Strange video, mailers surface in race

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The stakes are so high in a house district that covers a chunk of Northeast Albuquerque that even the candidates admit things are getting a bit out-of-control.

Incumbent Republican Rep. Nate Gentry faces Democrat Mary Ellen Broderick, a former architect, for House District 30 in the general election. The district leans slightly in Republicans' favor, 52-47.

Earlier this month, a two-year-old YouTube video of Broderick exhibiting some strange behavior in a parody she made in response to speech T.V. personality Glenn Beck gave in Washington, D.C about taking the nation "back to God." Broderick said it is in no way associated with her campaign and blames Gentry and his supporters for alerting people to it.

"I'm disappointed to see it that it's been dug out, and it's a full distraction from what the people of this district want to hear," said Broderick. "It was never meant to be used in this context, and unfortunately, this man is choosing to do that. I think it's very telling of his character."

Gentry adamantly denied having anything to do with the video.

"This video was posted by her for the whole world to see, so just because she regrets posting it, doesn't mean I'm responsible," said Gentry.

Gentry also said Broderick threw the first punches in what has become a nasty and expensive race. Both candidates have sent countless mailers attacking the other.

A mailer about the death penalty is causing a stir. Gentry is in favor of the death penalty in cases where criminals murder children. Broderick wants to keep the repeal in place. The ad, paid for by Gentry, pictures a faceless figure in a dark hoodie. Critics said that imagery is offensive because it sparks memories of Trayvon Martin, an African American teen in Florida, who was shot dead in February. Martin was also wearing a dark hoodie.

Broderick called it "racist."

"They're reaching," said Gentry. "If you look at the mailer, the person on the mailer is Caucasian. I'm talking about policies, where we differ on issues."

Both Gentry and Broderick agree the race is taking a turn for the ridiculous, but they said they are both focused on the issues.

The governor's political action committees could get involved in the stretch run to attack Broderick. Patriot Majority New Mexico, a heavyweight PAC for the Democrats, is behind a lot of the negative ads against Gentry.