This is one of several guest columns that were submitted in response to this question: How do you identify yourself politically (liberal, conservative, Democrat, Republican, Green, Libertarian, independent, something else or none of the above) and what does that mean to you?
By Estevan Lujan
You know you are a die-hard political junkie when you decide to voluntarily write an essay about your political affiliation.
Ever since I was a kid, I have always enjoyed watching and participating in our nation’s democracy. I know that we are incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to put our elected leaders on spot every two, four or six years so we can make the decision whether or not they should have (or continue to have) the privilege of representing us as a people.
The political climate in New Mexico is truly a sight to behold, especially for those who are not particularly familiar with how things work here. The political machine in New Mexico is powerful and at times amazing. But it can also be scary.
For decades, New Mexico politics have been dominated by one party. We have seen scores of individuals from this party over the years pack the seats in the Legislature, the governor’s chair and even a few spots in our congressional delegation. As I write this, the Democrats of New Mexico are probably still celebrating their big victories in the past two major elections.
But that’s not my party. I am a Republican. What makes my story a little different is that I am a Hispanic. There are a few of us in this party, and our number is growing. Recently, Doña Ana County District Attorney Susana Martinez announced that she will be seeking the state’s highest office. Earlier this month, Mr. Jon Barela informed the 1st Congressional District that he wants to try his hand at congressman.
These are encouraging signs for our party. It shows that this party is for anyone who wants to represent the people as someone for a strong national defense, lower taxes and a strong free-market economy, among other things.
Willing to work for change
Being a Republican means more to me than bashing Democrats and their actions in New Mexico over the years. It means that, as a Republican, I am someone who is willing to work for change as a major underdog, no matter how difficult it may be.
As someone born and raised in Northern New Mexico, I understand what Republicans are up against. Winning is very possible. But for this to be possible, Republicans need to extend a hand to everyone in our state and show them that we share the same principles and values that they do, even though we are from different parties.
Over the years, we have watched elected individuals from both major parties serve their constituents over time, and leave office. Most have left honorably. A few have left in handcuffs. Some have been indicted for crimes only weeks after taking the oath of office.
Personally, I am tired of politicians giving politicians a bad name. Hopefully one day people will think of a politician in a positive light, not in a negative one. But until we give different people with different ideas a chance to serve, that day may never come.
This upcoming election gives us the chance to take a serious look at how well our elected officials have worked for us, and also gives us the opportunity to reshape the status quo for how they behave while serving us. Even though different individuals have held office, the same attitude has persisted over the years: “Me, me, me.” Only we can change this through action.
I have a good feeling about the direction of my party. I hope that in coming years more people from all over, (especially young individuals) will get involved in steering the party in the right direction: to serve the people of our country and state honorably, efficiently and honestly.
Lujan lives in Pojoaque and is a graduate of New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. He currently works as a technical writer and worked for the Republican National Committee’s victory program in Southern New Mexico and 2006 and 2008.