“He is a tireless worker on behalf of all of his constituents”

Excerpts from letters to the editor about why New Mexicans are supporting Ben Ray Luján

In the final weeks of the election, voters across New Mexico have written to their local papers about why Ben Ray is the best choice for New Mexico’s future.

Read excerpts from some of our favorite letters below, and learn more about our campaign by visiting benraylujan.com.

“I’M …. PROUD to endorse a candidate for the U.S. Senate. I voted for Ben Ray Lujan. It was an easy choice.

Background; I hired Mark Ronchetti from Grand Junction in the late ’90s. That’s when Mark moved to N.M. He’s a fine weather guy. But Ronchetti, and what he stands for, is not New Mexico.

Refresher; this seat was held by Sen. Pete Domenici for 36 years. I covered Domenici for decades. I had the honor of doing his last official interview, at his request, as Domenici retired from the Senate. What Domenici did for NM is truly amazing.

This is not a partisan issue to me. I voted for Domenici, a Republican, every time. And then I voted for Sen. Tom Udall, a Democrat, every time. Just look around and see what Domenici, and after him Udall, accomplished for us. Modest men, one a Republican, the next a Democrat, working very hard for New Mexicans.

This Senate seat is of extreme importance to New Mexico. That’s why I voted for Ben Ray Lujan. Lujan will have New Mexico’s best interest at heart. He always has.”

Mary Lynn Roper (retired president and general manager of KOAT-TV).

Published in the Albuquerque Journal on October 28, 2020. Read the full letter.

“I’ve known Ben Ray Luján since 2014 as a campaign volunteer and briefly as a member of his district office staff in Santa Fe. He is a tireless worker on behalf of all of his constituents, not just those who are members of his political party. He is a rare combination of policy expert and public servant with exceptional personal qualities that allow him to connect with the diverse constituents he serves. I’ve never seen an office holder with his work ethic and willingness to go the extra mile for those he represents. Ben Ray will bring these same qualities to the U.S. Senate and New Mexico will be extremely fortunate to have him working on our behalf.”

Clifford M. Rees

Published in the Albuquerque Journal on October 30, 2020. Read the full letter.

“Democrats, with U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján playing a major role, pushed through the [COVID] aid that New Mexicans have received so far. Republicans only wanted to bail out big business. Democrats demanded financial assistance to small businesses, the newly unemployed, hospitals and front-line workers. Democrats passed two aid bills that continue needed support, and added grants to local governments so they won’t have to lay off wage earners. Republicans blocked these bills; they want to bail out airlines but not Albuquerque.”

Doreen Bailey

Published in the Santa Fe New Mexican on October 11, 2020. Read the full letter.

“Mark Ronchetti has launched a campaign of lies against Ben Ray Luján. Ronchetti started his campaign by touting his adherence to Trumpism. As we all know, that allegiance can include denial of scientific facts about coronavirus prevention and “cures,” as well as climate change denial. Now the claims are Luján is anti-police and pro-socialism (Say what?).

Unfortunately, to me, Trumpism seems to be largely about making the rich richer and the poor dead because they can’t afford food, rent or medical care. If Ronchetti is a Trumpist, then he also wants to take away medical care and reverse law on preexisting conditions…

Be smart and send Luján to the Senate — the best choice.”

Ted Carlin

Published in the Santa Fe New Mexican on October 18, 2020. Read the full letter.

“I find it interesting to hear and read about Mark Ronchetti’s views on the major issues, but nowhere do I see that he has any specific proposals. Nor does he have any relevant civic or governmental experience whatsoever. His ads started with statements of standing with President Donald Trump, but now his ads no longer mention Trump, as I imagine he wants to distance himself from that sinking ship.

We need a senator with relevant experience. I feel that Ben Ray Luján is the superior choice. Mark, go with your strong suit: meteorology.”

Alan Shapiro, Santa Fe,

Published in the Santa Fe New Mexican on October 25, 2020. Read the full letter.