“The governor and I are thrilled that Geoff will be in Santa Fe in January … someone who has got experience and a history of common sense,” Sanchez said. “We need to send, not a politician, but a public servant to Santa Fe. The governor is excited for your race Geoff … she understands the importance of having a majority in the house come January.”

Sanchez concluded his talk by presenting Rodgers with a $1,000 contribution for his campaign.

Rodgers spoke to the crowd emphasizing what he described as two clear differences between he and his Democratic opponent, incumbent Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard.

“My opponent believes it is the government that creates jobs and I believe it’s the people who create jobs … people like James (Chrobocinski of Zia Realty Group) and Roger (Waterman of TRK) … people who go out an actually risk something,” Rodgers said. “The government provides basic services and it is the people who create a robust job market.”

The second difference Rodgers touched on is the First Born Program in which he said the government pays a visit to the home of each first born. He said the government should not be telling parents how to raise their children.

“These are important difference between us,” Rodgers said. “Polls show us neck and neck and this election is going to come down to turnout.”

Early voting begins Oct. 7 in Los Alamos County for the Nov. 4 General Election. For more information, visit the County’s election website here.

Republican candidates gathered at Tuesday’s fundraiser, from left, James Chrobocinski running for council, Geoff Rodgers for House Dist. 43, Jaret McDonald for sheriff, Lt. Gov. John Sanchez for re-election, County Assessor JoAnn Johnson has term-limited out and Bill McKerley running for council. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com