"Short, bald and Honest."

Las Cruces businessman Sowards, 58, has revived a campaign slogan he first used in 1996, when he challenged the late Rep. Joe Skeen for the party's nomination:

"Short, bald and honest."

Sowards said he challenged Skeen 12 years ago as a "patriot, not as a rebel," and he is seeking office again with the same goal of helping return the nation to what he believes was its original vision. A key goal is to shrink the size and influence of the federal government, Sowards said. He said he would like to see the Internal Revenue Service eliminated, the income tax replaced with sales taxes and the federal education department eliminated. "No Washington solution can solve a local problem," he said. "I'm a conservative. I believe conservative principles are the answer to our problems on a national, local and personal level." Sowards supports tightened border security and the deportation of the more than 12 million undocumented immigrants estimated to be living in the United States today. He said the U.S. should stay in Iraq until a government is established "that is not a vacuum for terrorism." Sowards owns four Kid's Country Child Care Centers and a manufacturing business. Sowards is one of three Republican candidates who have lent their campaigns substantial amounts of money: Dunn lent his campaign $300,000; Tinsley, $200,000; and Sowards, $325,000. Sowards said he had not solicited or accepted any campaign contributions but would do so if he wins the primary.

Albuquerque Journal, May 3, 2008