State of New Mexico secondary Archives: on Government Reform
Allen Weh:
Political spending is free speech: don't limit it
First we had "soft" money. Now we have "dark" money. Both terms, coined by the left, refer to money that funds speech with which the left disagrees. Dark money came about as a result of two incumbent senators trying to protect incumbents.
The "Incumbent Protection Act," otherwise known as the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, restricted the ability of outside challengers and groups to raise money. As a result of its passage, an increased number of 527s, named for their IRS designation,
began to spend money on political speech.
Now there's another effort by another incumbent Senator, Tom Udall. This time it goes so far as to amend the Constitution. The founding fathers did not limit the First Amendment by outlining specific types of
speech. Most importantly, its purpose was to protect political speech. It is the height of arrogance for someone to think he has the right to change a founding principle of the freest country in the history of the world.
Source: 2014 New Mexico Senate campaign website, AllenWeh.com
Sep 1, 2014
Ben Ray Lujan:
No campaign money from NRA, nor other company lobbyists
[Lujan's opponent, Secretary of State] Maggie Toulouse Oliver also said her campaign will not take money from oil companies, executives or affiliated political action committees. She ruled out taking money from the pharmaceutical industry, too, or from
the National Rifle Association or tobacco companies. Ben Ray Lujan has said he will not take money from the NRA, either, or from private prison companies or major oil companies.
Source: Santa Fe New Mexican on 2020 New Mexico Senate race
Apr 24, 2019
Bill Richardson:
Focus on eliminating waste and fraud from public spending
I promised to examine the fiscal responsibility of every corner of state government, and the result is millions of dollars in taxpayer money saved. We’ve collected more than $30 million in back taxes to date. We’re also saving by eliminating or modifying
bad state contracts, finding savings in telecommunications services and seeking out inefficiencies and bad fiscal management. We’ll never abandon our focus on eliminating waste and fraud from public spending, and governing with true fiscal accountability
Source: 2004 State of the State speech to the New Mexico Legislature
Jan 20, 2004
Bill Richardson:
Whistleblower protections, & ban corporate donations
Several vital reforms have been put off for too long:- Whistleblower protections to shield employees from retaliation for reporting fraud, waste or abuse.
- Disclosure by any contractor wishing to make a bid on a state project of any campaign
contribution of $250 or more over the last two years.
- A ban on candidates doing taxpayer-funded, public service announcements.
- An end to the revolving door where legislators this year become lobbyists next year. Just like we did for state officials
- A ban on campaign contributions by corporations, state contractors or lobbyists.
If we as elected officials want the public trust, then we must trust our people. I believe we need an independent, bi-partisan, citizen-led ethics commission.
This commission must be able to investigate, discipline, fine, or censure, not just public officials or state employees, but also contractors and lobbyists. 41 other states have such a commission. New Mexico needs one too.
Source: New Mexico 2010 State of the State Address
Jan 19, 2010
Bob Walsh:
Make voter registration easier
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Make voter registration easier"?
A: Support, but it is already very easy in NM
Source: OnTheIssues interview for 2020 New Mexico race
May 1, 2020
Gary Johnson:
New SuperPAC, "Our America PAC", for principled candidates
2012 Libertarian Party presidential nominee and chairman of the Our America Initiative, Gary Johnson announced yesterday the formation of a Super PAC called Our America PAC. The new Super PAC has the goal of supporting and ultimately getting into
elective public office, principled candidates committed to smaller government, fiscal conservatism and individual liberty. This is separate from the Our America Initiative, which advocates on issues.Johnson said, "More Americans than ever are ready to
take a serious look at candidates who offer real alternatives to business-as-usual. However, the reality of our political system is that voters must first have the opportunity to learn about those candidates and their plans for smaller government and
greater freedom. That is the purpose of the Our America PAC. Voters deserve real choices beyond varying shades of big government, and helping provide those choices is our goal. We intend to make a real difference in the upcoming 2014 elections."
Source: The Examiner on 2014 New Mexico Governor race
Dec 12, 2013
Gary Johnson:
No limits on corporate or PAC campaign donations
Q: Do you support limiting the following types of contributions to state legislative candidates: Individual?A: No.
Q: PAC?
A: No.
Q: Corporate?
A: No.
Q: Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns?
A: No.
Q: Do you support partial funding from state taxes for state level political campaigns?
A: No.
Source: 1998 New Mexico National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Gary Johnson:
Let corporations donate as much money as they want
Q: Campaign Finance: Require political ads to disclose largest funders? Support Citizens United decision, allowing unlimited corporate political donations?Martin Heinrich (D): Yes. Supported DISCLOSE Act of 2015 to do this. Overturn Citizens United
through Democracy for All Amendment.
Gary Johnson (L): Yes. Transparency is the only campaign reform needed. Says corporations should be able "to contribute as much money as they want."
Mick Rich (R): No position found.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on New Mexico Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Gary Johnson:
Voter ID disproportionately restricts Hispanic voters
Q: Support nonpartisan redistricting to address charges of partisan gerrymandering?Martin Heinrich (D): Yes. Require independent, bipartisan redistricting commissions.
Gary Johnson (L): No. Prefers term limits & selecting Senators by state
legislators.
Mick Rich (R): No position found.
Q: Support stricter voting rules like photo ID?
Heinrich: No. Disproportionately affect minority communities.
Johnson No. Mostly about "restricting Hispanic voters."
Rich: No position found.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on New Mexico Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Gary King:
Spending limits on political campaigns, & state funding
Q: Do you support requiring limits on individual contributions to state legislative candidates??A: Yes.
Q: Do you support requiring limits on PAC contributions to state legislative candidates??
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support requiring limits on
corporate contributions to state legislative candidates??
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns??
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support partial funding from state taxes for state political campaigns??
A: Yes.
Source: New Mexico Governor 1996 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
Gavin Clarkson:
Getting government out of the way will grow economy
We lead the nation in federal dollars per capita but are dead last in private employment per capita. Getting government out of the way with fewer regulations will grow our economy.
When I was part of President Trump's team at Interior, we repealed 22 regulations for every new regulation proposed.
Source: Albuquerque Journal on 2020 New Mexico Senate race
Jun 14, 2020
Joe Cervantes:
Open up legislative committee meetings to public
By opening our legislative committee process, we can lift the blinds, unlock the doors and remove the dimmers, which have kept legislators, the public and the press in the dark for decades. I have no doubt that, years from now,
it will hard to understand how this was ever an issue. Our policies, spending and conduct must stand up to public debate and scrutiny. We can only expect wise judgment from the citizens if we first confidently entrust them with knowledge.
Source: Las Cruces Sun-News on 2018 New Mexico Gubernatorial race
Apr 5, 2009
Joe Cervantes:
No voter ID; yes prohibit legislators from lobbying
Q: Should former legislators be banned from lobbying for the first year after leaving office?A: Yes.
Q: Do you support the use of an independent AND/OR bipartisan commission for redistricting?
A: No.
Q:
Do you support requiring a government-issued photo identification in order to vote at the polls?
A: No.
Cervantes adds, "I am unclear what encouraging voluntary spending limits would mean or accomplish. I can not answer. given the ambiguities."
Source: New Mexico 2012 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2012
Joe Cervantes:
Don't consolidate state & local elections on same day
HB98: Providing for a single election day and uniform processes for certain local government elections; providing that ballot measure elections that are held at times other than with regular local elections only be conducted by mailed ballot; requiring
special statewide ballot question elections to be conducted by mailed ballot.Santa Fe New Mexican analysis 2/10/18:House Bill 98 would largely do away with the practice of local governments holding elections at pretty much any time of
year. The Secretary of State, League of Women Voters and county clerks have supported the measure, contending it would boost participation in elections on important topics such as educational policy and raising taxes. School districts oppose the bill,
saying it might lead to less support for boards and bond issues.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 51-10-9 on Feb/10/18; Passed Senate 25-15-2 on Feb/14/18; State Sen. Joe Cervantes voted NO; Signed by Gov. Martinez on Mar/7/18
Source: Santa Fe New Mexican on New Mexico HB98 voting records
Feb 14, 2018
Maggie Toulouse Oliver:
Supports same day voter registration & early voting
Maggie will work with local officials to ensure that every county in New Mexico has the right voting systems in place to meet their own needs for conducting transparent and secure elections. Fair elections are too important to politicize.
Maggie supports strengthening access to the polls with same day voter registration, expansion of early voting hours and properly training poll workers to ensure no registered voter is ever turned away from the polls.
Source: Ballotpedia.org Connection on 2020 New Mexico Senate race
Nov 1, 2014
Maggie Toulouse Oliver:
No campaign money from company lobbying groups
Maggie Toulouse Oliver also said her campaign will not take money from oil companies, executives or affiliated political action committees. She ruled out taking money from the pharmaceutical industry, too, or from the National Rifle Association or
tobacco companies. [Her opponent] Ben Ray Lujan has said he will not take money from the NRA, either, or from private prison companies or major oil companies.
Source: Santa Fe New Mexican on 2020 New Mexico Senate race
Apr 24, 2019
Martin Heinrich:
Overturn Citizens United via Democracy for All Amendment
Q: Campaign Finance: Require political ads to disclose largest funders? Support Citizens United decision, allowing unlimited corporate political donations?Martin Heinrich (D): Yes. Supported DISCLOSE Act of 2015 to do this. Overturn Citizens United
through Democracy for All Amendment.
Gary Johnson (L): Yes. Transparency is the only campaign reform needed. Says corporations should be able "to contribute as much money as they want."
Mick Rich (R): No position found.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on New Mexico Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Martin Heinrich:
Voter ID disproportionately affects minority communities
Q: Support nonpartisan redistricting to address charges of partisan gerrymandering?Martin Heinrich (D): Yes. Require independent, bipartisan redistricting commissions.
Gary Johnson (L): No. Prefers term limits & selecting Senators by state
legislators.
Mick Rich (R): No position found.
Q: Support stricter voting rules like photo ID?
Heinrich: No. Disproportionately affect minority communities.
Johnson No. Mostly about "restricting Hispanic voters."
Rich: No position found.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on New Mexico Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Michelle Lujan-Grisham:
Reveal political donors; reverse Citizens United
Q: Require political ads to disclose largest funders? Support Citizens United decision, allowing unlimited political donations from corporations & unions?Michelle Lujan-Grisham (D): Yes, on disclosure. Sponsored bills to reverse Citizens United, &
require tax-exempt social welfare organizations that run political ads to reveal donors.
Steve Pearce (R): Supported Citizens United. No position on disclosure bills. Voted to defund House Ethics office after it investigated his staffer.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on New Mexico Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Michelle Lujan-Grisham:
No voter ID laws; no purging of voter rolls
Q: Support stricter voting rules such as voter ID requirements even if they prevent some people from voting?Michelle Lujan-Grisham (D): No. "Burdensome voter ID laws & purging of voter registration rolls
. disproportionately impact poor, elderly, disabled & Americans of color."
Steve Pearce (R): Yes. Voted for photo ID in federal races.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on New Mexico Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Mick Rich:
The government is killing our jobs with regulations
The federal government kills more American jobs through regulation than it could ever create through public works projects or stimulus packages. When we ask what our Senators and Congressmen can do to create jobs,
the first step is to remove rules and regulations that discourage hiring, discourage banks from lending to businesses, and discourage manufacturers from producing goods here in America.
Source: 2018 New Mexico campaign website MickRichForSenate.com
Jan 18, 2018
Rebecca Dow:
Legislators should be required to disclose appropriations
The public has a right to know how legislators are spending their money.
I have made my appropriations public and will continue to advocate for all legislators to be required to disclose how these funds are spent. A merit based system must include local community leaders in the decision process.
Source: Albuquerque Journal on 2022 New Mexico Gubernatorial race
Sep 23, 2021
Rebecca Dow:
Regulatory reform to decrease barriers, increase opportunity
We must bring our tax code into the 21st century. Creating a lower and stable tax rate will encourage investment in our state.
We also need regulatory reform to decrease barriers and increase opportunities for all New Mexican entrepreneurs.
Source: Albuquerque Journal on 2022 New Mexico Gubernatorial race
Sep 23, 2021
Rebecca Dow:
Don't consolidate state & local elections on same day
HB98: Providing for a single election day and uniform processes for certain local government elections; providing that ballot measure elections that are held at times other than with regular local elections only be conducted by mailed ballot; requiring
special statewide ballot question elections to be conducted by mailed ballot.Santa Fe New Mexican analysis 2/10/18: House Bill 98 would largely do away with the practice of local governments holding elections at pretty much any time of
year. The Secretary of State, League of Women Voters and county clerks have supported the measure, contending it would boost participation in elections on important topics such as educational policy and raising taxes. School districts oppose the bill,
saying it might lead to less support for boards and bond issues.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 51-10-9 on Feb/10/18; State Rep. Rebecca Dow voted NO; Passed Senate 25-15-2 on Feb/14/18; Signed by Gov. Martinez on Mar/7/18
Source: Santa Fe New Mexican on New Mexico HB98 voting records
Feb 10, 2018
Steve Pearce:
Supports Citizens United
Q: Require political ads to disclose largest funders? Support Citizens United decision, allowing unlimited political donations from corporations & unions?Michelle Lujan-Grisham (D): Yes, on disclosure. Sponsored bills to reverse Citizens United, &
require tax-exempt social welfare organizations that run political ads to reveal donors.
Steve Pearce (R): Supported Citizens United. No position on disclosure bills. Voted to defund House Ethics office after it investigated his staffer.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on New Mexico Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Steve Pearce:
Supports voter ID laws
Q: Support stricter voting rules such as voter ID requirements even if they prevent some people from voting?Michelle Lujan-Grisham (D): No. "Burdensome voter ID laws & purging of voter registration rolls
. disproportionately impact poor, elderly, disabled & Americans of color."
Steve Pearce (R): Yes. Voted for photo ID in federal races.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on New Mexico Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Susana Martinez:
Moratorium on state car purchases; sell the state luxury jet
To protect priorities, we must do away with the waste and excess that has defined the past and whose absence will improve our future. And I began by reducing the governor's budget. I cut overall salaries within my cabinet by 10%. I will reduce the number
of political appointees in state government by at least 20%. I have invited New Mexicans to share their ideas for cutting waste by emailing me. Many of those who emailed suggested cutting unnecessary state vehicles. I agree. And I ordered a one-year
moratorium on all new state car purchases, except for law enforcement.We must all do our part. At a time when New Mexicans are struggling to make ends meet their Governor should not be leading a life of privilege. That's why I cut costs at the
Governor's residence by 55%--permanently eliminating the positions of two personal chefs. The first gentleman will just have to help out with the cooking. And we will get rid of that ultimate symbol of waste & excess, we will sell the state's luxury jet.
Source: 2011 New Mexico State of the State Address
Jan 18, 2011
Susana Martinez:
Pay-to-play is a crime, not an ethical dilemma
Corruption is a crime, not an ethical dilemma. Those guilty of corruption are criminals and they should be treated as such.- We must institute criminal penalties for public officials who know about, but fail to report, pay-to-play activity. Public
officials don't have the luxury of turning a blind eye.
- When public officials are found guilty of corruption they should be immediately removed from office, receive mandatory prison time and be forced to surrender their pension.
- We must formally
adopt legislation that prohibits the State Investment Council, or any state agency, from paying finder's fees to those who help direct state investments. "Finder's fees" can easily become nothing more than kickbacks--pay-to-play with the pensions of our
teachers & police officers. It must be banned and we must get their money back.
- And it is time to establish a Public Corruption Unit in the Department of Public Safety. They will investigate & bring to justice those who violate the public's trust.
Source: 2011 New Mexico State of the State Address
Jan 18, 2011
Susana Martinez:
Lead by example: eliminate governor's chef & cut salaries
Public officials must never forget that we serve the public. Not the other way around. That's why, in a time of shared sacrifice, I felt it important to lead by example. We eliminated the chefs from the Governor's residence and cut salaries there by
55%. And I kept my promise to get rid of the ultimate symbol of waste and excess. We sold the state's luxury jet.
We cut waste across state government. We cut cell phones. We got rid of non-essential state cars. In the
Governor's office, we slashed our budget and reverted over half a million dollars back into the state's savings account. Cabinet secretary salaries were cut by 10% and we dramatically reduced the number of political appointees.
And together--the Governor and the Legislature--we hammered out a budget compromise that reduced spending while protecting priorities and balanced the state budget.
Source: 2012 New Mexico State of the State Address
Jan 17, 2012
Susana Martinez:
Close revolving door: no lobbying for 2 years after office
Corruption tilts the playing field against honest people and shakes public confidence in their government. That's why I signed an executive order that prohibits state government from doing business with companies involved in corruption. It's why all of
my appointees must disclose their financial interests online and it's why my appointees are barred from lobbying state government for 2 years after serving in my administration. Public service should be about serving the public--not setting up a future
payday.There are a few other common-sense measures we can enact to help restore public confidence. When a public official is convicted of corruption, they should be forced from office immediately--not 10 or 14 days later--but immediately. When a
politician violates the public trust, they should lose their public pension and be barred from doing business with the state. And when the state goes after a public official for corruption, taxpayers should not have to pay to defend that person in court.
Source: 2012 New Mexico State of the State Address
Jan 17, 2012
Susana Martinez:
Consolidate state & local elections on single day
HB98: Providing for a single election day and uniform processes for certain local government elections; providing that ballot measure elections that are held at times other than with regular local elections only be conducted by mailed ballot; requiring
special statewide ballot question elections to be conducted by mailed ballot.Santa Fe New Mexican analysis 2/10/18:House Bill 98 would largely do away with the practice of local governments holding elections at pretty much any time of
year. The Secretary of State, League of Women Voters and county clerks have supported the measure, contending it would boost participation in elections on important topics such as educational policy and raising taxes. School districts oppose the bill,
saying it might lead to less support for boards and bond issues.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 51-10-9, Roll Call #179 on Feb/10/18; Passed Senate 25-15-2, Roll Call #267 on Feb/14/18; Signed by Gov. Martinez on Mar/7/18
Source: Santa Fe New Mexican on New Mexico HB98 voting records
Mar 7, 2018
Tom Udall:
Nuclear option: Allow confirmation of Obama's appointees
Ever since they arrived in the Senate, Jeff Merkley and Tom Udall have had one huge, seemingly insurmountable goal: To change Senate rules on the filibuster. On Thursday, they won."I'm just so encouraged now that we're going to be able to--without
filibusters--put people on the courts in an orderly way," Udall said. Filibuster reform has long been a marquee issue for Merkley (OR) and Udall (NM). Now, they're looking to expand their change to filibuster rules governing legislation--but that's going
to be a much harder sell.
Udall recalled that he campaigned on the idea when he was first elected to the Senate in 2008. Once he was sworn in, he said he began thinking "immediately" about how to most effectively go about campaigning for such a radical
change in an institution that runs on tradition.
Critics say they led a movement they don't even understand--they have only served in the majority, and don't appreciate ways that the filibuster has been used to benefit the country in the past.
Source: Politico.com coverage of 2014 New Mexico Senate race
Nov 21, 2013
Tom Udall:
Abolish Electoral College; extend vote to DC & territories
Senator Jeff Merkley and Senator Tom Udall have introduced bills designed to create what Merkley refers to as "We the People" democracy. With Udall, he's proposing a constitutional amendment to abolish the Electoral College and a plan to establish a
commission to develop proposals for providing citizens of the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the territories of Guam, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands with full voting representation in Congress.
The latter proposal is vital for a country that began with a revolt against colonialism. It is shocking, at this late stage in the American experiment, that roughly 4 million US citizens are denied voting representation in Congress. Merkley knows there
will be pushback from Republicans, and perhaps even from some within his own party. But he reminds us that "we need real, equal representation if we want a government that responds to the big issues impacting working families' lives."
Source: The Nation magazine on 2020 New Mexico Senate race
Apr 8, 2019
Tom Udall:
Introduced amendment to reverse Citizens United
The 2010 Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. FEC was a victory for special interests at the expense of the American people. That's why he introduced a constitutional amendment to reverse the disastrous effect this decision has had on our
democracy. The amendment would allow Congress to regulate Super PACs and would give the states the same authority to regulate campaign finance at their level. The amendment would effectively rein in the unprecedented flood of secret money in campaigns.
Source: 2021 New Mexico Senate campaign website TomUdall.com
Jul 28, 2021
Tom Udall:
Fought for filibuster reform: favors the talking filibuster
In order to change the way Washington works Tom has been leading the effort to reform the filibuster. Today, senators use the filibuster on a massive scale to obstruct legislation. That is why Tom is fighting for filibuster reform through the
Constitutional Option. It's time we institute a "talking filibuster," and get back to the work that senators were elected to do--grow our economy, invest in our kids, and make the middle class strong and secure.
Source: 2021 New Mexico Senate campaign website TomUdall.com
Jul 28, 2021
Yvette Herrell:
Don't consolidate state & local elections on same day
HB98: Providing for a single election day and uniform processes for certain local government elections; providing that ballot measure elections that are held at times other than with regular local elections only be conducted by mailed ballot; requiring
special statewide ballot question elections to be conducted by mailed ballot.Santa Fe New Mexican analysis 2/10/18:House Bill 98 would largely do away with the practice of local governments holding elections at pretty much any time of
year. The Secretary of State, League of Women Voters and county clerks have supported the measure, contending it would boost participation in elections on important topics such as educational policy and raising taxes. School districts oppose the bill,
saying it might lead to less support for boards and bond issues.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 51-10-9 on Feb/10/18; State Rep. Yvette Herrell voted NO; Passed Senate 25-15-2 on Feb/14/18; Signed by Gov. Martinez on Mar/7/18
Source: Santa Fe New Mexican on New Mexico HB98 voting records
Feb 10, 2018
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023