Allen Weh
{{short description|American business executive and colonel (born 1942)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| image = Weh Bio 1 (4).jpg
| name = Allen Weh
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1942|11|17}}
| birth_name = Allen Edward Weh
| birth_place = Salem, Oregon, U.S.
| party = Republican
| spouse = Rebecca Roberton
| children = 3
| education = University of New Mexico (BS, MA)
| allegiance = {{flag|United States}}
| branch = {{Flagicon|United States Marine Corps}} Marine Corps
| unit = U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
| mawards =
}}
Allen Edward Weh (born November 17, 1942) is an American business executive, politician, and retired colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. He was a candidate for the Republican nomination for governor of New Mexico in the 2010 election,{{Cite web|author=Haussamen, Heath|date=9 September 2009|title=Weh formally enters gubernatorial race|publisher=NMPolitics.net (Haussamen Publications, Inc.)|url=http://www.nmpolitics.net/index/2009/09/weh-formally-enters-gubernatorial-race/ |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101022024802/http://www.nmpolitics.net/index/2009/09/weh-formally-enters-gubernatorial-race/ |archivedate=22 October 2010|url-status=live}} and the Republican Nominee for the United States Senate 2014 election against incumbent Democratic Senator Tom Udall. He is the founder and CEO of CSI Aviation Inc., which has grown over four decades to become a leading provider of aviation services that includes mission-critical services for a diverse portfolio of government and specialty customers. The company specializes in two core service areas: Government Services, in which CSI provides large scale management of complex aviation programs; and Specialty Mission Services in which the company supports both commercial and government customers with medical flight services, emergency response operations, and secure air transport of individuals. It holds FAA Operating Authority and numerous certifications and licenses that cover all aspects of its business operations.{{Cite web |title=Medical Flight Services - Air Charter Services - CSI Aviation |url=https://www.csiaviation.com/ |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=www.csiaviation.com}}
Early life and education
Weh was born in Salem, Oregon and grew up in North Carolina, Georgia, and New Jersey. Raised in Scotch Plains, New Jersey,[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-news-allen-weh-and-others-jo/169033679/ "5 Area Men Join Marines"], Courier News, August 2, 1960. Accessed March 28, 2025, via Newspapers.com. "Four Plainfield men and a Scotch Plains resident enlisted in the Marine Corps at the Plainfield recruiting office in July and are undergoing recruit training at Parris Island S. C.... The new Marines are... Allen E. Weh, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Weh of 2274 Stocker Lane, Scotch Plains." Weh graduated from Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School in 1960.{{Cite web|title=Combat Veterans For Congress {{!}} Electing Fiscal Conservatives|url=https://combatveteransforcongress.org/alumni/3119|access-date=2021-02-04|website=combatveteransforcongress.org}}{{Cite web|last=Writer|first=James Monteleone {{!}} Journal Staff|title=WEH: Wants to take experience to Senate|url=https://www.abqjournal.com/458281/republican-weh-wants-to-take-experience-to-senate.html|access-date=2021-02-04|website=www.abqjournal.com|language=en-US}} He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education and Master of Arts in counseling from the University of New Mexico.{{Cite web|author=Weh, Allen E.|title=About: Allen Weh|url=http://www.allenweh2010.com/About.aspx|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100402104505/http://www.allenweh2010.com/About.aspx|archivedate=2 April 2010|publisher=Allen Weh 2010}}
Career
Weh began his military service as an enlisted Marine before selection for Officer Candidate School. He served two tours in Vietnam and with the British Royal Marines in Malaysia. Colonel Weh was recalled for active duty during the Persian Gulf War, for the U.S. expedition into Somalia, and to serve as Chief of Staff of Marine Forces Pacific prior to retiring in 1997. In 2003-2004 he was recalled from the USMC Retired List to serve in Iraq and given a key leadership role with the creation and organization of the new Iraqi Army. During his service, Weh received the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Star Medals, one with V device, three Purple Hearts, two Meritorious Service Medals and five Air Medals.{{Cite web |title=Allen Weh |url=https://valor.militarytimes.com/recipient/recipient-41437/ |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=Hall of Valor: Medal of Honor, Silver Star, U.S. Military Awards |language=en-US}}
In 1979, Weh and his wife, Rebecca Roberton Weh, launched CSI Aviation, Inc., a worldwide company that charters flights for private, commercial and government uses.{{Cite web|title=About CSI Aviation|publisher=CSI Aviation|url=http://www.csiaviation.com/about/ |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140911002115/http://www.csiaviation.com/about/|archivedate=11 September 2014 |url-status=live}} In the years since, CSI has grown into a multimillion-dollar company, providing services to corporations, Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, as well as commercial medical flight services among others.http://www.allbusiness.com/transportation/air-transportation-air-charter-services/11754265-1.html {{Dead link|date=October 2012}}{{Cite web|author=Manafian, Lisa|date=2 February 2012 |title=Making the Move from Military to Civilian Work |publisher=Military.com |url=http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/career-advice/military-transition/moving-from-military-to-civilian-work.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105182543/http://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/career-advice/military-transition/moving-from-military-to-civilian-work.html|archivedate=5 November 2014|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|author=Tanfani, Joseph |title=Border surge could be windfall for Senate candidate's air charter firm |date=10 July 2014|newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-ice-air-20140711-story.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140711020818/http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-ice-air-20140711-story.html |archivedate=11 July 2014|url-status=live}}
Weh also served as chairman of the New Mexico Republican Party from 2004 to 2008.{{Cite web|title=ABQjournal: State Party Leadership for 2008: Gop Chairman Survives Vote|url=https://www.abqjournal.com/news/state/558656nm04-29-07.htm|access-date=2021-02-04|website=www.abqjournal.com}}{{Cite news|date=10 January 2009|title=NM Republicans elect new leader|newspaper=KRQE Television|url=http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/politics/politics_krqe_nm_republicans_elect_leader_20090110|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611192249/http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/politics/politics_krqe_nm_republicans_elect_leader_20090110|archivedate=11 June 2011}}
=2010 gubernatorial primary=
{{main|2010 New Mexico gubernatorial election#Republican nomination}}
On 1 June 2010, Weh lost to his main opponent in the primary, Doña Ana County District Attorney Susana Martinez. At the end of the election, Weh came up second with the votes, as compared to opponents Susana Martinez who took the lead, Doug Turner who came to third, Pete Domenici, Jr. in fourth, and Janice Arnold Jones who came in last.{{cite web|title=Canvass of Returns of Primary Election Held on June 1, 2010 – State of New Mexico|publisher=New Mexico Secretary of State |url=http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/files/Election%20Results/StatewidePrim10.pdf |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221134921/http://www.sos.state.nm.us/uploads/files/Election%20Results/StatewidePrim10.pdf|archivedate=21 February 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=http://www.krqe.com/subindex/elections/results| title=Report: 2010 Primary Elections Results| publisher=KRQE|date=1 June 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100604020728/http://www.krqe.com/subindex/elections/results|archivedate=4 June 2010|url-status=dead}} Weh conceded to Martinez shortly after 9:00 PM when Martinez held over half of the precinct votes, or 8,000 votes greater than Weh. Weh offered his congratulations to Martinez just after her decided victory".{{cite news| url=http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/politics/allen-weh-concedes-governors-race | title=Report: Allen Weh concedes governor's race| publisher=KRQE|date=1 June 2010|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603225350/http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/politics/allen-weh-concedes-governors-race|archivedate=3 June 2010|url-status=dead}} Martinez went on to win the general election.
=2014 U.S. Senate election=
In the 2014 election, Weh ran on the Republican ticket for United States Senate seat against the incumbent Democrat Tom Udall. In the primary he faced David Clements, also of Doña Ana County, a former assistant district attorney and chairman of the county Republican Party.{{Cite news|author=Coleman, Michael |date=18 May 2014|title=Clements, Weh seek GOP nod for Senate|newspaper=The Albuquerque Journal|url=http://www.abqjournal.com/402273/news/weh-new-contender-seek-us-senate-nod.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606014927/http://www.abqjournal.com/402273/news/weh-new-contender-seek-us-senate-nod.html |archivedate=2014-06-06|url-status=live}} In the straw poll at the Republican state convention, Clements polled a strong 47% against the well-known Weh,{{Cite news |author=Nikolewski, Rob |date=1 March 2014 |title=Weh wins a close one as NM Republicans prepare for June primary |publisher=Capitol Report New Mexico |url=http://www.capitolreportnewmexico.com/2014/03/weh-wins-a-close-one-as-nm-republicans-prepare-for-june-primary/ |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923200411/http://www.capitolreportnewmexico.com/2014/03/weh-wins-a-close-one-as-nm-republicans-prepare-for-june-primary/ |archivedate=23 September 2015 |url-status=dead|access-date=6 November 2014 }} but in the June primary Weh beat Clements handily 63% to 37%.{{Cite web |title=Official Results Primary - June 3, 2014 Federal |date=10 June 2014 |publisher=New Mexico Secretary of State |url=http://electionresults.sos.state.nm.us/resultsSW.aspx?eid=1&type=FED&map=CTY |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105193755/http://electionresults.sos.state.nm.us/resultsSW.aspx?eid=1&type=FED&map=CTY |archivedate=5 November 2014 |url-status=live}}
In the general election Weh had the full support of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC),{{Cite web|title=Congratulations Allen Weh on Your New Mexico Primary Victory|publisher=National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) |url=http://www.nrsc.org/blog/congratulations-allen-weh|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829114936/http://www.nrsc.org/blog/congratulations-allen-weh|archivedate=29 August 2014|url-status=live}} the National Rifle Association (NRA){{Cite web |title=NRA Endorses Allen Weh for U.S. Senate in New Mexico |publisher=National Rifle Association of America |url=https://www.nrapvf.org/articles/20140912/nra-endorses-allen-weh-for-us-senate-in-new-mexico |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104205212/https://www.nrapvf.org/articles/20140912/nra-endorses-allen-weh-for-us-senate-in-new-mexico |archivedate=4 November 2014 |url-status=live}} and other groups who sponsored independent political advertisements.{{Cite web |author=Fish, Sandra |date=3 November 2014 |title=Super PAC takes aim at Udall in final weekend before election |publisher=New Mexico Telegram |url=http://www.nmtelegram.com/2014/11/03/super-pac-takes-aim-at-udall-in-final-weekend-before-election/ |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106030535/http://www.nmtelegram.com/2014/11/03/super-pac-takes-aim-at-udall-in-final-weekend-before-election/ |archivedate=6 November 2014 |url-status=usurped}} However, in October the NRSC diverted its attention and money away from New Mexico to the six states that it thought would determine control of the Senate.{{Cite news|title=NRSC Moves Its Money to Six Senate Races|date=12 October 2014|publisher=Electoral-Vote.com|url=http://www.electoral-vote.com/evp2014/Senate/Maps/Oct12.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105233957/http://www.electoral-vote.com/evp2014/Senate/Maps/Oct12.html |archivedate=5 November 2014|url-status=live}} In the first televised debate between Udall and Weh the issues of immigration reform, job creation in New Mexico, and drought management were addressed. Weh argued Udall was a rubber stamp for President Obama's policies and Udall said that he stood on his record.{{Cite news |author=Bryan, Susan Montoya |date=30 October 2014 |title=Udall, Weh square off in first and only debate |newspaper=Lexington Herald-Leader |url=http://www.kentucky.com/2014/10/30/3511149/udall-weh-square-off-in-first.html |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6TruEezkB?url=http://www.kentucky.com/2014/10/30/3511149_udall-weh-square-off-in-first.html?rh=1 |archivedate=5 November 2014 |url-status=live}} A second debate was scheduled at the last minute for 30 October, where issues included the national debt, Obamacare, and the economy.{{Cite news |author=Klarer, Kris |date=October 2014 |title=Weh, Udall face off in second and final debate |newspaper=New Mexico News Port |url=http://www.newmexiconewsport.com/?p=3890 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106025129/http://www.newmexiconewsport.com/?p=3890 |archivedate=6 November 2014 |url-status=live}} Weh clarified his position on the minimum wage saying, "I break with my party on this, I'm fine with raising the minimum wage." Udall won by 57,312 votes.
Notes
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{C-SPAN|1011376}}
{{s-start}}
{{s-ppo}}
{{s-bef|before=Ramsey Gorham}}
{{s-ttl|title=Chair of the New Mexico Republican Party|years=2004–2009}}
{{s-aft|after=Harvey Yates}}
|-
{{s-bef|before=Steve Pearce}}
{{s-ttl|title={{nowrap|Republican nominee for U.S. Senator from New Mexico}}
(Class 2)|years=2014}}
{{s-aft|after=Mark Ronchetti}}
{{s-end}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Weh, Allen}}
Category:Dismissal of U.S. attorneys controversy
Category:New Mexico Republicans
Category:Military personnel from Union County, New Jersey
Category:People from Scotch Plains, New Jersey
Category:Place of birth missing (living people)
Category:Politicians from Union County, New Jersey
Category:Recipients of the Air Medal
Category:Recipients of the Legion of Merit
Category:Recipients of the Silver Star