From left: Sen. Howie Morales, running unopposed to retain his seat;
Mary Hotvedt, running as a Democrat for House District 38 Representative
and Rodolpho "Rudy" Martinez, running to regain his seat for House District 39 Representative.

Article and photo by Sandra Michaud

An audience of about 40 people attended the debate between the candidates for the New Mexico State Legislature's Districts 38 and 39 and State Senator Howie Morales, who is running unopposed.The session was part of the Grant County Democratic Party's regular monthly forums.

The candidates for District 38 were Rebecca Dow (R), who sent a representative with a statement, and Dr. Mary Hotvedt (D); for District 39 they are State Representative John Zimmerman (R) who is running for re-election, who also sent a representative with a statement, and Rodolpho "Rudy" Martinez (D), a former State Representative.

Allison Evans, Assistant Professor of Political Science at WNMU, moderated the debate.

The debate started off with an opening statement from State Senator Howie Morales. "IG