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 Intense competition and real issues
Mark this year’s most-watched N.M. political races
The races in New Mexico for governor and U.S. Congress seem to be both tight and intense, with genuine philosophical differences starting to emerge.  These races are drawing national attention from political experts and interest groups, and some national media coverage. 

Polls by Research & Polling for the Albuquerque Journal show Republican governor candidate Susana Martinez ahead of Democrat Diane Denish 45 to 39 per cet with 16 per cent undecided;  Albuquerque metro area Democratic Congressman Martin Heinrich with a margin over Republican Jon Barela of  47-41 per cent with 12 per cent undecided, and Democrat southern district Congressman Harry Teague, surprising many, edging out the Republican he replaced in office two years ago, Steve Pearce (after Pearce gave up the seat in an attempt to move to the U.S. Senate),  45-42 per cent. 

Close races always draw more interest  -- but these, and our legislative races,  are playing out against a backdrop of nationwide voter worry and/or anger about

Interested in learning more about issues and opinions?  Check out our selection of key news articles and guest opinions by clicking on the 'News' and 'Views' buttons -- both New Mexico and national -- to the left.)

the state of the economy and ever-growing Federal budget deficits – and the role of government vis-à-vis the private sector and individual freedom.

 It is not just Washington sinking into debt.  In Santa Fe, legislators and incumbent Gov. Bill Richardson continue to face large and continuing state-level deficits.  In plain terms, more outgo than income. All this is the outcome of a trajectory of a state government spending spree that went on for years when the economy was booming.  Now the piper must be paid, although  the governor and many legislators have been averting their gaze from the problem and have (with some notable exceptions) failed to bite the bullet when it comes to offering  spending cuts.

Due to all this circumstance,  for those of us inclined toward free enterprise and business, but who are affected (as we all are) by political outcomes, this is a particularly good year to stay well-informed, make your views known, contribute financially, and get active in the political arena.

Although it is generally considered that the “real campaign” begins only after Labor Day, and continues on through to the general election in November, the fact is that the gubernatorial and U.S. House races began way earlier than that traditional date and already some sparks are flying and differences emerging.

Concerning the governor’s race, immediately after Democrat Diane Denish and Republican Susana Martinez won their primaries, the “buzz” was about the uniqueness of a female-only contest for governor.  Only two other states in the United States have ever featured a woman-vs-woman governor’s race. But within a short time, Denish and Martinez  quickly helped move the focus from gender  toward a variety of issues.  Neither shrink from making strong assertions about their own positive qualities, or stance on the issues, and what’s wrong with those of the other.

Other high-level races this year are for the three congressional seats  -- all of which are held by Democrats for the first time in decades, the D's having made their sweep in the 2008 general election.

Of the three, most observers (and polls) show that the southern district battle between freshman Harry Teague and the man he ousted in '08, Republican Steve Pearce, is the closest, at least so far.  Both are oil millionaires but Teague caused a a lot of pushback in the conservative-leaning district last summer when he voted for the 'cap and trade' climate bill.  Teague also dismayed some supporters and particularly, probably, those left of center when his oil services company dropped its health insurance for employees right before last Christmas -- even though Teague had touted that coverage in his 2008 campaign.

Observers seem to think (and the poll mentioned above confirms) that another race that could turn into something will be in the Albuquerque metro district presently held by freshman Martin Heinrich.  Heinrich has a huge financial war chest and a lead in polls that have been made public -- and has moved into centrist territory to good advantage.  But some think that R challenger Jon Barela could rise quickly.  A Hispanic, pro-business candidate could fare well, the theory goes, if anti-incumbency fever gets more rampant around the country and in New Mexico. 

The third congressional district race, in northern New Mexico, seems to have freshman Ben Ray Lujan in a cushier position than his two colleagues, Heinrich and Teague.   Incumbent Hispanic Democrats have a head start in the North, traditionally.  Republican challenger Tom Mullins, from the private-sector oil industry, is entering his first foray into big-time politics -- but he is a plain-spoken, likeable sort with appeal to centrists and business people IF he can secure enough funding to get himself known.   Like Jon Barela, Mullins might hope for the spread of anti-incumbency fever and he doubtless relishes the unexpectedly close state legislative race experienced by his opponent's father, long-time House Speaker Ben Lujan.

Other races, particularly 'races to watch' amongst the 70 state House districts, will be reviewed as the campaign season progresses.  Are there any races that feature a genuine horse race with unknown outcomes between pro- and anti-free-enterprise candidates?  We will take a look.