BIPARTISAN STATEMENT FOR SEPT. 11

In a rare moment of bi-partisan cooperation -- perhaps spurred by the joint appearance today of Barack Obama and John McCain at Ground Zero in New York -- Democratic state Chairman Brian Colon and Republican state Chairman Allen Weh made a joint visit to a 9/11 memorial mass at Albuquerque's Sacred Heart Catholic Church., which several years ago received two 20-foot steel beams from the fallen World Trade Center. The church used the two beams to construct a new bell tower.

Colon and Weh released this statement today:

"Seven years ago today, America suffered an unprovoked attack that will forever be etched in Americans' minds. In Albuquerque today, New Mexicans come together at Sacred Heart Church to remember those who were lost not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Americans. We honor the memory of each and every American who died in New York, at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania that day. We also offer a prayer for all the families and friends who have lost loved ones in the attacks of 9/11 and in the service of their country. We give thanks for the firefighters, police, and all emergency responders who set a heroic example of selfless service that day, many of who lost their lives, and many of whom continue to serve their communities so well. Lastly, we salute the men and women who serve today in defense of the freedom and security that came under attack on that terrible day.”