Purchasing power
by Matt Worley

I guess it's easy to hack on politicians as being "sold out." As in, the only way to win an election these days (except, possibly, for the annual PTA elections) is to prostrate yourself in front of the money gods (big business, political action committees, party big wigs, and the obscenely rich) and hope your message of nothing is better than the other message of nothing. In the little microcosm of national politics called New Mexico, this message of nothing (wrapped in provocative new packaging) has cost over 4 million dollars to get to the masses. And, even though the special election for New Mexico's first district congressional seat takes place on Tuesday, this is just the beginning. We gotta go through this same damn thing when the general election nears at the end of the year.

There are four people running for this seat, representing four different political parties. Here's my quick takes on these people.

Bruce Bush. Don't know anything about him. Except that libertarianism, centered on the belief that there should be a bare bones national government, no income taxes and no welfare doesn't work well in a state with the highest percentage of people living in poverty. And while I think the so-called sin crimes (or victimless crimes) such as drug use, prostitution and gambling should be legal (also a libertarian stance), this is not enough of a reason to vote for the guy. Hell, Bush doesn't even want you to vote for him. Just as long as you don't vote for Heather--which seems to be everyone's rallying cry these days.

Bob Anderson. Probably the best candidate. He's well versed on the issues (the guy teaches government at UNM--at least he knows the rules), he supports the environment (duh), a higher minimum wage, universal health care, and a sensible approach to education (better teacher wages, smaller classes, more schools). There are other things, but basically this guy is pretty right on with my own sensibilities. He spent around $5000 on his campaign. No support from the national Green party or many local environmental groups because he has been labeled as "unelectable." Note to these people: are you supporting a cause or buying influence? When belief gives way to practicality, what is the point? Oh yeah, money. Forgot.

Phil Maloof. The Dan Quayle of New Mexico politics. He ain't too bright, but he's cute and he's got a hell of a trust fund. His personal worth is around $100 million--and his parents (worth much more) haven't even died yet. Early 30s, been in the State Senate for five years, and needs something to do with his time. Okay, so no one bought this guy (he didn't accept PAC contributions), but then again, he contributed $2 million to his campaign. In a state with only slightly more than 1.5 million people, this seems excessive. Especially since this congressional district is only one of three (so he's mathematically only representing 500,000--I want my 4 dollars!). Maloof pressed Wilson on term limits (he signed a pledge to only serve 3 terms in the House, 2 in the Senate), and negative campaigning (he signed a pledge not to mention Wilson in any of his commercials). When Wilson did not reciprocate, Maloof went back on his signature and ran more negative ads. So I guess the term limit thing ain't set in stone either. The paper I work for reluctantly endorsed Maloof and then kind of took it back the next day.

Heather Wilson. Bought and paid for by the Republicans. Never served in an elective office (she was appointed to a state office by our governor, Gary Johnson, also a Republican). Most of her money comes from out of state. She raised around $2 million by taking PAC and Republican campaign groups wholesale. One of her campaign people said it was ludicrous to think Wilson is beholden to anyone who gave her money for her campaign. Yeah, and when she runs for re-election, who will she turn to for cash if she ignores all of these people? Even though she served the state in an office linked to education, Wilson would rather put kids in jail instead of teaching them anything. She is against a higher minimum wage because it hurts business. If there wasn't so much damn Republican money behind her, she'd be dead in the water. The other daily paper in town endorsed Wilson.

Blah, blah, blah. Here's what I really wanted to say. Voting is free. It don't cost nothin' and what is there to do these days for free? You get to hang out with the senior citizens who volunteer their time to run the voting stations, and sometimes they have refreshments. Okay, no refreshments, but you get to punch all those bright light buttons.

Two, an electable candidate shouldn't be the one who can pay to put his or her name on the lips of everyone. Many people pay no attention to anything other than party affiliation. This is like going to McDonalds because it's the only burger place you've ever been to in your life. Just because you are registered under a political party doesn't mean you have to vote for them. Look at these people. Are they people you would like representing your interests in Washington? Make a personal decision. Your party isn't gonna get on your case if you don't vote for the "selected" candidate. And you wanna know why? Because no one knows who you vote for. There will be no Party Police banging on your door if you cross the party line.

Numero Three: Why not vote for one of the lesser known candidates? Do you always have to vote for a winner? Or a candidate you think might win? It's not like you're going to win something if you pick the winner. This ain't the lottery here. We don't gamble on elections because they are openly paid for by people, corporations and groups. So vote for who you want to vote for. Don't be such a boob.

Matt Worley apologizes to everyone living outside the First Congressional District of New Mexico for this weeks' column. He'll return to something more universal next week.

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