Farmington Daily Times — 2012 San Juan County, New Mexico, elections

The candidates below appear in the order listed on the sample ballots.
Only candidates in contested races are shown.

Barack Obama (D)

Barack Obama is the incumbent president of the United States. He entered office in 2009 amid the worst recession since the Great Depression. His tenure has been marked by partisan discord in both houses of Congress, though he and the Democratic-controlled House and Senate passed a major health care reform act, seen by many as the defining legislative initiative of his presidency. He has come under attack from the Republicans for his economic stimulus package, and heralded by some Democrats for the recent switch to a stance in favor of gay marriage.

Ron Paul (R)

Rep. Ron Paul was running for the GOP nomination on a largely libertarian platform. Paul believes in limited government, a wide expansion of personal rights and the repeal of things like the health care bill and the Federal Reserve. Paul has suspended active campaigning.

Newt Gingrich (R)

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich was running for the Republican nomination for president as a self-described consensus conservative candidate, saying front-runner Mitt Romney wasn't conservative enough. Gingrich has suspended active campaigning.

Mitt Romney (R)

After winning the GOP primary in the state of Texas, Mitt Romney officially garnered enough pledged delegates to certify the presidential nomination for the Republican Party in 2012. Romney, a one-term governor of Massachusetts, is running largely on his years in the financial industry. Romney also ran the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, helping turn the troubled games into a success. Romney's tenure as governor of Massachusetts was largely lauded, though it became a liability when he signed a health care system into law very similar to Obama's.

Rick Santorum (R)

Rick Santorum ran for the Republican presidential nomination with a heavy appeal to cultural conservatism, often hitting front-runner Mitt Romney for his shaky conservative bona fides. Santorum has suspended active campaigning.

Hector Balderas (D)

State Auditor Hector Balderas is running for the Senate seat vacated by retiring Democrat Sen. Jeff Bingaman. During his tenure as state auditor, Balderas has made headlines cracking down on fraud in New Mexico city, county and state governments. Balderas previous served as a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives for one term. If elected, Balderas says his priorities would be to strengthen the education system, spur job growth through promoting small business innovations, and continuing to fight fraud and abuse.

Martin Heinrich (D)

Rep. Martin Heinrich is a two-term representative for the 1st Congressional District of New Mexico who previously served on the Albuquerque City Council from 2003-2007 and as Natural Resources Trustee for New Mexico. Heinrich says his focus, if elected, would be on education and elderly care entitlements such as Social Security and Medicare. He touts his position on the House Armed Services Committee as crucial for supporting both the Kirtland Air Force Base and the Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Greg Sowards (R)

Greg Sowards has never held an elected office, but is running for the Senate on the strength of his success in the private sector. He's an Army veteran, owner of a daycare business and a holder of five patents, all of which pertain to soccer or sports training devices. Sowards ran for the GOP nomination for the House seat vacated by Rep. Steve Pearce in 2008, but lost to Ed Tinsley. If elected, Sowards plans to focus on economic issues, including balancing the federal budget, reducing the deficit and cutting back on government spending.

Heather Wilson (R)

Heater Wilson served as the 1st Congressional District representative for the state of New Mexico from 1998-2009, when she decided not to run for re-election in order to challenge for a Senate seat, a race she lost in the primary to Rep. Steve Pearce. Wilson was the first female military veteran elected to a full term in Congress, and focused primarily on national security issues during her tenure. If elected, she says her priorities will be creating jobs, repealing the health care act and energy issues.

Ben R. Lujan (D)

Rep. Ben R. Lujan is running unopoosed in the Democratic primary nomination for the 3rd District seat, which he has held since 2009. Lujan previously sat on the Public Regulation Commission, and is a strong supported of renewable energy. He touts his work as cosponsor of the Credit Card Holder's BIll of Rights, reforming Wall Street and providing tax cuts as some of his accomplishments in his years in the House.

Jefferson Byrd (R)

Jefferson Byrd has not previously held elected office, and is running as "a father and a husband who is worried about the future of this great country," according to his campaign website. If elected, Byrd plans to focus on repealing Obamacare, balancing the budget and reforming the tax code. Byrd manages his family's ranch outside Moquero while working at the Navajo Refinery. Byrd wants to privatize Social Security and secure the border.

Frederick Newton (R)

Frederick Newton has never held elected office, and is running on his years of private experience as an engineer, including owning a security technology company. The influence of his background can be found in some of his specific policy proposals, such as securing the border with a technology that would repel people in tunnels by making them feel as though they were "burning up," according to the Sante Fe New Mexican. Newton also pushes for repealing the 16th Amendment (which allows the federal government to levy an income tax) and instituting a "flat tax."

M. Monica Zamora (D)

Judge M. Monica Zamora currently serves a district court judge in the Children's Court Division in Albuquerque. Her experience speaks to her goals if elected, which primarily revolve around doing more "in the interest of justice for ... children and families," according to her website. Zamora has previously worked for a defense contractor in Washington, D.C., and practiced law in Santa Fe. As a district court judge, Zamora has presided over juvenile justice, abuse and neglect cases, as well as assisted in adoptions.

Victor S. Lopez (D)

Victor Lopez has worked as an attorney for more than 28 years, with 5 years' service as a statewide Workers' Compensation Judge and for the city of Albuquerque Legal Department. Lopez's top priority would be to improve the administration of justice by avoiding delay and enhancing the integrity of the judiciary. Lopez has funded his campaign entirely through public financing, which he hopes will address the perception that judges can be bought and paid for.

J. Miles Hanisee (R)

Judge J. Miles Hanisee is running unopposed for the Republican nomination for the New Mexico Court of Appeals, as he's held the position since being appointed by Gov. Susana Martinez in 2011. Hanisee has practiced law for 17 years, including private practice, assistant U.S. Attorney and federal appellate law clerk. New Mexico state law requires that appointees stand for one partisan election after their appointemnt.

Matt Dodson (D)

Matt Dodson is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination. He has a B.A. in history from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His campaign's LinkedIn profile lists a CDL as one of his skills.

William E. Sharer (R)

State Sen. William Sharer is running unopposed for the Republican nomination for the District 1 position in the state Senate, a seat he has held since 2001. Sharer is an FHS graduate and a former U.S. Army officer. Sharer recently was questioned about his campaign account usage. He said he took his per diem pay he receives as a member of the state Legislature and deposited it into his campaign account, then used some of that money to pay rent in Santa Fe while the Legislature was in session. Sharer says he used less money than he put in, but state law prohibits using campaign money to pay for housing while the Legislature is in session.

John Pinto (D)

State Sen. John Pinto has served as the District 3 state senator since 1977. Pinto currently serves on the Education Committee and chairs the Indian and Cultural Affairs Committee. New Mexico's oldest state senator, Pinto was trained as a Navajo Code Talker while in the Marines during World War II. Pinto is known for bringing money back to his district.

Matthew Tso (D)

Matthew Tso is challenging for the Democratic nomination for the District 3 state Senate seat. Tso currently serves as the president of the Central Consolidated School Board, and sits on the San Juan College Board of Directors. He's currently employed by the Department of Diné Education as a legislative analyst, though he was recently placed on administrative leave for unspecified reasons.

George K. Munoz (D)

State Rep. George K. Munoz has held the District 4 seat since 2009. Munoz focuses on three areas: education, quality of life and the economy. Munoz touts legislation such as the Native American Water Rights Settlement Funds (SB64), and an act allowing for concealed weapons in restaurants licensed to sell only beer and wine that derive at least 60 percent of its revenues from food (SB40) as some of the bills he's sponsored and passed.

Genevieve J. Jackson (D)

Genevieve J. Jackson currently serves as a McKinley Coun ty commissioner, and served for eight years on the Navajo Tribal Council, as well as the executive director of Division of Diné Education. Jackson's background is in education, as she spent 22 years as a teacher, administrator and president of the Gallup-McKinley County Board of Education. She earned a B.A. and an M.A. in educational administration with a minor in bilingual education.

Charles E. Rountree (D)

Charles "Blacke" Rountree has not held elected office previously, and says he is running because current elected officials don't have knowledge of everyday struggles. Rountree's platform would see teachers being paid more and more funding given to veterans programs, and says his first act in office would be to require quarterly town hall meetings for every state legislator. Rountree calls for the legalization of growing hemp without the active THC ingredient of marijuana. Acording to the El Paso Times, Rountree is one of 25 licensed medical marijuana providers in New Mexico.

Benny Shendo Jr. (D)

Benny Shendo Jr. is vying for the Democratic nomination for state Senate from District 22, which has no Republican challenger. Shendo has served in several public positions, including as 1st and 2nd lieutenant governor of the Jimenez Pueblo, as well as heading up the state Indian Affairs Department under former Gov. Bill Richardson. Shendo's website describes his candidacy stemming "largely from his belief that it is time to give politics back to the people." His policy priorities revolve primarily around community building.

Anthony N. Begay (D)

Anthony N. Begay is challenging the incumbent state Senator for District 22. Begay is from Gallup.

Joshua Madalena (D)

Joshua Madalena is currently the governor of the Jemez Pueblo. According to the Albuquerque Journal, Madalena says he has "the experience and fortitude to serve the people of this district in manner that they deserve."

Lynda M. Lovejoy (D)

State Sen. Linda M. Lovejoy has served District 22 as its representative in the state Senate since 2007, when she was appointed by then-Gov. Bill Richardson. Lovejoy previously served as chairwoman of the Public Regulation Commission for three years of her seven-year tenure as a commissioner. She also served in the state House for 10 years.

Ray Begaye (D)

Rep. Ray Begaye has served as the 4th District's representative since 14 years. In addition to the more than $320 million he has brought into San Juan County during his tenure, he was recently honored with the Distinguished Legislator Award. Begaye's legislative accomplishments include the Indian Education Act and a bill that directed $26.5 million of the county's gross receipts tax and directed it toward the San Juan Regional Medical Center. If elected, Begaye says he will focus on capital outlay reform, to ensure that San Juan County receives its fair share of money.

Gary Montoya (D)

Gary Montoya has no previous elected experience, though he ran as a Republican candidate for the state Public Regulation Commission in 2010. Montoya works for the Central Consolidate School District, and worked for BHP for 14 years. Montoya's focus, if elected, is on economic development, which he says would increase revenues for things such as education and health care.

Sharon Clachischilliage (R)

Sharon Clachischilliage formerly ran for the Navajo Nation presidency, and has previous run for the New Mexico Secretary of State. She previously headed up the Navajo Nation Washington Office as its executive director, and has extensive experience in education and public service.

Charles Long (D)

Charles Long is challenging the incumbent representative for the state House in District 5.

Sandra D. Jeff (D)

Rep. Sandra D. Jeff has represented the 5th District in the state House since 2009. Jeff has gained a reputation for her independent streak, often confounding Democratic expectations by charting her own course.

Roxanne Arthur (D)

Roxanne Arthur is seeking the Democratic nomination for the District 4 magistrate judge position on the basis of her a social worker. With 10 years experience with the Bloomfield School District, Arthur believes working with juveniles before their behavior escalated into criminality will guide her in dealing with certain situations.

Elizabeth Ann Phipps (D)

Elizabeth Ann Phipps is the lead case manager for the DWI Treatment Center in San Juan County, and she believes her experience there and working at the San Juan Adult Detention Center have prepared her for a position on the bench. Phipps' judicial outlook would involve her experience heavily, as she says many of the county's problems can be better dealt with through treatment — though she's quick to say that prison can also be the answer, depending on the case.

Trudy M. Reed (D)

Trudy Reed is vying the for the Democratic nomination for District 4 magistrate judge, ands he believes her work as a volunteer court monitor for Mothers Against Drunk Driving has given her a solid base from which to work. Reed says she's interested in the individual who committed the crime, understanding the reasons behind the crime in order to better help prevent it in the future.

John A. Ortiz (D)

John A. Ortiz is the owner of Great Western Styling Barbers in Blooomfield, as well as a boxer and radio announcer. Ortiz wants to see the county develop alternative sentencing ideas, including a "Tent City" for criminals similar to one implemented previously in Aztec. Ortiz would also push for a scared-straight program for juvenile offenders.

Bill Standley (R)

Bill Standley served as the mayor of Farmington from 1998 to 2010, and he's ready to re-enter public service. As mayor, Standley helped develop community programs to reduce recidivism. If elected, Standley says he would rule fairly and stand up for children whose rights were violated by parents or guardians who engaged in domestic violence or were driving under the influence with children present.

Gary M. McDaniel (R)

Gary M. McDaniel's bid for the bench got a boost when Gov. Susana Martinez appointed him to fill the position until the outcome of the election. McDaniel has an extensive career in law enforcement, retiring as a San Juan County Sheriff's deputy. McDaniel says his law enforcement background is invaluable for being able to perform his duties as judge.

William J. Earley (R)

William J. Earley is seeking the Republican nomination for District 4 magistrate judge on the back of his experience as clinical supervisor at Four Winds Recovery Center. Earley believes that substance abuse and alcohol use are the driving factors behind crime in the county. He said his plan, were he elected, would be to increase communication between the courts and other areas of law enforcement, and would like more criminal justice personnel to receive training on dealing with mental illnesses.

David R. Brannan (R)

David. R. Brannan is contesting for the Republican nomination for County Commissioner District 3. He's a former schoolteacher and served in the U.S. Navy.

Keith W. Johnson (R)

Keith W. Johnson has previously served as the mayor of Bloomfield, as well as Bloomfield's city manager and currently works as the general manager of Envirotech. Johnson has come under fire of late for a campaign mailer with mistaken information on it. Johnson wants to eliminate transfer station fees passed by the commission last year, and would consider reducing the amount of tax dollars that go to Riverside Golf Course.

Carl T. Bannowsky (R)

Carl T. Bannowsky is a longtime county resident who lives on a large swatch of property near Aztec filled with old automotive parts that he sells. His main priority, if elected, would be the repeal of the county's junk ordinance passed by commissioners last year.

Scott A. Eckstein (R)

Scott A. Eckstein is the current Bloomfield mayor as well as the incumbent for the 3rd District county commissioner position. Eckstein supports the commission's controversial transfer station fees. He touts the fact that he only works as a public official — which affords him a lot of free time to go to meetings and research — as big plus in his favor.

Virginia Nelson (R)

Virginia Nelson is challenging San Juan County Clerk Debbie A. Holmes for the Republican nomination for the position.

Debbie A. Holmes (R)

Debbie A. Holmes is the incumbent San Juan County clerk.

Vickie I. Robinson (R)

Vickie Robinson is challenging for the Republican nomination for San Juan County treasurer.

P. Mark Duncan (R)

Mark Duncan is running for San Juan County Treasurer.

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