Democracy for New Mexico

NM-Sen: Udall Canvassing Off to Good Start

About 30 enthusiastic people showed up today to participate in a canvass organized by the Tom Udall for Senate campaign and the Dem Party of New Mexico in Albuquerque. There will be many more to come. Even though Udall is getting terrific polling numbers in this race, the GOP will definitely be waging a no-holds-barred battle to hang onto the Senate seat in New Mexico. We have to work hard from now until November to make sure the Dems take this seat.

It's always good to stay informed by following the poll numbers and the latest political news, but if we're not phone banking, canvassing or helping out in other ways with the campaign(s) of our choice, we can't really call ourselves activists, can we? I know -- nag, nag, nag, but it's vital we all do what we can.

Click on photos for larger versions. Photos by M.E. Broderick.

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Early In-Person Voting at Satellite Locations Begins Today

Early In-Person Absentee Voting for New Mexico's June 3rd primary began on May 6th and continues through May 31 at the Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office Annex in downtown Albuquerque – 620 Lomas, NW. The hours of operation for this location are as follows:

• Monday May 19 – Friday May 23:         8:00am – 5:00pm
• Monday May 26 – Friday May 30:         8:00am – 5:00pm
• Saturday May 31:                             10:00am – 6:00pm

Early In-Person Voting at satellite locations throughout Bernalillo County begin today, Saturday, May 17th at the following locations:

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NM-01: Blue America Welcomes Heinrich at FDL Live Blog

Join in at Firedoglake today starting at Noon Mountain time. Martin Heinrich's campaign released a new video today, which highlights his commitment to middle class issues like creating jobs and improving our economy.

NM-Sen: Albuquerque Journal Fails to Report SUSA Poll Numbers for Udall

Now there's one more reason to question the fairness of the Albuquerque Journal. In today's Political Update section, the newspaper reported the statistical tie between Steve Pearce and Heather Wilson, the GOP primary candidates in the U.S. Senate race in New Mexico, in the recent SurveyUSA poll. However, I guess they don't think that SUSA results from the same day showing Tom Udall beating both Wilson and Pearce by about 25 points are of interest to their readers because they failed to report those numbers. Just an oversight, I'm sure.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Journal also chooses to ignore the results from a new 5/14 Rasmussen poll of likely voters that shows:

Tom Udall (D): 53 (54)
Steve Pearce (R): 37 (40)

Tom Udall (D): 57 (56)
Heather Wilson (R): 36 (36)

(4/8 Rasmussen results in parentheses)

Technorati Tags:Tom Udall, Steve Pearce, Heather Wilson, NM-Sen, New Mexico, Rasmussen, SurveyUSA, Albuquerque Journal

5/22: East Mountain Ward Hosts Dem Candidate Forum

From Ron Humphreys, Ward Chair: Ward 20C, which includes many  parts of the Bernalillo County East Mountain area southeast, from Carnuel to Chilili, will be having a forum to allow the candidates for office to express their qualifications. Lt. Gov. Diane Denish will lead off the meeting. The meeting will be held at Los Vecinos Community Center in Tijeras, (1/4 mile west of the stop light), from 6:30-9:30 PM on Thursday, May 22nd.

Invited and expected to attend are the Dem Congressional candidates for CD-1, the Bernalillo County Dem candidates for Clerk and Treasurer, the Dem candidate for Senate District 19 and various candidates for the Judiciary in Bernalillo County. All invited speakers are Democrats, but the meeting is open to the general public, and all are welcome and invited to attend.

Quote of the Day: Huckabee Jokes About Gun Aimed at Obama

I wish I were kidding, but I'm not. Not that this is something to kid about anyway, given the toxic nature of too many right-wing extremists stirred up by the likes of smiley Huckabee and his ilk. I guess nothing's off limits in the prez campaign now that Bush himself has compared Obama and the Dems to Nazi appeasers while speaking to the Knesset in Israel.

From the CNN Political Ticker:

During a speech before the National Rifle Association convention Friday afternoon in Louisville, Kentucky, former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee — who has endorsed presumptive GOP nominee John McCain — joked that an unexpected offstage noise was Democrat Barack Obama looking to avoid a gunman.

“That was Barack Obama, he just tripped off a chair, he's getting ready to speak,” said the former Arkansas governor, to audience laughter. “Somebody aimed a gun at him and he dove for the floor.”

Technorati Tags:Mike Huckabee, NRA, National Rifle Association, Barack Obama

NM-Sen: Check New Udall Website and Join the Udall Canvass This Saturday

It's been a long time comin' but it's finally here. Check out the new and improved Tom Udall for Senate campaign website and blog. Fresh, clean, interactive, more widgets and feaures on the way.

Next, consider participating in the campaign's big Canvass Day tomorrow, May 17, held in conjunction with the Democratic Party of New Mexico. Assemble at 10:00 AM at the Udall Campaign Office at 3311 Candelaria NE, Suite A, in Albuquerque (map). Call Andrew Marshal at 505.884.3055 to RSVP or learn more. There'll be coffee and AM munchies to help you prime your pump.

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NM-01: NEA Endorses Heinrich

From Martin Heinrich for Congress: Today, the National Education Association (NEA) announced their support for Martin Heinrich. The NEA is the 14th major union to support Martin Heinrich's candidacy. No other First Congressional District candidate has received a union endorsement.

The NEA is the third major teacher's organization to endorse Martin's candidacy. The Albuquerque Federation of Teachers Local 1420 and the American Federation of Teachers New Mexico previously endorsed Martin Heinrich.

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NM-Sen: New SUSA Poll Shows Pearce (Barely) Winning Primary, Udall Winning Senate Seat vs. Either Opponent

Results are in from a new SurveyUSA Poll conducted for KOB-TV in Albuquerque. With 18 days left in the U.S. Senate primary race, the polling shows:

GOP Primary
Steve Pearce 49%
Heather Wilson 46%

With a margin of error of 4.8% for the poll (rather high), Pearce and Wilson are in a statistical tie for the GOP nomination. Compared to an identical SurveyUSA poll released six months ago, Pearce is up 12 points while Wilson is down 10 points. Among conservatives, Pearce leads by 14; among moderates, Wilson leads by 17. Among men, Pearce, leads by 11; among women, Wilson leads by 5 -- a 16 point gender gap.

Among voters age 18 to 49, Pearce leads by 9; among voters 50+, Pearce and Wilson tie. Among whites, Pearce and Wilson tie; among Hispanics, Pearce leads by 16. Wilson leads by 25 points in Bernalillo County, where Albuquerque is located; Pearce leads by 22 points in the rest of the state. SurveyUSA estimates that 40% of Republican voters will come from Bernalillo County. The larger the turnout from that county, the better Wilson does.

General Election
Udall 60%, Pearce 36%
Udall 61%, Wilson 35%

In a hypothetical General Election for U.S. Senator from New Mexico 25 weeks to the vote, Democrat Tom Udall defeats either Republican Pearce or Republican Wilson by a nearly identical margin. Udall leads among both men and women, young and old, white and Hispanic, regardless of opponent. 1 in 4 Republicans cross over and vote Democrat; 1 in 10 Democrats cross over to vote Republican.

Continue reading "NM-Sen: New SUSA Poll Shows Pearce (Barely) Winning Primary, Udall Winning Senate Seat vs. Either Opponent"

NM-02: McCamley's First TV Ad Knocks Special Interest Gravy Train

Congressional candidate and Doña Ana County Commissioner Bill McCamley announced that his first television ad would begin airing in the Albuquerque media market today (see video above). Titled “Gravy Train,” the ad focuses on Washington’s failure to defend the middle class against special interests.

I really like the ad because it shows McCamley's enthusiasm and genuine emotion about the issues, something anyone who's seen McCamley speak live can certainly attest to. I also think it draws a powerful distinction between McCamley's grassroots-powered campaign, built on small donations and dedicated volunteers, and his rival Harry Teague's top-down, big donor, insider campaign. The majority of Teague's funding has come from his own pocket -- or from wealthy oil and gas interests -- to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Unfortunately, Teague has refused to debate McCamley during the final weeks of the primary race, perhaps because Teague reportedly did so poorly at a recent candidate forum. I guess he thinks his generously funded ad campaign will suffice. I hope he's wrong and that voters see this race for what it really is.

“There is a special interest gravy train in Washington, DC,” McCamley says in the ad. “Money from big oil and drug companies comes in one door, and taxpayer giveaways go right out the other.”

“This ad not only highlights why Bill is running, it clearly shows the passion and energy that he is going to bring to the general election and to Washington in January,” said McCamley campaign spokesman Mike Ward. “Voters want to see a candidate who stands up for them against the special interests, and this ad focuses on how Bill will do just that.”

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Dem Party of Bernalillo County Picnic Set for May 24

The Democratic Party of Bernalillo County
would like to invite you to a

DEMOCRATIC PICNIC

Saturday May 24, 2008, Noon - 4:00 PM
at the
Spanish Village, EXPO NM
300 San Pedro Drive NE, Albuquerque

FREE FOOD, FUN & MUSIC!

Music will be provided by
Supreme Court Justice Charlie Daniels
and Judge William Parnall

Click for FLYER - Pass It On

Everyone Welcome
Invite Your Friends, Neighbors & Family

Reminder: Progressives for Tim Keller Tonight

Progressive fundraiser for Tim Keller for Senate in District 17 tonight from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. Click for FLYER. If you need more reasons to actively support a real progressive Dem who's running against an entrenched and ethically challenged incumbent, read this. I mean it. No matter which Senate District you reside in, now's the time to step up and help create a responsive Legislature.

NM-01: Heinrich to Live Blog at Firedoglake This Saturday

Coming Soon: Bush in Albuquerque

Dem NM-01 candidate Martin Heinrich will be live blogging at the prominent national blog Firedoglake this Saturday, May 17, at Noon MDT. He'll be highlighting the fact that George Bush himself will be visiting the District on May 27th to raise big chunks of money for Martin's likely Repub opponent, Darren White, and the New Mexico GOP.

White clearly wants to take advantage of Bush's still formidable fundraising abilities within elite circles of the GOP by sneaking in a visit from Mr. Campaign Toxicity early on, so people will forget he was ever here when Fall rolls around. White's already been making noises about how "independent" he is from the disastrous Bush agenda, but this fundraising visit says otherwise. The man who chaired Bush's 2004 campaign in Bernalillo County is still close to Bush no matter what he tries to say to the contrary.

So what can we do to help offset the corrosive effects of GOP big donor money being sucked into the wrong side of the NM-01 race by a visit from the most consistently unpopular president in modern times? Visit Firedoglake this Saturday and join in the brainstorming, for starters.

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Buffy Sainte-Marie to Lecture at UNM's Zimmerman Library

From UNM Today: Buffy Sainte-Marie, an educator, activist and singer will give a free lecture on Saturday, June 7, at 7:00 PM in the west wing of Zimmerman Library as part of the University Libraries Summer Sunset Lecture Series. Sainte-Marie virtually invented the role of Native American activist pop star. Her work against the exploitation of Native American artists and performers has kept her in the forefront of activists for 40 years. She currently operates the Nihewan Foundation for Native American Education.

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NM-03: Stewart Udall Endorses Luján

The Ben R. Luján campaign announced that Stewart Udall (right), the father of Rep. Tom Udall (D, NM-03), has endorsed Luján for Congress in the Third District's Democratic primary. Stewart Udall's environmental credentials and integrity are powerful and impeccable. Udall's endorsement may well provide a boost to Luján's chances in the closing days of the hotly contested primary race to be decided on June 3rd.

Luján is running to replace Tom Udall, who's running for U.S. Senate. Rep. Udall has not endorsed any candidate in the race.

Check out Matthew Reichbach's scoop on the story on the endorsement at the New Mexico Independent, which includes a nice photo of Luján and Udall. In a phone interview with NMI, Stewart Udall explained his endorsement this way: "I like him as a person, but I’m for him because of the strong position he’s taken on the issues that are important to me."

Steve Terrell's article in the Santa Fe New Mexican reports another quote from Udall:

"I've followed (Luján's) career, and I have a high regard for him," the elder Udall said in a telephone interview. He said he likes Luján's record on energy and environmental issues. "He's interested in all the things I am," Udall said.

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(Updated) Breaking: Edwards to Endorse Obama

Update: Video clip of Edwards' endorsement

The one many have been waiting for: According to a post by Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post, John Edwards will endorse Obama for president tonight in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This former Edwards supporter is very happy with this news! Edwards has 18 pledged delegates, but it's not clear whether they'd all switch to supporting Obama. This is the second big endorsement for Obama today. Earlier, NARAL Pro-Choice America announced its support for Barack. The group has supported Hillary Clinton throughout her political career. From Cillizza:

Matt Bennett, a former Clinton Administration official, described Edwards as the "troubadour of the working class" and said the North Carolina senator's endorsement of Obama makes it "tougher for Clinton to make the case that working class Democrats can't [or] won't support Obama."

Continue reading "(Updated) Breaking: Edwards to Endorse Obama"

NM-01: Heinrich Unveils First TV Ad, Stresses Working Class Roots

Democrat Martin Heinrich, running for Congress in NM-01, has released a video of his first TV ad (above). The ad --which will start airing tomorrow -- stresses his working class roots, his dedication to working class values and his experience fighting for families and their interests in New Mexico. I like the quick cut style, which should be very effective in getting viewers' attention on a TV screen.

None of the other candidates in the First District race on either side of the aisle have, to my knowledge, aired any TV advertising so far. With the June 3rd primary only weeks away, I expect we'll see more action on TV soon from those who can afford it.

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DFNM Selected as Official DNC Convention Blogger for NM (Can I Say WOW?)

How I learned of my selection. Thanks, Howard!

I'm incredibly honored (and ecstatic) to report that the Democracy for New Mexico blog has been selected by the Democratic National Convention Committee to be the official New Mexico blogger at the Democratic Party Convention to be held on August 26-28, 2008 in Denver. DNC Chair Howard Dean announces our selection in the video above, standing alongside a shot of the blog. Given my long-held enthusiasm for all things Howard Dean, stretching back to his run for president in 2004, the news couldn't come from a more admired source in my book. Yowsa.

Some months ago the DNC solicited applications from bloggers in all 50 states (plus several territories) to vie for one blogger slot per state. They'll form what's called the State Blogger Corps at the Convention. You can see a listing of all the blogs selected to be a part of the team here. And here's a description of the process from the release announcing the selections:

More than 400 applications were received from bloggers across the United States and multiple territories.  Some of the blogs selected for the State Corps are full-time, professional endeavors while others are the work of individuals, who through their own efforts have become recognized authorities on state and local politics.  Bloggers had to submit daily audience information and provide examples of posts that made their blogs stand out as an effective online organizing tool or agent of change, a demonstration of both the reach and impact blogs have had and will continue to have on the 2008 election.  The program recognizes the growth of more localized blogs and is in line with Governor Dean's 50-state strategy.

Each official state blogger will be credentialed for seating with the state's delegation on the Convention floor, and will be an integral part of the Convention action. That means I'll be reporting to you directly from Denver and sharing my experiences and insights day by day as the drama unfolds. I hope I can do the job justice. Lots of fun, but lots of work too. Have I said I'm excited?

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NM-01: Darren White's (More Than) White Lies

Bernalillo County Sherfiff Darren White was for drug decriminalization before he was against it. Or something. And it appears that he lies about the reason he resigned his post as Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Public Safety in 1999. Not good for a candidate running on his "integrity."

For awhile now Darren White, the GOP's presumed candidate for Congress in NM-01, has been explaining his resignation as Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Public Safety in the Gary Johnson administration as a moral stand against Johnson's call for discussions on decriminalizing certain drugs, starting with marijuana. Johnson had proclaimed that the nation's "war on drugs" was a miserable failure and that new thinking on the matter was critical. He compared America's illegal drug policies to the nation's previous misbegotten attempt at liquor prohibition.

White has repeatedly said he couldn't go along with Johnson's position on drug decriminalization, and that he had to leave the administration to make that point. His campaign website says:

White served as Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Department of Public Safety under Governor Gary Johnson ... White resigned his Cabinet position after Governor Johnson began advocating the legalization of drugs.

The trouble with White's explanation is two-fold. For one thing, he's quoted in the The November Coalition's publication Razor Wire in 1999 essentially agreeing with Johnson's stance:

State Public Safety Secretary Darren White said the federal government spends about $17 billion annually to fight drugs, including about $6 million in New Mexico. "And we're probably only seizing 5 to 15 percent of all the drugs coming into the country," White said in an interview. "We're not going to arrest ourselves out of this drug problem. The governor is absolutely right. We should be looking at other options because our current policy is failing."

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Saturday: KNME to Live Stream Wilson-Pearce Debate

According to the KNME blog, the PBS station's website will provide a live stream of the next big debate between GOP Senate candidates Heather Wilson and Steve Pearce to be held in Roswell this coming Saturday, May 17, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. You can watch live online here or at Ustream on Saturday.

KNME-TV will also be simulcasting the final debate between Steve Pearce and Heather Wilson on May 30th. They're one of a handful of media outlets participating in the New Mexico Broadcaster's Association debate at the Sandia Resort & Casino. The debate will be live from 7-8:00 PM, and they plan to follow up with live reaction and analysis from their studio with host Gene Grant and the rest of the LINE panelists. They'll also be live streaming that debate, on knme.org.

Technorati Tags:Steve Pearce, Heather Wilson, NM-Sen, Roswell, New Mexico, KNME, Republicans, debates

'You Can't Drink Oil' Set for 5.20, Santa Fe

Click on image for larger version. Click for FLYER (pdf). More info at Common Ground United and New Mexico Environmental Law Center.

Technorati Tags:oil drilling, gas drilling, New Mexico Environmental Law Center, Common Ground United, Conservation Voters New Mexico, Tweeti Blancett, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Get Involved with Obama Campaign in NM; Meeting Tonight

As I reported previously, post-primary action kicked off in New Mexico and across the nation this past Saturday with the Obama campaign's Vote for Change effort to register and mobilize voters. The Obama '08 campaign is teaming with lots of partners to bring thousands of new voters into the process nationwide and to help mobilize them for the November election.

Getting trained as voter registrars in ABQ; registering a voter

In Albuquerque, more than 60 people showed up at the IBEW Hall to receive voter registrar training and hit the streets in the first phase of what will be a continuing effort until election day in November.

Tom Solomon offers voter registration to motorcycle fans

Obama Meeting Tonight in ABQ
Obama for New Mexico meets every Tuesday, including TONIGHT, at 7:00 PM at the Democratic Party of New Mexico headquaters located at 1301 San Pedro NE in Albuquerque. Click to RSVP. Also be sure to check out the New Mexico page on the Obama '08 website, where you can learn about upcoming events, create your own or join a local group (scroll down).

Click on photos for larger versions. All photos by Tom Solomon, a participant in last Saturday's Vote for Change event in Albuquerque.

Technorati Tags:Barack Obama, Obama for President, voter registration, Democratic Party of New Mexico, Vote for Change, Albuquerque, New Mexico

NM-Sen: Domenici Avoids the Heat; GOP Starts Negative Push Polling

I'm not sure how much retiring NM Sen. Pete Domenici's endorsement would mean in the Repub primary battle between Steve Pearce and Heather Wilson, but he's taking the easy way out and refusing to back either candidate publicly. Instead, he's said he'll work hard for whoever gets the GOP's primary nod on June 3rd.

I guess Domenici may have had enough of controversy and heat given all the negative attention he got for attempting to pressure former U.S. Attorney David Iglesias to speed up Dem indictments. Maybe he's content to bask in public neutrality and enjoy the many thanks-for-the-memories tributes he'll be getting if he stays out of the fray until the general election.

By refusing to go on the record for the primary, he won't get caught between the dueling forces of "common sense conservatism" and to-the-right-of-Atila-the-Hun extremism that have been rocking the NM Repub Party for many moons -- and is represented by the Wilson vs. Pearce battle. After all, Domenici himself went from being viewed early on as a moderate Republican to just another Bush clone as his Senate career evolved in later years. Despite being Wilson's long-time mentor, maybe he's now moved into the Club for Growth sector of the GOP that's inhabited by extreme right wingers like Pearce. Stranger things have happened within a Repub Party that's been decimated by plunging public support, weak candidates and falling campaign donations.

"Common Sense Issues" Push Polling Begins
In the meantime, the GOP Swift Boat brigade is already getting active in New Mexico with negative push-polling against Tom Udall, the nominee who's running unopposed in the Dem Senate primary. A Udall campaign email reports:

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Strong Local Support: Griego Raises Nearly $60,000 for Dist. 14 State Senate Race

According to a report filed Monday, State Senate candidate Eric Griego raised a total of $59,140 in contributions from 445 donors-- the majority of whom gave $50 or less.   

"Our finance report shows we're running a grassroots campaign that has generated widespread, local support. My donors are people in our community who believe we need to change the way things are done in Santa Fe," Griego said. "The working families that have supported my campaign are the kind of people I will fight for in the legislature -- not the special interests."

Senate District 14 includes the Barelas neighborhood where Eric was born and raised along with several other neighborhoods in Albuquerque, much of the South Valley, Isleta Pueblo, East Mountain communities and several neighborhoods in Valencia County.  As a former City Councilor, Eric represented nearly one third of the Senate district from 2001-2005. 

Eric is facing incumbent James Taylor in the Democratic Primary on June 3, 2008.

Continue reading "Strong Local Support: Griego Raises Nearly $60,000 for Dist. 14 State Senate Race"

State Auditor Balderas Hosts Delegation From Africa

This past month, New Mexico's State Auditor Hector Balderas (right) hosted a fourteen member delegation from the Sahara region of Africa, according to a statement released by his office. The delegation discussed accountability and transparency in government, as well as job duties of the State Auditor.

“Hosting international delegations promotes further understanding of culture, governmental policies and operations,” Balderas said. “I’m honored to participate in discussions about democracy and open government.”

In addition to their stop in Santa Fe, the delegation visited Washington D.C. This is the third delegation that State Auditor Balderas has hosted since he has been State Auditor. Balderas traveled to Pakistan in 2006 as a member of the American Council of Young Political Leaders.

Technorati Tags:Hector Balderas, New Mexico Auditor, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Africa, Sahara, open government

82% Now Believe Country on Wrong Track; 31% Approve of Bush

The GOP and its candidates at every level have a lot to worry about in the latest ABC News/Washington Post poll, especially with a presidential candidate whose positions on most major issues mirror Bush's in almost every detail:

Eighty-two percent of Americans now say the country's seriously off on the wrong track, up 10 points in the last year to a point from its record high in polls since 1973. And 31 percent approve of Bush's job performance overall, while 66 percent disapprove.

The country’s mood – and the president’s ratings – are suffering from the double whammy of an unpopular war and a faltering economy. Consistently for the past year, nearly two-thirds of Americans have said the war in Iraq was not worth fighting. And consumer confidence is near its lowest in weekly ABC News polls since late 1985.

... Bush now has gone 40 months without majority approval, beating Truman's record (also during economic discontent and an unpopular war) of 38 months from 1949-52.

Guest Blog: Re-Elect Mary Jane Garcia for State Senate

This is a guest blog by Stephanie L. DuBois of Tularosa.

Senator Mary Jane Garcia (right), a Democrat from Dona Ana, NM who serves as Majority Whip, is seeking re-election to her Senate District 36 seat. Known in her district and around the state as the "working senator," Senator Garcia has sponsored and passed some of the most significant legislation we've had in the areas of protecting children from abuse, as well as protecting women from domestic violence. She was also instrumental in the passage of legislation to make human trafficking a crime.

Senator Garcia has a tremendous work ethic and is always willing to help. She doesn't know how to say "no," and the people of New Mexico reap many benefits from her efforts. Senator Garcia has received many awards in recognition of her superior service, including  The 2007 Milagro Award titled, "The Mary Jane Garcia Champion for Animals Award," The Spirit Award 2007 for her advocacy against domestic violence and the Outstanding Woman of New Mexico Award, presented by Governor Richardson and sponsored by the Commission on the Status of Women 2007.

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DPBC to Host 5/19 Reading & Book Signing with Former U.S. Sen. Fred Harris

Fred Harris Reading and Book Signing
UNM Law School, Room 2401, Map
1117 Stanford NE, Albuquerque NM
Monday, May 19, 6:00 PM
Special Forum, Democratic Party of Bernalillo County
Does People Do It? - A Memoir by Fred Harris
Public Welcome

The well-known "people's politician" recalls his life and career.

One of Oklahoma's most famous native sons, Fred Harris faced life's challenges with the same resolve as a favorite uncle: "Does people do it? If people does it, I can do it."  In this engaging memoir, he describes how he met those challenges head-on.

A child of the Great Depression, he describes his upbringing and his initiation into state politics, and tells how he was elected to the U.S. Senate at the age of thirty-three. Earning a reputation as a "new populist," Harris chaired the national Democratic Party and was a serious presidential candidate. Enlivening his account with firsthand conversations, Harris contributes to our understanding of the motivations and personalities of figures such as Lyndon B. Johnson, Hubert Humphrey, and Robert F. Kennedy, including the infamous tensions between Johnson and Kennedy. Despite rubbing elbows with such power brokers, Harris maintained his own reputation as a down-to-earth man of the people whose advocacy included American Indian causes.

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NM-01: Albuquerque Journal Endorses Heinrich

Yesterday, the Albuquerque Journal endorsed Democrat Martin Heinrich for Congress in New Mexico's First District primary race. Their editorial explaining their decision cites his success as a consensus builder on the Albuquerque City Council, as well as his talent for problem-solving that arises from top-notch listening and communication skills. The Journal also coined a new phrase -- the Heinrich Maneuver:

1st Congressional District Democrat — Heinrich: The partisan two-step is a common dance during the political season: A step toward the party regulars who often determine the primary results, a step back toward the center in time for the general election.

But Martin Heinrich established a record of putting one foot in front of the other to build consensus on the often contentious Albuquerque City Council. His liberal leanings are clear, but so is the pragmatism and respect for other points of view that endow Heinrich with the ability to listen, accommodate and move difficult initiatives forward. That would be a welcome talent in Congress.

The Heinrich Maneuver was key to navigating the controversy of the city minimum wage ordinance and producing a measure that the business community and activists could live with. It was apparent outside of City Hall when he worked with ranchers, Native Americans and outdoor recreation interests to build the bridges that helped lead to federal establishment of the Ojito Wilderness.

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Guest Blog: Open Letter to Bill McCamley & Harry Teague

This is a guest blog by Col. Donald E. Jonker, USAF Ret., of Las Cruces in the form of an open letter to Bill McCamley and Harry Teague, Democratic candidates for Congress in NM-02.

The President is going to ask the Legislature to approve these additions for fiscal year 2009. An additional $1.3 billion to meet health care needs for the 350,000 military men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. $3.9 billion for mental health services and $1.5 billion for prosthetic and sensory aids. This does not include the fact that some men and women will be in pain the rest of their lives. I believe all New Mexicans are interested in these tragic numbers and those of us in Democratic District Two have a right to know where our candidates stand on these issues.

Open Letter to Bill McCamley & Harry Teague
Most of us New Mexicans believe that the economy, the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and health care are the three biggest areas of concern in the next election. Since I am not an expert on the economy or health care, I will stick to the wars. Almost all of the active duty, National Guard, Reserve, veterans and widows are deeply concerned about many aspects of the wars; however, I would like to concentrate on three areas: 1) Should we or should we not withdraw from the wars, and if so, when? 2) What health benefits should our military receive? And, 3) How should the VA be funded to ensure our brave young men and women returning from the wars after three, four and even five combat tours be treated for life long injuries?

If the wars go on, the cost of benefits could reach as high as $75 to $150 billion. During the wars, despite improved equipment, for every person killed there are 16 wounded and injured, an unprecedented number. (In Vietnam the ratio was 2.6 for every death and in Korea it was 2.8 for every death.) For 2009, the President has asked for $1.3 billion for health care needs, $3.9 billion for mental health services, and $1.5 billion for prosthetic and sensory aids. That's only $6.7 billion -- nowhere near what is necessary.

Continue reading "Guest Blog: Open Letter to Bill McCamley & Harry Teague"

Prez Candidates to Focus on Independents, Hispanics, New Mexico

Must read: This article in today's New York Times lays out the strategies that will likely be employed by the McCain and Obama presidential campaigns in the general election. Get ready for a big onslaught by the prez campaigns in the Land of Enchantment. Both campaigns will be heavily targeting Western swing states, including New Mexico, Colorado and Nevada:

Both sides say the states clearly in play now include Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

Post-primary action kicked off in New Mexico and across the nation this Saturday with the Obama campaign's Vote for Change effort to register and mobilize voters. In Albuquerque, more than 60 people showed up at the IBEW Hall to receive voter registrar training and hit the streets in the first phase of what will be a continuing effort until election day in November.

It looks like Gov. Richardson will be active in Obama's efforts:

Mr. Obama’s aides said the endorsement by Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico, one of the nation’s most prominent Hispanic leaders, could prove more critical in the general election than in the primary.

Now this is exciting:

In a sign of what could be an extremely unusual fall campaign, the two sides said Saturday that they would be open to holding joint forums or unmoderated debates across the country in front of voters through the summer. Mr. Obama, campaigning in Oregon, said that the proposal, floated by Mr. McCain’s advisers, was “a great idea.”

Continue reading "Prez Candidates to Focus on Independents, Hispanics, New Mexico"

Celebrate 20th Anniversary of Amigos Bravos

From Amigos Bravos, Friends of the Wild Rivers:
Come celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Amigos Bravos and the launch of a new campaign to establish the constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment in New Mexico. No charge for current members -- this party is for you! Friends who wish to become members: $25 at the door.

Where: Philip Bareiss Gallery, 15 Route 150, Taos, NM
When: Saturday, May 17, 6-9 PM
Music by the Brent Berry Band

13th Annual Raffle for the Río
Grande Prize — Round-Trip Tickets for Two to the Bordeaux region of southwestern France, and a seven-day stay in the BED & BREAKFAST at the historic Chateau La Gatte, in