Democracy for New Mexico

NM-Sen: New DSCC Videos, Tom Udall the Un-Politician

The videos above were released by the DSCC as part of their Road to Victory series on Democratic Senate candidates being conducted by Amy Rubin, who's been hitting the road with a video camera and interviewing Dems running for U.S. Senate. Visit the Road to Victory website for more videos and Amy's travel diary.

Also see this diary by liberaltruthsayer on Daily Kos about Rep. Udall, his family and the videos. And don't miss the New Mexico Independent's exclusive interview with Rep. Udall. Nice work. Excerpt on Rep. Udall's position on endorsing a Dem presidential candidate:

NMI: Your party’s presidential primary looks like it’s pretty much over. So, as a superdelegate to the national convention in Denver, you’ll be voting for Obama, right?

TU: I promised New Mexico citizens that I would let the voters speak first and I told them I would wait until June 3rd until all the voters in the nation had spoken. So I’m going to keep that promise and then shortly after that be visiting with superdelegates with both campaigns and make up my mind.

NMI: Just in terms of practical politics, one reason you’re not endorsing anyone is because you don’t want to unnecessarily alienate any Clinton supporters, right?

TU: Well, one of the practical reasons I chose not to endorse was so that I could be a healer and I could bring both camps together. I think that’s a very important role for some of us to play so that we have a united party going into the fall.

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Action Alert: Dem Party Needs 500 Volunteers in 50 Days

Getting actively involved in this election cycle can be as easy as talking to folks who live in your neighborhood -- people within your own community, many of whom likely share your values and perspective. The Democratic Party's Neighborhood Volunteers Program will give you the tools you need to effectively reach out to folks in your area, encourage them to register to vote and convince them to cast a ballot for our candidates this November.

If we want to win, we need to work now at the neighborhood level to get people motivated and educated. Even if you've never been actively involved in politics, consider signing up with the Neighborhod Volunteers Program.

From the DPNM: The Democratic Party of New Mexico is launching a campaign to attract and activate volunteers who will help turn New Mexico blue with our Neighborhood Volunteers Program.

"The excitement is palpable as we gear up for the fall. By July 9th, we hope to have over 500 active neighborhood leaders well before the DNC convention in Denver," says Congressional District one organizer, Marisa Trujillo Demull.

Neighborhood Volunteers will be reaching targeted voters in their neighborhood through phone calls and door knocks between now and Election Day. Josephine Felder, who recently signed up as a volunteer says, "This is an historic year in New Mexico and we're seeing Democratic activism at an all time high.  People really want to be involved, take action and make sure their neighbors and other community members register to vote and help bring change to Washington."

Thanks to District one organizer, Marisa Trujillo Demull, and DPNM volunteer coordinator, Buck Glanz, the Democratic Party of New Mexico has already started what have been hugely successful phone banks and door to door canvasses. For more information about our phone banks and canvass activities in your area contact the DPNM office at 505-830-3650.

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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.

With early voting going on now for the June 3rd primary, volunteers are needed by candidates in all the contested Legislative races, county elections and Congressional contests to work on identifying voters and getting them to vote. The Democratic Party of New Mexico and your County Dem Party also need help. Please check in at the campaign of your choice and do what you can between now and June 3rd. Some ideas:

Maggie Toulouse Oliver, Bernalillo County Clerk
https://www.keepmaggie.com/

Eric Griego, State Senate 14
https://www.ericgriegofornewmexico.com/

John Blair, State Senate 15
https://www.johnblair.org/

Tim Keller, State Senate District 17
https://www.timkellerfornewmexico.com/

Martin Heinrich, U.S. House, NM-01
https://www.martinheinrich.com/

Bill McCamley, U.S. House, NM-02
https://www.billmccamley.com/

Ben R. Lujan, U.S. House, NM-03
https://www.benrlujan.com/

Benny Shendo Jr., U.S. House NM-03
https://runningwithbenny.blogspot.com/

Tom Udall, U.S. Senate, New Mexico
https://tomudall.com/

Jason Marks, Public Regulation Commission, District 1
https://www.jasonmarks.com/index.html

Democratic Party of New Mexico
https://www.nmdemocrats.net/

Technorati Tags:Tom Udall, NM-Sen, Albuquerque, New Mexico, canvassing, activism, Democrats, Democratic Party of New Mexico

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.

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.

Internet Director Steve Olson and Online Communications Manager Bryan Barash -- the campaign's friendly, neighborhood web team (as they describe themselves) -- will be heading out tomorrow too, so remember to smile for the video camera while you knock on those doors. Mary Ellen and I will be there too, so come on down and join us if you can. You know it's always invigorating to be among a bunch of Dems working for change. This year, the energy is percolating stronger than I've ever felt it. Come and see for yourself.

Also recommended: check out NM FBIHOP's with Udall's internet team for a humorous (corny look at what's up at TomUdall.com.

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

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?

The seating of bloggers on the Convention floor is unprecedented in the history of the event. It reflects the Party's embrace of the power and value of the progressive blogosphere in helping to support our candidates and causes, and the Dem's continuing dedication to establishing a two-way feedback loop with ordinary voters all over the nation.

In addition to the State Blogger Corps, the DNCC will soon credential a General Blogger Pool, to include local, state and national political bloggers, as well as niche and video bloggers from across the country. All applicants not selected for the State Blogger Corps are now eligible for selection as part of the General Blogger Pool.

Oh, did I tell you I'm excited?

Technorati Tags:Howard Dean, DNCC, Democratic Convention, State Blogger Corps, Democracy for New Mexico, Democratic National Convention Committee, DNC Chair, 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 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

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.

Harris accomplished much in his distinguished career, championing human rights at home and around the world. His masterfully written memoir attests to a philosophical consistency and humane liberalism that today are all too rare.

Twice elected to the U.S. Senate from Oklahoma, Fred Harris is now Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of New Mexico. He is the author of numerous works of fiction and nonfiction, including his most recent novel, Following the Harvest.

For more forum information contact:

Marvin Moss, Chairman
Information & Speakers Committee, DPBC
marvmoss@msn.com

Technorati Tags:Fred Harris, Does People Do It?, Albuquerque, New Mexico, University of New Mexico, University of Oklahoma Press, Democratic Party of Bernalillo County, Democrats

Last Chance to Register to Vote for June 3rd Primary; Early Voting Begins

If you're not registered to vote in New Mexico, you have until 5:00 PM on Tuesday, May 6th, 2008 to register if you want to vote in the June 3rd primary. You  must also be registered as a Democrat to vote in the Democratic primary. There have been some problems in the past with people thinking they were registered as Democrats only to find that they registered as Independents or undeclared as to political party.

You can see if you're registered by using the Voter View tool provided by the NM Secretary of State, but it doesn't tell you if you're registered under a political party or not. You have to contact your county clerk to check party affiliation on the your registration (or check the voter card that was sent to you). In Bernalillo County, call 468.1291. If you live in another county, get your County Clerk contact info here.

You can register to vote in person at your County Clerk's office. In Bernalillo County, that's at One Civic Plaza, NW in Albuquerque, 6th Floor.

Early Voting
Voting my mail-in absentee balloting starts on May 6th. You must request an absenttee ballot from your County Clerk. Early in-person voting also begins on May 6th at your County Clerk's office or, in Bernalillo County, at the County Clerk’s Office Annex in downtown Albuquerque – 620 Lomas, NW. The hours of operation for this location are as follows:

• Tuesday May 6 – Friday May 9:            8:00am – 5:00pm
• Monday May 12 – Friday May 16:         8:00am – 5:00pm
• 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

Starting on May 17th, residents of Bernalillo County will be able to vote early at 16 polling places throughout the county. Other counties will also be holding early voting at satellite locations. Check with your County Clerk.

Voters in the June 3rd primary in New Mexico will be choosing their preferred candidate for Congress and other races, depending on their location. Click for a listing of candidates provided by the New Mexico Secretary of State. Also see the Bernalillo County list of for additional candidates at the county level. In other counties, check with your County Clerk.

See our previous post for more information on early voting.

Technorati Tags:voter registration, June 3 New Mexico primary, primaries, Bernalillo County , New Mexico, county clerk