Heather Wilson Announces Run for U.S.

Senate
Former Congresswoman endorsed by Domenici, Lujan,
Redmond and wide cross section of NM conservatives
ALBUQUERQUE – Former Congresswoman Heather Wilson today
launched her campaign for the U.S. Senate in 2012. Her announcement,
made in front of a crowd of supporters and conservative activists at a local
manufacturing plant, was accompanied by an unusually large number of
endorsements from prominent New Mexico conservatives, including Senator
Pete Domenici, former Congressman and Secretary of the Interior Manuel
Lujan, Congressman Bill Redmond and over 30 prominent leaders from
across the state.

“I feel blessed to see so many friends here today. Friends from my decade of
service in the House of Representatives. Friends from our work together in
state government, helping abused and neglected children. And even a handful
of friends from the Air Force Academy, who knew me as a 17-year-old kid
with a single suitcase and a one-way ticket to Colorado Springs. Mother.
Wife. Air Force Officer. Small business owner. Member of Congress. I am
and have been all of these things,” Wilson said. “And today, you can add one
more. I am a candidate for the United States Senate.”

In her announcement speech, Wilson called on her generation to step up to

the challenges America faces.

She added, “America is a very special place, a place we are blessed to call
home. But today, America is at risk. Our free market system. Our
exceptionalism. Our economy. Our tradition of limited government. All
under assault. We face great challenges, but we are a great nation. With
your help, we will meet those challenges. With your help, we will restore
fiscal responsibility. With your help, we will strengthen American culture.
With your help, we will maintain a strong national defense. Let us be the next
generation that meets the challenge and allows the greatness of America to
endure.”
Wilson, a Republican who served in the U.S. Congress for 10 years, starts
her campaign with the endorsements of over 40 senior New Mexico leaders
covering a wide cross section of the Republican party.
U.S. Senator Pete Domenici, Albuquerque
“I have worked more closely with Heather Wilson than any other House
member during my career in the Senate. I know her very well. Our nation
faces some serious challenges – a debt that is unsustainable, an economy that
isn't creating enough jobs and instability in hot spots around the globe. We
need her experience in the Senate to work for New Mexico. The nation
needs her, and it's up to us to send her there. I endorse her
candidacy wholeheartedly and I'm going to do everything I can to help her
win.”
Former Secretary of the Interior and Congressman Manuel Lujan,
Albuquerque
“I watched Heather serve in the House for ten years. She stood up for
policies that help small businesses create jobs and was known by everyone as
the "go to" person when people had problems with the federal
government. She’s the type of person who can cut through red tape and
make the government more effective at serving people. That's why I'm
supporting her.”
Former Congressman Bill Redmond, Los Alamos
"I've gotten to know Heather Wilson better over the past two years than
when we served together in the House. I can tell you that she is a person of
faith and conviction well aligned with our conservative values. I'm proud to
endorse her and help her in any way I can to become our next Senator. A
government's first responsibility is to defend its citizens. Her experience with
our military and national laboratories makes her uniquely qualified of all
potential New Mexico Republican candidates. Heather Wilson is the best
Senator that New Mexico can offer our nation at this time in our national
history."
Mayor of Albuquerque R.J. Berry, Albuquerque
“Albuquerque has a tremendous friend in Heather Wilson. She
understands that we need to cut waste in government and work to unify all
stakeholders in order to better serve our city, state and nation. Heather will
make a great Senator and I'm happy to endorse her candidacy.”
Mayor of Bloomfield and County Commissioner Scott Eckstein, San Juan
County
"I believe Heather Wilson is the right person for New Mexico. I believe she
can win and she will represent us well."
State Senator Clint Harden, Clovis
“Heather and I served in the Cabinet together under Gary Johnson. She
showed a real talent for getting the waste out of government while making
sure it worked well for citizens. I'm proud to endorse her and call her my
friend.”
State Senator Mark Boitano, Albuquerque
"Heather is one of my favorite politicians, she is smart, committed, and
passionate. Her personality is generally low key but, I've seen her
fight vigorously when there is an issue important to her constituents. Perhaps
most importantly, she has that one intangible that is vitally important to every
voter - they trust her."
State Senator Gay Kernan, Hobbs
“Heather has my support. She's a solid leader who understands the concerns
of New Mexicans and I look forward to helping her."
State Senator Vernon Asbill, Carlsbad
“I've admired Heather for a long time and know that she has what it takes to
win and represent us well in Washington. Our state needs her and I'm proud
to endorse her."
State Senator Senator Sander Rue, Albuquerque
"I'm with Heather Wilson 100% from the get go."
State Senator and 2010 Candidate for Lt Governor Kent Cravens,
Albuquerque
"As a state legislator and small business owner, I know that Heather Wilson
understands how to control the cost of government and get rid of the red tape
that prevents companies from being able to grow. I'm happy to endorse her
for the Senate."
State Senator Bill Burt, Alamogordo
“I am thankful that Heather Wilson is going to run for the Senate. She
will be the perfect new Senator for New Mexico and I look forward to
working with her on the campaign and in Washington.”
State Representative David Chavez, Los Lunas
"Heather Wilson is highly qualified and a proven leader. New
Mexicans will have a Senator with instant credibility on the national scene and
I'm pleased to endorse her."
State Representative Dave Doyle, Albuquerque
“As a small business owner, I've admired Heather Wilson for a long time.
She's a great role model for public service and I'm proud to endorse her.”
State Representative Nora Espinoza, Roswell
“Heather Wilson has the kind of energy and vision to make a real difference in
the Senate. She is a solid, thinking conservative who will work her heart out
for this state. I'm proud to be 100% on her team!”
State Representative Nate Gentry, Albuquerque
"Heather Wilson is the kind of conservative leader who champions our values
and shows New Mexicans how those values improve our lives. We need that
kind of leader in the Senate."
State Representative Jimmie Hall
“Heather Wilson has always been a friend to me and I'm happy to endorse
her and recommend her to my friends and constituents.”
State Representative Dianne Miller Hamilton
“I think it is wonderful that Heather Wilson is running for the Senate! She has
served well here in the state and the Congress and I just can't think of anyone
better for the job. I'm happy to endorse her.”
State Representative Larry Larranaga
“I'm proud to stand by Heather Wilson. She's the kind of thoughtful
conservative who can help this country put its fiscal house in order.”
State Representative Bill Rehm, Albuquerque
"Heather Wilson is absolutely excellent and a real friend of law enforcement.
I'm happy to be on her team."
State Representative Jeanette Wallace, Los Alamos
“When Heather was in the Congress she was the best Representative Los
Alamos had even though it wasn't in her District. She understands the mission
of the labs and we need someone like her who takes national security
seriously. I'm proud to endorse her.”
State Representative Jim Smith, Sandia Park
“I'm happy to endorse Heather Wilson. I've known her for years as she has
fought for families and education and I'd love to see her take that fight to the
Senate on belhalf of all of New Mexico.”
State Representative James White, Albuquerque
“Heather is a veteran and an Air Force Academy graduate. We are so
blessed to have someone of her character and ability who is willing to fight for
us in the Congress. I'm proud to be on her team.”
State Representative Tim Lewis, Rio Rancho
“We need someone in the Senate with the experience and leadership ability
Heather Wilson has. I'm happy to endorse her.”
State Representative Dennis Roch, Texico
“Heather is the kind of strong leader our state needs. I'm so glad she's
running and I'm happy to endorse her.”
San Juan County Commission Chairman Tony Atkinson
"From her time on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Heather
Wilson understands the oil and gas industry. She's opposed to cap and trade
legislation and supports making America more energy independent
including increasing energy production in New Mexico. I endorse her
wholeheartedly."
Albuquerque City Councilor Trudy Jones
“Heather knows that government cannot create wealth, but it can create the
conditions for small businesses and entrepreneurs to invest and create jobs.
I'm pleased to endorse her.”
Bernalillo County Commissioner Wayne Johnson
"Heather Wilson has a proven record of leadership and is highly
qualified for the U.S. Senate. I am pleased to endorse her candidacy."
District 3 City Councilor Dan Darnell, City of Farmington
"Heather Wilson is going to be a strong candidate. I wholeheartedly support
her from the get go."
Former Lieutenant Governor Jack Stahl, Albuquerque
“Heather Wilson is a pro-life, pro-second amendment, free trade, low tax,
government reforming Republican. I can't think of anyone we need more.”
Former Land Commissioner Bill Humphries, Logan
“After Joe Skeen retired from the House, Heather Wilson took the time to
really learn about agriculture, water and public lands issues. She listens and
does her best for people. I'm proud to endorse her candidacy for the
Senate.”
Former State Senator Steve Komadina, Corrales
"As a mother, wife, 5 term Congresswoman, veteran, and internationally
respected consultant, she may be the most qualified candidate New Mexico
has ever had an opportunity to vote for. Now is not the time to look for an
untried, new face to represent us. We are at a critical time in New Mexico’s
life, as well as the life of our Federal Republic. Life as we have known it is in
jeopardy if we elect the wrong person as our Senator. We must have
someone who understands the Constitution and will give all her heart, might,
mind and strength to preserving it. Heather Wilson is just such a person and
New Mexico cannot afford less."
Former State Senator Don Kidd, Carlsbad
“We have a chance to put a lady in the Senate who is decent and
honest and can help put this country back on the right track. I endorse her
without reservation.”
Former State Representative and 2010 Candidate for Governor Janice
Arnold-Jones, Albuquerque
"I believe on national security issues alone Heather Wilson is our best choice
for US Senate. Furthermore, to deal with the financial crisis our nation is
faced with, we need people with Heather Wilson's intellect, common sense
and commitment to service in Washington, DC to fix the problem. I am proud
to stand with my friend Heather Wilson as she announces her candidacy for
United States Senate."
Former President of the Albuquerque City Council Vickie Perea,
Albuquerque
“To know Heather Wilson is to respect and trust her since her ultimate
commitment is for the good of all. Her ongoing and outstanding record of
leadership and service to the public speaks loudly to that fact. In these
challenging times, her expertise will prove to be of vital importance for the
state of New Mexico and for our nation.”
Former Bernalillo County Sheriff and Former Candidate for Congress,
Darren White
“Heather Wilson has been a personal friend for close to two decades. Law
enforcement has no better friend and criminals have no worse enemy than
Heather Wilson. I'm proud to endorse her candidacy.”
Allen Weh, Candidate for Governor 2010
“Heather Wilson is a very talented, and eminently qualified, former
Member of Congress who will serve New Mexico with distinction in the
United States Senate”
Mr. Pete Domenici, Jr., Candidate for Governor 2010
“Running for public office is difficult. We need to support a candidate who
has shown, again and again, that she has the ability to both campaign and
serve well. Heather has done that and I endorse her.”
District Attorney and Republican Candidate for Attorney General Matt
Chandler said he supports Wilson’s candidacy.
Former Candidate for Land Commissioner Matt Rush
“The thing I like about Heather is that it's not all about her. It's about us.
Serving people and fighting for what's right. We need more people like her in
public life and we need her in the Senate. I'm glad to be on her team.”
Dr. J.R. Damron, Former Candidate for Lt Governor 2010, Santa Fe
"I think Heather Wilson would be a great Senator and a great candidate. She
is well qualified, experienced and understands global, federal and state
issues."

About Heather

Heather Wilson served for ten years in the U.S. Congress from New Mexico,
from 1998 through 2008. A senior member of the House Energy and
Commerce Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on
Intelligence, she was also one of the top House members on the topics of
Medicaid and Medicare, energy, and national security.

House Republican leaders frequently turned to her because of her ability to

effectively and passionately communicate why reform matters to people.

A recipient of numerous public service awards for protecting taxpayers and

promoting free enterprise, Wilson received Distinguished Public Service
Awards from the CIA and the Director of National Intelligence upon leaving
the Congress.

Wilson's record of public service dates to age 17, when she packed her bags
for the U.S. Air Force Academy in the third class to include women. She
graduated in 1982, and eventually became the first Air Force Academy
graduate to serve in Congress.

A Rhodes Scholar, Wilson earned her master's and doctoral degrees in

international relations from Oxford University in England. As an Air Force
officer she worked with our NATO allies and in the United Kingdom. Then in
1989, she became director for European defense policy and arms control on
the National Security Council staff at the White House under the first
President Bush.

Wilson was the owner of a successful small business in Albuquerque when, in

1995, she was asked to take charge of New Mexico's Children, Youth and
Families Department where she led efforts to reform child welfare laws,
modernize the juvenile justice system and improve early childhood education.

Wilson now works as a senior advisor to several large defense and scientific
institutions.
Wilson is married to Jay Hone, an Albuquerque attorney. They have one
grown son and two school age children, Joshua and Caitlin Hone.