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Governor,

lieutenant governor

Bill Richardson, Democrat

Diane Denish, Democrat

Gov. Bill Richardson creates genuine momentum. He gets things done - huge things, of real value to New Mexico.

That's why we're endorsing Richardson and his accomplished lieutenant governor, Diane Denish, for election to a second term.

Richardson has pushed through substantial teacher pay raises and has directed more spending to improve troubled schools.

He has initiated tax reforms - a profoundly difficult adventure - both to lure more businesses to the state and to reduce personal tax burdens. These include ending gross-receipts taxes on food and medicine, reducing personal income taxes, and providing incentives to attract and encourage high-wage businesses. Jobs and income have grown on his watch.

There's more. Richardson's administration has helped battle drunken driving, child abuse, domestic violence and meth labs. It has defended against federal attempts to drill for oil and gas in pristine areas. With the help of the state's congressional delegation, he successfully went to bat to save Cannon Air Force Base from federal closure.

He has boosted New Mexico's appeal to the film industry and has courted cutting-edge aerospace entrepreneurs, most notably by getting a New Mexico spaceport off the ground. These endeavors and more have raised New Mexico's national profile - and yes, Richardson's national profile.

More on that in a moment.

Richardson says in a second term he will press for changes that will make health care more available and affordable to New Mexicans. That's something he should have done in his first four years, and we applaud him for taking on what may be the single biggest problem facing this state.

We urge the governor, in every legislative session of his second term, to unleash his considerable political armory on the health care issue, where, clearly, a bunker mentality reigns. It makes no sense - none - to raise the flag of improved health care and health insurance if he's not willing to go to the wall for it. Too often in his first term, Richardson settled for easy headlines - and let pedantic legislative squabbles kill important legislation at the 11th hour.

When he's up for the game, there's little Richardson can't do. His political instincts generally are moderate enough to be broadly appealing.

To be sure, Richardson is angling for such attention; it's no secret he harbors thoughts of running for the White House. The Trib's take: There's nothing wrong with a little chutzpah and a lot of ambition - provided Richardson remembers who brung him to the dance.

It was New Mexico, Governor. We hope you'll keep that uppermost in your mind during a second term, no matter where it may lead.

Richardson's opponent is smart, engaged in public life and a useful foil for the Democratic governor. But there's no comparison in public achievements.

Denish also has a long and deep history of public service. Though she has kept a low profile - and who wouldn't? - while serving with Richardson, she is a powerful New Mexico political figure in her own right.

Richardson and Denish have the ability to make New Mexico a better place to live. We urge voters to give them that opportunity.

U.S. Senate

Jeff Bingaman, Democrat

The Tribune has endorsed Bingaman repeatedly during his political career, which includes service as state attorney general from 1979-82, four six-year terms as a U.S. senator - and again, now, in his run for a fifth term.

The reasons remain much the same. They just get stronger with every term he serves.

Bingaman takes a serious, soft-spoken, dignified, moderate, civil, mature and relatively humble approach to political leadership. What a concept, huh?

But lead he does, with great intensity, thoughtfulness and determination. His approach and dedication have earned him respect in the Senate and around New Mexico.

Bingaman is a bulwark against overreaching by the White House into environmental treasures in New Mexico, such as the Ojito Mesa, Valle Vidal, Valles Caldera and other places that should be protected from overdevelopment and preserved for posterity.

He has defended against White House overreaching into Americans' civil liberties by resisting unsavory portions of the USA Patriot Act.

As ranking member on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Bingaman is perfectly positioned to promote sensible and sustainable alternative energy development in our energy- and natural-resources-rich state. He has been a leading voice in the Senate for fighting global warming.

Bingaman also has clout. He was a key player in efforts to fend off cutbacks and closures of Kirtland, Holloman and Cannon Air Force bases, and to fund cutting-edge research at Sandia and Los Alamos National Labs - not to mention his dependable support for increasing the number of highly qualified math and science teachers, and for continued basic research.

These are but small samples of the good Bingaman has done for this state.

After 24 years, his stature in the Senate is such that he can exert influence beneficial to New Mexico, even in a GOP-dominated federal government.

It would be foolish to trade Bingaman for a political rookie at this point.

U.S. House District 2

Steve Pearce, Republican

While Pearce's take on what's good for New Mexico and the United States may not track well with The Tribune's, it's clear his views match better with those of voters in his relatively conservative southern district.

After two terms in office, Pearce is getting the hang of representing District 2 effectively. He also served two terms in the New Mexico Legislature. By contrast, his opponent - a minister with no experience in elected office - falls far short of Pearce in political savvy.

What District 2 needs to unseat Pearce is an opponent with strong public stature and a better political track record. Such things are important, if a candidate wishes to represent his or her constituents well. Until then, Pearce will have an edge over contenders.

U.S. House District 3

Tom Udall, Democrat

There should be little question that this is one of the most lopsided races voters will decide Nov. 7.

Udall is running for his fifth term as U.S. representative for northern New Mexico. He served two terms as New Mexico's attorney general during the 1990s and worked as an attorney for a number of government agencies before that. Udall definitely should be on anyone's short list for the nation's most energetic political leaders anywhere, at any level of government - particularly in staying in touch with and serving his constituents.

The progressive causes he fights for - from the environment and civil liberties to social justice for American Indians and Hispanics - are also close to the hearts of voters in his heavily Democratic district.

His opponent has an impressive background in science and academia but has never been elected to political office. He's reaching awfully high on his first attempt. Even if he wasn't, we still believe Udall is an excellent representative who promises to serve his district better and better as time goes by.

Saturday: The Tribune recommends in the race for U.S. House District 1.