New Mexico Daily Lobo - Congressional Candidates Clash Over Economy, Energy

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New Mexico Daily Lobo - Congressional Candidates Clash Over Economy, Energy

Congressional candidates Martin Heinrich and Darren White can't seem to agree on issues such as the economy and energy independence, but both have said they will seek a solution to health care and create affordable programs for everyone.

Heinrich, the Democratic candidate for the First Congressional District, said he will work for better health care programs by continuing to stand up to large insurance companies.

"We should use our ingenuity to develop a fair, common-sense plan to make sure that every American has access to high-quality, affordable health care," he said. "We as Americans are some of the most incredibly driven people in the world, and we will find a solution for health care so that no person need sit in an emergency room and wait as their primary source of health care."

White, Heinrich's Republican opponent, said affordable health care should be in the hands of the people and that more government input will only make the problem worse.

"The solution isn't a complete government takeover of health care," he said. "Government-run health care will only lead to higher taxes, less patient choice in medical care, restricted access and reduced quality of care."

Heinrich said the government needs to have a larger role in curbing the economic crisis.

"We need to create better systems of government," he said. "(We need to lower) student loans interest, (create) jobs to boost the economy and help students graduating, and offering incentives to students who are involved in service."

White said his experience as sheriff will help him address economic questions in Congress.

"I have really seen the impact that the government has on people in the community, because I have been there," he said. "I have seen the people suffering and have heard the stories from the woman who is deciding how much can go into her tank instead of how much food she gets. I have seen it all, and I will work to create solutions."

Heinrich said he has invaluable experience as president of the City Council. He said he has proven his ability to work across party lines to find answers to the community's problems.

"I have actual experience working in the system and know what it takes to find the answers and help the people of this country," he said.

Heinrich said he will take immediate action on renewable energy, supporting alternative fuels with an Apollo program.

"When JFK was elected into office, he said that the U.S. was going to the moon in 10 years," he said. "People thought it was crazy, but we made it to the moon. When I talk about my Apollo project, I say that we can reduce our dependency on foreign oil, create 3 million high-paying, green-collar jobs, and lead the way in exports of green technology all by working together across party lines, working with private individuals and larger companies to accomplish this common goal."

White said the energy crisis could be solved by reducing America's dependence on foreign oil, which he said threatens the country's economic health and national security.

"It is important to use alternative energy sources, but it is also important that we use the oil that we have in our country along with nuclear energy," he said.

Heinrich said he understands the urgency of finding a solution for the energy crisis more than White.

"Darren White and I have a fundamental difference when it comes to creating a solution for the energy crisis," Heinrich said. "He believes that green energy is a far-off solution, whereas I believe that it is an area that needs to be addressed today."

Junior Katey Ghelfi said she is concerned about the economy and health care, as these will most affect her future.

"I am an education major, so I am also worried about education policies, but I think students in general are worried about the future of the country and the state that the country will be in when we all graduate," she said.

Ghelfi said Heinrich and White have their differences but that they must continue working to improve the country, no matter who wins.

"These candidates have different opinions about some issues, but both are American," she said. "It is important that, whoever wins, they work to find answers to the problems that my generation faces - so that we don't carry on in failed policy."

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