TOP OF MIND: Do you think Trump can win New Mexico in November?

Top of Mind is a weekly question about an issue affecting New Mexicans.

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION:

Should New Mexico’s congressional delegation support a pathway to statehood for Puerto Rico?

“Yes, they should. The people of Puerto Rico are Americans and deserve the same rights as the rest of us. While we’re at it, offers of statehood should also be extended to the Americans living in Guam, the Northern Marianas, the U. S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and D. C.”

— Chris Scott, Rio Rancho

“No, but, if you don’t want New Mexico last in the nation in achievement stats, then yes. Puerto Rico citizens decline statehood. New Mexico Democrats will do everything ensuring PR votes Democrat, tipping any balance of power in D.C.”

— Sembach Sikorsky, Edgewood

“Bravo to our N.M. congressional delegation for their support of statehood for Puerto Rico — it is the right thing to do. Puerto Rican/American citizens deserve the dignity of statehood, rather than “commonweath” status, whatever that is. While politically difficult to accomplish, it is about time.”

— Asia Negron-Esposito, Albuquerque

“Statehood for Puerto Rico is not appropriate. Our elected officials should consistently work in the best interests of New Mexico, and as others have mentioned, Puerto Rico statehood may not work in New Mexico’s favor. Instead, the best option is to grant Puerto Rico its independence.”

— Dr. Frank Fisher, Rio Rancho

“Ideally, N.M.’s congressional delegation should always vote on what’s best for the country. That may not be the case for Puerto Rico statehood. The island is an economic basket case with an active independence movement. The Dems’ vested interest in statehood sits squarely on attaining more congressional seats.”

— Dave Coulie, Albuquerque

“Puerto Rico should be an independent nation just as Cuba and the Philippines became. All of these islands were imperial relics of the Spanish-American War merely transferred to the USA. Why is Puerto Rico treated differently? See their flag at the Paris Olympics this summer.”

— Peter Ives, Albuquerque

“Absolutely not. They’re bankrupt, and do not deserve statehood any more than Washington, D.C. The U.S. taxpayer cannot afford either.”

— Jacque Skinner, Las Cruces

“Might as well bring Puerto Rico in the union. We send money/supplies/people to rebuild after hurricanes rip through their island. It would give a reason for people running for president to go there to campaign. As long as terrorists don’t view our 51st state as the new gateway.”

— Robert Wayne, Albuquerque

“Puerto Rico statehood should not be supported right now. The U.S. would assume it’s $140 billion of debt and PR would immediately become the state with the highest level of poverty. The additional debt and increase to the welfare roll would be a financial dagger to our country’s heart.”

— Ray Blanco, Rio Rancho

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION:

Do you think Donald Trump can win New Mexico in November?

Editor's note: A Republican presidential nominee has not won New Mexico since 2004, when George W. Bush beat Democratic nominee John Kerry by about 6,000 votes.

Submit your response to: abqjournal.com/opinion/ — go to Other Forms, then Top of Mind.

Or go to: https://www.abqjournal.com/site/forms/online_services/top_of_mind/

Responses must include your name and city of residence to be published.