Campaign 2014 steps aside for the voters to have their say today. The polls will be open until 7pm, when KSFR begins election coverage. To be decided today: a possible second term for New Mexico, Republican Governor Susana Martinez, who is looking for a possible mandate from voters and a boost to her national political standing as the nation's only female Hispanic governor. If Martinez wins as expected Tuesday over Democratic challenger Gary King, it could solidify her reputation as a rising GOP star with the ability to appeal to independents, moderate Democrats and Hispanics. Martinez maintains she's uninterested in a national office and has pledged to serve a full four-year term if re-elected. But that's unlikely to stop speculation over her future as a possible GOP vice presidential contender as the focus shifts to the 2016 presidential campaign. Martinez rocketed to national prominence four years ago in becoming the nation's first Latina governor.
U.S. Sen. Tom Udall is seeking his second term, and with a sizeable campaign fund, the Democrat has been trying to fend off Republican challenger Allen Weh. A businessman and retired Marine colonel, Weh has trimmed Udall's lead in the polls. His campaign has been airing commercials linking Udall with unpopular leadership in Washington, D.C., saying a vote for Udall amounts to support for President Barack Obama's failed policies. Also today, New Mexico's three congressional seats are up for grabs. In southern New Mexico, Republican incumbent Steve Pearce is fighting off attacks from national Democrats and challenger Roxanne Lara. In the 1st District, Democrat incumbent Michelle Lujan Grisham is facing Republican Mike Frese, a scientist and small business owner. Democrat incumbent Ben Ray Lujan and Republican Jeff Byrd are vying for the 3rd District seat.
Republican Secretary of State Dianna Duran is fighting to keep her job amid a strong challenge from Democrat Maggie Toulouse Oliver. Duran has run on a platform of pushing for voter ID measures to prevent what she says is regular voter fraud in New Mexico. The former Otero County clerk and a state senator also says she's the more experienced candidate in the race. But Oliver says the incumbent has wasted too much time on voter ID efforts at the expense of bigger-picture endeavors in the office. The Bernalillo County clerk says she's overseen elections in the state's largest county while Duran was only a clerk in a tiny county.
State Auditor Hector Balderas, a Democrat, wants to be New Mexico's next attorney general. So does Republican Susan Riedel, a former judge and prosecutor from southern New Mexico. Riedel says her record of successfully prosecuting cases over the last two decades gives her the experience needed to be New Mexico's top cop, a job that covers everything from investigating and prosecuting corrupt government officials to protecting consumers. Heading into the final weeks of the campaign, Balderas spent nearly five times more than Riedel. The two are vying to replace Democrat Gary King, who is running for governor.
While much of the attention has been focused on the governor's race, New Mexico is settling several important down-ticket posts such as land commissioner, auditor, treasurer and public regulation commissioner. The land commissioner race has attracted deep-pocketed donors such as ranching, oil and gas and potash mining interests. Meanwhile, the race for state auditor between Democrat State Sen. Tim Keller and Republican lawyer Robert Aragon has invoked "Breaking Bad" references and promises to clean up New Mexico politics. Democrat Tim Eichenberg and Republican Rick Lopez are vying for the open Treasurer seat. And Republican Ben Hall is seeking to hold his District Five seat on the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission against former commissioner Sandy Jones. And observers will be keeping an eye on the New Mexico House of Representatives, where the Democrats hold on the chamber’s majority has lasted more than 50-years. That could change today.
Santa Fe Mayor Gonzales has announced that the City will be creating a Santa Fe Public Power Utility to pursue rapid renewable energy deployment, local green economic development, and an aggressive greenhouse gas mitigation strategy. Santa Fe’s New Energy Economy calls the step a critical one that will open up opportunities for the City to pursue a variety of options for green-energy-driven economic development and carbon emissions reductions through Santa Fe's own locally controlled electric utility.” Gonzales also announced the City will pursue its own community solar program whereby renters and business owners will be able to invest in and benefit from solar.
Hikers in the Rio Grande Gorge near Taos found the body of a Santa Fe man Monday near one of the gorge bridge pillars. Sgt. Chad Pierce says it is believed that the man—identified as 46-year old Tommy Sanchez of Santa Fe— took his own life. Sanchez worked as an attendant for the Senate Sergeant at Arms Office. Many that knew him at the Legislature say they will miss his friendly smile, especially during the hustle and bustle during each session. Senate Majority Leader Michael S. Sanchez said –quote-- “Our hearts are broken and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as they go through this difficult time. We hope that his loved ones know that they have a lot of support here at the Legislature and that he will be missed. This upcoming session will surely not be the same without him.”
Santa Fe Weather: Mostly sunny today with the high 49. Tonight: Partly cloudy with the overnight low, 29. Tomorrow: Sunny and a bit warmer with the high 57.