Trick or Treat? Sfr's Picks for the Nov. 2 General Election

Summary

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This election season has been informing on many levels. It's shown, again, the tipping point between cultural and ideological issues. It's helped define and educate the public on key domestic and international concerns. Perhaps most importantly, it's highlighted both the value of and threat to the underpinnings of what most of us value in this country: freedom of expression, open debate, the right to think about things in new and sometimes controversial ways. A call for mindless partisanship is an understandable reaction to the liberal losses of the last four years (and if someone comes up with a way to combine Bush Bashing with high-level cardio, they'll have a great new exercise class). But it's not a solution. Thousands of new--mostly young--voters registered this year and chose to remain unaffiliated to any political party. This is a clear sign that politics has the potential to be more than what it has become. Albert Einstein once said that "the problems that exist in the world today cannot be solved by the level of thinking that created them." With this in mind*, SFR's endorsements of this year's contested general election races are a selection of candidates from all three political parties who have the potential to serve northern New Mexico with skill and temerity. We also asked the local candidates to share with us why they believe people should vote, as well as their own personal political heroes. You also will find on page 18 endorsements for the bond and constitutional amendments on this year's ballot. Finally, on page 21, SFR's endorsement in the presidential election. If you're one of those undecided voters--this one's for you.

He's a self-described fiscal conservative/social liberal, which means he's on the record ready to fight tax cuts the state can't afford, while at the same time ready to back legislation to abolish the death penalty and legalize civil unions. He supports women's rights unequivocally. If appointed to the Conservation Committee, as he hopes, [Lawyer John Grubesic]'s commitment to the water-resource issues of the area will serve his constituents well. His belief that the Legislature should afford the State Engineer's Office more authority over water allocation has the potential to help depoliticize local development issues. Having served, for the past few months, on the interim Revenue Stabilization and Tax Policy Committee, Grubesic has jumped headfirst into understanding the complexity of government budgeting, and hopes to continue his freshman education by requesting an appointment to the Finance Committee (hey--it could happen). Finally, he already has begun work--in conjunction with local affordable-housing advocates--on creating a bill to promote affordable housing through tax incentives and other measures. Though Republican challenger Robert Mallin raises important concerns about services for the elderly and our medical system, he hardly seems a formidable enough challenge to a candidate with all the makings of the boldly independent thinking the district needs.

There probably aren't many citizens left who see the world through so-called rose-colored glasses these days (and if there are, we ask them to share whatever it is they're smoking). But in Santa Fe, there is a certain kind of Santa Fe-colored view of the world--an almost aggressively liberal stance on issues like civil liberties, health care, women's rights. [Tom Udall], the state's former Attorney General, has never wavered in defense of progressive politics. Of course, many politicians are good at preaching to the choir. After all, the centrist Bill Richardson we know as governor seemed a lot different when he represented District 3. But Udall has proven that his liberal commitment extends far beyond staying electable. More: By voting against The Patriot Act during a climate of extreme pressure to support anything with the word "patriot" in it, Udall showed the kind of political integrity that's in sadly short supply these days. Udall remains one of the most accessible politicians around, meeting with constituents regularly, providing information to the public on issues he cares about, such as prescription drug costs and veterans' issues. He remains staunchly committed to environmental causes, helping to pass legislation such as the Ojito Wilderness Act to protect New Mexico's resources.

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Trick or Treat? Sfr's Picks for the Nov. 2 General Election

If after reading our endorsements for the Nov. 2 election you are left with the impression that we have a predilection for wonks, you ain't wrong. As a general rule, we prefer candidates who have in-depth knowledge of the issues their races encompass, who take half an hour to answer a question, who at least try to eschew platitudes and empty rhetoric. (We'll also take a wonk over a religious fanatic any day, but that's another story).

You won't, however, find a recommendation to vote "straight party" Democrat as argued for by The Santa Fe New Mexican. Here's why:

This election season has been informing on many levels. It's shown, again, the tipping point between cultural and ideological issues. It's helped define and educate the public on key domestic and international concerns. Perhaps most importantly, it's highlighted both the value of and threat to the underpinnings of what most of us value in this country: freedom of expression, open debate, the right to think about things in new and sometimes controversial ways. A call for mindless partisanship is an understandable reaction to the liberal losses of the last four years (and if someone comes up with a way to combine Bush Bashing with high-level cardio,...

See the full content of this document

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