Las Cruces Sun-News Endorses Harry Teague in NM-02 Race

The Las Cruces Sun-News has endorsed Harry Teague in the NM-02 congressional race, saying Harry's "incredible work ethic" was as a major factor in their decision. The endorsement is quite a coup for the Teague campaign, because the paper endorsed Harry's opponent two years ago. The endorsement comes on the heels of of Teague, by the Alamogordo Daily News.

This year the Sun-News endorsement says, in part:

The indefatigable congressman returned to the district each weekend but four during his first two years in office. He conducted 110 Harry in Your Hometown events in towns large and small throughout the Second District, giving residents ample opportunity to make their voices heard. We doubt if Pearce held as many public events during his six years in office.

The endorsement also praised Teague for being "an effective, independent legislator," and cited his work helping to pass a number of important bills:

Among the bills Teague helped pass were the Kyle Barthel Veterans and Service Members Mental Health Screening Act, which requires all soldiers deployed overseas to undergo mandatory mental health screenings before and after their deployment, and Katie's Law, which encourages states to follow New Mexico's lead and collect DNA samples from suspects upon arrest for violent crimes. The first bill is named for Las Crucean Kyle Barthel, who committed suicide after returning from combat. The second is named for Katie Sepich, a New Mexico State University student who was brutally murdered.

Comparing Teague and his rival Steve Pearce, the Sun-News gives Teague accolades for connecting with constituents and understanding the district:

Since both Teague and Pearce have served in Congress recently, this race gives voters a unique opportunity to compare and contrast their performances. We believe Teague better understands the district because he has made more of an effort to meet the people and hear from them what their hopes and concerns are.