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voter
JOURNAL'S VOTER GUIDE
For New Mexico's Tuesday, Nov. 4, General Election
Welcome to the Albuquerque Journal's online Voter Guide.
Here you can find all of the Journal's reporting on 2008 election issues and candidates leading up to the November 4 general election. Stories and candidate profiles from the June 3 primary election can be found here.
The guide includes links to other Web sites that can tell you what's on the ballot in your area, help you find out where to vote and provide answers to other election questions.
THE RACES
For info on proposed constitutional amendments, bond issues & transit taxes click here.
U.S. Senate: Candidates Tom Udall and Steve Pearce on the Issues
Journal Staff Report
Democratic candidate Tom Udall and Republican candidate Steve Pearce on the issues: Gun rights, Iraq war, Economy, Immigration, Abortion/Stem cell research, Energy, Health care and New Mexico's national labs.
- Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Tom Udall: I'm a Problem-Solver
- Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Steve Pearce: I Provide Balance
- U.S. Senate debate: Rivals Spar on Iraq, Economy, Health Care (Oct. 16)
- U.S. Senate debate: Foes Clash on Senior Citizen Issues (Oct. 19)
- U.S. Senate debate: Pearce, Udall Take Last Chance To Blast Each Other on 'Radical' Ideas (Oct. 27)
1st Congressional District: Two Rising Stars
Journal Staff Report
Darren White and Martin Heinrich are young, rising stars in their political parties. The last Journal Poll had them neck-and-neck in a campaign that has taken a decidedly nasty turn. (This story includes a bio and Q&A on the issues for each candidate)
- Democratic candidate for 1st Congressional District: Martin Heinrich Calls Himself a 'Conservationist'
- Republican candidate for 1st Congressional District: Darren White Hoping To Turn Things Around
- 1st Congressional District debate: Candidates Clash Over Negative Ads and Campaign Funding (Oct. 27)
2nd Congressional District: Dem Tries for Long-Held GOP Seat
By Rene Romo / Journal Southern Bureau
LAS CRUCES -- With an economic crisis, a war and an unpopular president all weighing on the election season, odds probably have improved in the 2nd Congressional District for the election of a Democrat. (This story includes a bio and Q&A on the issues for each candidate)
- 2nd Congressional District debate: Candidates Differ on Iraq, Drilling (Oct. 11)
- 2nd Congressional District debate: Discussion Heats Up with Issues of Taxes, Abortion, Guns (Oct. 20)
3rd Congressional District: Luján's Ahead, But He's Still Working Hard
By Vic Vela / Journal Northern Bureau
SANTA FE -- In the reliably Democratic 3rd Congressional District, two candidates without a "D" next to their names on the ballot believe they can pull off an upset win. Meanwhile, the leader in a recent poll says he is taking nothing for granted in this contest. (This story includes a bio and Q&A on the issues for each candidate)
N.M. Legislature: Changes Coming To State Capitol
By Dan Boyd / Journal Capitol Bureau
SANTA FE — No matter what happens on Election Day, the New Mexico Legislature is guaranteed a shake-up. How much of one remains a question, but Democrats are expected to retain their majorities for the remaining two years of Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson's second term.
Five incumbent lawmakers — four Democrats and one Republican — lost in the June primary elections, and another six opted not to seek re-election.N.M. Senate District 10: Health Care Divides Candidates
By Rosalie Rayburn / Journal Staff Writer
Community activist Victor Raigoza is the Democratic challenger seeking to unseat Republican incumbent John C. Ryan in Senate District 10.N.M. Senate District 15 Candidate Bios and Q&As
N.M. Senate District 19 Candidate Bios and Q&As
N.M. Senate District 21 Candidate Bios and Q&As
N.M. Senate District 26: Hopefuls Agree
By Jeff Proctor / Journal Staff Writer
The two candidates vying for the state Senate seat in District 26 agree that Albuquerque's impact fee system, which sets higher for fees for development on the West Side, needs to become more equitable.N.M. House District 12: Newcomer Challenges Incumbent
Journal Staff Report
A political newcomer -- and a recent South Valley transplant -- is taking on an established incumbent in the state House District 12 race. The race has an independent candidate in the running as well.
- N.M. House District 12 Candidate Bios and Q&As
- N.M. House District 12 Independent Candidate Bio and Q&A
N.M. House District 14: Race a Familiar One
By Juan-Carlos Rodriguez / Journal Staff Writer
The two candidates for state House District 14 are familiar foes -- this is the third time incumbent Democrat Miguel Garcia will face Republican Clara Peña.N.M. House District 15 Candidate Bios and Q&As
N.M. House District 17: Candidates Split on Impact Fees
By Jeff Proctor / Journal Staff Writer
Both men seeking election to the state House District 17 seat in November say officials need to look at the way impact fees are assessed on West Side development.N.M. House District 21 Candidate Bios and Q&As
N.M. House District 22: Software Developer Challenges Incumbent
By Rosalie Rayburn / Journal Staff Writer
Voters in House District 22 will decide next month between a two-term Republican incumbent and a Democratic challenger who helped design software for a space probe.N.M. House District 23: Youngberg Faces Dem Challenger
By Rosalie Rayburn / Journal Staff Writer
Fiscal conservative Republican Eric Youngberg is defending his tenure of the House District 23 seat against a Democratic challenger who says a universal health care system could be an option for New Mexico.N.M. House District 26 Candidate Bios and Q&As
N.M. House District 28 Candidate Bios and Q&As
N.M. House District 30 Candidate Bios and Q&As
N.M. House District 44: Infrastructure A Top Concern
By Rosalie Rayburn / Journal Staff Writer
Education and basic amenities such as roads and water services top the priority lists for candidates competing to represent House District 44.N.M. House District 60: Candidates Favor Harsher DWI Measures
By Rosalie Rayburn / Journal Staff Writer
Candidates competing for election to represent House District 60 in Rio Rancho favor tougher measures to curb drunken driving and predatory lending practices.
N.M. Public Regulation Commission District 1: PRC Candidate Questions Policies
By Winthrop Quigley / Journal Staff Writer
Both candidates for the Public Regulation Commission District 1 seat say the commission's job is to balance competing economic interests, but they have different views on what constitutes a legitimate economic interest.N.M. Public Regulation Commission District 3: Lass Downplays Party Affiliation
By Raam Wong / Journal Staff Writer
The green ink on Rick Lass' campaign literature is the only hint of his party affiliation. As Lass tries to overcome Democratic candidate Jerome Block Jr. in a bid for northern New Mexico's District 3 Public Regulation Commission seat, the Green Party member running as an independent candidate acknowledges he's intentionally downplaying partisanship.
- N.M. Public Regulation Commission District 3 Candidate Bios and Q&As
- Block Faces $11K Fine Over Funds (Oct. 21 story)
- N.M. PRC District 3 debate: Candidate Criticizes Media for What He Call 'Abuse' of Power (Oct. 22)
Bernalillo County Commission District 2: Candidate Bios and Q&As
Journal Staff Report
Two political newcomers will face off in the Nov. 4 general election in bids for the Bernalillo County Commission District 2 position. Republican Cecilia M. C De Baca and Art De La Cruz, who defeated incumbent Teresa Cordova in the Democratic primary, want to represent the South Valley. Here are their answers to a Journal questionnaire.Bernalillo County Clerk: Hopefuls Share Priorities
By Dan McKay / Journal Staff Writer
The candidates for Bernalillo County clerk share a background in politics and plenty of the same goals. They both want to make more information available on the Internet, head off election mix-ups and keep the voter registration rolls free of fraud.Bernalillo County Treasurer Candidate Bios and Q&As
Bernalillo County District Attorney: Fight for DA Position Heats Up
By T.J. Wilham / Journal Staff Writer
The candidates for Bernalillo County District Attorney live within a few miles of each other. They're both women. Both know how to handle a gun. Between them, they have 11 children.
- Bernalillo County District Attorney Candidate Bios and Q&As
- Bernalillo County D.A. Candidates: Cop Shootings Divide Hopefuls (Oct. 21 story)
- Bernalillo County D.A. debate: District Attorney Candidates Trade Jabs (Oct. 24 story)
Bernalillo County Judicial Races: Don't Overlook Judge Races
By Scott Sandlin / Journal Staff Writer
News flash for straight-ticket voters: Judicial candidates need your help, too.
- 2nd Judicial District, Criminal Division, Candidate Q&A (the only contested judicial race in Bernalillo County)
- The New Mexico Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission Website
ABQ Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority Board of Director Candidates
Journal Staff Report
The Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority is the entity responsible for building and maintaining flood control structures — like diversion channels and detention ponds — to prevent injury or death and eliminate or minimize property damage. The authority is funded through property taxes. Two seats on the AMAFCA board are on the Nov. 4 ballot.
Sandoval County Commission District 2: Opponents' Priorities Light Years Apart
By Rosalie Rayburn / Journal Staff Writer
Democratic Sandoval County District 2 Commissioner Donald (Donnie) Leonard is seeking to hold off a challenge by Kim Rytter, a Republican who ran unsuccessfully in the spring's Rio Rancho mayoral race.Sandoval County Commission District 4: Hopefuls Focus on Transport
By Rosalie Rayburn / Journal Staff Writer
The race for the Sandoval County Commission District 4 seat is all about Rio Rancho. The incumbent, Jack Thomas, is a Rio Rancho Democrat who has held the seat for two terms is stepping down. Enter Republican Glenn Walters and Democrat Juanita Martinez, both Rio Rancho residents.Sandoval County Commission District 5: Seat Is Up for Grabs
By Rosalie Rayburn / Journal Staff Writer
The race for Sandoval County Commission's District 5 seat is a contest between residents of two pueblos. Democratic candidate Darryl Madalena is from Jemez Pueblo. His Republican opponent Leonard Armijo is from Santa Ana Pueblo and a former governor of that pueblo.Sandoval County Clerk: Contenders Political Vets
By Rosalie Rayburn / Journal Staff Writer
The Sandoval County clerk's race is a face-off between two local government veterans. Democratic incumbent Sally Padilla's experience as county clerk dates back to 1982. Her Republican challenger is Mary O. Kwapich, the county probate judge from 1999 to 2006.Sandoval County Treasurer: Incumbent Seeks 2nd Term
By Rosalie Rayburn / Journal Staff Writer
Democrat Lorraine Dominguez is seeking to fend off a Republican challenger to win a second term as Sandoval County treasurer.Changes to N.M. Constitution: Amendment Inspired by Richardson
By Barry Massey / Associated Press
Voters will cast the deciding votes on five changes to the state constitution this November. Gov. Bill Richardson's national political aspirations led to a proposed constitutional amendment that voters will decide in New Mexico's general election.State Bond Issues: $223 Million in Bonds on Ballot
By Martin Salazar / Journal Staff Writer
Voters across the state will decide the fate of $223 million in proposed general obligation bonds to help pay for major projects at colleges and universities, health facilities, senior centers and to buy books for libraries.
Bernalillo County Bond Issues: $21M in Bonds on Nov. Ballot
By Dan McKay / Journal Staff Writer
Bernalillo County is asking voters to approve almost $21 million for parks, roads and buildings. The bond proposals appear on the Nov. 4 ballot as a series of six questions.Bernalillo County: $84M at Stake in UNMH Tax Vote
By Martin Salazar / Journal Staff Writer
University of New Mexico Hospital has been receiving money from a Bernalillo County property tax since 1954, with voters approving the tax like clockwork every eight years. Still, with $84 million a year on the line in this year's election, the hospital isn't taking anything for granted.ABQ Metro Area: Proposed Tax To Fund Regional Transit System
By Lloyd Jojola / Journal Staff Writer
Voters in the Albuquerque metropolitan area are at a crossroads when it comes to investing in mass transit -- one that proposes a sales tax increase but promises a true regional transit system.
- Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce Board Position PDF download
- Rio Metro Service and Financial Plan 2MB PDF download
ABQ Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority: Water Projects Will Be on Ballot
Journal Staff Report
Albuquerque's flood-control agency is asking voters to approve $20 million in projects next month. Much of the work focuses on improving the quality of storm water that ends up in the Rio Grande, according to the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority.
Sandoval County: Bond Issues Might Hit Your Wallet
By Rosalie Rayburn / Journal Staff Writer
If tax-related ballot questions gain voter approval next month, Sandoval County residents can anticipate a raft of changes that will quickly be felt in their wallets. These will be close-to-home issues unconnected with the uncertainties rattling the stock markets, banking and mortgage industries.Sandoval County: Hospitals Push for Levy Approval
By Rosalie Rayburn / Journal Staff Writer
More than $13 million a year is at stake for hospital care in Sandoval County on the Nov. 4 general election ballot. And the organizations planning to build hospitals in Rio Rancho say it would go a long way toward expanding their range of services more quickly if approved.Southern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control Authority: Asking for $18M
By Rosalie Rayburn / Journal Staff Writer
Rio Rancho's undulating landscape, sandy soil and fast-growing population make for a combination that spells trouble when the annual monsoon season hits. The answer was the Southern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control Authority, a board-run organization created in 1990 to oversee flood control efforts in Rio Rancho, Corrales and part of the town of Bernalillo.
Northern New Mexico: Transit Tax To Help Or Hurt?
By Kiera Hay / Journal Staff Writer
Come November 4, Santa Feans, along with residents of Taos, Rio Arriba and Los Alamos Counties, will decide if they're willing to pony up the extra cash -- in the form of a gross receipts tax increase that amounts to about 12.5 cents for every $100 they spend -- to pay for expanded public transportation in the region.Santa Fe County Bond Issues: A Detailed Look at Six Proposals for Projects
By Kiera Hay / Journal Staff Writer
Santa Fe County voters are being asked to weigh on Nov. 4 six general obligation bond proposals cumulatively worth $35 million. The language of each proposal is somewhat vague, but the county does have specific plans for each allocation, ranging from a new fire station in Rancho Viejo to repaved roads in Eldorado.
