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Highlights of 2008 General Election Results5 November 2008
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Below is a brief summary of yesterday's election results from key races of interest (open seats and ballot initiatives) in the six-state Interwest Energy Alliance region of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.
The winning candidates in almost every race expressed support for strong renewable energy and pro-active electric transmission development policies. Clean, renewable energy technologies are market-ready and are already creating beneficial new economic opportunities in states throughout the West. Renewable energy technologies are poised to play an increasingly important role in our region’s —and our nation’s— energy future. ________________________________________
President
Barack Obama carried Colorado (52%-45%), Nevada (55%-42%) and New Mexico (56%-41%) John McCain carried Arizona (53%-45%), Utah (62%-34%) and Wyoming (65%-32%)
In Barack Obama’s own words: “As President, I will tap our natural gas reserves, invest in clean coal technology, and find ways to safely harness nuclear power. I'll help our auto companies re-tool, so that the fuel-efficient cars of the future are built right here in America. I'll make it easier for the American people to afford these new cars. And I'll invest 150 billion dollars over the next decade in affordable, renewable sources of energy - wind power and solar power and the next generation of biofuels; an investment that will lead to new industries and five million new jobs that pay well and can't ever be outsourced.”
Arizona
Arizona Corporation Commission: Three seats Sandra Kennedy (D) elected with 18% of vote (representing the highest vote count among candidates running for the commission; top three voter-getters take office)
In Sandra Kennedy’s own words: “I will promote clean energy sources that will also help with air pollution and water scarcity. Arizona has enough solar resources to be energy independent and have sustainable economic growth…Clean renewable energy means sustainable economic opportunity for Arizona, green jobs. And energy efficiency is the bridge to the time when solar energy in Arizona is developed enough to be a sizeable proportion of the energy here in the state. Arizona should not be importing coal-fired electricity from other states when there is the rich, abundant resource of sunlight here.”
Paul Newman (D) elected with 18% of vote (representing the second-highest vote count among candidates running for the commission; top three voter-getters take office)
In Paul Newman’s own words: “Arizona right now is performing at a moderate standard when it comes with producing new energy sources, but in a state where it is sunny almost 300 days out of the year, we should be able to explore more alternatives like solar.”
Bob Stump (R) elected with 16.2% of vote (representing the third-highest vote count among candidates running for the commission; top three voter-getters take office...winner declared on 14 November after lengthy tally of all ballots)
In Bob Stump's own words:
Congressional District 1 Ann Kirkpatrick (D) elected U.S. Representative, 56% to 39% over Sydney Hay (R)
In Ann Kirkpatrick’s own words: “I support taking immediate action to give Arizona's families relief from skyrocketing gas prices. We need a new, comprehensive energy strategy that includes drilling for American oil…In the long run, we must encourage renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which will improve our national security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil, lower energy costs, and create thousands of new, good-paying jobs right here in Arizona.”
Colorado
U.S. Senate Representative Mark Udall (D) elected U.S. Senator, 52% to 43% over Bob Schaffer (R)
In Mark Udall’s own words:
Congressional District 4 Betsy Markey (D) elected U.S. Representative, 55% to 45% over Representative Marilyn Musgrave (R, incumbent)
In Betsy Markey’s own words: “Energy independence and energy security are not Republican issues or Democratic issues. They are American issues. We have a unique opportunity at this time in our history to change the way we power this country and Colorado is poised to become a world leader in this effort. Our state’s wind, solar and agricultural energy supplies offer opportunities to create jobs, protect the environment, and decrease our dependence on foreign oil. The next Congress needs to sit down, put all the energy options on the table, and develop a comprehensive energy plan that decreases our dependence on foreign oil while pursuing the best long-term solutions.”
State Ballot Initiative Amendment 58 lost, 58% to 41%
Amendment 58 would have ended a longtime tax credit enjoyed by the oil and gas industry, with the new revenues going toward college scholarships and environmental programs.
In the opponents’ own words: "That’s a very large tax increase, which will pass through to all of us. Higher home heating bills, higher gasoline prices, higher everything.”
County Ballot Initiative Boulder County Issue 1A passed, 65% to 35%
County Issue 1A would allow homeowners and businesses in Boulder County to borrow money from the county to add renewable energy to their property or to make energy-efficient upgrades. The loans, which would come from up to $40 million in bonds sold by county, would be attached to the property and be repaid each year as part of the property taxes. People who did not wish to participate in the program would not have to pay any additional taxes. (Summary of initiative from Boulder Daily Camera)
In the proponents’ own words:
“This innovative program helps you fight back against the skyrocketing costs of fossil fuel by financing your clean energy and energy efficiency improvements through a bond from Boulder County. Add a solar electric or solar hot water system, install energy efficient windows, increase your insulation, or make other clean energy upgrades without big upfront costs.”
Nevada
Congress Congressional District 3 State Senator Dina Titus (D) elected U.S. Representative, 47% to 42% over Representative Jon Porter (R, incumbent)
In Dina Titus’s own words: “We have been paying the price for a failed energy policy that has catered to Big Oil, put drilling first, and paid lip service to renewable energy and conservation…[i]t’s time for a real energy agenda that gets our nation back on track…[t]he people of Nevada need a leader with the vision and experience to look beyond today – to a future that is free from our dependence on foreign oil and focuses on a Energy Economy that will bring jobs to southern Nevada by investing in renewable energy. But until Nevada’s abundant renewable resources – solar, wind, and geothermal – become the power of the present, we must bridge the gap through increased drilling. By tapping into American oil, and keeping it in our country – out of the hands of speculators – we can reduce our dependence on foreign oil and lower the price at the pump.”
New Mexico
U.S. Senate Representative Tom Udall (D) elected U.S. Senator, 61% to 39% over Representative Steve Pearce (R)
In Tom Udall’s own words: “As long as the United States relies on foreign energy sources, our national security is at risk. That is just one of many reasons why we need to shift to alternative sources of energy. I have introduced, and secured passage in the House, bipartisan legislation to require electric utilities to produce at least 15% of their electricity from alternative sources and energy efficiency measures by 2020. If the Senate had not blocked this legislation, we would have reduced our dependence on foreign sources of energy, reduced global warming emissions, and spurred job creation and economic development throughout our state.”
Congress Congressional District 1 Martin Heinrich (D) elected U.S. Representative, 55% to 45%, over Darren White (R)
In Martin Heinrich’s own words:
“[Martin Heinrich] proposes an Apollo Project for Energy Independence:
An Apollo Project for energy would summon the collective energy of the federal and state governments, private industry, labor, non-profit research groups, and colleges and universities across the nation. With the input and cooperation of these important stakeholders, we can reduce our dependence on foreign oil that fuels hostile governments, create 3 million high-paying, "green collar" jobs, and lead the way in exports of green technology.
New Mexico is a national leader in the renewable energy industry and will be a world leader in the 21st century.”
Congressional District 2 Harry Teague (D) elected U.S. Representative, 55% to 45%, over Edward Tinsley (R)
In Harry Teague’s own words:
“Here’s what I’ll do as our Democratic Congressman:
Fight to make New Mexico THE alternative energy capital of the United States. While I strongly support opening new areas to domestic oil drilling when environmentally sound, we will not become energy independent unless we aggressively invest in alternative energy. From the forests of Grant County to the fields of Lea County, Southern New Mexico’s diverse geography provides for a vast array of ingenuity and economic development. In an America with increased dependence on foreign oil, Southern New Mexico has been, and can continue to be the leader in alternative energy. I want to continue the progress made by New Mexicans in this important area of national and economic security. Renewable sources of energy can help make the U.S. independent of foreign oil, cut global warming pollution, and create new industries and hundreds of jobs in rural New Mexico. As Congressman, I’ll continue to lead, while working alongside our Democratic leaders in bringing about these necessary changes.
Tax credits and incentives. In Carlsbad, scientific research is underway that will allow for the growth of algae that can be turned into bio-fuel. These efforts, which are both cheaper and more efficient than their counterpart of corn, should be fully developed with the force of the Federal Government. Tax credits should also be made available to help establish wind farms and solar mirrors in Southern New Mexico. We have the resources and ideal environment to make outstanding progress. Harry will fight to make it happen.”
Congressional District 3 Ben R. Lujan (D) elected U.S. Representative, 56% to 30%, over Daniel East (R)
In Ben R. Lujan’s own words: “As a Public Regulation Commissioner, I have worked extensively to expand the use of renewable energy and make New Mexico a leader in renewable energy. our country must aggressively pursue renewable energy production. We must shift the billions of dollars in tax breaks for oil companies to renewable energy development, including solar and wind. I'll work to extend the Production Tax Credit to encourage economic growth and job creation in the renewable energy industry by promoting stability. We can create new jobs in New Mexico by using our abundant natural resources to lead the way on solar and wind production. As I have with the Public Regulation Commission, I will work to create a Renewable Portfolio Standard that increases the amount of energy utilities produce from renewable sources. We can also promote net metering, allowing individuals and businesses to produce renewable energy in their homes. Our national laboratories can conduct research and develop solutions to storing and transmitting renewable energy.”
Public Regulation Commission (PRC) PRC Seat, District 1 Commissioner Jason A. Marks (D) re-elected, 58% to 42%, over E. Tim Cummins (R)
In Jason Marks’s own words: "Fortunately, at the same time that fossil fuels are posing significant cost and environmental concerns, renewable technologies are developing to the point where they are 'ready for prime time.'"
PRC Seat, District 3 Jerome D. Block, Jr. (D) elected, 56% to 44%, over Rick Lass (Green Party)
In Jerome Block’s own words: "As Your Commissioner, I will:
Utah
Governor Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. (R) re-elected, 78% to 20% over Bob Springmeyer (D).
In Jon Huntsman’s own words: "There are three things that must drive our nation's energy policy: affordability, energy independence and sustainability."
County Ballot Initiative Sevier County Proposition 1 passed, 59% to 41%
The intent of Proposition 1 is to amend a zoning ordinance to allow Sevier County residents a vote on whether to allow construction of any power plant whose primary source of fuel is coal. The Utah Supreme Court recently ordered that the proposition be put back on the ballot after a lower court had decided it should be removed.
In the proponents’ words:
“Our opponents sued us to prove we couldn't vote on the power plant. And, what happened? The Utah Supreme Court ordered Proposition 1 back on the ballot, because they agree we have the right to vote…A vote for Proposition 1 honors our forefathers, and pioneer ancestors, who died that we might live as a free people under God with rights to protect our families and land.”
Wyoming
Congress At-large Congressional Seat Cynthia Lummis (R) elected U.S. Representative, 53% to 43%, over Gary Trauner (D)
In Cynthia Lummis’s own words:
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