Leader Stapleton Responds To Offensive Comments New Mexico House Democrats News: SANTA FE — In Friday’s Senate Rules Committee meeting, Cabinet Secretary Designee Sonya L. Smith was questioned by Senate Minority Leader Greg Baca (R-Belen) on whether her race as an African American precluded her from leading New Mexico’s Department of Veterans Services (Webcast video here. Timestamp 9:55). House Majority Floor Leader Sheryl Williams Stapleton (D-Albuquerque) issued the following statement in response: “I find this line of questioning by Sen. Baca to be borderline racism and completely disrespectful. Questioning a qualified professional because of her race has no place in this Legislature.