NM-03: Santa Fe New Mexican Endorses Lujan; Leads in Journal Poll With 41%

Ben Ray with AZ Gov. Janet Napolitano, Navajo Nation parade

The Santa Fe New Mexican has endorsed Ben Ray Luján for Congress in NM-03.

Son of state House Speaker Ben Luján, Ben Ray emerged from political obscurity four years ago to win our region's seat on New Mexico's Public Regulation Commission. He was quick to learn the intricately knotted ropes of regulation and corporate guidelines, and by many experts' reckoning has been a good commissioner — keeping consumer interests in mind while allowing utility- and communications-company stockholders a reasonable rate of return. More important to our conservation-minded part of the district, he came out quickly and courageously against more coal-fired power plants in the Four Corners.

... His good manners and calm demeanor will serve him well, and so will the political and operational know-how he's gained from both his dad and his mom, Carmen, who for years kept the Pojoaque Valley Public Schools office humming.

... He also has worked all parts of his party, and has reached out to independents as well: a good beginning to what could be a long career in Congress.

Albuquerque Journal Poll: Luján has the lead in a three-way race in NM-03, at least according to a poll conducted September 29-October 2, 2008 by Research and Polling Inc. for the Albuquerque Journal:

Ben Luján (D) 41%
Dan East (R) 18%
Carol Miller (Ind.) 14%
Undecided 27%

Sixty-four percent of Hispanics polled supported Luján. He had slightly stronger support among female voters than male voters. Among Republicans polled, 29 percent were undecided, A total of 49% of Republicans baked East, 16% were for Luján and 7% were for Miller. As with other Research and Polling Inc. surveys this cycle in New Mexico, the undecideds are incredibly high for this late in the game.

The results are based on phone interviews with 136 registered, likely voters in the District -- which is a small sample in a large District. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 8.4 percentage points, a fairly high number. Most respected polls track in with about a 3-5 percent MOE, so take these results with a grain of salt.

Photo from Luján campaign.

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