NMPolitics.net Recognized by Politico

Heath Haussamen

Politico - Starting an all-politics website five years ago was not without risk for Heath Haussamen. Frustrated by budget cuts and what he calls “the dumbing down of news,” he quit his newspaper job at the Las Cruces Sun-News in New Mexico with no real sense of whether the online venture would succeed. Now NMPolitics.net — supported by advertising and donations — stands out in the Land of Enchantment for its smart, nonpartisan political coverage and analysis. Haussamen still runs the multilayered site on his own. In 2008, he traversed the state covering the presidential race and gained a reputation for thoroughness and speed. Expect more of that in 2012, as the increasingly diverse state hosts open Senate and House contests, in addition to the presidential race. Haussamen is also taking advantage of an underserved market — most of the Albuquerque Journal’s stories fall behind a pay wall.“President Barack Obama and Gov. Susana Martinez, a Republican, are both popular, which makes New Mexico unique,” he said. “It’s important that journalists continue to keep their eyes on the Roundhouse,” he said, referring to the state Capitol in Santa Fe. Visit Politico here: News New Mexico