Rep. Tom Udall said he wants New Mexico to be the Saudi Arabia of wind and solar energy.
The senatorial candidate said a bright economic future awaits students who are prepared for the alternative-energy market.
Udall, who is running against Republican Steve Pearce, took questions from a crowd of about 30 people in the SUB Atrium on Tuesday.
"Energy is a big part of our future," he said. "In the past, energy has become completely dependent on foreign oil, to the tune of about 70 percent."
Udall said students should pay attention to what is going on with the economy because it will affect their job opportunities.
"The core issue, I think, for all of us, is how do we build an economy here in New Mexico so that those of you that are here want to stay here and work here," Udall said.
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Darrin Kowitz, president of Student Veterans of UNM, came to the town-hall meeting to find out Udall's stance on veterans issues.
"We wanted to establish an officially recognized Veterans Day at UNM, and the congressman sounded supportive of that," Kowitz said.
Udall said he has worked to build veterans centers in New Mexico. He said he wants to pass the Supporting Education for Returning Veterans Act.
"I think, in many cases, we really need to focus on what the needs are and what the aspirations are," Udall said. "Veterans want to get back here and get into something productive. This is a bill that I am going to work to get passed."
Udall said he wants veterans to come home to a welcoming environment once the war in Iraq is over.
"I would say that what we need to do now is to have a timetable - one year - and hand this off in an orderly, responsible way to the Iraqis," Udall said. "I believe they can do it."
Udall said U.S. troops in Iraq have made it possible for the government there to adopt a constitution and hold elections.
"They have now trained 530,000 Iraqis for armies, security, personnel, police - they are ready to step up to the plate," Udall said.
Valerie Delgado said she won't vote for Udall because he doesn't support New Mexicans using their land for cattle-raising and other small-business endeavors.
"Those things are important to me and especially important to people I know personally that own land and that is their business," Delgado said. "(Pearce) has also been a successful businessman."
Rally with Tom Udall
Today, 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
SUB Theater
