New Mexico’s Congressional Delegation, Senate Candidates React to Bin Laden’s Death

New Mexico’s Congressional delegation – and some candidates for the U.S. Senate in New Mexico – are reacting to the news of Osama Bin Laden’s death in Pakistan. Here are their statements:

Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M.

“This news has been a long time coming, and was made possible through the tireless efforts of our intelligence officials and armed forces.  The fact that Osama bin Laden is no longer operating al Qaeda or pursuing terrorist acts against our country is a relief to all of us.  I hope this news brings a measure of closure to the families whose lives where irrevocably changed by bin Laden.”

Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M.

“Osama Bin Laden epitomized the terror that gripped our nation on Sept. 11, 2001. Today, citizens across the globe share in a sense of relief and justice with the Americans who lost loved ones at his hands. Our heartfelt congratulations belong to the intelligence personnel, military forces and Commander-In-Chief for bringing this long manhunt to a close. Moving forward, our nation must remain vigilant in our efforts to confront radical extremism, but today we share in this momentous achievement.”

Rep. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M.

“Nearly ten years after Osama bin Laden orchestrated the murder of thousands of innocent men, women and children, justice has been served.

“The death and capture of bin Laden is a tremendous victory for the United States, our intelligence community and for every serviceman and woman who has been fighting Al Qaeda on the front lines since September 11, 2001.

“Let this be a warning to anyone who would consider harming Americans at home or abroad.”

Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M.

“I am proud of our men and women in the military.  It has been nearly ten years of dedicated, disciplined effort.  Al Qaeda’s forces are widely dispersed, so the value of this news can easily be overstated, but it is an important factor any time an enemy loses its top leader.”

Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M.

“For nearly a decade U.S. forces were relentless in their pursuit to bring Osama bin Laden to justice, and yesterday those efforts resulted in a significant victory for the American people.  I applaud President Obama and the brave efforts of our military and intelligence personnel, and I hope this will bring solace to all those who lost loved ones in the heinous attacks of 9/11.

State Auditor Hector Balderas, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate:

Almost a decade ago on September 11th our country sustained the worst attack since Pearl Harbor.  It was an assault on our way of life, carried out and planned by the worldwide terrorist organization Al Qaeda.  Osama Bin Laden, the head of Al Qaeda and mastermind behind the 9/11 attack and many others in the United States and around the world, has been on the run since that day.  President Obama’s statement that an American operation carried out the killing of Bin Laden marks this momentous development in our country’s fight with terrorism.

I want to thank our military, intelligence agencies, the Obama and Bush administrations, and all those serving our country for their steadfast commitment to bringing those responsible to justice.  For all New Mexicans and Americans who suffered personal losses in the devastating attacks, this action further demonstrates our country’s resolve to stand together in our most trying times.

While attacks may crumble our buildings, American values are impenetrable, and our principles enduring.  As President Obama made clear tonight, the death of Bin Laden is a significant moment, but we must remember that Al Qaeda is an organization with deep roots and our obligation to defeating it must not waver.

Former Rep. Heather Wilson, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate

“Since September 11, 2001 the United States military and intelligence services, through two administrations, have been relentless in their determination to kill or capture Osama Bin Laden.  The United States toppled the Taliban leadership in Afghanistan that gave him safe haven and put pressure on al Qaeda worldwide.  Today, the thousands of Americans who have played a role in this effort deserve our gratitude.

While the relentless pressure of American power made it more difficult for Bin Laden to operate freely, he continued to inspire followers with a twisted ideology of mass murder.  His death is an important accomplishment in the defeat of Al Qaeda.

But the fight against al Qaeda does not end today.  Killing bin Laden creates disruption, sparks communication, and leads to reorganization and rivalries for power within al Qaeda that can be detected and acted upon by US intelligence and counter-terrorism forces in the months to come.  Now is the time to keep up the pressure on al Qaeda and its affiliates so that we can capture or kill those who will seek to carry on its murderous agenda.”