Democracy for New Mexico

Corrected: AFSCME Local 3022 Endorses Marty Chavez

Correction: DFNM was notified from the AFSCME union that the entire voting body of the union voted earlier this year and endorsed Eric Griego candidate for CD1. You can see that previous DFNM post here. The AFSCME union explained that they recently changed there endorsment bylaws in effort of stopping these fractured smaller union bodies going off and endorsing their own candidate. When the full Union body endorses it endorses for all the Locals.

The following release is from the Marty Chavez campaign for CD1.

Municipal Employees Join Growing Coalition of New Mexican Working Families

Last week, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3022 endorsed former Albuquerque Mayor in his race for the House of Representatives in New Mexico’s First Congressional District.

“We’ve worked closely with Marty for years and know that he is the only candidate in this race that can get the results our members and their families need,” said Andrew Padilla, speaking on behalf of the Local. “While we respect our brothers and sisters from around the state, Marty has proven that he can tackle tough issues and find serious solutions to the problems our nation faces.  During difficult times like these, we need representatives in Washington who can actually get things done, and that’s why we’re throwing our support behind Marty.”

“It’s truly an honor to earn this endorsement because I am committed to building a strong grassroots coalition of working families in this campaign,” said Chavez. “I’m especially proud to have their support because of the close working relationship we maintained during my years as Mayor that led to more people working in Albuquerque.  That’s real progress that middle class families can count on.”

Lee Whistle, Vice President of Local 3022 added, “Basically, our decision to support Marty comes down to two vital reasons.  First, we know Marty from years of working together and he fights and delivers for working people and respects the job we do.  Second, he’s the only candidate in this race who we believe can actually win – and we have to keep this seat blue.”

As a New Mexico State Senator, Marty Chavez maintained a 100% AFL-CIO COPE rating.

12/5: African Americans for Marty

From the Marty Chavez for Congress Campaign: PLEASE JOIN

African-Americans for Marty Chavez CANDIDATE, N.M. 1st CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT At a KICK-OFF FUNDRAISER

Host Committee: Bishop David C. Cooper Pastor Claude Bell, Pastor Wendell H. Benford, Pastor Craig Fowler, Pastor Keith Jones, Pastor N. Darnell Smith & Pastor Larry Terrell

Monday, December 5, 2011: 6:00 – 7:30 PM at the Artichoke Cafe, 424 Central SE,  SW Corner of Central & Edith

For full invitaion click here.

Breaking Bad Stars Dueling with Congressional District 1 Endorsements

Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving. It was a nice break for us too. Now we have to get back to all the business at hand. This post is by Mary Ellen Broderick.

We figured we would start with a post which did not make it up on the DFNM blog when it happened. This particular event was a simple endorsement of a candidate. However, there is a dueling quality to this endorsement. In the TV show these two characters appear in "Breaking Bad"; one is a good guy cop and one is a meth dealer. If we were to follow stereotypes one may guess Steven Michael Quezada the hispanic would be the meth dealer, but no, the meth dealer is the anglo guy, Bryan Cranston in the show.  So interestingly enough one star has endorsed Eric Griego and one star has endorsed Marty Chavez. Does this show anything? Does this add any further information about either candidate? Or must one be an avid Breaking Bad fan to read into the endorsements? In any case the TV hit series is called Breaking Bad, it is filmed here in Albuquerque, and it is a really good show.

So to end the suspense of who endorsed who; on November 10 Steven Michael Quezada was a guest speaker at an Eric Griego fundraiser and guess what? Quezada gave a glowing endorsement of Congressional Candidate Eric Griego. Below is a video of his speech at the event.

Steven Michael Quezada is an Albuquerque NM native and a long time friend of Eric. Steven described the similar passions he shares with Eric, of course the film industry and arts for our children and helping children. They met on the road both being comedians back in the late 80’s, and have stayed friends since then and have used their skills to try to bring positive change to their worlds. Steven goes on to say how anything worth having we have to fight for, being an American our freedoms “We have to fight this fight.” He goes on to say “Eric can’t do it all”. And we need to keep talking to people about Eric and what he believes in. We need Eric in D.C.

Here is Eric’s message from that night; Stand by the values he learned very early in life – “That we as Americans are in this together”.

 

Then Griego goes on to expand “What we need in Washington is not just one voice, we need a lot of voices”. We need to say “this is not what we believe in as Americans, we are in this together.”

On September 28th Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston endorsed Marty Chavez for Congress in NM-1. Please see this press release and .

Marty Chavez Statement on the Super Committee and Fmr. NM AG Patricia Madrid Throws Her Support to Marty Chavez

The following two statements were provided by the Marty Chavez for Congress campaign.

Statement on the Super Committee

Former Albuquerque Mayor Marty Chavez released the following statement on the failure of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, known as the "super committee,” to reach an agreement that cuts the federal deficit.

“I’m very disappointed in the Super Committee’s failure to find a fair and reasonable solution to reducing our nation’s deficit.  Washington needs leaders who know how to solve the problems we face and get results for our families and communities and that’s why I’m running.  The easiest way to reduce the deficit is to get people back to work and grow our economy again by building infrastructure here at home and bringing our troops back from overseas.

“If I were in Congress I would support a package that protects and preserves Social Security and Medicare while ending the Bush era tax cuts for the wealthy and closing the loopholes that allow mega corporations to escape paying taxes while shipping jobs overseas.   Everyone must pay their fair share as we come together to solve the problems our nation faces.”

The Patricia Madrid Endorsement

“Marty is the Voice New Mexicans Need Speaking Up on Their Behalf”

In an email to supporters, former New Mexico Attorney General Patricia Madrid endorsed Marty Chavez in his bid to represent New Mexico’s First Congressional District in the House of Representatives.

“In these difficult economic times, New Mexico needs a strong advocate that fights for our values in Washington.  Marty Chavez has proven that he has the will and the leadership ability to get the results our families need.  I’m supporting Marty because he’s the only candidate in this race who has actually created a job.  He does more than talk about our problems – he knows how to find the solutions,” said Madrid.

“Patricia Madrid broke a glass ceiling in New Mexico as the first female Attorney General and the first woman elected to the position of District Court Judge.  She is a strong advocate for women and children and I’m extremely proud to add her support to our growing coalition of Democrats who believe in electing leadership that gets results,” said Chavez.

Madrid added, “In the past few weeks we’ve seen the momentum for Marty’s campaign grow significantly with the addition of women’s equality activist Lilly Ledbetter and UFW co-founder Dolores Huerta to his impressive list of local and national endorsers.  Throughout his life Marty has stayed true to his core values by advancing fairness and equality.  Washington could sure use more people like him as we confront some of the most daunting issues of our time.  I know that Marty will always have the best interests of our families at heart.”

Democracy for America (DFA) is conducting a poll: Who should we (DFA) support for Congress?

In an email from Nick Passanante, Deputy Political Director, Democracy for America he asks the following:

"We've been hearing a lot about the race in New Mexico's 1st Congressional district from local DFA members, so I wanted to check in to see where you stood.

DFA is committed to electing progressives who share our values of community, security and liberty, and as the country's only people-powered PAC, we want to hear from our members who we should support in this race. So, who do you support for Congress? Vote now. Thank you for all that you do."

FYI FOLKS: An endorsement by DFA is a big deal. What comes with it is additional funds for your campaign and additional people on the ground. Once they choose their candidate with the help of the people in the district, they work like crazy to get that person in. Seeing we are loosing Martin Heinrich in this seat they are particularily concerned about who "us the people" want to have as a strong replacement for Heinrich.

Please take the time to go VOTE in this poll!
Who do you support for Congress? Vote now.

11/19: Marty Chavez Campaign Headquarters Grand Opening & Holiday Food/Toy Drive

Chavez Campaign Announcement: Please Join Marty Chavez and his Campaign Team:

For a CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS GRAND OPENING & HOLIDAY FOOD/TOY DRIVE

            Photo above: Marty with local small business owners.

Saturday, November 19th, 2011
11:00am- 1pm

Chavez Campaign HQ
124 Quincy St, NE
Albuquerque

Want to help keep New Mexico blue? Want to be involved in a grassroots campaign? Then join us at our new campaign headquarters!

Come enjoy homemade local food and meet with other like-minded supporters to learn how you can get involved in helping to elect Marty as our next Congressman!

The Opening will be catered by none other than Mac's La Sierra!!! So come on out and enjoy some authentic New Mexican cuisine.

WE WILL ALSO BE ACCEPTING CANNED GOOD DONATIONS AND CHILDREN'S TOYS TO BE DONATED LOCALLY FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Please RSVP to:  Alex Eubanks (505) 510-2012 or alex.eubanks@martychavez.com

Marty Chavez Statement on Veterans Day

Former Albuquerque Mayor Marty Chavez released the following statement in commemoration of Veterans Day:

“Today we renew our commitment to the men and women who have served our nation admirably in the armed services.  As those serving overseas return home from the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan we must continue to improve and strengthen the support we provide as a nation to our veterans and their families.

“I'm proud that during my administration Albuquerque built the New Mexico Veterans Memorial, Museum and Conference Center and in Congress, I will fight to ensure that our veterans get the healthcare, job training and educational opportunities that they have earned and deserve.” 

Reminder: 11/5: Matanza Celebration in Honor of Marty Chavez for Congress

From New Mexicans for Marty Chavez:

Please Join
Ambassador Ed Romero & Cayetana Romero, State Representative Ernest Chavez, City Councilor Ken Sanchez, Bernalillo County Commissioner Art De La Cruz & Annette De La Cruz, The Honorable Steve Gallegos & Bev Gallegos, ABQ Fire Chief (ret.) Robert Ortega, Democratic Ward 14A Chair Tony Barboa, Democratic Ward 12A Chair Arlene Chavez, Albert & Irene Chavez, Chris & Janette Baca, Diego Gallegos, Eddie & Christine Lopez, Mary Molina Mescall, Larry Nelson, John & Klarissa Pena, Frances Ray and Lawrence Torres
For a
MATANZA
In honor of our own
MARTY CHÁVEZ
Candidate for Congress in NM’s First Congressional District
Saturday, November 5th, 2011, 1PM to 5PM
At the Home of Eddie and Christina Lopez in Duranes
1514 Gabaldon Drive NW
Food and beverages will be provided
$5 Suggested Donation
Click for Invitation with Map
Please join Marty and friends for a celebration marking
one year before the 2012 election

Women’s Equality Activist Lilly Ledbetter Endorses Marty Chavez for Congress

“Marty Will Be a Voice for the Families He Represents”

ALBUQUERQUE – Today, women’s equality activist Lilly Ledbetter, namesake of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, endorsed former Albuquerque Mayor Marty Chavez in his bid to represent New Mexico’s First Congressional District in the House of Representatives.

“I'm proud to announce my support of Marty's candidacy for Congress, a true friend in the struggle for equality.

I know he will serve New Mexico's 1st Congressional District with honor and integrity and be a voice for the families he represents,” said Ledbetter.

“I’m honored to have the support of someone who has so significantly advanced equality issues in our time,” said Chavez.

Ledbetter added, “Together, we can make a difference by sending the right kind of representatives to Washington.  I'm living proof that the right thing doesn't always happen automatically and that even today, equality and fairness can still be hard to come by. I hope you'll join me in helping Marty Chavez become the next leader for equality in Congress.”

Ledbetter’s announcement comes just days after United Farm Workers co-founder Dolores Huerta endorsed Marty’s campaign.  

11/5: Matanza Celebration in Honor of Marty Chavez for Congress

From New Mexicans for Marty Chavez:

Please Join
Ambassador Ed Romero & Cayetana Romero, State Representative Ernest Chavez, City Councilor Ken Sanchez, Bernalillo County Commissioner Art De La Cruz & Annette De La Cruz, The Honorable Steve Gallegos & Bev Gallegos, ABQ Fire Chief (ret.) Robert Ortega, Democratic Ward 14A Chair Tony Barboa, Democratic Ward 12A Chair Arlene Chavez, Albert & Irene Chavez, Chris & Janette Baca, Diego Gallegos, Eddie & Christine Lopez, Mary Molina Mescall, Larry Nelson, John & Klarissa Pena, Frances Ray and Lawrence Torres
For a
MATANZA
In honor of our own
MARTY CHÁVEZ
Candidate for Congress in NM’s First Congressional District
Saturday, November 5th, 2011, 1PM to 5PM
At the Home of Eddie and Christina Lopez in Duranes
1514 Gabaldon Drive NW
Food and beverages will be provided
$5 Suggested Donation
Click for Invitation with Map
Please join Marty and friends for a celebration marking
one year before the 2012 election

11/10: Fundraising Reception at Imbibe for Marty Chavez for Congress

From New Mexicans for Marty Chavez:

PLEASE JOIN 
Wes Golden,
Nick Bakas, Butch Keiser, Fred Mondragon & Dan Silva

AT A FUNDRAISING RECEPTION 
for
Marty Chavez
CANDIDATE, N.M. 1^st CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Co-Hosts:
Gabe Apodaca, Damon Maddox, Judy Pacheco, John Wertheim and Jacob Winowich (Host committee still being formed)

Thursday, November 10, 2011  
5:30 – 7:00 PM
Imbibe
3101 Central Ave., NE, Albuquerque
See INVITATION for more information

Suggested Contribution: 
Co-Host $250 ~ Supporter $100 ~ Friend $50 ~ Guest $25
RSVP to: Janis Hartley (505) 412-2642 or janishartley@gmail.com

UFW Co-Founder Dolores Huerta Endorses Marty Chavez

Today, in a letter to supporters, United Farm Workers co-founder Dolores Huerta endorsed former Albuquerque Mayor Marty Chavez in his bid to represent New Mexico’s First Congressional District in the House of Representatives.

“I have known Marty personally for many, many years and I can attest to his skills as a bold and innovative thinker. Simply put, Marty is the kind of leader the working class needs; someone who will put the needs of ordinary working families ahead of the corporate elite,” said Huerta.“That's why I'm proud to endorse Marty for Congress.”

“Dolores has been long-time friend and colleague whose lifetime of advocacy on behalf of working people is inspiring. I am extremely proud to have her support in this election. At a time when working people and labor unions are under attack, we need to redouble our efforts to ensure that New Mexico’s middle class families can thrive.”

“In these times of economic uncertainty, America needs people like Marty Chavez – a leader who will empower struggling workers across the country to stand up for their rights and demand equality in the workplace. As a native New Mexican, I've seen first-hand the transformation Albuquerque has experienced under Marty's leadership. Working with organized labor and community groups, Marty has helped New Mexico become a center for growth and an incredible place to work and raise a family. His efforts to protect the environment have been groundbreaking and have resulted in Albuquerque being named one of the “Greenest” cities in the country. That's the kind of leadership we need in Washington,” added Huerta.

The Chavez campaign for Congress noted that Marty has been endorsed by IBEW Local 611 and received strong personal backing from Democratic, progressive and environmental leaders from New Mexico and around the country including Ambassador Joe Wilson, Ambassador Ed Romero, L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Carbon War Room CEO Jigar Shah, President of the Earth Day Network Kathleen Rogers and President & CEO of the Center for Climate Strategies Thomas Peterson.

Photo by M.E. Broderick.