Democracy for New Mexico

Tonight: Reception Fundraiser for Victor Raigoza (SD-10)

Commissioner Deanna Archuleta; Ana Canales, Bernalillo Co. Party Chair; Eleanor Chávez, Representative Elect District 13; Claire Dudley; Kathy Katz; Blair Kaufman; Senator Linda Lopez, District 11; Michelle Mares; Tom Montaño, Business Manager, UA Local Union 412; Ann Piper; Charlotte Roybal; Representative Mimi Stewart, District 21;
Albuquerque Teachers Federation
And
American Federation of Teachers New Mexico
Ask you to join them at a reception for
Victor Raigoza
Democratic State Senate Candidate in SD-10
Tuesday, September 23, 2008, 5:30-7:30 PM
One Up Restaurant & Lounge
301 Central Avenue NW
(Corner of 3rd & Central, Downtown Albuquerque)
Co-Host – Write or Raise $500
Guest – $65

For more information or to RSVP, please email Raigoza4Senate@gmail.com. We have an unprecedented opportunity this year to elect people like Victor Raigoza who will truly represent every New Mexican. Victor has earned endorsements from NARAL Pro-Choice NM, EQNM-PAC and multiple State and Local Unions. Please join us to show your support as his campaign enters the final weeks.

NM SD15: Poll Shows Eichenberg 45%, Snyder 34%

Gotta love it. If this poll is anywhere near accurate, we have an excellent chance to pick up another State Senate seat in Albuquerque. I'm headed up to Espanola to Barack Obama's rally so I don't have time to write more now, but I wanted to help get the news out. Tim Eichenberg's campaign just released the following statement:

Recent results on a poll show that Tim Eichenberg holds a 45%-34% lead over Diane Snyder with 20% of voters undecided. The results reported come from a survey of 402 likely voters in New Mexico State Senate District 15. Respondents were interviewed on September 2, 3rd, 4th and 7th. The survey has an overall margin of error of 4.9 percentage points.

"From what I hear on the doors, voters are looking for a change," says Tim Eichenberg, state senate candidate, "it's time to be sure that our interests, not special interests come first. We need legislators who, regardless of party, will strive to make government competent and ethical, who put finding solutions ahead of party and self-interest."

Tim grew up in Albuquerque, and has lived in Senate District 15 for 22 years with his family. He serves on the Flood Control Board, where he led a successful fight to cut residential property taxes. He is the former Director of the State Property Tax Division and County Treasurer.

Tim is challenging two term incumbent Diane Snyder for the District 15 State Senate seat in the NE Heights, Albuquerque.

More can be found about Tim Eichenberg at his website www.eichenbergfornewmexico.com.

Reminder: Re-Election Fundraiser Reception for Rep. Mimi Stewart Tonight

Tonight's the night for the reception with Rep. Mimi Stewart in support of Mimi’s re-election campaign:

Thursday ◆ September 18 ◆ 2008
5:30–7:00 PM
At The Home of Margie Lockwood & Richard Romero
907 Silver SW • Albuquerque

More details in my previous post.

Thursday: North Valley Candidate Forum

Candidates’ Forum
NM House District 15 & 17, NM Senate District 10
US Senate, US House of Representatives Dist. 1
Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008, 7 PM - 9 PM
Raymond G. Sanchez Community Center
9800 Fourth NW, Albuquerque
Sponsored by the Alameda North Valley Association

See agenda and participating candidates below.

AGENDA

7:00 – 8:00 PM: NM Legislature Candidates, Moderator, Debby Potter

7:00 PM: Announcement from Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office (poll workers needed)

7:05 PM: Introduction of NM Legislature Candidates:

Representative Edward Sandoval (incumbent), Ron Toya

Representative Teresa A. Zanetti (incumbent), Bill B. O’Neill

Senator John C. Ryan (incumbent), Victor Paul Raigoza

(Note: All the Candidates with the exception of Rep. Sandoval have confirmed they will attend the forum. Rep. Rick Miera will attend to represent Rep. Sandoval.)

7:10: Candidates’ Opening Remarks (2 minutes each), All Candidates

7:25: Question and answer session: 2-minute response per question. Prepared questions and select audience questions

7:50: Candidates’ Closing Remarks (1 minute each), All Candidates

8:00 – 9:00 PM: US Congressional Candidates

8:00: Introduction of US Congressional Candidates or their representatives

Congressman Tom Udall, Congressman Steve Pearce; Martin Heinrich, Sheriff Darren White

(Congressman Udall will be represented by Dr. Ray Powell, Congressman Pearce has not confirmed, Martin Heinrich will be attending, Sheriff White will not be attending nor will he be represented.)

8:05: Overview of Candidates’ Platform, All Campaigns, 15 minutes each

9:05: Adjourn

Note: If you have questions for the candidates please respond to this email. We will start the meeting on time so please try to be a little early. We invite you to attend this important meeting! Please share this information with your neighbor.

For additional information, please contact: Steve Wentworth – 505-897-3052 or Dr. Deborah Potter – 505-897-8621

Pics and Video: Reception for State Senator-Elect Tim Keller

Tim Keller talks about his ideas on change, the need for legislators to "get some guts" to fight for sweeping reforms and the contributions of DFNM

On Thursday, Democrats gathered at a festive and well attended reception in Albuquerque to honor State Senator-Elect Tim Keller (SD17) and help him retire his campaign debt from a hard-fought primary. On June 3rd, Keller defeated long-time incumbent legislator Shannon Robinson and earned the right to represent SD 17.

Keller (center) talks with supporters

On hand were Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, NM-01 Congressional candidate Martin Heinrich, State Auditor Hector Balderas, Public Regulation Commissioner Jason Marks, DNC Committeeman Raymond Sanchez, City Councilor Rey Garduno, State Senators Cisco McSorley and Dede Feldman, Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez, State Reps. Al Park and Moe Maestas, legislative candidates Victor Raigoza and Tim Eichenberg and many others.

Rey Garduno, Diane Denish, Tim Keller

Lt. Gov. Denish talks about Tim Keller

Lt. Gov. Diane Denish

Dick Minzner, Raymond Sanchez, Dede Feldman

Sen. Cisco McSorley

Photos and video by M.E. Broderick. See more from this event at YouTube and Flickr.

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Reminder: Reception Tonight to Support NM Senator-Elect Tim Keller

Join special guests DIANE D. DENISH, Lieutenant Governor; MICHAEL SANCHEZ, Senate Majority Leader; LINDA LOPEZ, State Senator; DEDE FELDMAN, State Senator; CISCO MCSORLEY, State Senator; JERRY ORTIZ Y PINO, State Senator; SHERYL WILLIAMS STAPLETON, House Majority Whip; AL PARK, State Representative; MIMI STEWART, State Representative; HECTOR BALDERAS, State Auditor; BRIAN COLON, Democratic Party Chairman; and many others at a reception tonight from 5:30 to 7:00 PM to support State Senator-Elect Tim Keller and help retire his campaign debt. The reception will be held at the home of Ellen Griffiths and Jose Simbana at 2010 Alhambra SW in Albuquerque (click for MAP). See the invitation for more info.

Tim Keller defeated incumbent Sen. Shannon Robinson in the June 3rd Democratic primary with 66% of the vote to 33% for Robinson. Because he has no GOP opponent in the November general election, Tim will be representing Senate District 17 in the New Mexico Legislature. Now that's a victory we can celebrate. If you can't make it to tonight's reception, you can donate online. It took a lot of work and a lot of money to defeat Robinson, so please give what you can to clear up Tim's campaign debt. You know how it upsets certain members of the power elite ....

Campaign Fundraiser for Rep. Mimi Stewart Set for 9/18

Mimi Stewart, one of our most effective and forward-thinking Representatives in the New Mexico Legislature, is up for reelection -- and has a Republican challenger this election cycle. Needless to say, we have to do everything in our power to make sure that Mimi keeps her seat in House District 21 so she can continue to champion causes that promote the welfare of women, regular working and middle class families and children. One way to do that is to attend next week's campaign benefit reception.

Click for a FLYER (pdf) and pass it on to friends, colleagues and neighbors who might be interested in attending. If you can't attend in person, you can donate to Mimi's campaign online at ActBlue or volunteer with her campaign by emailing k_zamarin@yahoo.com.

Please Join Us
for a Reception with
Rep. Mimi Stewart
In Support of Mimi’s Re-Election Campaign
Hosted by:
Richard Romero ◆Drew Setter ◆Mike Puelle ◆Sue Griffith ◆David Barber ◆Ricardo Barros ◆Maurice Bonal ◆Rep. Gail Chasey ◆Gary Kilpatrick ◆Randy Marshall ◆Fred Ocheskey ◆Luke Otero ◆Sonia Phillips ◆Rep. Danice Picraux ◆Sam Ray ◆Joe Thompson ◆Albuquerque Teachers Federation ◆NEA-NM ◆Joe & Daisy Kupfer ◆Dan Weaks & Marla Shoats ◆Qwest NM ◆Speaker Ben Lujan ◆Virtue Najjar & Brown P.C. ◆Senator Cisco McSorley ◆Marc Saavedra
Thursday ◆ September 18 ◆ 2008
5:30–7:00 PM
At The Home of
Margie Lockwood & Richard Romero
907 Silver SW • Albuquerque
Appetizers & Drinks Provided
Suggested Contribution: $50

If you cannot attend, please send your contribution to People for Mimi Stewart / 313 Moon St NE / Albuquerque NM 87123. RSVP to Kim Zamarin at k_zamarin@yahoo.com

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Reception to Support State Senate Candidate Steve Fischmann

Here's another legislative race that demands our attention. Dem Steve Fischmann is challenging incumbent Repub Leonard Lee Rawson in Senate District 37 in Southern New Mexico. Rawson has one of the worst environmental records in the State Senate and has opposed ethics and health care reform. On legislation related to important issues like these, we're only a few votes away from passage. If we can pick up a small handful of seats in November, things can be very different when the Legislature meets next January. Think about it, and then we hope you'll give what you can afford to help Fischmann and other candidates like him.

From People to Elect Steve Fischmann: You are Cordially Invited For a Reception In Support of Steve Fischmann, Candidate for State Senate District 37

September 10, 2008, 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Luebben Johnson & Barnhouse LLP
7424 4th Street NW, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque

Hosts: AFSCME Council 18, Committee on Individual Responsibility, Conservation Voters New Mexico Action Fund, Senator Dede Feldman, Luebben Johnson & Barnhouse LLP, Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 412, Senator Michael Sanchez, Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters, Rep. Mimi Stewart

Sponsors: American Federation of Teachers, Rep. Joseph Cervantes, Rep. Joni Gutierrez, National Education Association - New Mexico Patrons, Rep. Gail Chasey, Senator Elect Eric Griego, Senator Cisco McSorley, NARAL Pro-Choice New Mexico

Suggested Contribution: Hosts - $1,000, Sponsors - $500, Patrons - $250, Guests - $50. Contributions can be made out and sent to: People to Elect Steve Fischmann Senator; PO Box 2580; Mesilla Park, NM 88047. RSVP to Steve Fitzer at (505) 270-4079 or sfitzer139@gmail.com

You can also donate via ActBlue.

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Reminder: BBQ Fundraiser for Victor Raigoza Sunday

It's so important to support our candidates who are challenging Republicans for legislative seats, including Victor Raigoza, who's running for State Senate in District 10 on Albuquerque's West Side. There's a BBQ fundraiser at the home of Brian and Aleli Colon this Sunday from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. Click for more information (pdf). If you can't make it, you can also donate to Victor's campaign online at his website.

NM Nonprofits File Motion to Dismiss Lawsuit by Shannon Robinson et al.

Today, several local nonprofit organizations, including the Center for Civic Policy, filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by Senators Shannon Robinson and James Taylor and Representative Dan Silva. Attorneys representing the Center for Civic Policy, New Mexico Youth Organized, Southwest Organizing Project and New Energy Economy filed the dismissal request in Second Judicial District Court.

Matt Brix, Policy Director for the Center for Civic Policy, stated," We've maintained all along that the claims made by Senators Robinson and Taylor and Representative Silva are patently false. Their lawsuit is an attempt to muzzle nonprofits from publicizing the voting records of elected officials. In these times of overwhelming special interest money and influence, New Mexicans need this information more than ever."

Click to see a copy of the Motion to Dismiss.

The lawsuit has been viewed by most fair-minded parties as frivolous, poorly written and documented and motivated by sour grapes on the part of the three incumbent legislators who were soundly beaten in the June 3rd Democratic Primary. The powerfully entrenched don't like it when reformers beat them fair and square so they often cast about for ways to try to discredit those who defeated them -- no matter how misguided and dishonest. I can't see how any judge worth his or her salt could take the suit seriously and grant what the plaintiffs are asking for in terms of overturning the results of the primary.

Background: Click here and here. The second link contains a list of links to previous posts on the lawsuit and the related matter of Attorney General Gary King's opinion on the legality of voter education efforts by the nonprofits.

I'll have more soon on AG King's opinion -- kept out of the public eye so far -- that prompted the letter to New Mexico Youth Organized and Southwest Organizing Project by Secretary of State Mary Herrera informing them they need to file as PACs. Keep an eye out.

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