Susana on "Worst Govs" List, GOP Says "Partisanship"

The Washington, D.C. group known as Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington today named New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez as one of the "worst governors" in the U.S.

But Republicans critics cry "partisanship" and point out that the overwhelming majority of CREW's targets -- this year and in the past -- are Republicans.

The report blasts Martinez for her administration using private emails to communicate about state matters (a practice she ordered to end last year after it was revealed by the press) and for allegations that the Downs at Albuquerque contract was awarded improperly.

Martinez isn't the first New Mexico governor to make this list. In 2010, Gov. Bill Richardson was there.

Going back in history, CREW listed New Mexico's Republican U.S. Reps. Heather Wilson and Steve Pearce, as well as U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici, among the 22 "most corrupt" members of Congress. Wilson and Domenici were there for their roles in the U.S. attorney scandal, specifically for calling then-U.S. Attorney David Iglesias about the corruption investigation into former state Sen. Manny Aragon. Pearce was included for financial dealings. All three denied wrongdoing.

On this year's "Worst Governors" list, there are only two Democrats -- New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Kentucky Gov. Steven Beshear -- and 16 Republicans.

Former Martinez spokesman Greg Blair tweeted this morning that CREW is "a blatantly partisan (organization) using low hanging (Democrat)fruit as cover to attack GOP. Always has been their (modus operandi), always will be."

Adam Feldman, former executive director of the state GOP tweeted, "They attack every prominent or swing-race GOP (governor)."

I haven't heard back yet from Martinez's current spokesman. I'll add his comments when I do,