Allen Weh in 2014 NM Senate debate

On Energy & Oil: Explore every potential energy source, including oil & gas

I fully support exploring every potential energy source that will make America less dependent on foreign oil, create jobs, and is compatible with our environment. But not subsidizing them with taxpayer dollars. These for-profit businesses need to grow on their own merits and in open competition in the free market.

Some forms of "green" energy show promise, but until they are in greater demand by the American public and the free market, we should not be trying to force or coerce Americans to rely on them. Furthermore, we should not be pursuing policies that punish a particular sector of the economy, such as oil and gas, just because it is robust, or because we want to drive costs up in order to force Americans to embrace something that is not yet commercially viable.

On Environment: Balance between conservation and welfare of human beings

While most Dona Ana County residents support an Organ Mountains National Monument, most did not agree with our two senators on skirting the legislative process with an executive order. In a recent poll they favored legislation that focused on protecting the Organ Mountains proper by 73 to 18 percent, and rejected the idea of restrictions being placed on an additional 700 square miles of land throughout the county, as proposed in Udall's bill. This bill was considered the model for Obama's executive order.

The federal government needs less control of less land, not more. This is federal government overreach at its worst.

On Government Reform: Political spending is free speech: don't limit it

Dark money came about as a result of two incumbent senators trying to protect incumbents. The "Incumbent Protection Act," otherwise known as the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, restricted the ability of outside challengers and groups to raise money. As a result of its passage, an increased number of 527s, named for their IRS designation, began to spend money on political speech.

Now there's another effort by another incumbent Senator, Tom Udall. This time it goes so far as to amend the Constitution. The founding fathers did not limit the First Amendment by outlining specific types of speech. Most importantly, its purpose was to protect political speech. It is the height of arrogance for someone to think he has the right to change a founding principle of the freest country in the history of the world.

On War & Peace: Nuclear Iran is unacceptable to Israel and US

The continuous aggression of Iran toward Israel and the US, as well as its moderate Sunni Muslim neighbors, should not be tolerated. Moreover, allowing Iran to obtain nuclear weapons is unacceptable.

On Foreign Policy: Jihadi terrorists are face of evil that threatens our nation

"Out of respect for the Foley family, no picture of James Foley was used," Weh's campaign manager said.

"Using James Foley for shock value is offensive to Mr. Foley's family, and voters," Udall's campaign manager said.

"Tom Udall feigned outrage over the inclusion of a now familiar image of this Jihadi terrorist, who is clearly the face of the evil that threatens our nation. Sen. Udall's comments about our diplomacy being 'good' reflect his naivete and inexperience in matters of national security."

On Homeland Security: AdWatch: ISIL terrorist is face of evil that threatens us

Weh's advertisement, unveiled on Monday, includes images of war, Pres. Obama playing golf, and Weh's opponent, Sen. Tom Udall, giving interviews as chaotic images of conflict flash across the screen. Foley is not shown in the ad, but it does briefly show an image of his killer, dressed in black and wielding a knife.

"To change Washington, you must change your Senator," the ad reads.

"Using James Foley's horrific and tragic death for shock value is offensive to Mr. Foley's family, New Mexico voters and the rest of our country," Udall's campaign manager said.

"Out of respect for the Foley family, no picture of James Foley was used," Weh's campaign manager said. "Tom Udall feigns outrage over the inclusion of a now familiar image of this Jihadi terrorist, who is clearly the face of the evil that threatens our nation."

On Social Security: Prioritize cuts to fast-growing entitlements

Weh said those management values from business should be carried over to federal finances. For instance, cash reserves--instead of debt--should be built up, he said. "Why doesn't the government have a little safety net?" he said. "Why doesn't it set aside money and keep it, so that when we have natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina, we don't have to go borrow money from China?"

Weh said he would prioritize cuts, and they'd include "entitlements overall." Examples include the food stamp program and Social Security disability, which have grown at a fast pace in recent years