Editorials

THUMBS UP! FINALLY, IT’S OVER. In what goes down in history as the most expensive election in American history (at least until 2016), we breathe a sigh of relief that it’s finally over. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, the total cost of the presidential and congressional campaigns jumped up 7 percent to nearly $5.8 billion, with about $2.5 billion going solely into the presidential campaign. One big reason for the increases: the superPACs.
Not surprisingly, the previous record for campaign spending was in, you guessed it, 2008.

Four years ago, at this pre-election moment and in this exact space, we spoke in awe of the presidential election year that was about to conclude. Indeed, 2008 was a year in which the first viable female candidate for president was narrowly bested by the first African-American candidate with a chance to win, while on the other side of the political fence we witnessed the rebirth of a politician whose candidacy had months earlier been declared dead. Then there were the issues — an incredibly unpopular war in Iraq and an economy in peril. We were indeed on the cusp of history.

Next Tuesday (and this week, as early voting continues through Friday), New Mexico voters will decide on five proposed amendments to the state constitution. Three deal with the state Public Regulation Commission, a powerful state agency in need of some changes, while the other two amendments relate to the state’s system of justice.

Here’s our recommendation on each of them:

Bond A would provide a little more than $10.3 million for capital expenditures for senior centers around the state.

Bond B would funnel some $9.8 million into public libraries across the state.

Bond C is the big one. It will allow for $120 million in expenditures for the state’s colleges and universities.

We’re here to give an enthusiastic “yes” to all three.