LAS CRUCES, NM - Governor Bill Richardson, a strong supporter of the spaceport tax, was in Las Cruces Friday.

In what was being dubbed as a "victory rally" by attendees, Richardson applauded the passage of the tax increase that will fund the proposed $180,000,000 headquarters of Virgin Galactic in southern New Mexico.

The rally was held at New Mexico State University.

The Governor was accompanied by other elected officials who were also supporters of the tax increase.

However, Richardson labeled the election results as a "mixed message."  He claimed the closely-contested election made one thing clear: the results did not issue a clear mandate on behalf of the supporters of the tax.

Half of the voters were willing to take on the challenge of a new frontier while the other half was concerned about environmental impact and poor residents being over-taxed.

He promised to address the concerns of all residents who participated in the election process as the project moves forward.

Both the Governor and his Economic Advisor Rick Homans stated it is critical for Otero and Sierra Counties to pass the tax increase.