DEMING – Former New Mexico governor and two-time presidential candidate Gary Johnson visited Deming on Monday during his tour for the senate seat.

Johnson announced his libertarian bid for incumbent Democrat Martin Heinrich’s place a couple of weeks ago, after liberal runner, Aubrey Dunn of Alamogordo withdrew.

Albuquerque Republican Mick Rich is also in the running, while Heinrich is seeking a second term. Johnson is conducting a state-wide tour addressing New Mexicans with his emphasis on balancing the budget and the legalization of recreational marijuana.

“The idea here would be to change America, and to change America would be to deal with gigantic issues that are facing us.” Johnson said. “The reform of Social Security, the reform of Medicaid, the reform of Medicare and military spending.”

After the current budget year ends on Sept. 30, the projected annual deficit for 2019 will top $1 trillion. Johnson said if interest rates rises to one percent, $1 billion will go to the interest of the debt. And if the U.S results in the historical interest rate return of approximately seven percent, all discretionary spending in Congress will be taken up.

“It’s a huge issue nobody is talking about, and it should be front and center,” he said.

The effect could potentially leave the U.S. in the same boat as inflation-stricken countries, Zimbabwe and Venezuela, said Johnson.

Throughout his political career, the topic of legalizing marijuana has remained on the top his list.

Every location that has legalized marijuana has become a vibrant state," according to Johnson. And if New Mexico were to follow their footsteps it can create 30,000 new jobs. The northern part of the state can endure revitalization, while the southern part could face a lot traffic coming in from Texas and surrounding border towns.

“It’s another issue that I am just completely cross-ways with Republicans, but I am not going to be a wallflower in Washington, I am going to speak out on these issues,” Johnson said.

Voters can cast a ballot for senate seat on General Election day, Nov. 6.

Xchelzin Peña may be reached at 575-546-2611 or XPena@demingheadlight.com.