Here we are in October of a political year, with only a couple more weeks until election day. The presidential race between Barack Obama and John McCain is finally nearing a close. It's a big year for other political offices as well. The offices of thirty-five United States Senators and the entire House of Representatives have elections in November. One of New Mexico's senators, Pete Domenici, did not seek reelection in 2008, leaving an open seat New Mexico Representative that Stevean Pearce would like to fill. I had the opportunity to talk to Congressman Pearce over the phone. I asked him about the issues concerning New Mexico Tech students, staff, and faculty.

      The current Senators for New Mexico are Jeff Bingaman and Pete Domenici. Domenici has represented New Mexico in the U.S. Senate since 1973. Citing health reasons, Domenici did not seek reelection in 2008. Tom Udall and Steve Pearce, congressman representing the second and the third districts of New Mexico, are, respectively, the Democrat and Republican nominees for Senator Domenici's position.

      Because the position of Senator is a higher political office than Representatives, New Mexico's three Representatives all stated intentions to run for Senator Domenici's Position. Steve Pearce became the Republican candidate for the senate position after he won the Republican primary against Heather Wilson, New Mexico's representative from the first district. Heather Wilson did not seek reelection for her Representative position. Steve Pearce will face Democrat Tom Udall in November.
      Steve Pearce graduated from New Mexico State University and earned his MBA from Eastern New Mexico University. Pearce was first elected to represent New Mexico's second congressional district—which includes Socorro—in 2002. Pearce believes he is the best candidate to represent New Mexico in the Senate because of his experience and qualifications.
      While discussing education, Pearce brought up the fact that he is one of six brothers who went to college on Pell grants. Pearce stated that he is supportive of Pell grants because he “wants every young person to have the same opportunity he did.” Concerning his experience and qualifications, Pearce states that he has a bBusiness background, served in Vietnam, grew up in New Mexico, and emphasizes that he is not the typical politician.
      The issue on everyone's mind's right now: the Economy. What will Pearce do for the economy of New Mexico and the United States as a whole? Pearce Voted 'no' on the recent 'bailout bill'. “I don't believe the taxpayer should be paying for that,” adding that the market will fix itself. How does he think the U.S. Economy will recover? “We need to realize the true value of America is the American people.” Pearce's economic plan involves private-sector, non-government solutions.
      The race between Udall and Pearce is important for a few reasons. In order to give smaller states more representation in government, the founding fathers gave each state two Senators. The U.S. Senate is made up of one-hundred senators from all fifty states. Currently, the U.S. Senate is composed of 51 democrats and 49 republicans, giving democrats the majority and therefore more power. While the democrats have the majority, they do not have enough to end a filibuster. A filibuster was originally intended to allow free and unlimited debate about legislation, but has recently been used to delay it. Filibusters are intended to balance the power in the senate between the majority and minority parties. To end a filibuster requires a three-fifths majority--60 senators.
      Some analysts are predicting elections of democrats in previously republican-held positions. Senator Domenici's position is one that could be previously depended on as republican. As many as ten of these positions could become democrat, giving Democrats enough to end a filibuster. The power to end a filibuster eases the passage of legislation. As Barack Obama is leading John McCain by as much as 14 percent% in a recent CBS poll, democrats will control the presidency and both the Senate and the House. Bush's numbers are low, most of America wants “change”, and with a one-party congress and presidency, change will come quickly and forcefully. But is that a good thing? For the most part, democrats are blaming the financial crisis on republicans, republicans are blaming democrats, and both are ignoring the most prevalent problems. As we saw with the continued contraction of the American economy, even after the House of Representatives passed the Bailout bill, government solutions are rarely actual solutions. Steve Pearce is one of few conservatives who still remain fiscal. With Senator Domeneci's endorsement, Pearce hopes to become your next senator. Pearce wanted New Mexico Tech students, staff, and faculty to know that he will continue to work for and represent New Mexicans. He also added: “I would appreciate the vote”.