Ben Ray Luján for Congress

Background:

I'm the Democratic nominee for Congress in New Mexico's 3rd District, a New Mexico Public Regulation Commissioner and a former Chairman of the Commission.

With the Commission, I have worked to increase renewable energy production by New Mexico utilities to 20 percent of their total production by 2020. I also pushed to diversify the renewable portfolio to include solar energy. With my colleagues in California, Oregon and Washington, I signed on to the Joint Action Framework on Climate Change on behalf of the state of New Mexico to create regional solutions for global warming.

I have also fought for improved health care for New Mexico consumers, investigating the health-insurance industry's denial practices and spearheading development of legislation that expands access to insurance and closes loopholes the industry had been using to unfairly deny medical claims and void policies.

Before joining the PRC, I served as the New Mexico Cultural Affairs Department's director of administrative services and chief financial officer. I also served as deputy state treasurer. I graduated from New Mexico Highlands University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

I was born and raised in Northern New Mexico, and I live in a small community called Nambe. My family is very important to me. My father, Ben Lujan, is the Speaker of the New Mexico House. He is one of the last blue collar Speakers in the country, entering public service after a career as a union ironworker. My mother, Carmen, worked in the Pojoaque Valley school system as an administrator, helping students achieve their goals.

Goals:

I'm a seventh generation New Mexican, and I was born and raised in the district, appreciating and respecting the traditions, values and culture of my family and the people of Northern New Mexico. I've always taken pride in my community and the people of my district. I decided to run for Congress so I could give the people of my district a voice in Congress. For too long, Washington has put profits ahead of people, and my number one goal is to make sure that decisions are made in Washington that puts the middle class and working families first.

Issues:

Economy: Our economy must focus on the middle class. It's time to end the tax breaks for the rich and develop a sense of fiscal responsibility that won't put a burden of debt on the next generation.

Renewable Energy: New Mexico has tremendous potential to produce renewable energy. We can become a national leader in renewable energy, such as solar and wind using by building on our existing resources. I want to work to invest in renewable energy technology that will lead us toward an energy independent future and create new jobs in New Mexico.

Iraq War/Veterans: We must end the war in Iraq and bring our troops home safely. Northern New Mexico is home to thousands of veterans, and I will fight to get them the benefits they earned and deserve.

Grassroots Support:

I was born and raised in New Mexico. On my campaign, much of the grassroots are the people I have known for years. To reach out to these people and to bring new people onto the campaign, we held a series of town hall meetings where we listened to people's concerns and then asked them to become involved in the campaign. The town halls were held in every county in the district. From this outreach, we were able to recruit volunteers and new supporters, while also activating old friends to join the campaign. We will continue this outreach in the general election.

DFA Values:

The Bush Administration has turned a budget surplus into the largest deficit in history. It’s a trend we have to reverse. We need more fiscal responsibility in Washington. That means getting more for our tax dollars, cracking down on waste, increasing accountability and ensuring earmarks and government contracts are open and transparent.

I support equality and progressive values that ensure civil rights and civil liberties for all Americans. We must stand up for the rights of all Americans.