Undecided voters: Follow the money
For anyone who might be undecided going to the polls today, here’s a tip — start by following the money. A few minutes spent doing research — even on election day — can help the lastminute deciders make up their minds.
So, ask yourself these questions. Who is supporting the candidates? Can you track the source of the money, and figure out what donors want? Where did special interests dollars come from? Look at the flyers you have received. Read coverage at www. santafenewmexican.com or visit the opensecrets.org website to see which donors have been active in New Mexico.
In the case of a regulatory body, such as the Public Regulation Commission, Andrew Oxford reported Saturday that the Public Service Company of New Mexico’s parent corporation has given some $440,000 to a political action committee over the last few weeks to shore up the campaigns of two PRC incumbents.
In District 4, incumbent Lynda Lovejoy is running against Janene Yazzie, while in District 5, Sandy Jones faces former state Sen. Steve Fischmann. Ask this: Why does PNM want those two commissioners to stay in office? Why do environmental groups support Yazzie and Fischmann? The PAC, New Mexicans for Progress, has spent more than $200,000 over the past several weeks — much of that going to McCleskey Media Strategies, the firm of GOP Gov. Susana Martinez’s top adviser. Democratic primary voters soon will discover if they back the governor’s choices for PRC.
Or, there’s the race for land commissioner, where three Democrats — George Muñoz, Stephanie Garcia Richard and Garrett VeneKlasen — are vying to be their party’s nominee for the general election. Another energy-related PAC is backing Muñoz, this one the New Mexico Strong group, funded by Mack Energy and Chevron. The Land Office is responsible for overseeing oil and gas leases on state trust lands, giving energy companies an interest in who serves the state as land commissioner. Ask these questions, then decide who you want in charge of oil and gas leases now and who best can plan for a different kind of energy future for the state.
Special interest PACs don’t just represent conservatives or energy interests (although New Mexico Strong also supports state Reps. Debbie Rodella and Carl Trujillo in Democratic primary races). Verde Voters Fund, a PAC with ties to Conservation Voters New Mexico, is backing Fischmann and Yazzie and land commissioner candidate VeneKlasen. Another group, Responsible Leadership New Mexico reports donations from former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the liberal State Victory Action. It is backing the two challengers in the PRC race.
The bottom line? New Mexico is awash in political money. How you feel about those dollars could impact your vote. Whatever your view on money in politics, tracing the dollars back to the source is always worthwhile. Now, take the time to vote in the primary.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with voting in Santa Fe County possible at any one of 30 voter convenience centers.
Now, more than ever, we need a functioning democracy, governed by the people and not by the dollars of special interests.
That only happens when people vote.
OUR ENDORSEMENTS Democratic Primary
Governor: Michelle Lujan Grisham Lieutenant governor: Howie Morales Land commissioner: Garrett VeneKlasen Auditor: Brian Colón House District 40: Paula Garcia House District 41: Susan Herrera House District 43: Pete Sheehey House District 46: No endorsement Santa Fe County Commission, District 3: Filandro Anaya Santa Fe County Sheriff: Adan Mendoza District Judges: Gregory Shaffer and Jason Lidyard Magistrate Judges: David Segura and John Rysanek
GOP Primary
House District 22: Merritt Allen