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Thursday, June 18, 2009
No Rest for Heinrich: GOP Challenger Gears Up
By Sean Olson
Of the Journal
It only took six months.
If Republican Jon Barela announces his candidacy for New Mexico's 1st Congressional District today, freshman Democratic Rep. Martin Heinrich will have a challenger for 2010 after only half a year in office.
Barela, former first vice chairman of the state Republican Party and past Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce president, has already filed with the Federal Election Commission after passing a $5,000 fundraising threshold. He has scheduled a news conference in Albuquerque for this morning.
Barela would be the first formally announced challenger for any of the state's three U.S. House seats.
Heinrich, who was elected in 2008 and took office in January, has told the Journal he has already begun his own fundraising efforts for 2010 while still learning the ropes in Washington.
The early start to campaigning isn't at all unusual for the U.S. House seats, former state Republican Chairman Edward Lujan said Wednesday. The practice has become even more common in recent years, he said.
"Today it becomes even more prevalent because of the money you have to raise," Lujan said.
Lujan said behind-the-scenes campaigning can begin almost immediately after an election because of the two-year House terms and short turnaround times between elections. Senate terms are a more luxurious six years.
Heinrich looks to be a big target for Republicans in 2010 given his freshman status — historically the easiest term in which to beat an incumbent — and his district had not sent a Democrat to Washington until he won in 2008.
Barela will announce his decision at a South Valley business at 10 a.m.
GOP committee in place
Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman Harvey Yates Jr. unveiled his 30-member executive committee Wednesday.
The committee acts as an advisory board for the chairman of the state party. Every member was appointed by Yates, who took over earlier this year.
"The common thread between these exceptional individuals is their shared commitment to move New Mexico in the right direction. I am proud they have accepted my invitation to join me in the trenches," Yates said in a news release.
Some of Yates' appointments include Pete Domenici, Heather Wilson, Jon Barela, Steve Pearce, Larry Larranaga and Stuart Ingle.
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