Gov. criticizes Romney on immigration

Associated Press

Updated: May 16, 2012 12:11 PM

SANTA FE (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez, a Republican often mentioned as a potential vice presidential candidate but who repeatedly has denied interest, has criticized fellow Republican Mitt Romney's stance on immigration.

Martinez questioned the likely GOP presidential nominee's "self-deportation" strategy during an interview with Newsweek.

The magazine quotes the governor as asking for the meaning of self-deportation. She also says she doesn't doubt that Hispanics were alienated during the campaign for the GOP nomination.

Martinez suggested that Romney remind voters that President Barack Obama failed to deliver promised comprehensive immigration reform.

This wasn't the first time Martinez has criticized GOP rhetoric on immigration. In a January interview with The Associated Press, she urged candidates to tone it down and engage with voters instead.

Martinez couldn't be reached Tuesday by the AP.

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