NM-03: Albuquerque Journal Endorses Luján; Candidate Has Packed Saturday Schedule

The Albuquerque Journal today endorsed Democrat Ben Ray Luján for Congress in NM-03. You can read their their editorial below the jump.

As I'm sure you've noticed, this election season has been packed with campaign events, canvasses and rallies of all kinds, and now it's time for the last big push. Democrats will be out in force working hard in every race on the ticket from now thru election day, and NM-03 Congressional candidate Ben Ray Luján is no exception.

Today, on the last day for Early Voting (click to find locations and hours), Ben Ray will attend several Get Out The Vote events including an early vote rally with Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Senator Jeff Bingaman and Rep. Tom Udall. After the rally, Luján will cast his vote early and reach out to voters in Santa Fe. Check out his packed schedule:

Full Schedule: Saturday, November 1:

9:00-10:30 AM: Early Vote Rally, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Sen. Jeff Bingaman, Rep. Tom Udall and Commissioner Ben Ray Luján, Democratic Coordinated Campaign Headquarters, Plaza del Sol Shopping Center, 720 St. Michaels Drive, Santa Fe

11:00-11:30 AM: Ben Ray Luján will vote at the Santa Fe County Clerk's Office, 102 Grant Ave., Santa Fe

11:30 AM-1:00 PM: Ben Ray Luján will visit the Santa Fe Farmer's Market and talk to attendees

1:00-3:00 PM: Ben Ray Luján will knock on doors of undecided voters in Santa Fe

3:45-5:00 pPM Ben Ray Luján will speak to canvassers at the Santa Fe Obama Headquarters and join them to knock on doors, Santa Fe Obama Field Office, 3494 Zafarano Drive, Suite B, Santa Fe

Albuquerque Journal Endorsement: November 1, 2008

3rd DISTRICT: Ben Ray Luján — There is a reason Luján dominated a tough, six-way primary battle for the Democratic nomination to the U.S. House seat in the 3rd Congressional District. Luján won 41 percent of the primary vote because he is a good fit for the district.

Back when the war in Iraq was the No. 1 issue on voters' minds, Luján was calling for an end to it — just like most northern New Mexicans. When the top issue switched to high gas prices and U.S. dependence on foreign oil, Luján favored renewable energy development over oil drilling. While that tends to track thinking in much of his district outside the Farmington area, he will need to be open to a "do it all" energy policy so essential to the nation's security.

A member of the Public Regulation Commission, he is on track with his suggestion that the national research laboratories should play a leading role in wind and solar energy technology.

Now, of course, the top issue is the economy.

With home values collapsing and job security shaken, the district needs an advocate in Washington who will be able to work with the House majority from Day One.

The Journal endorses Ben Ray Luján for the job.