New Mexico congresswoman seeks to defend GOP foothold

By MORGAN LEE
Associated Press

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Republican Rep. Yvette Herrell is vying for a second term in a congressional district that stretches from the U.S. border with Mexico across desert oilfields and portions of Albuquerque. Herrell ran on a conservative platform of border security and unfettered support for the oil industry, while Democratic nominee Gabe Vasquez campaigned for access to economic opportunity, a humanitarian approach to immigration and greater accountability for climate change in a major energy production region. A victory by Herrell in New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District would preserve a Republican foothold in a state where Democrats have otherwise dominated elections for federal and statewide offices.