Governor humbled by invite to RNC

KRQE TV

Updated: Aug 31, 2012 1:33 PM

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) — New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez says it was humbling to be asked to speak at the Republican National Convention, and she's even more humbled to see her name now all over the Internet.

Martinez gave an 11-minute speech just before VP nominee Paul Ryan Wednesday.

She talked about her humble upbringing and how at the age of 18 she carried a .357 Magnum pistol to guard the bingo hall at a Catholic church as part of her parents' security business.

She went on to talk about her switch from the Democratic party to the Republican party in 1995 after a meeting with two local Republicans. When she and her husband left the meeting Martinez says she told him, "I'll be damned.  We're Republicans."

That quote is now all over the Internet and so is Martinez's name

In a satellite interview with KRQE Martinez she said she was humbled to see her name on so many articles.

We asked Martinez why she chose to tell the stories she did in her speech.

"Because it's real," she said.  "It really did happen exactly as I described it. I think they needed to see as an 18 year old who had courage to be part of my parents dream."

Martinez says the goal of her speech was to show people anyone who works hard can be successful, and it's not something that should be demonized like it has in the race for President.

It has yet to be seen in Martinez's speech will help close the gap between GOP nominee Mitt Romney and President Obama. The latest polls have Obama with a sight lead.

Martinez says despite talk that this speech and all the attention that has followed will help propel her political career to the national level, her focus is New Mexico.

"I really haven't looked beyond my four-year term," she said.  "I have so much work in New Mexico to get done, making sure that things I promised I will deliver on."

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