Job Description: Executive head of the state. Enforces laws. Appoints officers. Prepares the budget to present to the Legislature.

Job Description: Federal representative for New Mexicans living in the 1st Congressional District. Drafts and votes on legislation.

Job Description: New Mexico’s chief legal representative. Writes advisory letters and opinions. Prosecutes and defends court cases, usually in upper-level state appellate courts.

Job Description: Oversees the statewide election process. Maintains lists of registered voters. Evaluates voting machines. Manages campaign finance reports. Second in line of succession for governor.

Job Description: Custodian of the state’s public lands. Majority of the revenue generated from the office goes to New Mexico schools.

We weren't able to meet with the following candidates, and so can't endorse in these statewide races. But here are some brief bios and links to their websites.

It's that time again. Our legislators made their way to the Roundhouse for a 30-day session that began Tuesday, Jan. 19. It's a short one, and they have to find a way to tame a gnarly budget. It's likely the cash shortfall will eat up most of their time and attention this year. Here's a look at that issue and some of the other measures on the Legislature’s plate in 2010.