Democracy for New Mexico

NM-03: Sierra Club Endorses Luján

From Luján for Congress:
The national Sierra Club and the Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club have jointly announced that they are endorsing Public Regulation Commissioner and U.S. Congressional candidate Ben R. Luján.

The Sierra Club joins the national League of Conservation Voters and Conservation Voters New Mexico as major environmental organizations recognizing Luján’s outstanding environmental record and commitment to fighting global warming.

“We are very pleased to announce today that the Sierra Club officially endorses Ben Ray Lujan for election to the United States Congress,” said Susan Martin, Chair of the Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club. “In his excellent record as Chairman of the Public Regulation Commission he has shown himself to be a strong environmental leader, and we are confident he will continue to work to protect our environment, our families and our future.”

“Commissioner Ben R. Lujan has demonstrated bold leadership at the PRC that has made New Mexico a leader in addressing global warming and protected New Mexicans from high fossil-fuel prices,” said Tom Robey, political chair of the Rio Grande Chapter.

Along with the endorsement, the Sierra Club will lend its volunteer strength to Lujan’s campaign.

“I am honored to have the Sierra Club’s endorsement. In Congress, I will continue to stand up for New Mexico and our values,” Luján said. “New Mexico has already experienced millions of dollars in renewable-energy development through our Renewable Portfolio Standards. As a nation we must fuel economic development and create jobs by making a serious commitment to a major transition of our energy structure.” 

Under Luján’s leadership as chairman, the PRC implemented some of the highest renewable-energy requirements in the nation -- utilities must provide 20 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020. Luján fought to pass those standards in the Legislature.

Luján also joined leaders of utility commissions in California, Oregon and Washington state in forming the Joint Action Framework on Climate Change to take regional action to fight global warming.

In addition to raising net-metering limits to increase incentives for individuals and businesses to generate their own clean energy, Lujan pushed for PRC requirements for utilities to diversify their renewable-energy portfolio and develop more solar and other clean sources of energy, encouraging creation of green-collar jobs in New Mexico

“Having been endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters, Conservation Voters New Mexico and now the Sierra Club’s national and regional chapters is a responsibility I take very seriously,” said Luján. “New Mexicans value our great outdoors, and in Congress I will fight to protect our wild lands, curb global warming and make America energy-independent.”

Ben R. Luján is a New Mexico Public Regulation commissioner and past PRC chairman who is running for U.S. Congress in New Mexico’s 3rd District. He has been a leading proponent of renewable-energy development and advocate for consumers’ rights and improved access to health care.

Technorati Tags:Ben R. Lujan, NM-03, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Sierra Club, Democrats, U.S. House, primaries

NM-03: Wiviott Hosts Santa Fe Earth Week Celebration Tonight

From Wiviott for Congress:
Gas prices are soaring to record highs and big oil is raking in record profits. Global climate change is threatening our way of life. And, the thirst for oil is creating instability across the world. Now, more than ever, it's time to break our addiction to foreign oil and move America toward energy independence.

On this Earth Week, we remember just how fragile our planet really is. Today, I'm hosting an Earth Day Celebration and barbecue to meet with northern New Mexicans and discuss the future of our environment. The campaign will be providing free food and beverages for people who come to the event. I hope that you'll join us.

• Where? Monica Lucero Park, Santa Fe
• When? 5:30 PM, today, Friday, April 25th
• Directions: From Rodeo Road, turn North on Camino Carlos Rey, turn Left on Bellamah Drive which will end in a T at Monica Lucero Park
• RSVP ONLINE

As a green builder and a lifelong environmentalist, I know that economic growth and environmental protection can go hand in hand. And, that's why I'm committed to harnessing the power of American innovation to build the clean energy technologies of the future. My plan to break our addiction to foreign oil and move America toward energy independence is as follows:

• Mandate Substantial Renewable Energy Standards. Ensure that utilities are providing a percentage of their energy from wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources.
• Hold Oil Companies Accountable for Price Gouging. Provide proper oversight to big oil companies and their CEO's to make sure they don't make record profits off the backs of average Americans. Also, stop giving them billions in tax breaks and start using those funds to invest in renewable energy.
• Lower Long-Term Carbon Emissions. Begin using systems like Cap and Trade to provide incentives for heavy polluters to lower their carbon emissions.

In Congress, I will be an effective advocate for a bold solution to move America toward energy independence - because I know the clean energy industry. Given my experience building an environmentally friendly company, I know the right mix of incentive and regulation that we need to successfully move America toward energy independence. I hope you'll give me the chance to put my experience to work for you and become a national leader in the drive to break America's addiction to foreign oil!

Sincerely,
Don Wiviott
www.donfornewmexico.com

Technorati Tags:Don Wiviott, NM-03, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Earth Day, environment, green energy, Democrats, primaries

NM-03: Luján Town Halls in Cuba & Rio Rancho Sunday

From Luján for Congress:
Public Regulation Commissioner and candidate for New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District Ben R. Luján invites Sandoval County and Rio Rancho residents to two town halls on Sunday. The town halls are part of Ben's Standing Up for New Mexico Tour. Ben will visit every county in the 3rd Congressional District at least once before the June 3 Democratic primary to speak with voters and discuss New Mexico's most pressing issues.

• The first town hall will be held at the Cuba City Hall at 1:00 PM, Sunday, April 27.
• The second town hall will be held at the Flying Star restaurant, 10700 Corrales Road, Rio Rancho, NM at 5:00 PM, Sunday, April 27.

Technorati Tags:Ben R. Lujan, Sandoval County, Rio Rancho, New Mexico, NM-03, Democrats, primaries

NM-03: Luján Town Hall in Gallup Saturday

From Luján for Congress:
Public Regulation Commissioner and District 3 Congressional candidate Ben R. Luján invites Gallup residents to a meet-and-greet town hall on Saturday to discuss the issues that are important to them. The event will be held at Sammy C's Restaurant, 107 W. Coal, in Gallup at 6 PM, Saturday, April 12. The meeting is part of Luján's Standing Up for New Mexico Tour, in which the candidate will visit every county in the 3rd Congressional District at least once before the June 3 Democratic primary.

Technorati Tags:Ben Lujan, NM-03, Gallup, New Mexico, Democrats

NM-03: Wiviott Responds to President's Remarks on Iraq War

Don Wiviott, Dem candidate for Congress in NM-03, released the following statement in response to today's speech by President Bush on the Iraq occupation:

“While I applaud the President’s decision to decrease troop deployments to 12 month tours, I was disappointed to learn he still stubbornly refuses to acknowledge our current strategy in Iraq is failing and making America less safe,” Wiviott said. “Today’s announcement to indefinitely pause any future troop drawdown is a major step backwards for our country.”

“The war has raged on for over five years and brought the American people nothing but a tragic loss of life and economic turmoil. Months after the Bush Administration claimed the “surge” would allow our troops to return home sooner, the President’s statement today clearly shows that will not be the case.”

Wiviott has made extricating our troops from Iraq and devising a rational strategic plan for the region major campaign themes. He has also signed on to A Responsible Plan to End the War in Iraq, which has been endorsed by 50 U.S. House candidates and four U.S. Senate candidates.

The Plan also has the approval of Major General Paul Eaton (U.S. Army ret.), former Security Transition Commanding General, Iraq; Dr. Lawrence Korb, former Assistant Secretary of Defense in the Reagan Administration; Brigadier General John Johns (U.S. Army ret.), specialist in counterinsurgency and nation-building; Capt. Larry Seaquist (U.S. Navy ret.), former commander of the U.S.S. Iowa; and former Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Policy Planning.

Wiviott pledged to take the fight to the halls of Congress if elected:

“In Congress, I will be a strong voice for change in Iraq. I will fight hard to challenge the status quo and support a policy that puts our troops first, makes America safer, and restores our leadership throughout the world. We need to elect leaders to Washington who will fight hard to bring a responsible end to this war and get our troops back home to their families.”

Prior to the Congressional testimony of General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker this week, Wiviott released a set of questions for the duo that included input from New Mexico voters.

To see our previous coverage of the NM-03 Congressional race, visit our archive.

Technorati Tags:Don Wiviott, Iraq War, A Responsible Plan to End the War in Iraq, NM-03, Democrats, New Mexico, George Bush

NM-03: Luján Endorsed by Conservation Voters NM

From Luján for Congress:
Because of his strong commitment and record on protecting the environment, Conservation Voters New Mexico on Tuesday endorsed Public Regulation Commissioner Ben R. Luján in his bid to represent New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House.

"I've witnessed Commissioner Lujan hold power companies accountable for their global-warming emissions. He has a proven and supreme track record taking on the powerful special interests on renewable energy. Ben Ray Luján will take that same leadership and vision to Congress to build a clean-energy economy," said Sandy Buffett, Executive Director of Conservation Voters New Mexico.

The endorsement adds to Luján's environmental support, which also includes the national League of Conservation Voters.

"I am proud to have the support of the environmental community," Luján said. "New Mexico has already experienced millions of dollars in renewable-energy development through the PRC's Renewable Portfolio Standards. As a nation we must fuel economic development and create jobs by making a serious commitment to a major transition of our energy structure."

Under Luján's leadership as chairman, the PRC implemented some of the highest renewable-energy requirements in the nation -- utilities must provide 20 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020. Lujan fought to pass those standards in the Legislature.

Luján also joined leaders of utility commissions in California, Oregon and Washington state in forming the Joint Action Framework on Climate Change to take regional action to fight global warming.

In addition to raising net-metering requirements to increase incentives for individuals and businesses to generate their own clean energy, Lujan also pushed for PRC requirements for utilities to diversify their renewable-energy portfolio and develop more solar and other clean sources of energy, encouraging creation of green-collar jobs in New Mexico.

To see our previous coverage of the 2008 Congressional race in NM-03, visit our archive.

Technorati Tags:Ben R. Lujan, NM-03, Conservation Voters New Mexico, New Mexico

NM-03: AFSCME Candidate Forum Tonight

AFSCME Local 477 is hosting a forum for all NM-03 Congressional candidates tonight, April 10, at 5:30 PM. The event will take place at the AFSCME Union Hall at 1406 Fourth Street in Santa Fe. AFSCME has extended an invitation to all Third District candidates. Those in the running:

Dem candidates: Jon Adams, Ben R. Lujan, Rudy Martin, Harry Montoya, Benny Shendo, Jr., Don Wiviott. Repub candidates: Daniel East, Marco Gonzales. Independent candidates: Carol Miller, Ron Simmons.

Technorati Tags:NM-03, Don Wiviott, Ben R. Lujan, AFSCME, candidate forums, New Mexico, Santa Fe

NM-03: Wiviott on Iraq - New Ad, New Questions

All of our Congressional races are obviously heating up, as you can surmise from my posts today about candidate ads. We're now less than two month's away from the June 3rd primary and early voting starts in May. Don Wiviott was the first Congressional candidate up with TV ads in late February. Now he has a new one focused on the Iraq occupation that accompanies his demand that tough questions be asked about military progress in Iraq and how we can bring our troops home. In the ad Wiviott says he'd make getting the troops out of Iraq his top priority. One way to achieve it would be to put a squeeze on funding. And no more privatized armies allowed.

In a campaign release, Wiviott said, “Congress needs to ask Ambassador Crocker and General Petraeus tough questions about the situation in Iraq and urge them to enact a major overhaul to our current open-ended strategy. Now it’s time to listen to the will of the American people and find a sensible end to the War that gets our troop’s out of harm’s way and allows the Iraqi people to reclaim their destiny.”

Don continued, “As I travel across Northern New Mexico, I continue to talk to citizens about their concerns and ask their input on how best to end the war. We need to heed the advice of the American people and make sure their voices are heard at the highest levels of government.”

Last week, Wiviott asked supporters to submit questions through his website that they would like to see Congress ask General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker. Below are five tough questions from Wiviott and concerned New Mexicans:

Has the War in Iraq actually made America safer?

What plans are in place to both get our troops out of Iraq and give the Iraqi army a chance to step up to the plate and protect their own country?

Since there is no military solution in Iraq, what steps are we taking to ensure Iraqi officials are working together and moving towards lasting political reconciliation?

The President and other top officials talk about winning the war. What criteria constitutes "winning" the war in Iraq? How will we know when we have "won"? 

How will you prepare to transition the US presence in Iraq to another administration?  Specifically, how will you prepare to pass the operation and embassy to an administration that plans to withdraw substantially from the current mission in Iraq?  How have you prepared the Iraqi government and people for this very real possibility?

The first three questions were submitted by Wiviott and the last two questions were submitted by supporters through his website.

In Congress, Wiviott has pledged to work with America’s military leaders and fight for legislation that keeps our troops safe and restores America’s strength on the international stage. Wiviott will work across the aisle to find a solution to our failed strategy in Iraq that is costing lives and untold billions.

National Attention
PS: Wiviott's ad and questions for General Petaeus and Ambassador Crocker are gaining some national attention. Matt Stoller over at Open Left says of Wiviott's Iraq ad, "This is a very smart way to use the national media environment to a candidate's advantage," and cites Wiviott's "using his platform as a candidate to put out an ad on Iraq in response to Petraeus's testimony."

To see our previous coverage of the 2008 Congressional race in NM-03, visit our archive.

NM-03: Luján's First Ad On Air Today

Public Regulation Commissioner Ben R. Luján announced the placement of the first television ad of his campaign for Congress in New Mexico District 3 (above). The commercial, entitled "Heart and Soul," began running this morning. No info was released on how long the ad will run. The Luján campaign says it will be one of many to air in the weeks leading up to the June 3 Democratic primary that will coincide with Lujan's Standing Up for New Mexico Tour, which will visit every county in the district.

"This ad emphasizes my belief that people are the heart and soul of our state," Luján said in a release from the campaign. "As I visit the communities of Northern New Mexico, I meet so many people excited about our campaign to bring the values that are important to New Mexicans -- such as standing up to the special interests, making America energy-independent and ending the war in Iraq -- to Washington."

"Commissioner Luján is the candidate with the best track record of standing up for the people of New Mexico," said Carlos Trujillo, Luján's campaign manager. "Once people learn about Commissioner Luján's record on the issues important to New Mexico Democrats, the decision in Congressional District 3 will be clear. He has stood up to the big insurance companies to protect consumer interests. He has taken on the utility companies and made New Mexico a leader in renewable-energy production. In Congress he will continue to stand up for New Mexicans, and this ad campaign will highlight his record and proposals for Congress."

Luján's main competitor in the Dem primary, Don Wiviott, was the first in the race to put up ads, in late February. See our previous post. To see the rest of our coverage so far of the 2008 Congressional race in NM-03, visit our archive.

NM-03: Luján to Hold Town Hall Tonight in Las Vegas

From Luján for Congress:
Public Regulation Commissioner and Congressional candidate Ben R. Luján invites Las Vegas residents to a town hall today to discuss the issues that are important to them. The town hall will be held at Memorial Middle School Auditorium, 947 Old National Road, at 6 PM on Saturday, April 5. Doors will open at 5:30 PM. The meeting is part of his Standing Up for New Mexico Tour, in which the candidate will visit every county in the 3rd Congressional District at least once before the June 3 Democratic primary.

"I want to stand up for the people who make New Mexico great. This campaign is about people, and we want to talk to New Mexicans about what's important to them," Commissioner Luján said.