I know it’s a bit cheesy to write on Election Day about why it’s important to vote.
So call me cheesy.
This primary election is important because no one expects much from the voters. Analysts and candidates predict that voter turnout to be at an all-time low.
What a great time to show our leaders that we are paying attention to what they’re doing.
This primary election is also important because both major political parties have been rocked by scandal in recent months – the Democrats at the state level and the Republicans at the federal level. Many of our leaders are giving us little reason to believe in them or the political system.
What a great time to take control of our government by electing honest leaders.
Many say you can’t complain if you don’t vote. I think that’s crap. Since when is free speech dependent upon a citizen exercising his responsibility to vote?
But it is important that people vote. It is a right and a responsibility.
Why? Because we live in corrupt times. Corporate money has taken control of politics. It’s nearly impossible for our leaders to rise to the top levels of government without being bought by corporate giants.
It doesn’t have to be that way. Corporate money alone can’t control our leaders. But when citizens don’t vote, when we don’t force our leaders to listen to us, they often turn their ears to those who are making requests and giving money.
Suddenly, Big Oil’s voice is louder than ours.
If even half of registered voters turned out on an election day, our leaders would be forced to listen.
So what if there’s not a presidential election this year? So what if there’s no primary in the gubernatorial race? There are many important primary elections today. Here are a few:
Magistrate Judge: Democrats get to choose between two candidates who have both held the position. It’s an important one. That court has been plagued by scandal. We need judges who are honest and hard-working.
County Commission: Democrats in District 1 and Republicans in District 3 get to choose between two candidates. The commission oversees everything from water and sewer service and law enforcement to taxes and road upkeep in the unincorporated areas of the county, and the county’s jail. That’s a big task.
Public Regulation Commission: Democrats and Republicans get to choose today who will represent their parties in November. The PRC has also been plagued by scandal. It regulates what you pay for everything from natural gas and electricity to telephone service – all the little bills that add up to a lot of cash.
Land Commissioner: Democrats get to choose between two very different candidates in this primary. The way that office is managed would be quite different under each of them.
State auditor: We’ve had an independent, non-political auditor for the past eight years who has helped keep state government honest. We need to ensure that continues. There are two Democrats in the race.
Attorney general: Like the auditor, the attorney general is a watchdog of government. It’s important to have an independent, honest attorney general who cares deeply about the citizens of New Mexico. There are three Democrats in the race.
If you are a Democrat or Republican, please vote today.
Election results will be updated throughout the evening on the secretary of state’s Web site. You can view the results by clicking here. Check back here frequently tonight, as I’ll be updating results and reporting news throughout the evening.
***
The Republican candidate for Doña Ana County assessor is striking back at fellow Republican and District Attorney Susana Martinez, who last month endorsed his Democratic opponent in the upcoming November election.
Martinez said she is supporting Democrat Gary Perez, the incumbent, over H.F. “Junior” Adams because she heard Adams speak at a recent event and he isn’t qualified for the job.
In an e-mail, Adams said the so-called speech Martinez witnessed was a “quote” that lasted fewer than 60 seconds, was impromptu, and should not be grounds for judgment of his candidacy. Adams said he is qualified for the job, and he wishes Martinez had asked him before deciding otherwise.
Adams said he attended “appraisal school” and sold apartments, homes and commercial property in California for 17 years.
“I don’t think there is a real estate book out that I have not read,” Adams said.
In addition, Adams said, he has a bachelor’s degree in business.
“I don’t mind people talking about me as long as you can back it up,” he said.
Adams said Martinez has lost his support and the support of many in the Republican Party by backing Perez. Her husband, Chuck Franco, is the undersheriff. Adams said he likes Franco, and hopes Martinez’s comments don’t hurt him and Sheriff Todd Garrison, who is currently running for re-election.
“I know how to run an office. I know how to treat people. I will bring honesty and fairness to that office,” Adams wrote in the e-mail. “So, Ms. Martinez, you take care of your law work and I will take care of my campaign. Good luck on the next time you run. You will not have this person’s support.”
Sources tell me Martinez’s endorsement of Perez is a major blow to her support in the inner circle of the county’s Republican Party.
That’s not likely to hurt her popularity with the voters. Martinez turned her back on the inner circle of the Democratic Party long ago when she switched parties, and she still gets enough Democratic votes in a heavily Democratic county to be nearly untouchable as district attorney.
***
Thanks for reading today. Go vote! Come back tonight for news updates and tomorrow for more on New Mexico politics.