It's an incredible stretch of elections and it may get more incredible. State Rep. Fred Luna has stopped the rumor mill dead in its tracks by confirming to "NM Politics with Joe Monahan" that he WILL seek re-election in 2004. The Democratic Chairman of the House Business and Industry Committee says his health is "fine" and he is ready to go to Santa Fe for an 18th, two year term.

The 72 year old was rumored to be ready to call it quits, but his associates tipped us that Fred was going again. A personal conversation with the dean of the House confirmed it. In 2002 Luna faced a stiff challenge for the Valencia county seat from Republican Jackie Farnsworth. She lost by only two percent, or less than two hundred votes. No word yet on whether she will try again. Luna was first elected to the State House in 1970, before most New Mexicans were born. That's two years before Senator Domenici won his Senate seat and he's the longest serving U.S. Senator in NM history.

Luna, known as a quiet, moderate politician, attributes his success to "responding to the people." Whatever it is he might want to bottle it and sell it to the new generation coming up. His is one of the longest running win records not only in NM politics but in America. It will be interesting to see what kind of opposition he draws and whether he can up the slim margin of victory he escaped with last time. His district is 56% Democrat putting it in play for GOP candidate who can attract the Independents.