state politics
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Governor
The Alibi endorses: Diane Denish
Job Description: Executive head of the state. Enforces laws. Appoints officers. Prepares the budget to present to the Legislature.

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U.S. Congress
The Alibi endorses: Martin Heinrich
Job Description: Federal representative for New Mexicans living in the 1st Congressional District. Drafts and votes on legislation.

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Attorney General
The Alibi endorses: Gary King
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.
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Secretary of State
The Alibi endorses: No one
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.
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Land Commissioner
The Alibi endorses: Ray Powell
Job Description: Custodian of the state’s public lands. Majority of the revenue generated from the office goes to New Mexico schools.
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Also on the Ballot
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.

Making Sausage
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.