New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez's once-thought-to-be-clear path to a White House run has been noticeably slowed by her ongoing feud with presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.

The most prominent Latina in U.S. politics finds herself at the head of a growing list of Hispanic public figures that have locked horns with Trump, who has adopted a hard-line stance on immigration that includes mass deprtations as a central component of his platform.

Once Viewed as Republican Saviour

Martinez was once viewed as just what the GOP needed in its national attempt to expand its appeal among Latina and female voters. But that all changed back in May when Trump publically blasted her over the state's unemployment rates and swelling numbers of food-stamp recipients.

The feud dimmed any chance Martinez had of becoming the country's first Latina vice president in 2016, but even Trump still seems to realize her potential value.

Word is he is desperately seeking her endorsement and hasn't entirely ruled out adding her to the GOP national ticket.

During her run for governor, the 56-year-old Martinez campaigned on being tough on illegal immigration, cutting wasteful spending and balancing the state's budget, stances known to be near and dear to Trump's heart.

Face to Face Meeting Looming?

Indeed, there was talk that the two might be planning to meet face to face in hopes of ironing out their differences after Martinez struck back by insisting she wouldn't be bullied into voicing her support for him.

"Governor Martinez is encouraged by Mr. Trump's commitment to protect New Mexico's labs and bases, which are not only important to our state but also our national defense," said Martinez press secretary Mike Lonergan. "As she has said, this has never been about her -- it's about the issues that impact New Mexico."

Martinez has previously taken Trump to task over his position on immigration, which includes a vow to deport millions of immigrants and to build a wall along the Mexican border to further keep immigrants out.

Related