Packed Crowd Greets Rep. Ben Ray Lujan at Fundraiser Reception at Zinc (with Video, Photos)

Slide show (click for album)

The mezzanine crowd at a reception fundraiser for Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (NM-03) at Zinc in Albuquerque tonight grew so large that it spilled onto the stairway and into the downstairs restaurant area. At times, the floor boards shook and supporters raised the roof -- well, almost. It was that packed at an event hosted by local young professionals in tandem with the Young Democrats organization. And the crowd was young (and young at heart), energized and buzzing about the recent House victory on health insurance reform legislation and Ben Ray's part in it. 

If Republicans think Dems are sitting on their laurels in New Mexico, they couldn't be further from the truth. Tonight's turnout is an early sign that Dems know what's at stake as we move into the 2010 election cycle, and are ready to jump into high gear again to protect our three Congressional seats from right-wing challengers. The work in Washington has only just begun and we need to re-elect our entire crew if we want to keep the momentum going and the Republicans in the minority. 

Rep. Lujan was jazzed. You can see it in the video clips and photos. He was obviously thrilled at the outpouring of support at an event that took place out of his home district, and managed to talk to just about everyone in the crowd. He was thankful, he was moved, he was positive about what we can do if we all hang together. His main message? He needs our help and he'll be needing it all the way through election day 2010. He needs us to stay united and keep working, so he can keep fighting against the status quo in Washington.

All manner of rank and file activist Dems were in the house, along with lots of elected officials and old friends of Ben Ray. Attendees included DPNM Chairman Javier Gonzales, incoming DPNM Executive Director Scott Forrester, Bernalillo County Dem Chair Ana Canales and Vice Chair Victor Raigoza and Sisto Abeyta of the Young Dems. Also on the scene were former DPNM Chair Brian Colon, Rep. Moe Maestas, Sen. Tim Keller, Sen. John Sapien, Rep. Joe Campos, PRC Commissioner Sandy Jones and Bernalillo County Sheriff candidates Felix Nunez, Marie 'Sisi' Miranda and Patrick Davis.

It was hot, it was crowded, it was high energy and it was definitely a fundraising success. We'll need more of these as we edge towards the crucial 2010 election. If you couldn't attend tonight's reception, you can still contribute to the re-election campaign of Rep. Ben Ray Lujan right here. 

Photos and video by M.E. Broderick.