 story in Politico identified several examples of then-state lawmaker John Sanchez's support for AFL-CIOAFL-CIO
The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, commonly AFL–CIO, is a national trade union center, the largest federation of unions in the United States, made up of 56 national and international unions, together representing more than 11 million workers...
supported issues, including:
- reinstating collective bargainingCollective bargainingCollective bargaining is a process of negotiations between employers and the representatives of a unit of employees aimed at reaching agreements that regulate working conditions...
rights for state workers, - increasing the minimum wageMinimum wageA minimum wage is the lowest hourly, daily or monthly remuneration that employers may legally pay to workers. Equivalently, it is the lowest wage at which workers may sell their labour. Although minimum wage laws are in effect in a great many jurisdictions, there are differences of opinion about...
, - establishing a legal holidayHolidayA Holiday is a day designated as having special significance for which individuals, a government, or a religious group have deemed that observance is warranted. It is generally an official or unofficial observance of religious, national, or cultural significance, often accompanied by celebrations...
to honor Cesar ChavezCésar ChávezCésar Estrada Chávez was an American farm worker, labor leader, and civil rights activist who, with Dolores Huerta, co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers ....
, and - stating "you cannot run the state of New MexicoNew MexicoNew Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
like a business."
Project Vote Smart
Project Vote Smart
Project Vote Smart is a non-profit, non-partisan research organization that collects and distributes information on candidates for public office in the United States...
data shows that Sanchez voted with the AFL-CIO
AFL-CIO
The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, commonly AFL–CIO, is a national trade union center, the largest federation of unions in the United States, made up of 56 national and international unions, together representing more than 11 million workers...
58% of the time in 2001. Sanchez voted with the AFL-CIO
AFL-CIO
The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, commonly AFL–CIO, is a national trade union center, the largest federation of unions in the United States, made up of 56 national and international unions, together representing more than 11 million workers...
71% of the time in 2002.
Missing Votes
According to the Albuquerque Journal, Sanchez developed a reputation in the state legislature for "missing or intentionally ducking votes" and earned the nickname Johnny Walker.Sanchez missed more votes than any other freshman representative during the 2001 legislative session—159 substantive votes. The average for freshmen was 65 missed votes.
Announcement
On May 24, 2011, Sanchez announced his candidacy for the United States SenateUnited States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
seat being vacated
United States Senate election in New Mexico, 2012
The 2012 United States Senate election in New Mexico will take place on November 6, 2012 concurrently with the 2012 U.S. presidential election as well as other elections to the United States Senate and House of Representatives as well as various state and local elections. Incumbent Democratic U.S...
by Democratic Senator Jeff Bingaman
Jeff Bingaman
Jesse Francis "Jeff" Bingaman, Jr. , is the senior U.S. Senator from New Mexico and a member of the Democratic Party...
in 2012.
Official Duties Restricted
Also on May 24, 2011, Governor of New Mexico Susana MartinezSusana Martinez
Susana Martinez is the 31st and current governor of New Mexico.A Republican, Martinez is the first female governor of New Mexico, as well as the first female Hispanic governor in the United States. She was formerly the district attorney for the 3rd Judicial District of the U.S. state of New Mexico...
stated that she would restrict Sanchez's activities to only those required by the Constitution of the State of New Mexico
Constitution of the State of New Mexico
The Constitution of the State of New Mexico is the document governing the political framework of this U.S. state. Article II contains a bill of rights...
. In a press release, the Governor stated, "To prevent this race from becoming a distraction, Lt. Governor Sanchez will not be given responsibilities in my administration beyond the select few provided for in the state Constitution."
July quarterly report
Following the June 30, 2011 Federal Election CommissionFederal Election Commission
The Federal Election Commission is an independent regulatory agency that was founded in 1975 by the United States Congress to regulate the campaign finance legislation in the United States. It was created in a provision of the 1975 amendment to the Federal Election Campaign Act...
deadline, the Sanchez campaign reported having raised $312,000 during the period. Of that amount, Sanchez loaned himself $200,000. He raised a total of $126,000 from 78 individuals and six Limited liability company
Limited liability company
A limited liability company is a flexible form of enterprise that blends elements of partnership and corporate structures. It is a legal form of company that provides limited liability to its owners in the vast majority of United States jurisdictions...
(LLCs).
The FEC
Federal Election Commission
The Federal Election Commission is an independent regulatory agency that was founded in 1975 by the United States Congress to regulate the campaign finance legislation in the United States. It was created in a provision of the 1975 amendment to the Federal Election Campaign Act...
sent the Sanchez campaign a letter indicating that his July Quarterly Report included "one or more contributions that appear to exceed the limits" of federal law. Sanchez accepted two donations from a Limited Liability Company
Limited liability company
A limited liability company is a flexible form of enterprise that blends elements of partnership and corporate structures. It is a legal form of company that provides limited liability to its owners in the vast majority of United States jurisdictions...
in addition to donations from the LLC's owner.
October quarterly report
Sanchez's campaign raised $164,059.79 in contributions other than loans during the third quarter, compared to $231,144.00 raised by Greg Sowards and $532,228.18 raised by Heather Wilson
Heather Wilson
Heather A. Wilson , is a former Republican member of the United States House of Representatives representing from 1998 to 2009...
. New Mexico political blogger Heath Haussamen concluded that Sanchez "hasn’t proven that he can raise or spend the money to compete." National Journal included Sanchez in its "Losers" section for Senate fundraising during the quarter. Sanchez latest disclosure shows that his campaign has raised a net of $31,293 ($248,898 latest cash on hand; $217,605 debts owed), compared to Sowards' -$366,869 ($496,732 cash on hand; $863,601 debts owed) and Wilson's $952,898 ($952,898 cash on hand; $0 debts owed).
Endorsements
The Sanchez campaign received an endorsement from U.S. Senator Rand PaulRand Paul
Randal Howard "Rand" Paul is the junior United States Senator for Kentucky. He is a member of the Republican Party. A member of the Tea Party movement, he describes himself as a "constitutional conservative" and a libertarian...
in late September 2011. Paul's endorsement was announced quickly after Sanchez's primary election opponent, Greg Sowards, announced his own endorsement from Tea Party
Tea party
A tea party is a formal, ritualized gathering for afternoon tea.Formal tea parties are often characterized by the use of prestige utensils, such as bone china or silver. The table is made to look its prettiest, with cloth napkins and matching cups and plates. In addition to tea, larger parties may...
icon and former Nevada U.S. Senate candidate Sharron Angle
Sharron Angle
Sharron Elaine Angle is an American politician who served as a Republican member of the Nevada Assembly from 1999 to 2007. She ran unsuccessfully as the 2010 Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate seat in Nevada, garnering 45 percent of the vote...
.