New Mexico Political Leaders Release Statements on Passing of Speaker Ben Lujan
By: Karl Wehmhoener
Updated: December 19, 2012
SANTE FE -- New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez has issued the following statement after the passing of New Mexico House of Representatives Speaker Ben Lujan:
Speaker Ben Lujan's service to New Mexico spanned four decades and his legacy will live for years to come. He fought for causes near and dear to New Mexicans from all walks of life and guided the House of Representatives through some of the most important debates in our states history. Speaker Lujans story was one that embodied the New Mexican dream and the American dream. The son of a sheepherder, he made his living as an ironworker at Los Alamos before running for office and rising to one of the most prominent and powerful positions in the state. Chuck and I join all New Mexicans in offering our thoughts and prayers to Speaker Lujan's wife, Carmen, his children, and his entire family during this trying time.
U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) issued a statement today from Washington D.C. on the passing of Speaker Ben Lujn:
"Our state lost a great leader, and a great friend, yesterday with the passing of Speaker Ben Lujn. For over four decades, Ben was a tireless advocate for the people of New Mexico. Ben was a dedicated public servant, and even a devastating illness could not deter him from the job he had committed to do. He remained steadfast in his service to the people of our state, and he was an inspiration to all who knew him.
"Ben came of age in the Great Depression. He knew poverty and hard times first hand. He never forgot where he came from, and he was always a champion for the less fortunate among us. He was a tenacious fighter for education, for workers, for Native Americans, and for health care. His principles illuminated his life, and brightened the lives of all who knew him.
"Ben once said, 'Let us make our time on Earth... worthwhile, and do whats right, and make a difference for the children, our working families, and our elderly.' He lived up to that challenge throughout his life, and he leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service to New Mexico. I was proud to call Ben Lujn my colleague and my friend. Jill and I will miss Ben. We extend our deepest condolences to Carmen, and to Shirley, Jackie, Jerome, and Congressman Ben Ray Lujn, and all the Lujn family."
U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today issued the following statement:
"On this sad day, I join with all New Mexicans in expressing my condolences to the family of Speaker Ben Lujan. While we mourn our loss, we should be grateful for his extraordinary work for the people of New Mexico. We have been fortunate to have had a man of his character serving our State in such an exemplary way and in such an important position for so many years."
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