Susana MARTINEZ

Republican Party

1. What do you see as New Mexico’s greatest challenges and how would you address them? (65 words)

Moving forward with reforms to create jobs and improve education. Our economy relies too heavily on federal dollars; therefore, it is hurt by Washington’s dysfunction and federal cuts. We must continue cutting red tape and reducing taxes to help small businesses grow and stay competitive in the region. We must keep moving forward to reform education so every child has a chance to succeed.

2. What steps would you take to improve public education in New Mexico? (65 words)

I’m committed to reform and moving our schools forward. We put more dollars into classrooms than ever before and our graduation rate is improving faster than any other state. We are encouraging more parental involvement, and helping struggling schools and students improve. We still have work to do and must have the courage to move forward for our kids.

3. Describe your vision of New Mexico's energy future. What role do fossil fuels (such as natural gas and coal) and renewables (such as wind and solar) play? (65 words)

New Mexico is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, including oil, gas, wind and sun. I support an all-of-the-above approach that taps into our resources to produce energy and create jobs, while protecting our land. That’s why I embraced a balanced approach that has cut burdensome regulations and fined polluters.

4. How do you propose to address the unmet health and mental health needs of New Mexicans? (65 words)

We have expanded Medicaid coverage, which dropped our uninsured rate by five percent and rooted out waste. We expanded tele-medicine and passed the Health Care Jobs NOW package, which will dramatically increase the number of health practitioners, particularly in rural areas. All of these reforms will help improve access to health care services.

Gary KING

Democratic Party

1. What do you see as New Mexico’s greatest challenges and how would you address them? (65 words)

First is the lack of economic growth as the rest of the nation emerges from the recession. We have the largest number of children living in poverty and rank at the bottom of the country in child welfare. We must focus on improving our economy by creating jobs in New Mexico. We can do this by providing infrastructure and incentives to our small business community.

2. What steps would you take to improve public education in New Mexico? (65 words)

I would put greater control of education back in the hands of professional educators and local school boards. I am committed to ending high stakes standardized testing as the primary tool of education and will appoint a qualified Education Secretary who has real New Mexico classroom experience. We must focus funding on the classroom and allow teachers to teach.

3. Describe your vision of New Mexico's energy future. What role do fossil fuels (such as natural gas and coal) and renewables (such as wind and solar) play? (65 words)

We have a bright energy future. It is one of our strengths. We should hold to our promise to produce a significant amount of energy through renewable resources by 2020. We can be a leader in the development of new technologies for energy production and conservation. We should assure that energy production is not done at the expense of our groundwater or environmental quality.

4. How do you propose to address the unmet health and mental health needs of New Mexicans? (65 words)

We must address the debacle created by the current administration in treating the behavioral health needs of our citizens. We must work with all stakeholders to assess the need and meet it. We also have to reverse cuts to our developmental disabilities programs. I believe we should provide preventive medical and community based health services in all areas of New Mexico.

John A. SANCHEZ

Republican Party

1. What qualifications and attributes do you have that make you uniquely qualified to be Lieutenant Governor? (65 words)

I bring a life of genuine experience as a small business owner meeting a payroll and surviving tough economic challenges. I understand the journey from poverty to prosperity and the problems facing many New Mexicans. As your Lieutenant Governor and President of the State Senate, I am uniquely informed and prepared to champion cooperation between New Mexicans and the agencies that serve them.

2. The Governor usually assigns specific tasks to the Lieutenant Governor. To which areas of government would you like to be assigned and why? (65 words)

As Lieutenant Governor, I seek opportunities to protect the promises made to our veterans because our democracy stands on their shoulders. I support programs that strengthen opportunities for all. Every New Mexican deserves a fair chance to succeed free from governmental overreach and burdensome bureaucracy. In order to preserve our critical contribution to America’s security, I support a modernized mission drive for our military bases.

Debra A. HAALAND

Democratic Party

1. What qualifications and attributes do you have that make you uniquely qualified to be Lieutenant Governor? (65 words)

I have a law degree from UNM, am an education advocate, have been a small business owner, and a single parent. I have also traveled the state many times working to involve underrepresented communities in the political process. I am a tribal administrator and have firm knowledge about governmental processes. I know our issues and have a unique perspective about how to help New Mexican families.

2. The Governor usually assigns specific tasks to the Lieutenant Governor. To which areas of government would you like to be assigned and why? (65 words)

I plan to steer the Commission on the Status of Women, as well as champion children’s issues as chair of the Children’s Cabinet. It will be an honor to serve the most underrepresented people in New Mexico, and I pledge to set an aggressive agenda to tackle the issues facing women and children, such as hunger, poverty, and overall well-being.

Dianna J. DURAN

Republican Party

1. If elected, what are your two highest priorities? What specific actions will you take to accomplish them? (65 words)

Continue my efforts to ensure the integrity of our electoral system. 2. Protect New Mexico voters from being disenfranchised. We have already developed on-line voter registration for certain voters who are conducting transactions at MVD, and will have a statewide system next year. I will support the adoption of Photo Voter ID to ensure no one is able to steal someone else’s vote.

2. Would you make any changes in the operation of the Secretary of State’s office and the conduct of our elections? Please explain. (65 words)

We’ve already made tremendous changes in both operations and elections—replacing obsolescent equipment and software, bringing in modern, up-to-date hardware and software, building a new Integrated Reporting and Integrity System (IRIS) which brought election night reporting under the control of the Secretary of State for the first time. Everything we do is directed at providing a fair, honest, transparent elections system for all New Mexicans.

3. As Secretary of State, what actions would you take to increase the numbers of voter registrations among eligible New Mexicans? (65 words)

We pioneered the concept of on-line voter registration, urging the legislature to adopt a law allowing it for the Motor Vehicle Division, and leading the effort to make it available statewide for all voters. We’ve already developed the first program for on-line registration at MVD and we’re in the process of developing our innovative statewide on-line system to be completed NLT June 30, 2015.

4. If elected, what role will you play in increasing voter turnout? Please explain. (65 words)

I’ve worked with county clerks to encourage maximum efforts to ensure that: 1) Everyone who wants to register to vote can do so easily and conveniently; 2) All voters wanting to vote can vote easily and quickly, with unimpeded access to the polls, at convenient voting sites, with full parking and access for handicapped, disabled and able-bodied voters. Supporting development of Mobile Apps for information.

Maggie TOULOUSE OLIVER

Democratic Party

1. If elected, what are your two highest priorities? What specific actions will you take to accomplish them? (65 words)

Protecting the right to vote and making voting easier and more accessible. I will oppose any actions restricting voting rights, such as photo Voter ID, or the rolling back of current laws that facilitate voter participation, such as fewer early voting hours/locations. I will seek to implement online voter registration, same-day registration and the expansion of early voting, especially in rural areas.

2. Would you make any changes in the operation of the Secretary of State’s office and the conduct of our elections? Please explain. (65 words)

I will emphasize hiring in vacant entry-level positions that facilitate customer service to voters, lobbyists and candidates, and eliminate high-level positions for political cronies. I will also re-focus the office’s efforts away from policies that restrict voter participation. Working together with county clerks, I will help develop plans and secure resources to ensure each county has the tools it needs to effectively implement its elections.

3. As Secretary of State, what actions would you take to increase the numbers of voter registrations among eligible New Mexicans? (65 words)

I will immediately work to implement simultaneous, automated registration at the MVD as required by state and federal law. I will also strongly advocate for full online and same-day voter registration. Last, I will push for NM to join the Electronic Registration Information Project – a multi-state database – that provides states with information about unregistered voters who may be eligible to register to vote.

4. If elected, what role will you play in increasing voter turnout? Please explain. (65 words)

I will create a department of voter outreach and participation, whose main purpose would be encourage citizens to register and vote. The department will use a variety of tools, such as community outreach, broadcast media, social networking, and other methods to educate voters about the importance of voting, and provide registration information as well as details regarding how, where and when to cast a ballot.

Robert J. ARAGON

Republican Party

NO REPLY RECEIVED

Timothy M. Keller

Democratic Party

1. Describe your qualifications and pertinent experiences that have prepared you to be the State Auditor. (65 words)

As Senate Majority Whip, I have proposed hundreds of bills to fix broken government, put taxpayer dollars to work and level the playing field for working families. Adding qualifications to the PRC, restructuring the State Investment Council and strengthening the local contracting preference are examples of legislation I’ve sponsored into law. I also have a finance degree from Notre Dame and an MBA from Harvard.

2. What are the most important responsibilities of the State Auditor? How will you carry out these responsibilities? (65 words)

Auditor is the only independently-elected watchdog for accountability and effectiveness of public programs and plays a critical “think tank” role for policy evaluation and government reform. I will help government make better choices at all levels whenever public money is at stake and advocate to prevent waste and corruption while safeguarding tax dollars to ensure spending occurs in the most effective manner.

3. Which policies of the office would you like to see changed? (65 words)

I will proactively uncover the estimated $900 million of unspent money “sitting on the sidelines” that our government has access to. Let’s use it for critical services, infrastructure projects, education changes and economic development. I also hope to shine a light on the billions we give away in tax breaks to gauge effectiveness and allocate resources to those that truly create New Mexican jobs.

Rick J. LOPEZ

Republican Party

1. What experience do you have that qualifies you to manage billions of dollars in short-term investment funds? (75 words)

I have over 27 years of successful leadership and management experience in State and Federal Government. I have primarily held high level positions which have allowed me to grow as a productive public servant. My educational background includes: Bachelor of Business Administration Degree, a Master of Public Administration Degree, and a Master of Business Administration Degree, from the University of New Mexico. I have managed budgets over 8 million dollars with staffs of over 345 employees.

2. What are your highest priorities for this office and how do you intend to accomplish them? (75 words)

I will protect and strengthen the state’s financial resources through wise investment strategies following the principal of safety, liquidity and yield. Aggressively market the Local Government Investment Pool to allow local governments to take advantage of economies of scale to earn higher revenues. Promote a micro-lending and venture capital program that would stimulate the economy and job growth by providing loans to entrepreneurs and small business owners—especially women and minorities. Protect our Permanent Funds.

Tim EICHENBERG

Democratic Party

1. What experience do you have that qualifies you to manage billions of dollars in short-term investment funds? (75 words)

I have served in positions of public trust in New Mexico for over 40 years, as a former State Senator, two-term Bernalillo County Treasurer and former State Property Tax Director, which uniquely qualifies me to serve as State Treasurer. I have the experience and proven leadership necessary to oversee the investment program of the State Treasurer's Office, Investment Division, which includes a team of qualified and proven professionals with decades of combined investment experience.

2. What are your highest priorities for this office and how do you intend to accomplish them? (75 words)

I am committed to maintaining an accessible and transparent office, adhering to best management practices, and investing the taxpayers money prudently; Safety, Liquidity and Yield - with safety and liquidity being paramount in our investment program. I will invest New Mexico’s money in New Mexico for a stronger economy. I pledge to be a full-time State Treasurer, a good steward of the taxpayer’s money, and to make sound choices that benefit all New Mexicans.

Susan M. RIEDEL

Republican Party

1. What are your highest priorities for this office and how do you intend to accomplish them? (65 words)

My highest priority is tackling the corruption that is plaguing our great state. For too long politicians have been afraid to take on the corrupt influences here in New Mexico. I’ve never been afraid to prosecute a criminal. As Attorney General, I’ll use the skills learned during my 20+ years as a prosecutor to put an end to the cycle of corruption in our state.

2. What policies and procedures of the State Attorney General's office would you change? (65 words)

One of the simplest changes is to make the Attorney General’s Office more open and transparent. Now it is commonplace for regulations to be announced without consulting the people they affect. This has caused a rash of unintended consequences. Simply creating an open environment by requesting and listening to the input of the community will make a big difference in the effectiveness of the office.

3. What more can the Attorney General do to protect New Mexicans from consumer fraud? (65 words)

The most important step is to tirelessly prosecute people that are committing consumer fraud. There are some additional commonsense regulations that could be enacted but it’s important to remember that 99.9% of business owners would never try to defraud their customers. New regulations need to solely target fraud and shouldn’t harm all of the reputable businesses in the state as well.

Hector BALDERAS

Democratic Party

1. What are your highest priorities for this office and how do you intend to accomplish them? (65 words)

My number one priority as Attorney General is to protect the people of New Mexico against all threats -- a street corner thug or an unscrupulous con-man undermining our economy. As State Auditor, I have made a career of cleaning up waste, fraud and abuse. As Attorney General, I will have the will and experience to prosecute criminals, scammers, and businesses who break the law.

2. What policies and procedures of the State Attorney General's office would you change? (65 words)

Proactive efforts have been made by state and law enforcement officials to decrease sexual offenses; however, online sex predators weren’t even required to register with the state until 2012. We need an Attorney General with the experience and professionalism to catch those mistakes. As Attorney General I will work with local, state and federal agencies to protect our children and families.

3. What more can the Attorney General do to protect New Mexicans from consumer fraud? (65 words)

As Attorney General, I will prosecute fraudsters and scammers. I will ramp up our outreach to communities, schools, military bases, and other institutions that can help educate and protect our families and neighbors. Most businesses operate legally and professionally, but some take advantage of New Mexicans with corrupt deals and illegal advertising. As chief law enforcement officer, I will stand up for all New Mexicans.

Aubrey DUNN

Republican Party

1. If elected, what are your two highest priorities? What specific actions will you take to accomplish them? (65 words)

Land Commissioner should be a conservationist who recognizes that responsible management carries with it two fiduciary duties. The first being the ability to make responsible decisions that increase revenues and create job opportunities in a timely fashion. Second, that person needs to recognize that the lands must be protected and cared for in a way that balances current use against sustainability for future State generations.

2. As Land Commissioner, how will you evaluate possible land swaps that involve trust lands? (65 words)

Land trades will be evaluated in the most transparent manner possible, and ensure that the trade optimizes the benefits to the recipients of the trust land revenues both short term and long term.

3. The State Land Commissioner’s mandate is to produce as much revenue as possible from the state trust lands. How can the commissioner assure that the lands will continue to be productive for future generations? (65 words)

As a lifelong conservationist, I believe just as President Teddy Roosevelt did in 1910 that “Conservation means development as much as it does protection. I recognize the right and duty of this generation to develop and use the natural resources of our land; but I do not recognize the right to waste them, or to rob, by wasteful means, the generations that come after us.”

Ray Bennett POWELL

Democratic Party

1. If elected, what are your two highest priorities? What specific actions will you take to accomplish them? (65 words)

Generating Revenues. In the last three years we have generated a record $2.3 billion dollars, a tax savings of $850 a year per family. I will continue these sound business decisions. Creating Jobs. Leasing Trust Lands. Three of our projects are now home to over 5,000 good paying jobs including science and tech parks, renewable energy projects, and oil and gas and agricultural activities.

2. As Land Commissioner, how will you evaluate possible land swaps that involve trust lands? (65 words)

I will continue my open and transparent process by working with local communities and our Trust beneficiaries to evaluate the merits of possible exchanges. All exchanges must result in an exchange of like-for-like value and in increased opportunities for the Land Trust. I have rebuilt a badly compromised and dysfunctional office and have turned it into one of the best land management agencies.

3. The State Land Commissioner’s mandate is to produce as much revenue as possible from the state trust lands. How can the commissioner assure that the lands will continue to be productive for future generations? (65 words)

Healthy productive lands mean sustainable revenues. I am investing in New Mexico’s future by cleaning up illegal dumps, thinning our forests to reduce fire risk, replacing non-native plants with native species, providing drinkers for wildlife, improving overall watershed health, protecting important cultural sites, and enhancing habitat for native, migratory and endangered species. When we take care of our lands, our lands takes care of us!