ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez is calling on political opponents to tone down harsh rhetoric and asking that critics of President Barack Obama respect his office despite political differences.
The Republican rising star and nation's only Latina governor made the remarks Wednesday during a conference call with reporters on GOP efforts to recruit more women and minority candidates.
Her comments come after the president of a prominent Latino advocacy group called Obama the "deporter in chief."
Janet Murguia, head of the National Council of La Raza, made that remark Tuesday during a speech denouncing the administration's deportation of nearly 2 million immigrants.
Martinez also said her own party needs to watch its tone and rhetoric when talking to minority voters.