In an election for US House of Representatives in New Mexico’s 1st Congressional District today, Republican Jon Barela edges incumbent Democrat Martin Heinrich 51% to 45%, according to this latest exclusive KOB-TV poll conducted by SurveyUSA.

Whites vote for the Republican. Hispanics favor the Democrat, though the Republican candidate is Hispanic, and past president of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. Barela leads among voters who say “the economy” is the most important issue. Heinrich leads among voters who say “jobs” is most important. The more men who vote, the larger the Republican’s advantage. The more women who vote, the closer the contest will be. Heinrich succeeded 5-term Republican representative Heather Wilson in 2008. Heinrich is the first Democrat to represent the district since its creation in 1968.