Jeff Bingaman
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Jesse Francis "Jeff" Bingaman Jr. (born October 3, 1943) is the junior U.S. Senator from New Mexico. He has been in the Senate since 1983 and is a member of the Democratic Party. Bingaman was Attorney General of New Mexico from 1978 until his election to the U.S. Senate in 1982, when he defeated Republican incumbent and former astronaut Harrison Schmitt. He was re-elected in 1988, 1994 (defeating Colin McMillan), and again in 2000.
Early life and career
Bingaman was born in El Paso, Texas in 1943. He grew up in Silver City, New Mexico. His father taught at Western New Mexico University and his mother taught in the public schools system. At age 15, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout.Bingaman earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government from Harvard University in 1965. He then entered Stanford Law School, graduating in 1968.
Bingaman is married to Anne Kovacovich; they have one child. He practiced law with his wife in New Mexico before being elected as New Mexico Attorney General in 1978.
Senate
Bingaman is the ranking member on the Energy and Natural Resources Commitee and a member of the Finance Committee; Heath, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee; and Joint Economic Committe.
Bingaman and his senate colleague Pete Domenici are currently the longest serving duo among current Senators. The next longest are Edward Kennedy and John Kerry of Massachusetts.
Being from a border state, Bingaman has been much involved in the debate over illegal immigration. He believes that in increased enforcement of borders to stem the flow of illegal immigrants, and that the U.S. should enact a guest worker program.
2006 reelection campaign
Bingaman faced no opposition in the June 6, 2006 primary. The Repulicans primary was won by Allen McCulloch, a urologist and former chemical engineer, who has no previous political experience. Bingaman is expected to win easily in November.
External links
Senator Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico]|- style="text-align: center;"
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