Las Cruces Sun–News
Opinions Page
Article Launched: 05/18/2008 01:00:00 AM
In a five–way race in the GOP primary for U.S. Congressional District 2, the Sun–News endorses C. Earl Greer of Truth or Consequences.
All five candidates espouse traditional, conservative values: All are pro–life, pro–Second Amendment and anti–same–sex marriage. All OK drilling on Otero Mesa. All favor making President Bush's tax cuts permanent, with the exception of Sowards, who'd like to see the eventual abolition of the IRS and the institution of a "fair tax," essentially a national sales tax.
The Sun–News editorial board met with each; here are some snapshots:
Aubrey Dunn: His father, Aubrey Dunn Sr., was a longtime state senator. Dunn differs from the others in that he said it was a mistake to go into Iraq and urges removal of the troops as soon as military leaders say is feasible. He believes in toughness on illegal immigration, so much so, he is staking his campaign on it. On his signs, almost as big as his name, are the words "Protect the Border."
Ed Tinsley: This is his second go–round in this race, having lost the primary to Steve Pearce in 2002. Tinsley runs a ranch in Capitan, is active in the oil and gas industry, is an attorney by education, and heads the K–Bob's restaurant chain. He believes his diversity
of experience gives him an edge. As chairman of the board of the National Restaurant Association, Tinsley spent time with congressmen on Capitol Hill.
Monty Newman: The mayor of Hobbs is a business owner and Realtor. He said his son, a West Point graduate and Iraq War veteran, gives him a unique perspective on the war. He said failure there will put America's future at risk and believes the troops should have what they need. His top priority would be to work on the energy policy because of its critical role in this district.
Greg Sowards: The sole Las Crucen on the ticket brings energy and some radical ideas. An example, from his Web site: "... the current global warming agenda is nothing more than a hoax being perpetrated on the American people to rob us of our liberties." Sowards lost to Joe Skeen in this primary in 1996.
There were things we liked about each, but Greer's broad background and common–sense approach puts him a shade ahead.
Greer said HMOs and PPOs have had a huge, negative impact on health care costs. He suggests a return to more frequent use of deductibles, except in the case of preventive care, (for things like mammograms) which he believes should have full, first–dollar coverage.
He supports strong border security.
Greer's sense of the district is solid. He's a fifth–generation New Mexican who knows agriculture as well as business. And in a district that's almost half Hispanic, it's worth noting Greer is a Spanish speaker, and half Hispanic himself.