Martin Heinrich

Martin Trevor Heinrich (born October 17, 1971) is the junior United States Senator for New Mexico. Heinrich previously was U.S. Representative for New Mexico's 1st congressional district, serving since 2009. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Heinrich won the Senate seat vacated by retiring Senator Jeff Bingaman in 2012.

Early life, education, and business career
Heinrich was born in Fallon, Nevada, the son of Shirley A. (née Bybee) and Peter C. Heinrich. He graduated from the University of Missouri in 1995 with a Bachelor's degree in Science and Engineering, and later took graduate courses at the University of New Mexico. From 1996 to 2001, he served as Executive Director of the Cottonwood Gulch Foundation, a New Mexico non-profit organization dedicated to educating young people on natural science and the environment, and founded his own public affairs consulting firm.

Early political career
Heinrich served on the Albuquerque City Council from 2003 to 2007, which included one term as City Council President in 2006. As a city councilman, he stated that his goals were to reduce crime, raise the minimum wage and create new jobs. He also advocated the use of wind and solar power. In February 2006, he was appointed by Governor Bill Richardson to be the state's Natural Resources Trustee.

Elections

 * 2008

Heinrich originally planned to challenge five-term Republican incumbent U.S. Representative Heather Wilson, of New Mexico's 1st congressional district, but Wilson retired to run for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by retiring Republican Pete Domenici. Heinrich won the Democratic primary on June 3, 2008, defeating New Mexico Secretary of State Rebecca Vigil-Giron, State Health Secretary Michelle Lujan Grisham, and U.S. Army veteran Robert Pidcock 44%-25%-24%-8%.

In the general election, Heinrich faced Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White, whom Heinrich's campaign focused on linking to President George W. Bush. Heinrich also called for energy independence and an end to the war in Iraq. He defeated White, 56%-44%, carrying three of the district's five counties: Bernalillo (56%), Sandoval (56%), and Valencia (53%). White won Santa Fe (64%) and Torrence (57%) Counties. Upon his swearing in on January 3, 2009, Heinrich became the first Democrat to represent the district.


 * 2010

Heinrich was challenged by Republican Jon Barela, who told Politico he did not believe Heinrich reflected the district, saying he was too far left on budget and spending issues. During the 2010 campaign, Roll Call reported that the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee assigned a lobbyist to aid in the reelection campaigns of possibly vulnerable house members to help in fundraising, messaging and campaign strategy. Heinrich was elected to a second term, defeating Barela 52%-48%, and carrying two of the district's counties: Bernalillo (53%) and Sandoval (51%). Barela won Santa Fe (67%), Torrance (61%), and Valencia (53%) Counties.

Tenure
On January 14, 2009, Heinrich was elected to a six-month term as class president by the House Democratic freshmen. He co-sponsored the Stop the Congressional Pay Raise Act, which would cancel an automatic $4,700 salary raise for members of Congress.

Heinrich was voted most attractive person on Capitol Hill by The Hill newspaper in July 2009. He received the endorsement of the National Rifle Association during his 2010 run.

Abortion
NARAL Pro-Choice America PAC endorsed Heinrich in 2010.

Heinrich received a 100% score from NARAL in 2009, and a 0% score from the National Right to Life Committee.

Environment
Heinrich has identified himself as an environmentalist throughout his career. He served as Executive Director of the Cottonwood Gulch Foundation, a New Mexico non-profit organization dedicated to educating young people on natural science and the environment, and founded his own public affairs consulting firm. Later, as a member of the Albuquerque City Council, he advocated for the use of wind and solar power. In February 2006, he was appointed by Governor Bill Richardson to be the state's Natural Resources Trustee. He also served on the executive committee of the Sierra Club's Rio Grande Chapter. In August 2011, he received the Sierra Club's first endorsement of the 2012 election cycle. He opposes construction of the Keystone Pipeline. He supports cap-and-trade legislation.

Same-sex marriage
Heinrich's position on gay marriage has changed since he first ran for Congress. In 2008, Heinrich stated, "I am not supportive of gay marriage, but I do believe that everybody in the United States has the same civil rights in front of the government. So I think it's important that civil rights that are available to heterosexual couples should be available to every single gay couple who also wants to make the same sort of commitments."

After his 2012 Senate primary opponent, Hector Balderas, announced his support for gay marriage, Heinrich's staff released a statement to the New Mexico Independent newspaper stating, "Martin has supported gay marriage for some time. I just don't think he was asked about it. Thanks for asking!" He was an original cosponsor of Congressman Jerry Nadler's 2009 legislation to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act.

Gun Rights
Heinrich opposed legislation (HR 45) that would have re-instated the expired Federal Assault Weapons Ban. He also supported bills that would create a national standard for the concealed carrying of firearms across state lines, and co-sponsored legislation that would ease the restrictions on the sales of firearms across state lines. The National Rifle Association endorsed Heinrich during the 2010 congressional election, and has received a grade of "A" from the NRA on his stance with regards to Second Amendment rights.

Ojito Wilderness
In 2008, it was reported that Heinrich had lobbied both state and federal government officials without registering as a lobbyist, as required by both state and federal law. The Republican Party of New Mexico called on Heinrich to release his business records relating to his career as a lobbyist, including the names of clients and payment receipts. Heinrich's admission that he had operated as an unlicensed lobbyist came on the heels of his admission that he had operated his business illegally by failing to get a license from the city. He claimed to be unaware that he required a license, even though he passed legislation on the subject as a city councilor.

Armed forces
Heinrich is a member of the House Armed Services Committee. During his time in Congress, Heinrich has maintained strong opposition to the war in Iraq, and supports a swift end of combat operations in Afghanistan.

In 2011, he voted against the National Defense Authorization Act conference report because he objected to language requiring that suspected foreign terrorists be taken into custody by the military instead of civilian law enforcement authorities.

Committee assignments

 * Committee on Armed Services
 * Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces
 * Subcommittee on Strategic Forces
 * Committee on Natural Resources
 * Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
 * Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands

2012 U.S. Senate election
Heinrich announced that he would leave the House to run for the United States Senate seat currently held by Jeff Bingaman, who is retiring at the end of his term. In March, Politico reported that Al Gore had signed a fundraising letter for Heinrich. Heinrich defeated State Auditor Hector Balderas in the Democratic primary.

Heinrich faced Republican Heather Wilson, his predecessor in Congress, in the general election on November 6, 2012. He defeated Wilson, 51% to 45%.

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