THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NEW MEXICO

Candidates for United States Senator

Two United States Senators are elected to six-year staggered terms by the entire state. Candidates must be at least 30 years old, a citizen of the United States at least nine years, and a resident of the state from which elected. The United States Senate has 100 members. One New Mexico Senate seat is up for election this year.

Jeff Bingaman (Democrat)

1. If elected, what are your two highest priorities? What specific actions will you take to accomplish them?
   
   Address the squeeze on the middle class: reduce gas prices by increasing domestic oil and renewable energy production and automobile fuel efficiency; reduce health care costs; and provide relief for college costs. Help Americans compete internationally for good paying jobs: strengthen math and science education; promote U.S. exports abroad; and encourage investment in the U.S. to bring and retain high-wage jobs in New Mexico.


2. What is your position on the situation in the Middle East, and what actions should the United States take?
   
   I'm disappointed that the administration has disengaged from the conflict resolution role historically played by the U.S. This disengagement hasn't served the interests of the U.S., Israel, or other countries in the region. As the biggest provider of aid to countries in the Middle East, we need a special Mideast envoy, with a constant presence, to play a more effective and constructive role.


3. What should Congress do to maintain or reinstate checks and balances among the branches of the federal government?
   
   I will work to reinstate Congress' constitutional responsibility to independently evaluate the law and conduct adequate oversight of the executive branch to ensure Congress isn't a rubber stamp of the Administration. I'll also continue to support judges that understand the importance of an independent judiciary and can provide the necessary checks on the executive and legislative branches if they overstep their boundaries.


4. How will you address the challenge of providing everyone with affordable healthcare coverage?
   
   I coauthored the Health Partnership Act of 2006 which would provide federal aid to states and local governments to work with healthcare providers to enact healthcare reform measures aimed at reducing the number of uninsured, and reducing the cost and improving the quality of healthcare across the nation. I also cosponsored the Small Employers' Health Benefits Program Act to provide affordable healthcare through small businesses.

Allen W. McCulloch (Republican)

1. If elected, what are your two highest priorities? What specific actions will you take to accomplish them?
   
   Healthcare Access — The unique ranking nationally of New Mexico with respect to population and income makes New Mexico a great model for healthcare reform. Healthcare must become competitive with cost and social liabilities. National Energy Policy — I would lead debate to establish long term energy supply strategy. I would establish a minimum on domestic energy production. Domestic production would include conventional and non-conventional sources.


2. What is your position on the situation in the Middle East, and what actions should the United States take?
   
   The Middle East will continue to need western support. I would build strong alliances with international partners. Alliances require common goals and support. I would continue to support democratic government in Iraq. I support strategic withdrawal when defined benchmarks of success are met. I do not support Hezbollah as a government. I am against Iran acquiring nuclear technology.


3. What should Congress do to maintain or reinstate checks and balances among the branches of the federal government?
   
   Ethics Reform — The constitution outlines the power and responsibilities of each branch of government. Partisanship must not take precedence over constitutionality. Congress must assure proper oversight of the judicial and executive branches. The selection of Supreme Court justices must be one of record and strict interpretation of the law. Legislation from the bench cannot be tolerated. Executive oversight must be non-partisan.


4. How will you address the challenge of providing everyone with affordable healthcare coverage?
   
   Competition and public expectation. I will support policy that assures access. I support policy that shifts healthcare responsibility to individuals. Healthcare must become competitive with society in cost of delivery and public expectation. Uncompensated healthcare costs can be offset by changing liability cost. Healthcare cost can be reduced by educating society on lifestyle programs and end of life decision making skills.

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U.S. House of Representatives

New Mexico elects three representatives to the U.S. House of Representatives. They serve two-year terms. District 1 contains the central part of the state, including Albuquerque. District 2 includes Las Cruces and most of the southern part of the state. District 3 includes Los Alamos, Santa Fe, and most of the northern part of the state.

Candidates for U.S. House of Representatives, District 1

Patricia Madrid (Democrat)

1. Describe both the specific experience and abilities you have that prepare you for the office of United State Representative.
   
   I have served New Mexicans as Attorney General for the past eight years. I have been an advocate for consumers, defended New Mexico's environment, and protected New Mexico's families from predatory lenders, violent criminals, and sexual predators. I will bring the same commitment to New Mexico with me to Congress.


2. With the increased exposure of unethical behavior in government, what would you propose to make public officials more accountable to the general public?
   
   I believe that campaign finance reform is absolutely vital. I have advocated for public financing for campaigns in the past and I will support that reform in Congress.


3. Most scientists believe the Earth is experiencing a deepening global climate crisis with glaciers melting, plants and animal habitat changing, and severe storms and droughts increasing. Many say that there is a short time to take action to reverse the effect of global climate change. What actions would you take to address this issue?
   
   We must begin by reducing our emissions, particularly from automobiles, by enacting stronger emissions-standards. We must also invest in new technologies which will reduce our impact on the environment and enable us to begin reversing the damage global warming has already been done.


4. What is your position on the situation in Iraq, and what actions should the United States take?
   
   There are no easy answers to this no-exit war. We need new leadership that will be committed to finding a responsible exit strategy that will bring this war to an end.

Heather Wilson (Republican)

1. Describe both the specific experience and abilities you have that prepare you for the office of United State Representative.
   
   I have served New Mexico in Congress for eight years. I began my career in the US Air Force, serving primarily overseas and then worked on the National Security Council Staff. In New Mexico, after starting and running a business, I was the Cabinet Secretary for Children, Youth and Families.


2. With the increased exposure of unethical behavior in government, what would you propose to make public officials more accountable to the general public?
   
   Existing laws must be followed and enforced. I support and have voted for stronger, bipartisan ethics rules. Public corruption has gone unchecked in Santa Fe for years. The Attorney General declined to uphold our laws—it took the federal government to ensure accountability in New Mexico government.


3. Most scientists believe the Earth is experiencing a deepening global climate crisis with glaciers melting, plants and animal habitat changing, and severe storms and droughts increasing. Many say that there is a short time to take action to reverse the effect of global climate change. What actions would you take to address this issue?
   
   We need a balanced, long-term energy policy including conservation, renewable energy and nuclear energy. The 2005 Energy Act—coauthored by Senators Bingaman and Domenici and supported by everyone in the NM delegation—is a good start. I support more research on the causes of and ways to impact global warming.


4. What is your position on the situation in Iraq, and what actions should the United States take?
   
   Madrid called for immediate withdrawal a year ago. Even now, that would embolden terrorists to attack us more. I support an orderly transition from US forces to the Iraqi Army with troop withdrawal schedules driven by commanders on the ground, not politicians in Washington. We need to finish the job.

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Candidates for U.S. House of Representatives, District 3

Ron Dolin (Republican)

1. Describe both the specific experience and abilities you have that prepare you for the office of United State Representative.
   
   I'm an engineer and homeland security expert with experience in local, state, and federal government. I'm a second term UNM-Los Alamos School Board member. I routinely interact with local, state, and federal law enforcement including Border Patrol, DOJ, DOD, and DHS. I'm an Adjunct Professor of Mathematics at UNM.


2. With the increased exposure of unethical behavior in government, what would you propose to make public officials more accountable to the general public?
   
   Replace the House Ethics Committee with an external citizen review panel. Require legislative amendments and riders to be germane to the legislation they're attached. Eliminate earmarks and Congress's ability to determine their pay raises. Require all lobbyist interactions to be recorded and require equal access to opposing points of view.


3. Most scientists believe the Earth is experiencing a deepening global climate crisis with glaciers melting, plants and animal habitat changing, and severe storms and droughts increasing. Many say that there is a short time to take action to reverse the effect of global climate change. What actions would you take to address this issue?
   
   We need a Manhattan Project for alternative energy. We must restore wetlands, manage water, and reduce emissions. Populations will grow, as will demand for energy and other resources. We must confront these challenges with long-term rational solutions that balance resource demand with economic growth and environmental sensibility.


4. What is your position on the situation in Iraq, and what actions should the United States take?
   
   I want the conflict ended. However, we must stabilize the region so their conflagration is not brought to our shores. We must let our generals fight to win and we must ensure our troops have the necessary resources to be safe and successful. Politicians are not generals.

1. If elected, what are your two highest priorities? What specific actions will you take to accomplish them?
   
   Education: Establish community-controlled Education Boards that involve all education providers within a community. Put greater emphasis on local colleges. Let teachers teach. Security: National and homeland security depend on energy and economic security. We must control our borders, manage immigration, invest in alternative energy, control spending, and end congressional corruption. We must confront global terrorism while reluctant to use force.


2. What should Congress do to maintain or reinstate checks and balances among the branches of the federal government?
   
   Congress should do its job and provide oversight. Between lobbyist who own them and their lock on incumbency congress no longer represents us. We need new leaders and we need citizens to hold them accountable.


3. Many scientists say that there is only a short time to take action to reverse the effects of global climate change. What actions should Congress take to address this issue?
   
   We need a Manhattan Project for alternative energy. We need to restore wetlands, manage water, and reduce emissions. Populations will grow as will demands for energy and other resources. We have to confront these challenges with long term reasonable and rational action.


4. What actions should Congress take with respect to the situation in the Middle East?
   
   Terrorism must be confronted. That does not entail nation building. Dependence on Middle East oil can be eliminated. When not bound to the region our posture positively changes. For years we have promoted fractionalization in the Middle East and seem surprised when we get it. We should treat all Arab countries as one entity and work through the Arab League.

Tom Udall (Democrat)

1. Describe both the specific experience and abilities you have that prepare you for the office of United State Representative.
   
   There are no perfect experiences and abilities for a Representative, but I am proud of my public service and honored to represent you. I showed courage by opposing the Patriot Act before it was popular to do so, and demonstrated bipartisan leadership during the creation of the Ojito Wilderness Area.


2. With the increased exposure of unethical behavior in government, what would you propose to make public officials more accountable to the general public?
   
   Elected officials must be accountable to their constituents. Although Congress recently passed a tepid lobbying reform measure, it has failed abysmally to reign in the special interests that practically control Washington. I am an original co-sponsor of comprehensive legislation, the Honest Leadership & Open Government Act, to fix the problem.


3. Most scientists believe the Earth is experiencing a deepening global climate crisis with glaciers melting, plants and animal habitat changing, and severe storms and droughts increasing. Many say that there is a short time to take action to reverse the effect of global climate change. What actions would you take to address this issue?
   
   It is unacceptable the only hearing the House has held concerning Global Warming was an attempt to undermine the science. I wrote comprehensive bipartisan legislation to reverse the growth of greenhouse gas emissions. Congress must pass my bill because the future of the Earth is at stake.


4. What is your position on the situation in Iraq, and what actions should the United States take?
   
   After visiting Iraq, I remained convinced we must redeploy our troops out of Iraq this year to allow the Iraqi people to step up and run their own government. As the US redeploys, however, we will continue to promote security and support an international effort to complete reconstruction.

1. If elected, what are your two highest priorities? What specific actions will you take to accomplish them?
   
   Education and healthcare continue to top my list. Congress and the President must provide the financial resources that were promised in the No Child Left Behind bill. For years, they have shortchanged our students and teachers. On healthcare, it is unconscionable that 45 million citizens lack healthcare coverage. Congress must provide a framework to close this gap.


2. What should Congress do to maintain or reinstate checks and balances among the branches of the federal government?
   
   Congress has abdicated its responsibility to provide thorough oversight of the Executive Branch, most dramatically in the matter of the protection of the civil rights of ordinary citizens. Fortunately, the federal courts recently have begun to try and reign in the President. However, Congress must reassert its Constitutional role so that the President cannot assert powers not granted by statute or the Constitution.


3. Many scientists say that there is only a short time to take action to reverse the effects of global climate change. What actions should Congress take to address this issue?
   
   It is unacceptable that the only hearing the Republican House has held concerning Global Warming was a shameless attempt to undermine the science on the issue. The future of the Earth is at stake. I have written comprehensive bipartisan legislation to reverse the growth of greenhouse gas emissions without adversely affecting our economy. I will continue to push for passage of this common-sense bill.


4. What actions should Congress take with respect to the situation in the Middle East?
   
   After I visited Iraq, I remained convinced that the time is now for the US to redeploy troops out of Iraq and allow the Iraqi people to step up and run their own country. As the US redeploys we will assist the Arab League as needed to promote security and will support an international donors efforts to complete reconstruction.

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