Domestic Partnerships and the Candidates for Lt. Governor 2010
With the primary election next Tuesday, June 1, 2010, we would like to address some important worldview concerns regarding candidates for lieutenant governor. On Sunday, May 9, 2010, the Albuquerque Journal published interviews with most of the New Mexico candidates.
Following is the New Mexico Watchman’s report on the 5 Democratic candidates and 3 of the 4 Republican candidates* based on what they told the Albuquerque Journal and what we know of their positions.
Albuquerque Journal Question:
“Would you support or oppose a New Mexico law recognizing domestic partnerships that would grant same-sex couples most of the same rights afforded to heterosexual couples?”
KENT CRAVENS (R) Score 10 (out of 10)
What He Said:
“I have continually voted to support marriage between one man and one woman. I will oppose any measure moving the state away from the foundation.”
What We Know: Mr. Cravens has consistently supported traditional family values as a legislator in Santa Fe and has been an effective spokesman against the “progressive” legislative agenda.
JOHN SANCHEZ (R) Score 9 (out of 10)
What He Said: “Oppose.”
What We Know: Mr. Sanchez has been endorsed by the Right to Life Committee of New Mexico and the Catholic Coalition of New Mexico.
BRIAN MOORE (R) Score 9 (out of 10)
What He Said: “Oppose.”
What We Know: Mr. Moore has a conservative voting record as a legislator in Santa Fe. In our interview, Mr. Moore stated he has always believed in the sanctity of marriage.
BRIAN COLON (D) Score: 1 (out of 10)
What He Said:
“Support. As an American who cherishes all of our civil rights, equal protection and equal treatment of all citizens is imperative.”
What We Know: By redefining marriage, domestic partnership legislation creates new rights for a large number of persons based on almost any relationship and real or perceived sexual conduct.
JOSE CAMPOS (D) Score: 1 (out of 10)
What He Said:
“As a state representative, I voted for the domestic partnership bill that would grant same-sex couples the same rights afforded to heterosexual couples.”
What We Know: When addressed as a same-sex marriage issue, which this is, the public has consistently rejected this position.
LAWRENCE RAEL (D) Score: 0 (out of 10)
What He Said:
“I support legislation that ensures that everyone is treated equally under every aspect of our laws. While CAO of Albuquerque, I took action on this belief and extended employment benefits to same-sex couples.”
What We Know: This type of bureaucratic manipulation allows for fraudulent claims against the system for which the taxpayer is responsible. For example, two unrelated persons, same-sex or not, can now apply and receive city medical and retirement benefits.
GERALD ORTIZ Y PINO (D) Score: 0 (out of 10)
What He Said:
“Trick question? Domestic partnerships would benefit all unmarried couples in stable relationships, heterosexual as well as gay. I favor such legislation as a simple matter of equal protection under the Constitution of all New Mexicans.”
What We Know: This is not a trick question. (Mr. Ortiz y Pino knows how politically volatile this question is.) The New Mexico Constitution, until amended in the 1960s, stated marriage was between one man and one women. Mr. Ortiz y Pino could have called for a vote on the current Constitution.
LINDA M. LOPEZ (D) Score: 0 (out of 10)
What She Said:
“I have voted for and will continue to vote for a New Mexico law recognizing domestic partnerships.”
What We Know: Ms. Lopez introduced “anti-bullying” legislation that would have required 15 minutes daily of homosexual indoctrination in grades K-12 for all New Mexico schools.
*DR. J.R. DAMRON (R) was not interviewed but he has taken a very strong stance against domestic partnerships. He would have received a score of 10 in our rating system.
The New Mexico Watchman would like to thank Mr. Clif Green for his assistance in creating this report.