Wiviott Becoming a Regular in San Juan County

FARMINGTON — Santa Fe resident Don Wiviott, one of six Democrats vying for outgoing U.S. Rep. Tom Udall's Third Congressional District seat, brought his campaign to San Juan County for the 15th time Tuesday.

Wiviott, who met with The Daily Times editorial board, describes himself as progressive and innovative on social issues, but a fiscal conservative.

"I'm a business guy ... I have the ability to run (for Congress)," he said.

Wiviott sees his involvement in politics this year as the highest and best use for his life. He's also responding to people's frustrations with the conditions in which they live — an expensive, unpopular war; a sagging economy; and regulations that don't seem to have changed in decades. Working as a sustainable, green builder, Wiviott is familiar with government regulations.

He noted that if elected he would be the only sustainable builder in Congress, and could have an effect on every sustainable home built in the nation.

"My campaign is based on the fact that change is possible, and we're out of time," he said. "People react to my not being a politician before, that I'm an outsider and they honest to God are looking for a change."

He believes it's time to scale back the U.S. presence in Iraq, noting this country has devoted more time to the conflict there than it did to World War II, and at a cost of $300 million per day.

What's needed in Iraq is an international peacekeeping force based in the northern part of the country and another such force in Iraq's oil fields, Wiviott said.

"We need to withdraw from the urban areas and have someone else come in to keep the peace," Wiviott said.

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