By Peter St. Cyr
Albuquerque, NM – Just weeks after five-term U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman announced his retirement plans, 1st District Representative Martin Heinrich ended speculation and formally launched his 2012 Senate campaign this weekend. He met Saturday with reporters at the 18th Annual C sar Ch vez birthday celebration.
Heinrich says if he's elected he'll fight for working families. The former Albuquerque City Councilor says people just want to have a good job, afford a modest home, help pay their children's college tuition, and save for their own retirements. While Heinrich didn't take a pledge against negative campaigning, he says he wants to engage the public in grass roots efforts and constructive politics. "Unfortunately, these days," Heinrich said, "there has been a trend away from civility. But when you bring that back in the public discourse you can get so much more done."
Republican Heather Wilson launched her second campaign for the U.S. Senate last month. Second District Representative Steve Pearce and Lt. Governor John Sanchez are still weighing their options. Two lesser-known Republicans - Greg Sowards and William S. English - have entered the race.
Heinrich will return to Washington early this week as the debate notches up over the federal budget.