Ben Ray Luján
Ben Ray Luján | |
|---|---|
| New Mexico Public Regulation Commissioner District 3. | |
| In office 2005–2008 | |
| Preceded by | Jerome D. Block Sr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Santa Fe, NM |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence | Santa Fe, NM |
| Website | www.benrlujan.com |
Ben Ray Luján is a New Mexico Politician, he was born and raised in northern New Mexico.
Luján is a Public Regulation Commissioner for the State of New Mexico, representing PRC District 3. He is a former Chairman of the PRC. On December 14, 2007, Lujan announced his candidacy for New Mexico's 3rd congressional district. [1] The seat is currently held by Tom Udall who is running for the United States Senate seat vacated by the retirement of Pete Domenici.
Early Life, Education and Professional Experience
Ben Ray Luján was born in Santa Fe to Carmen and Ben Lujan. His father is the New Mexico Speaker of the House and his mother is a retired administrator with the Pojoaque Vally school system. After graduating from Pojoaque Valley High School, Ben Ray attended the University of New Mexico and later received a degree from New Mexico Highlands University. [2]
Luján has held several public service positions. He was the Deputy State Treasurer and the Director Administrative Services and Chief Financial Officer for the New Mexico Cultural Affairs Department prior to his election the the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission.
Public Regulation Commissioner
Luján was elected to the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission on November 2, 2004. He represents PRC District 3 which encompasses North Eastern, North Central and Central New Mexico. His fellow Commissioners elected Luján Chairman of the PRC in 2005. He was re-elected to the Chairmanship in 2006, and again in 2007. Commissioner Luján will complete his first term on the PRC on December 31, 2008. [3]
Accomplishments
Luján is a strong supporter of renewable energy. He helped to increase the Renewable Portfolio Standard in New Mexico that requires utilities to use 20 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2020. Luján also required utilities to diversify their renewable use to include solar, wind and biomass [4].
Luján joined regulators in California, Oregon, and Washington to sign the Joint Action Framework on Climate Change to implement regional solutions to global warming [5].
While at the PRC, Luján initiated an investigation into the denial practices by the health insurance industry and, with his fellow Commissioners, developed legislation to close loopholes that had allowed insurance companies to deny individuals coverage for nonrelevant, preexisting conditions. [6]
2008 Congressional Election
Luján is a candidate to replace Rep. Tom Udall in New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District.
On June 3, 2008, Luján won the Democratic primary, defeating five other Democrats. His closest competitor, developer Don Wiviott, received 26 percent to Luján's 42 percent. Luján will face Republican Dan East and Independent Carol Miller in the general election.[7]
The 3rd Congressional District is overwhelming Democratic and Luján is favored to win the general election in November. If elected, he will become the first native New Mexican to represent the 3rd Congressional District.
Primary Election
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Ben R. Lujan | 26,667 | 42% | ||
| Democratic | Don Wiviott | 16,314 | 25% | ||
| Democratic | Benny J. Shendo Jr | 10,113 | 16% | ||
| Democratic | Harry Montoya | 7,205 | 11% | ||
| Democratic | Jon Adams | 1,993 | 3% | ||
| Democratic | Rudy Martin | 1,838 | 3% | ||
| Majority | 10,353 | ||||
| Turnout | 64,130 | ||||
General Election
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Ben R. Lujan | ||||
| Republican | Daniel East | ||||
| Independent | Carol Miller | ||||
| Majority | |||||
| Turnout | |||||
Endorsements
- Governor Bill Richardson
- Lt. Governor Diane Denish
- Secretary Stewart Udall
- Santa Fe New Mexican
- Albuquerque Journal
- Sierra Club
- League of Conservation Voters
- Conservation Voters New Mexico
- AFSCME
- National Education Association (NEA)
- American Federation of Teachers
- New Mexico Professional Fire Fighters Association
- New Mexico Communications Workers of America
- New Mexico Council of Building and Construction Trades
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 611.
External Links
References
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