Richard M. Romero, democratic nominee for the First Congressional District, was at the Duck Pond Monday seeking student support for his November election.
Campaigning with Romero was Karenna Gore-Schiff, daughter of former United States Vice-President Al Gore.
Romero is the current state Senator representing District 12. He has been the district's incumbent since 1992, winning both the 1996 and 2000 elections with margins of more than 75 percent.
Romero, who earned his bachelor's degree in education from the University of Albuquerque, has worked in the education field for 27 years as a teacher, principal and administrator.
Romero said education will be a major issue in his campaign.
"Richard Romero is a real reformer and an advocate for accountability. He will do the right things in Congress," Gore-Schiff said.
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Gore-Schiff said education, health care and the environment will be key issues in this year's election.
Marshall Martinez, president of the UNM College Democrats said his group has been working to bring candidates to campus to further expose students to the election process.
"The purpose of bringing individuals like Richard Romero is to get the youth out and active in the community," Martinez said.
Romero said he considers himself an individual who "likes to stir things up."
Romero used the campus appearance to criticize his opponent Heather Wilson (R-NM), saying she has succumbed to the agenda of special interest groups.
Romero said his stand on Social Security and Medicare is to oppose the privatizing of the program. Romero also plans to fight having prescription drugs covered by Medicare and help to decrease the cost of prescription drugs to New Mexico residents.
A rally, organized by the National Democratic Committee, will take place from noon to 1 p.m. today at the Duck Pond.
The speakers for the event will include Lt Governor candidate Diane Denish, U.S. Senator nominee Gloria Tristani and current state Secretary of State Rebecca Vigil-Giron.
Matt Kennicott, state chairman for the New Mexico College Republicans, said that a representative for John Sanchez, Republican candidate for governor, will speak to college republicans at 7:30 p.m., tonight in room 123 of Dane Smith Hall.
