With five of the nine eligible candidates qualifying in Albuquerque's first run of its public financing program for city elections, the system is being called a success. While both public financing supporters and participating candidates are discussing potential improvements to the law, they are praising the first test of this system which was overwhelmingly approved by voters in a 2005 ballot initiative.

This year Albuquerque, New Mexico will see its first run of city council races where a full public financing option is available and from this report on the candidates who have qualified for public financing it seems there's enthusiasm to participate, especially in the 6th district!