The major networks have called New Mexico’s gubernatorial race for GOP candidate Susana Martinez. She will be the first female governor of the state — and the first Hispanic female governor in the nation.

I profiled Martinez a few weeks back and was impressed. A former Democrat, she seems to have a knack for communicating conservative ideas effectively and persuasively to independents and Democrats without watering them down. She has her work cut out for her: While she has ambitious plans for tackling New Mexico’s corruption, unemployment, and poor education, she will be working with a Democratic state senate and house. But if she succeeds, watch for her to play a prominent role on the GOP national scene.