|
Head East!
Dan East Throws His Hard Hat Into the Political Ring
By Greg Thompson
|
| “I firmly believe in
fewer regulations,
fewer taxes and
letting American
ingenuity and
innovation prosper.” |
|
It’s easy to be a critic while standing on the sidelines second-guessing other people’s opinions. Every armchair coach is undefeated; every dining-room politician is a genius.
Dan East, owner of Albuquerque, New Mexico-based Cone Construction Co. and National Utility Contractors Association Senior Vice President, finally decided that he had enough of sitting on the sidelines. Concerned that many elected officials seemed to have lost touch with their constituencies and ready to see businesses and the country back on the right track, East jumped into the race for New Mexico’s Third District congressional seat when sitting Congressman Tom Udall announced his intention to pursue retiring Senator Pete Domenici’s seat.
East is the first to admit that he was anything but a political insider as he headed into the primary. His opponent, Marco Gonzales, on the other hand was a former aide to Senator Domenici and received the Senator’s endorsement. That fact, however, did not stop East from taking 54 percent of the primary vote, winning the Republican nomination and setting up a race with Democrat Ben Ray Lujan, a member of the state Public Regulation Commission. Pursuing a congressional seat as a Republican in a historically Democrat-leaning district might seem like an uphill battle, but just as East has been undaunted by his opponents’ connections, he is confident that his position on key issues reaches across party lines.
Despite his increasingly busy schedule, East was happy to answer a few questions from Utility Contractor about his campaign and the issues that have shaped his bid for Congress.
What initially motivated you to pursue a Congressional seat?
My motivation and inspiration came from NUCA’s regular lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill and my personal experiences during the association’s annual legislative fly-in. It is my belief that the majority of our Congressional leaders have lost touch with the people, and that it is time to replace them with conservative business leadership — men and women who understand firsthand how difficult times really are and are willing to stand against some of the ridiculous legislating that’s going on today. Our current Congressional representative Tom Udall, for example, has snubbed small business since his election.
What are the major concerns you face in organizing and running a political campaign?
|
| “This has been a grass roots campaign from the start and
we will win the general election with the same strategy.” |
|
The major concern is raising capital to fund a congressional race. Initially, it was a little difficult for me as an outsider to reach beyond the industry in which I work. However, as I’ve been on the campaign trail getting my message out, funding is starting to come in. People are encouraged by my commitment to bringing conservative values back to Congress and fighting for our industry and for this country. I firmly believe in reinvesting in America and providing value back to the tax-paying families. One example of that is the fight for increased investment in our aging and ailing infrastructure — the roads, bridges and clean water systems that are vital to a strong economy, healthy society and a clean environment.
Data and history indicates that New Mexico’s Third District traditionally votes Democrat. How do your stances on particular issues address that potential divide?
What the numbers don’t show is the large number of people who are conservative or moderate Democrats.
When I’m out talking with people, regardless of party affiliation, we all have the same concerns regarding the issues. More importantly, we all believe that our government is overspending and not paying attention to the people who put them in office. We need to circle the wagons and start taking care of America. We need to reinvest in America and get people back to work.
|
