TRIO BATTLES FOR SENATE SEAT
Race pits incumbent Democrat against Republican meteorologist and Libertarian mathematician
Two candidates, two big names, one seat up for grabs.
In the bid to represent New Mexico as one of only two U.S. Senators from the state, replacing longtime statesman Sen. Tom Udall, the stakes are high.
Republicans hold a slim majority in the U.S. Senate. Republican and weatherman Mark Ronchetti of Albuquerque wants to widen the gap by besting Democrat and veteran representative Ben Ray Luján for the seat.
Ronchetti is a household name among fans of the KRQE weather channel. Luján has risen through the ranks of the Democratic party in Washington, D.C., and learned the political ropes from his father, longtime state representative Ben Luján.
A third candidate contending for the position is Libertarian Bob Walsh.
The following stories originally published in the Santa Fe New Mexican, a sibling publication of Taos News.
days talk about the importance of reducing the hyperpartisan environment that exists in Washington, but then many attack their opponents viciously in their campaigns anyway, which seemingly has the opposite effect. You have attacked your Republican opponent and he has attacked you during this campaign. How can you ever change the bitter, politicized nature of American politics if this is what you believe you need to do to win?
Voters deserve to hear from candidates on the issues that are top of mind and that’s why it’s important to engage respectfully in policy discussions. My opponent has continued to mislead voters, and it’s important I set the record straight for New Mexicans. In order to break down the hyperpartisan environment, elected officials must work together to identify the areas where we can agree. I will work with anyone to deliver for New Mexicans.
POLICY QUESTIONS:
What is the best approach to reducing crime in New Mexico? What is your position on the federal government’s recent crimerelated efforts in Albuquerque such as Operation Legend?
We need federal law enforcement help to keep our streets safe, as violent crime has skyrocketed in too many places. I’m proud to be endorsed by the Albuquerque Police Officers Association, and I will defend law enforcement and oppose efforts to defund the police.
Do you believe the federal government has done a good job in its COVID-19 response?
I believe all parts of our government needed to be better in our response. We must follow science and stop playing politics. Unfortunately, Congress has blocked support for New Mexico workers and small businesses in order to push unrelated liberal pet projects, like releasing violent criminals from prison early and giving tax breaks to billionaires in New York. We need leaders who will bring people together and focus on addressing the pandemic.
If elected to the Senate, what actions would you take in Washington to help New Mexico’s economy recover from the COVID19 blow? What should local and state officials do differently, if anything, to help the recovery?
We need to develop a strong response to China and focus on bringing jobs of critical industries to the U.S. to protect ourselves moving forward. Prescription drugs, manufacturing and rareearth minerals are areas we need back in the U.S., and specifically, here in New Mexico. There is potential to bring real jobs and opportunity in these industries to New Mexico. Additionally, Congress should continue economic stimulus to keep small businesses on their feet.
Quite a few elected officials these days talk about the importance of reducing the hyperpartisan environment that exists in Washington, but then many attack their opponents viciously in their campaigns anyway, which seemingly has the opposite effect. You have attacked your Democratic opponent and he has attacked you during this campaign. How can you ever change the bitter, politicized nature of American politics if this is what you believe you need to do to win?
I believe it’s important for New Mexicans to understand my views and where my opponent stands. My opponent has raised 75 percent of his funds from out of state and used that money to fund misleading attack ads. I will never attack my opponent personally, but voters have a right to know how we will address critical issues moving forward. I’m not a politician, and will bring a fresh perspective built on New Mexico values.
More surveillance cameras – there is no privacy right in public spaces. The New Mexico Constitution authorizes a citizen militia available to support local law enforcement. But resist calls for law and order; excessive laws lead to excessive law enforcement. Abolish drug laws and laws creating victimless crimes. Pursue happiness. Live your life your way, ignoring East Coast Anglo propriety. Enjoy privacy for consenting adults in private spaces. Freedom is not orderly. Keep New Mexico enchanting.
Do you believe the federal government has done a good job in its COVID-19 response?
COVID-19 is a long-term problem, not an emergency. As they have for other diseases, the FDA and CDC restricted treatments and test development, violating doctorpatient privacy and spreading death. Unconstitutional meddling in health care and the economy makes both worse. Public health edicts should err on the side of minimum disruption. After a declaration of emergency, the Legislature should be promptly brought into session to provide checks and balances on the governor.
If elected to the Senate, what actions would you take in Washington to help New Mexico’s economy recover from the COVID19 blow? What should local and state officials do differently, if anything, to help the recovery? Ideally: Less government. Deregulate business to encourage innovation and invention. Abolish tariffs, known causes of depressions. Deregulate employment to allow more flexibility for startups. Encourage immigration of families eager to work hard and buy nice things, enhancing the cultures that make New Mexico enchanting.
Realistically: Require the IRS to provide individuals with draft tax returns based on publicly available data. Move immigration court judges from ICE into the judiciary. Encourage local control of extraction operations.
Quite a few elected officials these days talk about the importance of reducing the hyperpartisan environment that exists in Washington, but then many attack their opponents viciously in their campaigns anyway, which seemingly has the opposite effect. How can you ever change the bitter, politicized nature of American politics if this is what you believe you need to do to win?
We three are serving New Mexico voters by offering differing perspectives. I will firmly resist tax increases, new spending, new regulations, and new immigrant restrictions. In an evenly divided Senate, I will resist one-party tyranny. Also, I will offer two bills worthy of bipartisan support: one requiring the IRS to provide all individuals with draft tax returns and one making immigration judges part of the judicial system instead of ICE employees.