Heather Wilson "On Vacation" When Cheney Visits

Heather Wilson welcoming Bush to Albuquerque for a fundraiser in June. With the administration's approval ratings in the toilet, Wilson was nowhere to be seen during Cheney's Roswell visit yesterday.

I searched for photos of yesterday's fundraising visit to Roswell by Dick Cheney, but couldn't find anything. After all, stealth is Cheney's M.O. and he used it to allow Republican incumbent Rep. Heather Wilson (NM-01) to have her cake and eat it too. No reporters were allowed at the event, despite taxpayers having to foot the bill for all that security that travels with Cheney, as well as the participation of local law enforcement. Rove no doubt had a hand in making sure that Heather would get some cash indirectly, via the State Repub Party's GOTV project, but that she wouldn't have to be seen with Cheney. Telling, isn't it?

I read in today's Albuquerque Journal that Wilson was, conveniently, "on vacation" during the Veep's latest visit to New Mexico. And although CD2 Rep. Steve Pearce and Sen. Pete Domenci were there, I can't find any photos to document that. Of course there are good reasons for that, as explained in this news item (emphasis mine):

WASHINGTON, Aug. 15 /U.S. Newswire/ -- New Mexico Republicans are joining the growing list of candidates willing to take the special interest cash that President Bush and Vice President Cheney can raise, but unwilling to be seen in public with them. Today, the Vice President will attend a closed press special interest fundraiser in Roswell, NM for the New Mexico Republican Party's get out the vote effort.

Vice President Cheney is raising money for New Mexico's Republican candidates despite the fact that the Bush Administration and Bush Republicans in Congress have refused to stand up for New Mexico's working families. President Bush's budget cuts have meant that 31,569 children in New Mexico will go without promised help in reading and math, while programs to help children with disabilities in New Mexico have been shortchanged by $50.2 million. (Senate Appropriations Committee, Democratic Staff, 2/06)

These misplaced priorities help explain why President Bush's approval rating in New Mexico has plummeted to 37 percent, down 13 points in the last year alone. (SurveyUSA, 7/17/06)

"When Vice President Cheney swoops into New Mexico tonight, he'll be visiting some of Roswell's newest UFOs-the 'unidentified fundraising objects' who want the benefits of the Vice President's special interest campaign cash, but refuse to be seen in public with him," said Democratic National Committee spokesman Damien LaVera. "New Mexico Republicans can keep the cameras away, but they can't hide the fact that Bush Republicans like Heather Wilson and Steve Pearce have been terrible for New Mexico's working families.

"New Mexicans want change in Washington, not more of the same failed leadership and misplaced priorities from the Bush Congress. That's why New Mexico Democrats are offering a new direction for America, one that puts working families first by fighting to create good jobs that will stay in New Mexico, providing a health care system that works for everyone, and ensuring a quality education that provides opportunity for all."

The Roswell Daily Record reports that local Dems held a counter-rally:

The Democratic Parties of New Mexico and Chaves County held a rally at Pioneer Plaza in response to Cheney’s visit. Al Kissling, the Democratic candidate for the 2nd Congressional District seat, said Cheney’s visit was an insult to Roswell.

“The Republican party is out of touch with the people they represent,” Kissling said. “To spend tax dollars to fly out here and hold a private function is not the Democratic way.”

If we want to defeat the forces of Bush, Cheney and Rove, we need to start by defeating Heather Wilson on November 7th. Visit the Patricia Madrid for Congress website to volunteer a few hours of your time and donate some bucks to counteract the big donor money machine that owns the Republican Party. We need a member of Congress in NM-01 who represents the people, not just the donors.