June 2008 Stories
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Steve Pearce - A Sense for Business
Congresswoman
Heather Wilson- A Sense of Place
Congressman
Tom Udall - A Sense of History
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By Amber Fosse
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Tom Udall is a graduate of Prescott College in Arizona and Cambridge University in Cambridge, England. He also holds a Jurls doctor from the University of New Mexico. From 1991 to 1999, Udall served as attorney general of New Mexico, where he made a powerful impact with his tough stands on domestic violence, drunk driving, political corruption, campaign finance reform and abuses by special interest groups.
He was first elected to Congress in 1998.
He is currently serving his fifth term.
Some say that Udall was pressured by the Democratic party to run for senator, and was reluctant to give up his seniority in the house and his coveted Appropriations Committee spot.
Udall has been criticized for his vote against the Iraq war and the Patriot Act, and his support for environmental legislation. |
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Tom Udall has politics in his blood. His father, Stewart Udall, served as U.S. representative from Arizona from 1955 to 1961 and was secretary of the interior under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson from 1961-1969. Stewart Udall is remembered for his dedication to preserving the environment and enhancing the national park system. Under his watch, Congress passed the Clear Air, Water Quality and Clean Water Restoration acts and the Wilderness Act of 1964, among others. Stewart Udall is also known for writing several books, including one about his brother (Tom Udall’s uncle), Morris “Mo” Udall, who ran for the democratic presidential nomination in 1976 but eventually lost to Jimmy Carter. Mo Udall is famously known for writing Too Funny to be President, a book of wit and wisdom about the perils of politics.
Tom’s cousin, Mark Udall, is also a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and is currently running for the U.S. Senate seat for Colorado’s 2nd Congressional district.
The following interview was conducted on January 2, 2008. We recently caught up with U.S. Representative Udall again for a photo shoot. The congressman was affable, upbeat and energetic. Like many campaign offices, Udall’s had a feeling of a college dorm, with young, energetic staffers and a few pet dogs milling about.
We first spotted Udall emerging from a light blue Toyota Prius.
NMBM: Pete Domenici served for 36 years as a U.S. Senator. Many people think that Pete Domenici’s shoes are hard to fill. What do you think were his greatest accomplishments? What were his biggest weaknesses?
UDALL: He gained a unique perspective on issues serving in key positions in the budget and energy committees. Getting the mental health care bill through Congress, which I supported. As far as weaknesses, Pete and I have very different views and approaches on many issues, but he’s always been committed to New Mexico and I prefer to stay focused on the positives.
How will the lives of New Mexicans be improved if you are elected senator?
I’ve had the privilege of serving New Mexicans as a federal prosecutor, as an attorney general and now as a congressman. As attorney general, I made great strides in reducing domestic violence and the instances of DWI. I tackled political corruption and protected consumers from corporate misdeeds. In the Senate, I will continue to vote to end the war in Iraq, protect our constitutional rights, improve access to health care and educational opportunities. I’ll fight for our brave veterans and small businesses. I’ll protect our national treasures, like the Ojito Wilderness. In the House, I reached across partisan lines for the benefit of all New Mexicans and I will take that same courage to the Senate.
It must be exciting to be running for Senate at the same time as your cousin, Mark Udall (running for a U.S. Senate seat in Colorado). Do you share campaign strategies?
It is exciting. Mark and I are like brothers. We shared many experiences during this busy time. Sometimes it’s only on the House floor that we get to share experiences.
 What is it like to come from a family with such a long line of political figures? Which family member was most influential on your career?
Rather than talk about political figures, I believe public service is a noble calling, and we need to improve the discussion that is out there in our communities. My father, Stuart Udall, and Bobby Kennedy are probably two of the figures that had the biggest impact on my life. My dad has been a great role model to me. Bobby stood as a man of courage and principle.
You must have some great photos.
There are some good ones. Yes.
What do you think of your opponents, Steve Pearce and Heather Wilson?
We’ve always had a cordial relationship, even though we obviously have differing opinions on many issues. I’m sure it will be a very competitive election. But I’m optimistic that the three of us will focus on staying positive and sticking to the issues.
What do you feel are the top issues affecting businesses in New Mexico and what will you do to improve the future business climate of New Mexico if you become senator?
I’d say access to capital and contracting opportunities. In many cases, our small businesses are not able to enter the federal marketplace because of its reliance on large corporations, which can be to the detriment of both the federal government and small businesses. As a former member of the House Small Business Committee, I’m well aware of these issues and have done my best to help address these concerns and will continue to do so in the future. In December, I supported the Small Business Contracting Program Improvement Act, which increased the size of small business sole source contracts and required the feder-al government to award more sole source contracts to small businesses owned by disabled veterans. I also supported the Small Business Fairness in Contracting Act, which increased the goal for the share of federal contracts awarded to small businesses. In the senate I will continue to work with my colleagues to see to it that these and other issues facing small businesses are addressed.
Gary Tonjes, president of Albuquerque Economic Development, has done a remarkable job in recruiting companies to New Mexico. Why can’t we attract more Silicon Valley companies? What still needs to be done?
I always think we need to do more to help expand our job base in New Mexico. Renewable energy companies are being created throughout the state. We must look at this and other emerging markets for opportunities to increase entrepreneurship and do all we can to foster that spirit into sustainable businesses.
What do you think the federal government should be doing to address the sub-prime mortgage crisis?
It’s obviously that the federal government must address the current situation. In August, I contacted both House Financial Services Chairman Frank and Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke, voicing my concerns about the nation’s mortgage industry and the impact it can have on our nation’s economy. In November, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3915—Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act, which helps specifically, address this issue. This legislation can help stop bad loans from being made in the first place, making sure consumers get mortgages they can repay, and strengthen consumer protections against reckless and abusive practices.
Do you agree that the U.S. is on the verge of going into a deep recession? What can be done to circumvent it?
I think we’re in some tough economic times, and we need to specifically focus on what is causing the downturn. I think our trade imbalance has something to do with it. The sub-prime mortgage crisis has something to do with it. The home building industry has something to do with it. We need to focus on the causes in a bipartisan way and try to put together a solid economic policy to deal with it.
 What are the biggest issues affecting Native Americans in New Mexico, and how can those issues be solved?
Our state’s tribal communities face many challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of access to health-care, substandard education and the failure of job creation on the reservation. I think we need to work on a couple of issues. One would be the methamphetamine problem. We’ve got to work to address that situation in the native community. It’s disproportionally harming Native Americans. I’ve introduced the Native American Methamphetamine Enforcement and Treatment Act with Senator Bingaman, and that legislation was included in a bill that was signed by the president. This legislation will bring stability and order to native communities and allow them to deal with the big issues that are impacting them. But I think it’s very important to not talk in general about each native community. They each have their own needs, and I’ve learned to try to work with the leaders to deal with the situations that they believe are the urgent ones in their community.
During its energy crisis, California saved 20 percent by instituting a marketing campaign called “Flex Your Power.” John Edwards has said, “It’s time for Americans to be patriotic about something more than the war in Iraq.” Shouldn’t we have a national energy savings initiative to address our energy needs, or should it be dealt with on a state-to-state basis?
I would say absolutely we should have one. Given the options and the know-how, I believe Americans would make the choice to make our nation more secure with an energy-savings option.
Do you believe nuclear energy is our best energy solution? How do you feel about the future disposal of nuclear waste?
Nuclear energy is one source that can help us fight global warming, but it must be done carefully and safely. We have problems when it comes to the disposal of nuclear waste, and that is a vital component in the nuclear equation.
How should New Mexico balance the needs of the environment with a growing economy?
I think we can do both by protecting special areas that provide sustainable economic initiatives in rural economies and by investing in renewable technologies like my renewable electricity standard would have done. Numerous studies like those from the union of concerned science have shown that we can also create thousands of jobs for our nation in the area of renewable energy.
A developer has purchased the land associated with the Atrisco Land Grant on Albuquerque’s west side and begun the process of creating a huge development there. This will gravely affect the habitat of native migratory birds, natural grasses, animals, etc. With so many of New Mexico’s open lands diminishing due to development, how will land and wildlife be safe guarded against the growth of New Mexico’s cities?
We must be very aware of what’s at risk, and we must strike a balance. There are certain areas that should be protected from development. There are several national preserves pending in the Congress now. Senator Bingaman has a proposal in northern New Mexico near Taos. I have one to the east of Las Vegas, called the Sabinosa Wilder-ness Area. I think we need to take a good hard look at the studies that have been done by the federal government recommending additional protections, and Congress should act on those.
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) ranked New Mexico’s fourth-grade students 49th in reading and 49th in math. Eighth graders ranked 50th in reading and 40th in math. What is wrong with New Mexico’s public education system, and how can it be fixed?
We have been requiring full testing but not offering full support. We must not only fully fund our schools, but we must revisit the provisions to determine what is working and what needs to be changed. Teachers in New Mexico have been among the lowest paid. It has only been in the last four to six years with the help of Governor Richardson that teachers’ pay has risen, which is helping to retain the best and the brightest teachers. There are a large number of minority and low-income students. We need to increase the amount of funding to programs like Head Start, Gear Up and others that promote the importance of education to minor and low-income students and provide them with the tools necessary to achieve their goals and dreams. We must create stronger links between places like Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories, Intel and other high-tech industries and our schools. We did that when we passed the America Competes Act. By interacting with those who work in science, technology, engineering and math, students will be driven to learn and achieve.
 There is much debate in Congress about health care. Many are afraid of a socialist system, yet Germany, Great Britain and Canada are three countries who seem to have achieved a level of success with socialized medicine. Do you believe socialist healthcare is the right path to pursue?
I believe we should join the other 36 industrialized nations in making sure everyone has access to affordable health care, starting with fixing the prescription drug program and investing in stem cell and other medical research. In the wealthiest most powerful nation on Earth, none would have to choose between taking their child to a doctor or paying the rent. In the Senate, I will work to ensure that every single American has access to affordable, effective health care coverage.
How do you feel about Americans that say stem-cell research kills unborn children?
I think Americans support the idea of doing research to cure diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, brain and spinal cord injuries.
How would you explain the Healthy Lifestyle and Prevention America Act to a layman small-business owner?
It’s designed to reduce health care costs and improve health outcomes by reorienting our nation’s health care system toward prevention, wellness and self-care. It provides tools and incentives for schools, employers and communities to implement wellness programs and activities to prevent and reduce the incidence of chronic diseases associated with obesity, diabetes and other preventable illnesses.
You are a big supporter of veteran health care funding. How did our country end up in a situation where veterans weren’t being cared for in the first place, and how can we keep this from continuing?
Although the previous majority in the Bush administration was committed to sending troops and paying for the war in Iraq, they would not allow us to invest in our troops needs when they came home. I find this appalling. Now that the Democrats are in the majority, this year we passed one of the best budgets in the history of the Veterans Administration to take care of veterans’ needs. We finally succeeded in appropriating funds to strengthen the health care system for our veterans. We need to take care of the brave men and woman that have fought for our country.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, New Mexico ranked fifth among states in 2004 for violent crime. How can New Mexico improve the crime rate? What about our gang problems?
As former attorney general, I’m uniquely aware of these issues. I’m working with my colleagues to see that our local law enforcement officials receive the courses they need to make their neighborhoods safer. In representing the 3rd Congressional District, I’ve worked to increase funding for several vital programs including the COPS Program and many programs that directly address violence against woman. Along with other members of the law enforcement community, I recently sent a letter to the president, asking him to fully fund the Interoperable Homeland Security Communications Grant Program, which is designed to improve energy communications. These and many other programs can make a difference on gang violence.
The Bush administration, in response to terrorism, has radically changed U.S. policy on issues like pre-emptive strikes, torture, the treatment of noncombatants and secret military prisons. Do you believe the U.S. will continue these policies going forward? Do they benefit or harm America?
From the Patriot Act to Guantanamo Bay to wire tapping, the Bush administration has routinely encroached on the civil liberties of the American people. The rest of the world has vocally opposed our nation’s course of action. It’s essential the next president restores our nation’s civil liberties rather than resorting to tactics such as ineffective military courts and torture. We must use diplomatic means to move forward.
We know now that the war in Iraq was based on mistaken intelligence about weapons of mass destruction. Much of it had to do with an intelligence source code-named “Curve-ball.” Valery Plame, who was assigned to the Counterproliferation Division (CPD) of the CIA at the time, has publicly stated that the president had very thin evidence for going to war. President Bush insists that he used the best intelligence he had, even though it turns out to be mistaken. What does this say about the quality of our intelligence services, and just how bad of a mistake was the war in Iraq?
While the intelligence used to justify the war in Iraq was faulty, the decision to go to war rests with the president. He chose, in the face of those who agreed and those who disagreed with the intelligence information to go to war. It was he who mismanaged the past four years of the war, all the while refusing to change course or acknowledge the need for our troops to come home. The war in Iraq could have been prevented. Now, it is absolutely essential that we bring our soldiers home and that we jump start diplomatic initiatives in the region. Other countries in the region should be involved in stabilizing Iraq. It’s in their interest to do so.
Americans want safe borders but they also have compassion for our neighbors to the south. What is the solution to our immigration policy?
One thing we’ve learned is there’s no easy solution to fixing the current immigration situation, but it must be done. This is an area that I agree with many of the tenants enumerated by President Bush. He said we must establish a comprehensive new immigration pol-icy that does the following: 1) Secures our borders and increases the number of border patrol officers; 2) Deals with the current undocumented workers, and; 3) Creates a new biometric identification card for ev-ery foreign worker to ensure employer accountability.
You voted against the amendment to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, which was passed 227-183 on August 4, 2007. (The bill gives U.S. spy agencies expanded power to eavesdrop on foreign suspects without a court order.) Why were you against the bill, even though you believe in stricter homeland security?
This bill allowed for spying on Americans without following the Constitution. I believe that we can find that balance between security and our liberties, and this bill did not do that.
Any last thoughts?
I think you’ve been pretty thorough.
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