Dear Editor,
In November, our nation will participate in a democratic exercise: the 2024 election. Sen. Martin Heinrich, the incumbent Democrat is challenged by Republican challenger Nella Domenici, the daughter of our legendary Pete Domenici. This essay will only examine Heinrich’s record representing the Land of Enchantment.
Martin Heinrich is the senior senator from New Mexico. He was first elected 12 years ago as senator when Jeff Bingaman retired from politics. Heinrich served two terms as N.M. representative of District 1. Previously, he served on the Albuquerque City Council for four years. As representative, he served on the following committees: Appropriations, Armed Services, Energy and Natural Resources, and Intelligence. Heinrich currently serves on the Joint Economic Committee, along with the Senate Committees: Energy and Natural Resources, Appropriations, and Intelligence.
Heinrich advocated energy independence and favored ending the war in Iraq. In 2009, he co-sponsored the Stop the Congressional Pay Raise Act, which was introduced, but did not advance. He voted for Obamacare, and later in 2017 as senator, co-sponsored the Medicare for All Act.
His stance on the environment, along with guns, is favorable. He is an avid outdoorsman, but voted with Republicans regarding banning fracking. In fact, he once had support of the NRA. Recent gun violence has forced him to evaluate his positions; he favors expansion of background checks and outlawing conversion devices like bump stocks.
With a length limit approaching, and an abbreviated description of Heinrich’s resume incomplete, perhaps this letter should close with Heinrich approaches Pete Domenici’s political greatness!
Joe Hubbard
Aztec