Lujan Wins NM’s 3rd District

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) – Democrat Ben Ray Lujan has won New Mexico’s 3rd Congressional District.

The first-term member of the Public Regulation Commission beat out a Republican and an independent to win the district, which generally covers northern New Mexico.

The seat came open this year when the 10-year Democratic incumbent, Tom Udall, decided to run for U.S. Senate.

The 3rd District has been Democratic-leaning since its creation 26 years ago. Only once has a Republican been elected, and his tenure lasted only 19 months.

All three candidates talked about the need for change in Washington, but Republican Dan East and independent Carol Miller weren’t able to keep up with Lujan’s fundraising.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)