Democracy for New Mexico

Saturday: Nuts & Bolts of Organizing a Political Campaign

From Martha Dominguez of the Coalition to Take Back Our Government: Sick of the way politicians are running this country? Then it’s time to think of running for office yourself!

People Taking Back Their Government Presents a Training
Nuts and Bolts of Organizing a Political Campaign 
Plumbers Hall, 510 San Pedro SE (& Zuni)
Saturday, August 19, 10 AM  - 4:30 PM

We are pleased to have as our presenter Linda B. Berg, National Organization for Women Political Action Director from Washington DC, in Albuquerque to share her experience and her work with the NOW PACS. The pac’s actions take every electoral advantage to change the faces in Congress and to build momentum for electoral involvement. The NOW organization has consistently organized efforts to support campaigns that have made a real difference for women and community issues. It was one of the first organizations to organize an effort to elect women to public office.

The Coalition to Take Back our Government is a non-partisan grass roots organization whose purpose is to develop long and short term strategic plans to affect social and political changes that will benefit our community. Our focus is two fold (1) Political Reform through electing candidates who can represent people’s concerns. (2) Electoral Reform to strengthen and safeguard the vote and to insure elections that represent the people’s voice.

This event has been organized to encourage, support and inform people thinking about running for office and people who may think that they don’t know enough of what it takes to run for public office. Whether you are interested in running for school board, city boards, city or state office this training can bring you that information. You will hear the basics of how to run a political campaign and participate in interactive activities. A democratic government needs the involvement of people at all levels voting, holding elected officials accountable, supporting people in office who work for people and running for office. The coalition has developed a campaign to change the face of government by diversifying the pool of people who participate. We want to work to prepare community people to run for office 5-10 years in advance so that when we need a person to run we are not limited to those that might be available. Join us on Saturday, August 19 and begin the process of learning what is needed to run for public office.   

There is a donation of $20 to attend and this will go towards the fund to help grassroots candidates who can help to change the face of government. Any organization interested in lending its support to this event can call 275-0597 or marthacd@earthlink.net for information and to reserve a seat. You can also mail a check or money order, payable to World Voices to 10805 Ralph NE, Albq. NM 87112.   

We the people can make a difference at every level. Join us and be part of the solution! Call 275-0597

Native Cinema Showcase at CCA in Santa Fe 8/17-20

From the Center for Contemporary Arts:
Now in its sixth year, this celebration of indigenous media arts features groundbreaking films and videos by and about Native people. From classics to the best new works, these films celebrate innovation, challenging the persistent pop-culture misrepresentations of indigenous peoples. offers filmmakers a venue during the renowned Santa Fe Indian Market, the world’s largest exhibit for indigenous artists, and provides an opportu-nity to advance dialogue about the essential issues facing Native communities. Tickets and passes are on sale at the CCA and at 505-982-1338.

The showcase is produced by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) and the Center for Contemporary Arts (CCA) Cinematheque in cooperation with the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, the Institute of American Indian Arts, the imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival, and the Gary Farmer Gallery of Contemporary Art. Click for and a of the screenings.

Uneasy Rider

Well, I couldn't resist putting up these photos of faux-tough guy Bush. Guys like George, who grew up with a silver oil well in their mouths, often look dorky when trying to pose as rough-hewn working class men. This series of shots from his visit to the Harley-Davidson plant in Pennsylvania yesterday, ranks right up there with his codpiece pilot shots from his misbegotten Mission Accomplished days. It must be remembered that Bush -- the brush clearing, cowboy boot wearing rancher -- is actually afraid of horses and doesn't ride. There are no horses to be found on his Crawford ranch. As they say, all-hat, no cattle. And no horsies either. Enjoy. (Click on photos for larger images.)

Killin' Everything They Say They're Fightin' For

Go watch Kris Kristofferson's new music video, "." It's also one of the featured songs on Neil Young's Living With War Today website. Kristofferson, the writer of such gems as Me And Bobby McGee and Sunday Morning Coming Down and is now 69 years old and he's still capturing the essence of his time with his bare bones lyrics and melodies. The Rhodes Scholar and almost West Point professor, who wrote "freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose," still has some mighty things to say. Things that need saying at a time when our actions are ensuring that way too many people have nothing left to lose, in the worst possible sense this time.

Citizen Action NM Sues for Release of Hidden Sandia National Lab Documents

From Citizen Action NM:
Documents detail labs’ role in design and production of new nuclear weapons

Citizen Action New Mexico, a non-profit public interest group, has filed a lawsuit in the federal District Court of New Mexico against the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the semi-autonomous nuclear weapons agency within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), for the release of unclassified documents containing information on nuclear weapons programs at the Sandia National Laboratories.

The documents are called “Ten Year Comprehensive Site Plans” (TYCSP). All nuclear weapons laboratories and nuclear weapons production plants run by the DOE/NNSA are required to annually create these plans which serve as the foundation for the strategic planning of the U.S. nuclear weapons complex and the implementation of the Bush Administration’s 2001 Nuclear Posture Review (NPR). The NPR expanded the rationale for the potential use of nuclear weapons and targeted countries, and argued the need for the new design of nuclear weapons.

Citizen Action filed two separate Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests on August 30 and November 14, 2005, requesting copies of the TYCSPs. To date no information on Sandia’s nuclear weapons programs has been released.

Sandia designs and engineers the “non-nuclear components” for nuclear weapons - over 6,300 parts of a nuclear bomb’s 6,500 individual components. Sandia also designs the casings for nuclear bombs, mates the nuclear warheads to weapons delivery systems, and conducts “weapons effects” research to guarantee that nuclear weapons will work in the severe radioactive environments of a nuclear war.

Sandia is currently working closely with both the Los Alamos National Laboratory and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories on new designs for new nuclear weapons.

Sue Dayton, Director for Citizen Action New Mexico, said her organization has in the past been primarily involved with clean up of radioactive and hazardous wastes from past nuclear weapons programs at Sandia. However, she noted the growing interest among members of the public regarding Sandia’s key role in developing new types of nuclear weapons - as well as its growing role in the production of nuclear weapons. 

“We plan to provide information to the public about the scope of Sandia’s nuclear weapons design and production programs, their potential impacts on the health of surrounding communities and the environment, and their links to weapons manufacturing at Los Alamos. More broadly, we want to open up a public dialogue on the impacts of Sandia’s nuclear weapons programs on international non-proliferation efforts and treaties in which the U.S. should lead by example. The Plans that we are suing for will shed some critical light on an important agenda at Sandia that has been beneath the radar of the public for some time.”

For more information contact: Citizen Action New Mexico at 262-1862 or www.radfreenm.org. Citizen Action is a project of the New Mexico Community Foundation and a member of the New Mexicans for Sustainable Energy and Effective Stewardship (NMSEES).

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.

ACTION ALERT: Next 3 Ethics & Campaign Finance Reform Task Force Meetings

As reported previously, it's very important for citizens and activists to attend the meetings of Governor Bill Richardson's Ethics and Campaign Finance Reform Task Force. If we can show widespread public support for such measures as voluntary public funding for state candidates and limiting campaign contributions and gifts, we have a much better chance of getting some meaningful bills at the NM Legislative Session in January.

So far, there's been an excellent public and DFNM turnout at these meetings and we want to keep it that way. Here are the next three scheduled meetings and their topics. If you can, please attend one or more of these:

August 16, 9:00 AM (Room 307, at Roundhouse, Santa Fe)
Gifts Subcommittee Report (morning)
Legislative Salaries Report (afternoon)
Click for agenda (PDF)

August 29
Ethics Commission Subcommittee Report

September 20
Campaign Contribution Limits Subcommittee Report
Public Campaign Financing Subcommittee Report

Thanks to Matt Brix, Executive Director of Common Cause New Mexico, for the heads up. If you have any questions, you can reach Matt at 505-323-6399 or mbrix@commoncause.org

Bookworks Hosts Local Author Bookfair

From :
Time: Sunday, August 27, 2006 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Title of Event: Local Author Book Fair
Location: Bookworks, 4022 Rio Grande NW, Albuquerque

Come out to Bookworks to meet some of the most interesting authors living in New Mexico. We will have numerous talented authors here with their books, to give you a chance to learn about some new books and meet new people! The authors in attendance will include the following:

• Margaret Nava with Remembering: A Guide to New Mexico Cemeteries, Monuments, and Memorials and Along the High Road: A Guide to the Scenic Route Between Espanola and Taos
• Ray Michael Baca with Brotherhood of the Light: The Penitentes and Crypto-Jews of New Mexico
• Leigh Michaels with The Last Amazon Book One: Seadragon - a fabulous young adult novel
• Don Bullis with Bull's Eye
• Pamela Smith and Richard Polese with Passions in Print: Private Press Artistry in New Mexico, 1834-Present
• Joan McIver Gibson and Mark Bennett with A Field Guide to Good Decisions: Values in Action
• Richard McCord with The Other State: New Mexico, USA
• Tom Hughes and Meredith Sayles Hughes of The FOOD Museum with Gastronomie: Food Museums and Heritage Sites of France
• Dick Heath with Dear Parents: Twenty Years of Letters from a Seasoned Headmaster

Editor's Note: See the entry in bold. Tom and Meredith were known as Foodies for Dean back in the day. I'm sure many of our DFA-DFNM Meetup members will remember them. Go say hi, and buy their book!

Cheney in Roswell Today

Dick Cheney, one of faux-Republican Joe Lieberman's most enthusiastic fans, is scheduled to arrive in Roswell, NM today at about 3:00 PM and depart at 6:00 PM. He'll be appearing at a private fundraiser for the Republican NM Victory 2006 GOTV project, an event designed to lure deep pocket donors to a local ranch. Of course there'll be an opportunity for rich patrons to pay a bundle to get a photo taken with Dick -- a high-priced mugshot for the well-to-do. I wonder if he'll be posing in his quail hunting outfit or if that's been retired for the duration to avoid another pellet "accident."

Notice that Cheney isn't appearing at a fundraiser that's officially for Heather Wilson. A generic fundraiser hitting up the oil patch elite for the Repub Party is obviously less controversial given Heather's professed "independence" from the Bush horrors. I guess it's bad enough that all those photos are circulating that depict Heather kowtowing to Bush at his recent fundraiser here. Local Repub poobahs (and Karl Rove) must think a bunch of Cheney-Heather images would be too damned scary in a political climate dominated by voter disgust about the administration's fiascos and failures. Too bad. I think they make a perfect pair. Oil Profits R Us. 

Report: NM Interim Legislative Committee Discussion on Election Day Registration

From Paul Stokes, United Voters NM:
On Friday 11 August, Election Day Registration (EDR) was discussed with the New Mexico legislative interim committee on Courts, Corrections, and Justice. This is the interim committee to which election reform issues were assigned by the Legislative Council.

Common Cause New Mexico joined United Voters of New Mexico and Verified Voting New Mexico in arranging for this discussion. Matt Brix, Executive Director of Common Cause New Mexico, arranged to have Larry Ghan, County Commissioner from Bannock County, Idaho, explain to the interim committee his experience in establishing and using EDR in his state.

Mr. Ghan said that EDR is very popular and very successful in Idaho. He noted that the possibility of voter fraud may be the greatest concern people have about EDR, but that has not been a problem in Idaho; in fact, he said that there had been no instances of voter fraud related to EDR.

He further said that EDR is consistent with a fundamental aspect of democracy to provide the opportunity to vote to as many citizens as possible. The increase in voter turnout from the experience of Idaho and other states with EDR is in the range or 10 to 15 percent.

Other points he made included the fact that EDR eliminates the rush to register at the office of the county clerk prior to elections, and that candidates for election do not need to worry about who is and who is not registered and, instead, can concentrate on their messages to the electorate.

In the following discussion, Ernie Marquez, state Bureau of Elections director, said that the office of the Secretary of State had no objection to EDR, but suggested that now might not be the time because of all the other changes taking place with our elections.

Some legislators asked questions and expressed opinions regarding their concerns with voter fraud. For example, immigrants voting, inadequate time on election day to check out qualifications of voters, etc. These are familiar concerns, and Mr. Ghan's response was that they had not had any such problems, and that there should be a presumption that voters are qualified if they present the required documentation.

On the other hand, some legislators said that, on balance, EDR was the right thing because it enabled more qualified voters to vote. Rep. Chasey, who chaired the session, circulated an op-ed by Ornstein at the conservative American Enterprise Institute discussing the fact that a number of countries fine citizens who do not vote.

Ernie Marquez expressed his concern about EDR not allowing adequate time to check the qualifications of voters. He used the example of not being able to determine whether or not a potential voter is a felon, and also mentioned a case in which someone in New Mexico voted six
times.

Mary Herrera, Bernalillo County Clerk, said that it would not be possible to adequately check voter qualifications for EDR until a computerized database of voters was available. In the meantime, she supported the idea suggested by one legislator of having affidavits associated with the ballots of persons choosing EDR which would be set aside until the voter qualifications could be checked. This process would be similar to the way in which voters who elect to use absentee ballots, but do not receive their absentee ballots in the mail, are able to vote on election day.

To sum up, the experience with EDR as expressed by Larry Ghan, who was an election official when EDR was established in Idaho, has been very positive. Some legislators expressed concern about voter fraud, even though there is no evidence of significant voter fraud in EDR states - Idaho has had no voter fraud associated with EDR. Other legislators supported EDR because of its demonstrated ability to increase voter turnout.

My understanding is that the interim committee will decide at its November meeting whether to recommend EDR legislation for the 2007 legislative session.

Editor's Note: More information about Election Day Registration can be found at these sources:

• VoteJustice.org