This is an unbiased comparison of the political positions and policies of senate election candidates Martin Heinrich and Heather Wilson in New Mexico. Heinrich, a Democrat defeated Wilson, a Republican, to win the election.
Comparison chart
 | Heather Wilson | Martin Heinrich |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Date of birth | December 30, 1960 | October 17, 1971 |
| Political party | Republican | Democratic Party |
| Spouse(s) | Jay Hone | Julie Heinrich |
| Residence | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Albuquerque, New Mexico |
| Alma mater | United States Air Force Academy, Oxford University | University of Missouri |
| Occupation | Foreign policy strategist, business consultant, politician | Businessman, politician |
| Religion | Methodist | Lutheran - ELCA |
| Children | Three | Carter Heinrich, Micah Heinrich |
| Website | heatherwilson.com | www.martinheinrich.com |
| Place of birth | Keene, New Hampshire | Fallon, Nevada |
Logo of Republican and Democratic parties
Differences in Economic Policy
Tax Policy
- Wilson March 2001 Phaseout the death tax
- Heinrich Nov 2008 Tax cuts for couples making less than $250,000
Trade
- Wilson March 2002 Promote the Andean Free Trade Agreement
- Heinrich Feb 2011 Impose tariffs against countries which manipulate currency
Stimulus Spending and Bailouts
- Wilson July 2011 Signed the Cut, Cap and Balance Pledge
- Heinrich Jan 2009 Voted YES on additional $825 billion for economic recovery package
Regulation
- Wilson May 2007 Voted YES on requiring lobbyist disclosure of bundled donations
- Heinrich Nov 2011 Ban stock trading based on Congressional insider knowledge
Social Security
- Wilson Dec 2003 Rated 10% by the ARA, indicating an anti-senior voting record
- Heinrich Aug 2010 Reject privatization; don't raise the retirement age
Healthcare Policy
- Wilson Jan 2008 Voted YES on Veto override: Extend SCHIP to cover 6M more kids
- Heinrich Jan 2009 Voted YES on expanding the Children's Health Insurance Program
Social Issues
Abortion
- Wilson Dec 2003 Rated 10% by NARAL, indicating a pro-life voting record
- Heinrich June 2011 Let military perform abortions in cases of rape or incest
Immigration
- Wilson Sept 2006 Voted YES on building a fence along the Mexican border
- Heinrich April 2010 Arizona anti-immigrant law is racial profiling
Gay Rights
- Wilson Dec 2006 Rated 53% by NAACP, indicating a mixed record on affirmative-action
- Heinrich March 2010 Repeal Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell, and reinstate discharged gays
Women's Rights
- Wilson Sept 2004 Voted YES on Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage
- Heinrich June 2011 Constitutional Amendment for women's equal rights
Education Policy
- Wilson Aug 1998 Voted YES on allowing vouchers in DC schools
- Heinrich March 2011 Voted NO on reauthorizing the DC opportunity scholarship program
Gun Control
- Wilson March 2007 Ban gun registration & trigger lock law in Washington DC
- Heinrich Oct 2011 Loosen restrictions on interstate gun purchases
Civil Liberties and Homeland Security
- Wilson April 2006 Voted YES on continuing intelligence gathering without civil oversight
- Heinrich Feb 2011 Voted YES on extending the PATRIOT Act's roving wiretaps
Differences in Foreign Policy
Position on Iraq
- Wilson May 2007 Voted NO on redeploying US troops out of Iraq starting in 90 days
- Heinrich Nov 2008 War in Iraq is a foreign policy disaster
Position on Afghanistan
- Wilson April 2003 Voted YES on emergency $78B for war in Iraq & Afghanistan
- Heinrich March 2011 Voted NO on removing US armed forces from Afghanistan
Energy Policy
- Wilson July 2010 Explore proven energy reserves & keep energy prices low
- Heinrich Nov 2008 Bush stood in way of development of clean, renewable energy
Environmental Policy
- Wilson June 2008 Voted NO on $9.7B for Amtrak improvements and operation thru 2013
- Heinrich July 2009 Voted YES on $2 billion more for Cash for Clunkers program.
Debate
Here is the full video of the first debate between Martin Heinrich and Heather Wilson. A summary is on the KRQE website.
Opinion Polls
This is an extremely close race and the opinion poll results reflect that. The Cook Political Report rates the race as a toss-up.[1]
| Poll source | Date(s) administered | Martin Heinrich (D) | Heather Wilson (R) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Policy Polling | October 2–3, 2012 | 51% | 41% |
| We Ask America | September 25–27, 2012 | 52.3% | 40.8% |
| Public Policy Polling | September 7–9, 2012 | 50% | 41% |
| Albuquerque Journal | September 3–6, 2012 | 49% | 42% |
| Rasmussen Reports | August 21, 2012 | 48% | 41% |
| Public Policy Polling | July 13–16, 2012 | 48% | 43% |
| Public Policy Polling | April 19–22, 2012 | 48% | 43% |
| Rasmussen Reports | April 3, 2012 | 46% | 42% |
| Rasmussen Reports | Feb. 14, 2012 | 45% | 43% |
| Public Policy Polling | Dec. 10-12, 2011 | 47% | 40% |
| Public Policy Polling | June 23-26, 2012 | 47% | 42% |
Mitt Romney 
Obamacare 
Difference between Democrats and Republicans
Tim Kaine 
Elizabeth Warren 
Conservative
Comments: Heather Wilson vs Martin Heinrich