KFOX and KFOX Morning News anchor Ben Swann are being recognized for keeping the pressure on New Mexico politicians who eventually passed the Baby Brianna Law, increasing penalties for Child Abusers.

As part of KFOX's continuing coverage on the issue, Swann went to the State Capitol repeatedly. When the legislation was changed to actually reduce penalties for those who kill their children, Swann confronted the State Lawmaker who authored the amendment - a Lawmaker who is also a Defense Attorney.

Swann then questioned Governor Bill Richardson about the new form the legislation was taking. In the exclusive interview, the Governor told Swann that he would be unlikely to sign the bill weakening child abuse penalties.

The Governor then reportedly investigated what was happening with the legislation and in conjunction with other State Lawmakers - including State Representative Joseph Cervantes of Las Cruces - reworked it to once again toughen penalties.

Before signing the bill into law, Governor Richardson eluded to his interview with Swann in Santa Fe.

"It was members of the press that made sure time and time again that this issue was covered. With a little nick here and there to politicians with the message don't give in," said the Governor.

Civic Leader Edgar Lopez, who was a driving force behind the law was even more direct with Swann. "From the bottom of our hearts, you served so diligent. You traveled to Santa Fe, every trip," said Lopez as he shook Swann's hand. "You were trying to find the truth because when you interviewed me in Santa Fe, you came forward and said 'I want to know the truth, the people want to know the truth,' so I want to thank you."

Swann credits KFOX viewers for the law's final passage. "We were simply doing our job. KFOX made sure viewers were clear about what was happening and when they didn't like what was happening, our viewers put pressure on their elected officials to turn things around," says Swann. "The Governor promised us last year that he would support toughening penalties for child abusers and he followed through on that promise."

Governor Richardson also credited Las Cruces residents, and District Attorney Susana Martinez. As a Prosecutor of many cases of Child Abuse resulting in Death, Martinez has argued for years for tougher penalties for the crime. She also helped organize numerous Bus trips to Santa Fe, bringing dozens of outraged citizens to hearings on the Bill.

There have been seven deaths in Dona Ana County in recent years involving children abused by adults. Many area residents became outraged in July of 2002 after hearing about the abuse that led to the death of five month old Brianna Lopez.

As a part of the Governor's personal thank you, Swann is receiving from one of the pens used to sign Senate Bill 166 - the Baby Brianna Bill - into law.