Campaign trail mix, May 29
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5/28/2008 - 5/29/08
Here's a roundup of the latest news from New Mexico's campaign trail. The primary election is Tuesday.Richardson goes for Luján: In Democratic circles, it's probably the best endorsement a candidate could get. And, Ben Ray Luján's run for the 3rd Congressional District is now backed by someone who used to have the job: Gov. Bill Richardson.
"As someone who knows this district well — as a Congressman and now as Governor — I believe Ben Ray Luján is the most qualified candidate and is best prepared to represent the diverse communities that stretch across Northern and Eastern New Mexico," Richardson said in a statement.
"I am also proud to endorse a candidate who has taken the high road against negative and unnecessary political attacks from some of his opponents," Richardson said.
That's not exactly true, of course. Luján did respond to Wiviott's attack ad that criticized Luján's credentials for Congress last week with his own negative ad blasting Wiviott's business practices.
Wiviott's camp was quick to respond to the endorsement.
"While Wiviott has nothing but respect for the governor, this endorsement comes as no surprise. It is well known that (House Speaker Ben Luján) and the governor have a close relationship, and that Don Wiviott is not a political insider or a career politician. The only endorsement that matters in this race is the support of Third District voters," penned Webster Cash, Wiviott's spokesman.
Whither Wiviott? Wiviott, a developer, has missed a majority of the debates in this contest, for varying reasons.
Long-shot candidate Jon Adams pointed that out in a release sent to the media Wednesday.
"Why is Don in hiding?" Adams asked. "He's attacking other candidates with wild allegations that they didn't show up to their jobs enough, and he hasn't come to a single candidate forum in a month — and it's less than a week before the election. Doesn't he think being available to the public is part of being a Congressman?"
Wiviott's campaign has said he's had either scheduling conflicts or has been sick during the scheduled debates.
He attended one event Wednesday night, however, a meet and greet in Eagle Nest.
Shendo endorsed by weekly alternative: Benny Shendo Jr., earned the endorsement this week of the Santa Fe Reporter.
While the paper likes most things about the candidate, it didn't like his question at a Farmington forum that implied Luján is gay. "We also think Shendo's question was inappropriate, badly phrased and, without question, politically damaging (at least to him)."
The paper also said Shendo has the most experience.
"Finally, we are not just endorsing Shendo because he isn't part of a political machine or independently wealthy. We also believe his experience and background as a leader in tribal government, as a Cabinet secretary, as a Kellogg fellow who studied and worked internationally, is the most diverse of the group."
The paper also picked U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate.
Green Chile Chatter poll: Online readers pick Luján: According to the unscientific online poll at www.greenchilechatter.com, Luján will win the Democratic primary race for the 3rd Congressional District — but just barely. Luján earned 39.18 percent of the vote, besting Santa Fe County Commissioner Harry Montoya, who earned 37.11 percent. Don Wiviott was the closest competitor, with 11.34 percent while Benny Shendo Jr. pulled in 5.15 percent. At the bottom of the heap were Rudy Martin and Jon Adams, with 4.12 and 3.09 percent respectively.
Steve Terrell and Kate Nash, who compiled this information, are The New Mexican's Capitol reporters. Contact Terrell at 986-3037 or by e-mail at sterrell@sfnewmexican.com, or Nash at 986-3036 or knash@sfnewmexican.com with campaign news.
