Spotlight on the NM 2nd Congressional District

Submitted by IP on Sat, 2010-04-17 05:17
Republican Winner, Steve Pearce
New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District serves the southern half of the state and includes Las Cruces and Roswell. Geographically, it is the sixth largest district in the nation and the second largest not to comprise an entire state. Harry Teague, Democrat, currently represents the district and sought re-election. Republican Steve Pearce held this seat from 2003 to 2009. Pearce did not run for Congress in 2008, opting instead to wage a battle for the U.S. Senate, which unfortunately he lost. He was successful in his quest to reclaim his seat, winning 55% to 45%.
Steve Pearce
  • Native of Hobbs, New Mexico
  • BBA in economics from NM State Univ.
  • MBA, Eastern NM State Univ. (student body president)
  • As an Air Force pilot, served in the Philippines and Vietnam, received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal, attained rank of Captain
  • Elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives, 1996-2000, Republican Caucus Chairman, selected as "Outstanding Legislator" by the New Mexico Technology Showcase
  • Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002, winning a five-way primary election in one of the most hotly contested races in southern New Mexico's history
  • While in the House, served as Chairman of the National Parks Subcommittee and as a member of the House Homeland Security, House Resources and Financial Services Committees
  • Owner, Lea Fishing Tools, an oilfield services firm, which in ten years grew from four to over 40 employees
  • With his wife Cynthia, honored by the Association of Commerce and Industry with the VIVA Award for outstanding business in New Mexico
  • Life-long participant and supporter of 4-H and recently inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame.
  • Issues: Rebuild manufacturing base, stop government borrowing and expansion of entitlements, reduce dependence on foreign oil and harness all our sources of energy, fight against government bailouts and nationalization of private industry, improve services for veterans, stronger borders, excellence and opportunity for our education system, sanctity of life, market based health care reform, maintain a strong military
The Constitution is the single most important document in our civil lives. Too often recently, we have strayed from its guiding principles. Politicians in Washington have gotten comfortable bending and twisting the Constitution to advance their political agendas. We need to return to the concepts and wisdom that our forefathers bestowed upon us more than 200 years ago. The Constitution is our guardian as it: protects our freedom of speech, including against radical leftists who demand a so-called political correct nation; protects our right to prayer and against the government halting expressions of faith; protects our right to bear arms; protects our right to property, despite what the Supreme Court said in its wrongheaded Kelo decision.
Steve Pearce's TV Ad "Prosperity Is Possible"
The Spotlight On reports are overviews of actual Republican primary winners or top Republican primary contenders. Spotlights should not be interpreted as recommendations to support specific candidates. Before supporting any candidate, do thorough research to confirm that the candidate shares your views on issues you deem most important.