Saturday, June 27, 2009

Bursum III appointed to republican committee

Gerald Garner Jr. El Defensor Chieftain Editor

GGARNER New Mexico's Republicans have come calling for Holm Bursum III.

Party chairman Harvey Yates Jr. appointed Bursum, owner of First State Bank, to the Republican Party of New Mexico Executive Committee.

Bursum III, who served on the same committee in 2003-2005, said he's thrilled to be chosen to serve again.

"I feel quite honored to be asked to serve this prestigious committee. I believe Harvey Yates will do great things for the party," Bursum said during a June 26 phone interview. "I am happy to serve the party and its candidates at both the state and local levels — it's a very worthwhile cause."

Yates left no stones unturned during a recent effort to name the 30-member committee, an RPNM release reveals.

"I have put much thought into my appointments to the party's executive committee. The members I have selected bring a diverse blend of skill sets and experiences to the table," Yates said in the release. "The common thread (among) these exceptional individuals is their shared commitment to move New Mexico in the right direction."

Joining Bursum on the committee are some of the state's biggest political heavyweights including Heather Wilson, Steve Pearce, Pete Domenici Jr., Walter Bradley and Vickie Perea, among others.

The committee's primary task is to advise Yates during the coming years as well as handling certain fiscal duties for the state party.

Yates' public affairs office said other committee responsibilities include providing strategic advice concerning upcoming elections and to work with initiatives to address the multitude of problems and issues the state is facing.

Yates said he's pleased that Bursum agreed to serve on the committee.

"Holm has been a wonderful asset to the Republican Party of New Mexico and I look forward to working with him," Yates said.

Bursum has been involved in Republican politics in New Mexico for the past four decades. He served as chairman of the New Mexico Young Republicans during the late-1960s; has been involved in the senior party since; served as a Socorro City Councilor and served as chairman of the Socorro County Commission, among other positions.

Bursum said he believes the two-party system is the secret of success for New Mexico and the United States.

"We've got to maintain that, whatever it takes," Bursum said.

ggarner@dchieftain.com

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