Your position on immigration reform doesn’t fit in a box. You emphasize border security but have spoken out against Arizona’s controversial bill. A secure border is the most important thing we need before we can have any kind of comprehensive reform. We have people coming from all over the world with fake documents; it’s not just about the Mexican population.

What message do you think your historic election sends?I talked about the issues that mattered to people, no matter who they are: Hispanic, non-Hispanic, older, younger, male or female. But I know I’m paving the path for young girls. While I was on the campaign trail, I met a six-year-old called Susanna [with two n’s] Martinez. She had posters of me in her room. I want her to know that regardless of your background, anything is possible, the American dream is alive, and we are all equals.

Your name has been floated as a candidate for vice president in 2012, but why stop there? Will you run for president?No. [Laughs] I haven’t even served my term yet! I was elected to serve the people of New Mexico and solve my state’s problems. That’s what I intend to do.