Race Outcome: Won

According to independent polls, Democratic Representative Martin Heinrich has a good lead over opponent Heather Wilson in the race to replace New Mexico’s retiring Senator Jeff Bingaman.

But at a time when the GOP has made “skewed” polls the topic of the day, Wilson has countered with her own internal poll, saying she’s only 1 point down.

Despite the polls, Heinrich continues campaigning hard, hitting Wilson’s support for tax cuts for the wealthy and the Ryan budget, which would cut Pell Grants, raise the cost of a college education and take funding away from programs like Head Start.

Progressive Credentials:

• Voted for health care reform
• Championed energy independence, environmental causes and renewable energy initiatives
• Cosponsor of the DREAM Act
• Sought to increase transparency and competition in the health-care industry

Why We Like Him: Martin Heinrich sponsors legislation that will increase the use of renewable energy sources.  His background in natural science dovetails neatly with his legislative advocacy for wind, solar and cleaner sources of fuel. A congressman from a state where water and energy sources are often sparse, he understands the importance of conservation and ecological preservation.

Candidate Quote: “DREAM Act students represent much of what’s best about our nation: hard work, motivation and a willingness to serve this country. The DREAM Act is good for our economy, our security and our nation. And the DREAM Act is the type of fair, practical immigration policy that Americans are demanding. It’s time to make the dream a reality.”

Candidate Website:  http://www.martinheinrich.com/

A native of Fallon, Nevada, Martin Heinrich graduated from the University of Missouri in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in science and engineering, and later took graduate courses at the University of New Mexico. He served as executive director of the Cottonwood Gulch Foundation, a New Mexico nonprofit  dedicated to educating young people on natural science and the environment, and founded his own public affairs consulting firm.

Heinrich served on the Albuquerque City Council from 2003 to 2007, which included one term as city council president in 2006. As a city councilman, he sought to reduce crime, raise the minimum wage, create new jobs, and he advocated the use of wind and solar power. In February 2006, he was appointed by Governor Bill Richardson to be the state’s Natural Resources Trustee.