Democracy for New Mexico

Dodd, Feingold, Leahy: Dem Senators With Backbone on FISA

Sen. Chris Dodd will stop the flawed FISA legislation by a "hold" or by filibuster. .

Glenn Greenwald explains how too many Dem Senators, including Sen. Harry Reid, are apparently willing to grant retroactive immunity to the telecom companies that colluded with the Bush administration in illegal surveillance activities, and approve FISA legislation that gives away the store on civil liberties.

Meanwhile Firedoglake reports how much money Sen. Jay Rockefeller, who heads the Senate intelligence committee, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid get from the telecoms, and reveals Reid's telecom stock ownership. Connect the dots.

Today, Sen. Russ Feingold released a statement about the FISA legislation that included this pledge:

If the bill that ultimately reaches the Senate floor includes immunity and does not adequately protect the privacy of Americans, I will fight it vigorously with every tool at my disposal.

Sen. Patrick Leahy, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, also finds the deal on the FISA bill made by Sen. Rockefeller and others on the Senate Intelligence Committee unacceptable, as reported in The Hill.

All this points to an intense fight about the bill in both Houses of Congress, with those still afraid to confront Bush on illegal surveillance and civil liberties pitted against those who still have a conscience in some form. Stay tuned.

NM Sen. Feldman Wins Women Legislators' Award

From NM Senate Democrats:
New Mexico State Senator Dede Feldman (right) joined hundreds of women activists and state legislators from across the country earlier this month in Washington, DC to say: “We can change our national priorities. And women will set the course in a new direction.”

Senator Dede Feldman just returned from a national conference in Washington, DC, where she joined hundreds of women strategizing about how women can help change our national priorities and build a better future. “Women at the Table of Power” brought together luminaries, women state legislators, and women activists – all working to empower women to step up to the tables of power and make our country safer, more democratic, more respected.

Sen. Feldman was one of 22 women legislators honored with the organization’s Pacesetter Award. WiLL Pacesetters are recognized for their noteworthy legislative service, their contributions to sound, progressive policy, and their groundbreaking leadership in the states. Feldman was lauded for her environmental, consumer and health legislation. The Award was presented on October 1, 2007, at a ceremony on Capitol Hill that also honored Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund.

At the conference, women from across the country shared ideas and strategies about how to move forward toward greater peace and security. Among those speaking were Jane Fonda, Marian Wright Edelman (founder and president, Children’s Defense Fund), Ellen Bravo (founder, National 9 to 5), and many more. On October 2, the women headed to Capitol Hill, where they visited Members of Congress and lobbied for better federal budget priorities and a fresh look at our national security.

Activists Mari Santelli, of the Another Side Project, Ruth Koury, of the Pockets of Poverty Alliance, and Jessica Wilbanks, of Women’s Action for New Directions, were part of the New Mexico delegation.

“The staggering amount of money that we are spending for the Iraq war and a continued build up of obsolete weapons has its price back in the states,” says Feldman. “The opportunities that we are sacrificing can be counted in the number of children that will continue to live without health care insurance, and the number of people who cannot afford a decent home.”

So far we’ve spent almost $610 billlion on the Iraq war. The cost to the taxpayers of New Mexico now totals $1.4 billion, according to the National Priorities Project. That’s in addition to the 31 New Mexico soldiers who have paid the ultimate price, and the 245 who have been wounded.

“We need to readjust our priorities to provide real security here,” says Feldman. “$1.4 billion could have covered 136,000 New Mexico kids with health insurance.”

Feldman says she was heartened to join with women legislators from around the country who would like to see a shift of funding from military spending to helath and human services in their own states. “This conference gave me hope that women can help steer our community in a new direction. And we must do this. And it’s not just the Iraq war, which is ruining our world standing and robbing us of our best and brightest young people. Our state, and our country, are seeing dangerous trends. Over the last few years, the current administration has chipped away at things that are vital to our country’s peace and security. Today, we are more isolated in the world; our poorest are more at risk than ever; our economy grows weaker each day. ”

The biennial conference is a project of Women’s Action for New Directions (WAND) and Women Legislators’ Lobby (WiLL)

“Women at the Table of Power” took place September 30 – October 2, 2007 at the Washington Court Hotel on Capitol Hill. More information: www.willconference.org.

Women’s Action for New Directions
WAND empowers women to act politically to reduce violence and militarism, and redirect excessive military resources toward unmet human and environmental needs.

Women Legislators’ Lobby
WiLL is a national non-partisan network of women state legislators who work together to influence federal policy and budget priorities.
www.willwand.org
The national office is located in Washington, DC.

Guest Blog: Anne Kass on Appointment of Charles Daniels to NM Supreme Court

This is a guest blog by political activist and retired Second Judicial District Judge Anne Kass of Albuquerque:

Bill Richardson made a very good decision this week -- he appointed Charles Daniels to the New Mexico Supreme Court. 

I thought all of the names that were submitted to the Governor belonged to really good people. My favorite was Charlie, largely because he has been devoted to civil rights and human rights his entire legal career. He has been a law professor and ACLU hero  He plays in a rock 'n roll/cowboy band and drives a race car. He is a real live human being who has rich life experiences on which to draw. He is knowledgeable about the law, but more importantly, he is knowledgeable about and sympathetic to the human condition.   

In my view, the judiciary desperately needs independent judges as opposed to cookie-cutter-judges who work so hard to appear neutral that they disappear into blandness. I think that Earl Warren got it right that one major role of the judiciary is to protect individual human beings against over-reaching by the other two branches of government, as the other two branches of government have been doing for too long now. I see Charlie as someone cut from Earl Warren cloth, not someone who will look for an invisibility cloak. Let me just say that I'm really jazzed about this appointment.

He will need petitions signed to run for election in November 08, so I'm hoping you will either contact him at KS@FBDLAW.com or me at annesmok@msn.com and we'll will see to it that petitions are sent your way.

For now, rest easy and know that in New Mexico at least, the Bill of Rights is in good hands.

Editor's Notes: Here's the statement issued by Governor Bill Richardson about his appointment of Charles W. Daniels to the New Mexico Supreme Court to replace Justice Pamela B. Minzner, who passed away in August. You can read his legal profile .

This is a guest blog by Anne Kass. Guest blogs provide our reader with an opportunity to express their opinions and may or may not represent our views. If you'd like to submit a piece for consideration as a guest blog, contact me by clicking on the Email Me link on the upper left-hand side of the page.

Richardson Campaign Rally in ABQ Thursday

From Richardson for President:
Please join me and my campaign for a Road Runner Rally this Thursday, October 25, at the IBEW Union Hall in Albuquerque from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. In less than 84 days the first votes will be cast in the 2008 Democratic Caucuses in Iowa-- time is of the essence, and I need your help! Having given me the largest margin of victory in a Governor's race in more than four decades, I need your support now more than ever to keep the momentum rolling to take back the White House in 2008! I look forward to seeing you on Thursday to discuss my roadmap to the White House and how you can help. Here are the details for the event.

What:	Richardson Road Runner Rally
When:	Thursday, October 25 at 4:30 PM
Where:	IBEW Union Hall 4921 Alexander Blvd NE Map Albuquerque, NM 87107

, or email Michelle Frost at mfrost@richardsonforpresident.com with any questions.

See you then,
Governor Bill Richardson

Local Reaction to Defeat of SCHIP Override, Peace's Vote Against It

In the U.S. House, the attempt to override Bush's veto of the SCHIP bill was 13 votes short of the needed two-thirds majority. The vote was 273-156. None of the 151 Republicans who voted “no” on Sept. 25 switched sides today. Instead, six Democrats switched from “no” to “yes.” Rep. Steve Pearce (R, NM-02), who has announced he's running for U.S. Senate, voted no. Here are some of the statements from New Mexico politicos in response to today's vote:

Don Wiviott, Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senate:
"Steve Pearce faced a choice before today’s vote: New Mexico's children or President Bush. Once again, he chose President Bush to the detriment of our state. He has become a reliable rubberstamp for this White House, instead of a champion for the people he is supposed to represent.

"No matter what excuses the Congressman tries to make for his vote, he can't change the facts. With one vote, he has denied millions of children - thousands of them in New Mexico - an opportunity to receive the health care they need and deserve. Even in the face of such obstruction, it is my hope that the Democratic leadership in Congress will continue to reach across the aisle for the sake of those who need health care the most. I don’t believe this should be about politics. It is about doing what is right, and standing up for New Mexico values.”

Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM):
"Millions of American children lack health insurance. In our state, more than 100,000 young people are uninsured. I am extremely disappointed that the president vetoed this bill, and that the House of Representatives fell just shy of an override. As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, which crafted the Senate version of the bill, I will continue pressing for enactment of strong SCHIP legislation that extends health care coverage to our nation's most vulnerable citizens."

Rep. Tom Udall (D, NM-03):
"This is a sad day for millions of working American families whose children face losing their health care because President Bush continues to put politics ahead of their welfare. American taxpayers provide Congress and the president the best health care benefits in case we get sick, yet this president refuses to extend the most basic coverage for children who go without. By continuing to fuel this battle over S-CHIP legislation that a clear, bipartisan majority of the Congress and the American people support, the president has shown just how far removed his priorities are."

"What makes this discussion particularly frustrating is the shocking amount of misinformation that has been spread by opponents of S-CHIP. S-CHIP is not government-run health care; it does not provide health care for wealthy families; and, it does not give benefits to illegal immigrants. Members of Congress faced a choice between helping children and not helping children. S-CHIP opponents have spread misinformation because they don't want to talk about this choice."

Brian S. Colón, Chairman, Democratic Party of NM:
"With today's unconscionable vote, Steve Pearce helped prevent 27,900 uninsured New Mexican children, and 3.8 million children nationwide, from getting health insurance - all in the name of attempting to make an extreme ideological statement.

"However, the message that the people of New Mexico heard loud and clear today is that Steve Pearce lacks the leadership to represent them in the U.S. Senate. Once again, Pearce confirmed that he values marching in lock-step with a failed President more than the health of New Mexico's children.

"Steve Pearce and President Bush are happy to spend half-a-trillion dollars on their mismanaged War in Iraq that has no end in sight, yet they lack the compassion and wisdom to vote to ensure that millions of poor children can see a doctor if they are sick, without adding a dime to Bush's record deficits.

"This cruel action ignores the wishes of 43 of our nation's governors, as well as bipartisan majorities in Congress, and 8 in 10 Americans. This vote therefore firmly places Steve Pearce in the ideological extreme of our state, and confirms that his values are vastly different from the mainstream of the people of New Mexico."

Pulling Out All the Stops: Rep. Pete Stark (D, CA-13):
The harshest criticism of Bush's veto came before the vote, on the House floor, by California's Congressman Pete Stark:

"First of all, I'm just amazed they can't figure out, the Republicans are worried we can't pay for insuring an additional 10 million children.  They sure don't care about finding $200 billion to fight the illegal war in Iraq.  Where ya gonna get that money?  You going to tell us lies like you're telling us today?  Is that how you're going to fund the war? You don't have money to fund the war or children. But you're going to spend it to blow up innocent people if we can get enough kids to grow old enough for you to send to Iraq to get their heads blown off for the President's amusement.  This bill would provide healthcare for 10 million children and unlike the President's own kids, these children can't see a doctor or receive necessary care.
[...]
"But President Bush's statements about children's health shouldn't be taken any more seriously than his lies about the war in Iraq.  The truth is that Bush just likes to blow things up.  In Iraq, in the United States and in Congress."

Dem House Leaders Pushing for Madrid Run in NM-01?

Former Attorney General Patricia Madrid, who lost to Rep. Heather Wilson in NM-01 by fewer than 900 votes in 2006, has reportedly been toying with running either for U.S. Senate or the House seat in NM-01 ever since Domenici announced his retirement. She hasn't been alone. Unless you've been out of the country or off the planet, you've witnessed the names of dozens of New Mexicans being mentioned or leaked or dropped as possible candidates. Coy quotes are planted. Politicos spin and whisper. Emails and phone calls come in clusters. Even to me.

Emanuel and Pelosi Apply the Pressure
In Madrid's case, it's gotten more definite over the last few days. She told the media she's decided not to run for Senate, but left the door ajar on another Congressional run in the First District. Late yesterday, I got word from someone I met at the YearlyKos bloggers convention this summer that a rumor about Madrid springing from knowledgeable sources was circulating in DC. Namely, that Dem House Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel, along with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, were pressuring Madrid to enter the NM-01 race.

Yes, that Rahm Emanuel -- the pugilistic DLC Dem who had insisted that Tammy Duckworth was a better candidate in IL-06 -- even though Christine Cegelis had built a real following and given Rep. Henry Hyde a run for his money two years previously. Emanuel was wrong about Duckworth. She lost in 2006, and no one in Illinois was surprised except Rahm. It's also common knowledge that Emanuel fought behind closed doors against several Dem Congressional candidates who ended up winning in 2006, only to claim credit for their victories later. Rahm Emanuel has long expressed the view that DNC Chairman Howard Dean is just shy of the devil incarnate -- mostly because Dean has respect for local voters and local parties, and has stuck with his plans to organize in all 50 states. Now Emanuel is rumored to be perhaps the strongest advocate for another Congressional run by Madrid.

If what I've heard is true, I guess Rep. Emanuel doesn't see any value in the NM-01 candidacy of Martin Heinrich, who's already raised $318,000 and has been performing well in the campaign spotlight for many moons now. I guess he doesn't see any value in political newcomers Jon Adams or Michelle Lujam Grisham either. No, Rahm wants to play the role of long distance candidate picker -- all the way from inside the Beltway. He wants things his way, as he usually does, and the word is he's got Nancy Pelosi helping him make the pitch. Do they care what New Mexicans in the First District want? I think not. Emanuel, in particular, is known to have only disdain for the locals. In his world, all the wisdom (and power) is found within the Beltway in DC.

Madrid Fatigue
If there's anything afoot here in New Mexico to do with another Madrid run, it's clearly candidate fatigue. Complete with groans and cries of "no please, not again." Every time her name gets floated, that's what I hear, even from those who have been fans. The fact is that Dems worked their hearts out for Madrid in '06, only to be let down abruptly and without recourse when she performed (You Tube) incredibly poorly (You Tube) in a TV debate in the waning days of the campaign. Supporters, whether passionate or practical, were devastated. I'm sure she was too. But it didn't help that Madrid refused to demand a recount in the incredibly tight election. No one really knows why. The margin was so small it would have automatically resulted in a recount in many districts around the country.

Patricia Madrid has been a hardworking and often effective public servant for years, but I have to say that another run for Congress would almost certainly go over like a lead balloon. Most of all this election cycle, voters are clammering for a fresh perspective, an original approach, something new and inspiring. Not the same old faces, the same old targets of negative ads, the same old same old. If Rahm Emanuel and Nancy Pelosi succeed in convincing Madrid to run again in NM-01, I predict nothing but disaster. And that would be a sad and tragic thing for Patsy, for New Mexico's Dems and, ultimately I'm afraid, for the country.

New Mexico Dems know what's going on here in terms of the political atmosphere, not Rahm Emanuel or Nancy Pelosi. Chances are Madrid will make a decision sometime this weekend about another run in NM-01. I hope she makes the right one.

You can read our previous coverage of the NM-01 Congressional race in our archive.

NM Congressional Candidate Scorecard Time Again

Here's the lastest news on the political candidate musical chairs front in New Mexico. Dem Lt. Gov. Diane Denish told the Albuquerque Journal she's "still considering" a U.S. Senate run and doesn't expect to make a decision for "several weeks." She also said she'd recently spoken to several female Senators and elected officials about the possibility of her candidacy, including an unexpected call from Sen. Hillary Clinton. "I don't think it's a decision to rush. I want to work it through and make a decision," Denish said.

Former Attorney General Patricia Madrid has announced she won't run for Senate but said she's still considering running for Congress in NM-01. I'll have more on that later this morning.

On the Repub side, State Land Commissioner Pat Lyons announced he won't run for U.S. Senate due to the "crowded field." And Spiro Vasilopoulis has told the AP he's not running despite his earlier announcement that he'd do so.

I'm sure I'll be reissuing this scorecard many times before the nominations are secured on both sides of the aisle. Let me know if you have any other updates. As far as I can piece it together, here's how it stands now:

U.S. SENATE

Democrats:

• In: Santa Fe small business owner Don Wiviott; Albuquerque Mayor Marty Chavez; Santa Fe publisher Leland Lehrman; Santa Fe Community Housing Trust Finance Director Jim Hannan
• Out: Gov. Bill Richardson; former AG Patricia Madrid; Rep. Tom Udall (NM-03)
• Pondering: Lt. Gov. Diane Denish

Republicans:

• In: Rep. Heather Wilson (NM-01); Steve Pearce (NM-02)
• Out: State Land Commissioner Patrick Lyons; oil industry investor Spiro G. Vassilopoulos
• Pondering: ?

U.S. HOUSE NM-01

Democrats

• In: ABQ City Councilor Martin Heinrich; former Secretary of NM Public Health Department Michelle Lujan Grisham; attorney Jon Adams
• Out: State Rep. Al Park; State Treasurer James Lewis
• Pondering: Former AG Patricia Madrid

Republicans:

• In: Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White
• Out:
• Pondering: State Rep. Janice Arnold-Jones; State Sen. Mark Boitano; State Sen. John Ryan; State Sen. Joe Carraro

U.S. HOUSE NM-02

Democrats

• In: Dona Ana County Commissioner Bill McCamley; retired minister Al Kisslling; conservative oilman and former Lea County Commission Chairman Harry Teague
• Out:
• Pondering: State Rep. Joseph Cervantes; State Sen. John Arthur Smith (who lost to Pearce in 2002)

Republicans

• In:
• Out: Incumbent Rep. Steve Pearce (running for Senate)
• Pondering: Dona Ana County State Senator and Minority Whip Lee Rawson; Socorro State Rep. Don Tripp; Roswell oilman Phelps Anderson; Sierra County GOP Chairman Earl Greer; K-Bob's steakhouse chain owner Ed Tinsley; State Rep. Gray of Artesia; State Rep. Bratton of Lea

U.S. HOUSE NM-03

Democrats

• In: Tom Udall, incumbent

Republicans

• In: No names floated yet

You can compare this updated scorecard with our previous version.

RSPV Now for NM Voices for Children 20th Anniversary Gala

The Board of Directors and staff of New Mexico Voices for Children invite you to join us for an evening of celebration at our
20th ANNIVERSARY GALA
Honoring our past...charting their future
Friday / November 9, 2007 / 6 PM - 9:30 PM
Cocktails & Silent Auction 6 - 7 PM
Embassy Suites Hotel
1000 Woodward Place NE
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Help us honor & recognize 20 outstanding "Voices for Children" who have dedicated their lives to New Mexico's children. We will also honor 20 current Legislative Champions. (See below)

The evening will include dinner, a silent auction and live entertainment. Semiformal attire.

Master of Ceremonies:
Eric Griego
Executive Director
New Mexico Voices for Children
Keynote Speaker:
Victor Rivas Rivers
www.victorrivers.com

Please respond by November 1st
(505) 244-9505 Ext. 21
or click here to RSVP online

Outstanding "Voices for Children"

The Albuquerque Tribune
Janie Lee Hall, School Health Advocate
Chris Baca, Youth Development Inc.
Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Office of Govermental Ministry
U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman
Erin Hourihan, Child Haven
Ken Carson, Wise Men, Wise Women
Dr. Andy Hsi
Don Chalmers, Don Chalmers Ford
The McCune Foundation
Former NM Representative Max Coll
Ellen Moore, Los Puentes Charter School
The NM Council on Crime and Delinquency
The New Mexico Pediatric Society
Lt. Governor Diane Denish
The Santa Fe Business Alliance
Mary Dudley, Ph.D.
Southwest Organizing Project
Jose Frietze, Families & Youth, Inc.
Leonard Tsosie, Navajo Nation Delegate

Current Legislative Champions

Senator Sue Wilson Beffort
Representative Rick Miera
Representative Ray Begay
Representative Brian K. Moore
Representative Gail Chasey
Senator Cynthia Nava
Senator Dede Feldman
Representative Danice Picraux
Senator Clinton D. Harden Jr.
Senate Majority Floor Leader Michael S. Sanchez
Senator Timothy Z. Jennings
Representative Edward C. Sandoval
Representative Rhonda S. King
Representative Mimi Stewart
Representative Linda M. Lopez
Representative Thomas E. Swisstack
Speaker of the House Ben Lujan
Representative Luciano "Lucky" Varela
House Majority Floor Leader W. Ken Martinez
Representative Peter Wirth

2007 NM Wilderness Conference to Feature Lt. Gov. Diane Denish

RSVP Now: The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance will be hosting the 8th Annual New Mexico Wilderness Conference on Saturday, October 27, at the Tamaya Hyatt in Santa Ana Pueblo, just north of Bernalillo.

Special guest speakers include Lt. Governor Diane Denish, as well as Gary Guller, a professional motivational speaker, film producer and adventurer who has led the largest cross-disability group to Mount Everest Base Camp at 17,500 feet, and Craig Childs, author of eleven books that combine science and wilderness travel. Mr. Childs is also the winner of the Colorado Book Award and the Spirit of the West Literary Achievement Award.

The 2007 New Mexico Wilderness Conference will also feature several workshops, including Wilderness Medicine, Wilderness Restoration, Travel Management in our National Forests, Learning to Become the Ultimate Activist, and Chaco Canyon, plus many more.

Registration is $45 and includes lunch. Those interested in attending the conference can call 505-843-8696 or visit www.nmwild.org

WHO: Guest Speakers, Lt. Governor Diane Denish, Gary Guller, Craig Childs, and wilderness advocates from across the country.

WHAT: 8th Annual NM Wilderness Conference

WHEN: Saturday, October 27, from 9 AM to 3 PM

WHERE: Tamaya Hyatt Resort, located at 1300 Tuyuna Trail, Santa Ana Pueblo, NM. (505-867-1234)

Tonight: Free Screening of 'Laramie Inside Out' with Filmmaker

The UNM Center for the Southwest kicks off its fall film series with 'Laramie Inside Out' on Wednesday, October 17 at 5:30 PM in Rodey Theater in the UNM Center for the Arts. Filmmaker Beverly Seckinger will be on hand following the screening to discuss the film. In the film, Seckinger, a Laramie native, returns home to the site of her own closeted adolescence to investigate the impact of Matthew Shepard’s 1998 murder. She encounters students, teachers, parents and clergy suddenly moved to speak out and take social action.

After the film, the audience will have a chance to ask questions of the filmmaker and hear her thoughts on its production. The film and discussion are free and open to the public.

For more information, call Sarah Payne at 277-7688 or e-mail, cntrsw@unm.edu

Info from UNM Today.