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Thursday, September 02, 2010
Rep. Martin Heinrich: GOP Wants to Take Our Country Back ... to the Bush Agenda
Democratic Rep. Martin Heinrich (NM-01) spoke at this week's DFA-Democracy for New Mexico Meetup in Albuquerque, covering many topics in his remarks and in his answers to questions from the audience. This is a clip of one of my favorite -- if chilling -- parts of his talk.
Rep. Heinrich describes the kind of awful agenda the Republicans -- like his opponent -- would pursue if they regain control of the U.S. House. As Rep. Pete Sessions has admitted publicly, if John Boehner succeeds in becoming Speaker of the House with a Republican majority, he will attempt to reinstate the Bush agenda -- completely and exactly. The GOP wants to do things like privatize Social Security, weaken Medicare and repeal every single part of health care reform. Could anything be worse for the country?
Take three minutes of your time to watch this clip, and then think about what's at stake. Please do what you can to support Rep. Martin Heinrich's reelection campaign and the entire Democratic ticket. Like now.
Republicans want to take our country back -- to the Bush era. Democrats will continue working hard, despite rampant Republican obstructionism, to take our country forward, IF they get a chance to do so. It's incredibly important that we get the word out about what will happen if Dems don't get out to vote on election day or if too many people fall for the empty rhetoric and vicious, dishonest attack lines of Republican candidates this year. It's up to every one of us to make sure that doesn't happen.
September 2, 2010 at 02:32 PM in Democratic Party, DFNM - Albq, Jon Barela, Media, NM-01 Congressional Seat 2010, Rep. Martin Heinrich (NM-01), Republican Party, Right Wing | Permalink | Comments (0)
Environment New Mexico: Latest Gulf Rig Explosion Should Prompt Permanent Ban on New Offshore Drilling
At around 10:00 AM Eastern this morning, another oil rig exploded into in the Gulf of Mexico. According to Coast Guard reports, the accident took place 80 miles off the coast of Louisiana on the Vermilion rig 380, which is owned by Houston-based Mariner Energy. Thirteen workers were on the rig at the time and all are reported to be safe.
In response to the latest oil rig catastrophe, Sanders Moore, advocate for Environment New Mexico, released the following statement urging an end to new offshore drilling and our dependence on oil:
“We are stunned to hear of yet another rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico -- President Obama should need no further wake-up call to permanently ban new drilling. He should drastically strengthen oversight of the existing offshore oil industry to prevent more accidents like the one today, but also permanently protect the coasts where we don’t drill now.
September 2, 2010 at 12:50 PM in Energy, Environment, Obama Administration, Regulation | Permalink | Comments (1)
State Rep. Nate Cote Works to Retire Primates at Holloman Air Force Base
Note: The tragic Alamogordo champanzee situation is starting to get national attention and is addressed in an article in today's New York Times.
State Rep. Nathan Cote (D-Doña Ana) has taken a leadership role in the effort to preserve the Alamogordo Primate Facility (APF) at Holloman Air Force Base; an action that would save approximately 40 local jobs and insure the humane treatment of 202 chimpanzees living at the facility. Employees at the APF are facing a personal and professional loss in January 2011 as the National Institute of Health plans to close the facility and ship the resident chimpanzees to a medical research laboratory in Texas.
“These primates have lived their entire lives on Holloman Air Force Base. This is where
the first chimpanzee, Ham, was trained for space flight, paving the way for Alan Shepard
in the 1950s,” Rep. Cote said in a statement released today via the New Mexico House of Representatives. “Many of the aging chimps deserve to live out their lives free from invasive research.”
Governor Richardson has shown his support for the APF saying, “These chimpanzees have already given so much of their lives as part of medical research, and they should be able to live out the remainder of their years in peace not being subject to invasive research. I am confident that there is a more prudent and compassionate alternative to the National Institutes of Health’s plan.”
Continue reading "State Rep. Nate Cote Works to Retire Primates at Holloman Air Force Base"
September 2, 2010 at 12:20 PM in Animal Protection, NM Legislature 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0)
9/4: An Evening With Dolores Huerta in Corrales
Human rights activist Dolores Huerta turned eighty this year. She has generously dedicated her lifetime to protecting the rights of others. Dolores has built bridges across communities to fight for workers, women, immigrants, LGBTQ communities, disenfranchised communities of color and the poor.
Please join us for an intimate evening with Dolores Huerta
Saturday, September 4th, 2010 at 7:00 PM
415 Camino de la Tierra, Corrales, NM 87048 (map)
Hosted by Ennio Garcia-Miera, Ed Goodman,
Linda Hernandez and Carolina M. Ramos
This is a fundraiser for the Dolores Huerta Foundation. We do not have a recommended donation amount but we ask each of you to give generously to the Dolores Huerta Foundation so that Dolores can continue to empower communities through her activism.
Please RSVP to ms.crolinaramos@gmail.com.
September 2, 2010 at 11:38 AM in Civil Liberties, Events, Immigration, Minority Issues | Permalink | Comments (0)
Harry Teague Campaign Targets Pearce's Record On Veterans, Troop Pay, in First Radio Ad
The first radio ad from the Harry Teague (NM-02) campaign is set to begin airing today. Entitled, "Why Would Pearce Do That?," the ad raises questions about the voting record of Teague's opponent, Congressman Steve Pearce, on veterans issues. It's also critical of Pearce's decision to oppose a salary boost for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, while he personally pocketed an extra $46,000 via Congressional pay raises he supported.
The ad also portrays Teague as an independent fighter for New Mexicans who puts people first, while painting Pearce as a career politician who waffles on which elected office to aim for next. It mentions Pearce's disastrous run for Senate two years ago and his indecision on whether he should run for governor before deciding to try and get his old seat back.
Click to listen to the new 60-second ad (mp3). You can read the transcript below.
September 2, 2010 at 09:20 AM in NM-02 Congressional Race 2010, Political Ads, Rep. Harry Teague (NM-02), Steve Pearce, Veterans | Permalink | Comments (0)
DPNM Seeking to Hire Bi-Lingual Canvassers for Albuquerque
The Democratic Party of New Mexico (DPNM) is building a grass roots organization and is looking for bi-lingual folks to canvass Albuquerque neighborhoods in New Mexico’s 1st Congressional district to help elect Democrats up and down the ballot. Qualifications:
- Physical condition to walk 4 hours to knock on doors Mondays-Fridays, 6 hours on Saturdays and Sundays
- Hard working and passionate for Democratic politics
- Spanish speaking is a plus
- Be available evenings and weekends
The pay rate is $9.00 per hour. Send your resume and inquiries to Victoria Dulce: victoria@nmdemocrats.org or call: (505) 569-0078. Democratic Campaign Offices: 2610 San Mateo Blvd NE, 87110 and 3805 Atrisco Dr NW, 87120.
September 2, 2010 at 08:50 AM in 2010 General Election, Democratic Party | Permalink | Comments (3)
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Rep. Martin Heinrich's Second TV Ad Focuses on Working Families - Including His Own
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The campaign of Rep. Martin Heinrich (NM-01) has announced it will start airing its second television ad (above) later this week. The campaign went up on TV with its first ad of this election cycle, "Hurry," at the beginning of last week. The new ad, titled "Work," will debut on Friday, September 3, 2010, and focuses on how Martin has been fighting every day to help New Mexico families during these tough economic times.
The ad begins with Rep. Heinrich talking about his family and shows some family photos, including pictures of his dad, who was an electrician, and his mom, who worked in a factory. It then switches to the faces of working New Mexicans, as well as a variety of workplaces. Rep. Heinrich talks about the hard times New Mexico families are facing these days and some of the legislation he helped to pass to help out -- extending unemployment benefits, providing funding for job training in new technologies and a bill to ensure fair pay for women. He ends the ad by stressing that "we still have so much work to do."
See below for a transcript. Click for background documentation (pdf).
September 1, 2010 at 06:40 PM in Children and Families, Economy, Populism, NM-01 Congressional Seat 2010, Political Ads, Rep. Martin Heinrich (NM-01) | Permalink | Comments (1)
$64.9 Million Headed to NM to Keep Teachers in the Classroom
U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall today issued a statement reporting that the U.S. Department of Education has released $64.9 million to help close New Mexico’s budget gap, and keep approximately 1,000 teachers in classrooms around the state.
“Nothing is more important to a child’s education than having good teachers in the classroom. When teachers are fired, classroom sizes increase, other teachers are overloaded, and students are forced to try to learn in challenging environments,” Bingaman said. “New Mexico’s students will benefit greatly from this nearly $65 million boost to New Mexico schools.” “
You can’t put a price on educating our children. By making sure we keep teachers in their classrooms instead of unemployment lines, we are ensuring the foundation of our future economic vitality,” Udall said. “Keeping our educators at work, where they serve our state best, is a top priority and this funding will do just that.”
Governor Bill Richardson released a statement today applauding the news.
"This is great news for New Mexico parents, teachers and schools," Richardson said. "It means that our public schools will be spared drastic cuts during the ongoing worldwide recession. Education jobs will be funded in every school district and charter school in New Mexico as a result. I extend my thanks to Congress for supporting this measure and to the U.S. Department of Education for approving our application so quickly."
Continue reading "$64.9 Million Headed to NM to Keep Teachers in the Classroom"
September 1, 2010 at 06:00 PM in Economy, Populism, Education, Gov. Bill Richardson, Obama Administration, Sen. Jeff Bingaman, Sen. Tom Udall | Permalink | Comments (1)
Get This: Steve Pearce Promotes Renewable Energy, Bio-Fuel Development -- In Argentina!
On Monday, clueless Steve Pearce (Trying To Fool Voters Again, NM-02) posted an article on his website highlighting the development of the algae-based biofuels industry -- in Argentina. While Pearce is busy promoting green energy in Argentina, there is a growing algae-based biofuels industry right developing under his nose right here in southern New Mexico that he apparently doesn’t know exists.
How would Pearce know? He's made it a tradition to avoid traveling the 2nd District and meeting constituents ever since he first got elected to Congress in November 2002. He's shown absolutely no interest in finding ways to help develop renewable energy jobs here in New Mexico. In fact, he's shown little interest in proposing anything concrete to help to attract and develop jobs for New Mexicans, period. Of any kind.
I wonder why Pearce is taking such an interest in what happens in Argentina. Is some big campaign donor of his hooked into business deals in South America? Does he think it's more important to lower the unemployment rate in a foreign nation than right here at home? Is he a secret agent working for business interests in Argentina? We'll probably never know.
If Pearce got out more, he'd know that Sapphire Energy has projects in Luna and Dona Ana Counties and the Center of Excellence for Hazardous Materials Management (CEHMM) in Eddy County, which are all algae-based biofuel refineries in New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District. Both Sapphire and CEHMM are part of a growing industry in New Mexico that is expected to create high paying, stable jobs in the American energy production sector. Click here and here to learn more about how this industry is blossoming in New Mexico.
“This shows how out of touch Congressman Pearce is with southern New Mexico. He is completely unaware of an industry that is creating jobs and fueling the economy right in his own backyard! Here’s an industry that will play a critical role in ending our dangerous dependence of foreign energy sources, and Congressman Pearce is saying we ought to be doing it in Argentina,” said Jessica Borchert, Harry Teague's Press Secretary. “I don’t know what it is about Argentina, but I bet New Mexicans think that Congressman Pearce should be worried a little less about them and a lot more about us.”
September 1, 2010 at 01:47 PM in Energy, Green Economy, NM-02 Congressional Race 2010, Rep. Harry Teague (NM-02), Steve Pearce | Permalink | Comments (1)
Tonight 9/1: Westside Coalition Hosts Candidate Forum with NM-01 Congressional Candidates, More
Rep. Martin Heinrich at last night's DFA-DFNM Meetup
The Westside Coalition of Neighborhood Associations is sponsoring a Candidate Forum tonight, September 1, from 6:30 PM to 8:45 PM at the Don Newton Taylor Ranch Community Center located at 4900 Kachina NW in Albuquerque (map). KOAT 7's Joe Diaz will moderate. All are welcome to attend. Candidates for the following offices from both political parties have confirmed their attendance:
- 1st Congressional District
- NM House of Representative Districts 15, 23 & 29
- Bernalillo County Commission District 1
- Bernalillo County Sheriff
- Bernalillo County Assessor
Dems are encouraged to pack the house in support of our fine list of candidates, which includes Rep. Martin Heinrich (NM-01), Rep. Bill O'Neill (District 15), Rep. Ben Rodefer (District 23), Alex Russell (District 29), Michelle Lujan Grisham (County Commission), Sheriff Manny Gonzales, Assessor Karen Montoya. Rest assured that Jon Barela and the other Republican candidates will be trying to get large numbers of their supporters to attend.
September 1, 2010 at 11:43 AM in 2010 General Election, Events, Rep. Martin Heinrich (NM-01) | Permalink | Comments (3)
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
9/2 at Kelly's: ABQ Dem Leaders Fundraiser for Stephanie Richard for NM House
From Stephanie Richard for State Representative, District 43:
Please Join Albuquerque Democratic Leaders
Senators Cisco McSorley, Tim Keller,
Dede Feldman,
Eric Griego, Jerry Ortiz y Pino
and Representatives
Mimi Stewart and Gail Chasey
and Bernalillo County Democratic Party Chair
Ana Canales
Let’s Elect New Leaders Fundraiser!
for Stephanie Richard
Thursday, September 2, 5:00 to 7:00 PM
Kelly’s Pub
3222 Central Avenue SE, Albuquerque
$50 suggested contribution, all contributions appreciated
Light refreshments
Please call Diane Door for more information at 660-9365
August 31, 2010 at 04:10 PM in 2010 NM Legislature Races, Events | Permalink | Comments (0)
New Denish TV Ad Highlights Her Commitment to Communities All Over NM
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The Denish for Governor campaign today unveiled “Communities,” a new 30-second TV ad (above) that it says "sets the record straight about Diane Denish’s commitment to New Mexico’s small communities and highlights Susana Martinez’s plans to take money from public schools and give it to private schools."
The ad opens with an image of a plane with the word "False" written across it, a reference to GOP gubernatorial candidate Susana Martinez's misguided attacks on Denish about the use of one of the state's planes. A recent Martinez ad incorrectly claims Denish has used the plane to "taxi" family members around the state, and previous ads have featured other falsehoods about Denish's use of a state plane.
Martinez likes to suggest there's no reason for anyone to use the government's air transportation system to visit the many far-flung communities in a big, rural state like New Mexico. I guess she doesn't understand the importance of getting out of Santa Fe and interacting with constituents, and the kind of tight scheduling issues and other situations those who serve the state often face -- or does she?
Even though Martinez has tried to make a big deal out of the use of state planes, it turns out she's actually FOR using them. At least two of them. According to a recent article on the New Mexico Independent,
Republican candidate for governor Susana Martinez has pledged to sell New Mexico’s state jet if elected—but she told The Independent she would not sell two other aircraft that cost almost as much to operate. One of those two planes is newer than the jet.
Continue reading "New Denish TV Ad Highlights Her Commitment to Communities All Over NM"
August 31, 2010 at 02:25 PM in 2010 NM Governor's Race, Education, Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, Political Ads, Susana Martinez, Transportation | Permalink | Comments (2)
