Democracy for New Mexico

The Rahm Emanuel Connection: Wilson Campaign Moves into Lala Land Territory

By almost all accounts, Repub incumbent Rep. Heather Wilson's campaign against Dem challenger Patricia Madrid in NM-01 has been mostly dismal, destructive and dysfunctional -- taking the big bucks from oil, gas and pharmaceutical companies, as well as PAC's and other funds controlled by the likes of the disgraced Tom DeLay, Mark Foley, Duke Cunningham and various other icons of Beltway crime -- and using it to carry out the dark and dirty strategies of Karl Rove and his ilk.

Poison Pieces in Our Mailboxes
For me personally, a new low was achieved with the recent mailings I got from the Wilson campaign (sent even to loyal Dems it seems). They suggest, in true Rovian fashion, that Patricia Madrid wants all child molesters and heroin addicts back on the street. Who knew? The paid rodents who created these postal attack pieces had to dig hard through Madrid's long career as an attorney, judge and attorney general to find a couple cases where, due to legalities and decisions beyond her control, a couple people received probation etc.

Oh, woooooooo! Look into the files of anyone long active in the justice or law enforcement fields and you'll find similar examples. If this is the best the Wilson campaign can do, I have to say I'm disappointed in the much touted wiles of Rove et al. After all, this is the man who pretty much created modern-era direct mail campaigning of the politically poisonous variety. When he and his imitators are grasping at straws like these, you know it's bad.

Rahm Emanuel on the Page Scandal Hot Seat?
But wait -- something even more smelly emerged today from the Wilson campaign. Turns out DCCC chair Rep. Rahm Emanuel was in Albuquerque yesterday meeting with the Madrid campaign and attending a private fundraiser. Big whoop, right? Especially since almost all fundraising visits from prominent Repubs for Wilson have been private affairs, including a recent visit from the sleaze man himself - Karl Rove. But noooooo. Wilson's staffers took this opportunity to claim that Emanuel didn't want to talk to the media because he didn't want to answer questions about Foley and the page scandal. Again, who knew? Quote from article in the Albuquerque Journal:

The no-press-invited luncheon from the head of the group responsible for anti-Republican attack ads around the country had the campaign of Republican Rep. Heather Wilson breathing fire: They suggested that Emanuel, a U.S. House member from Illinois, made no public appearances in order to dodge questions about the congressional page scandal and other issues.

Paging Heather Wilson
I have to admit Wilson's bunch has nerve, if not much else this campaign season. Think of the ironies: Wilson served on the Congressional Page Board from 2001-2004 and yet, to this day, she claims she had no idea that underage pages and ex-pages were being sexually pursued during that period by Rep. Mark Foley. This, despite Foley being a prominent member of the Republican caucus and the Republican leadership team, and the person who headed their child protection legislative efforts. Wilson has repeatedly claimed that the Page Board is nothing more than an informal group that deals only with trifles like scheduling and other minor administrative details. The reality? The House Page Board was created in 1982 "to ensure that the Page program is conducted in a manner that is consistent with the efficient functioning of the House and welfare of the Pages." Oops.

Rove, Rove, Go Away
Of course this tactic is right out of the Rove play book -- when you're tainted by something, accuse your opponents of that very thing. In the psych books they call that "projection," and it's been used over and over again by Rove and his minions to wrongfully smear Dems. Think about the Swiftboating of war hero John Kerry in response to revelations about the military service shortcomings of George and his boys. Think about the attack on the patriotism of ex-Sen. Max Cleland, who lost most of his limbs in Viet Nam, in response to the unprincipled and cowardly reputation of Saxby Chambliss. I'm sure you can think of your own examples.

And now this -- a Democrat being accused by Republicans of avoiding questions about the Foleygate scandal when right in our midst is the real thing -- Heather Wilson. The same Heather Wilson who served on the Page Board while the harrassment was ongoing and complaints were bubbling up all over. The same Heather Wilson who, mercy me, just had no idea anything out of the ordinary was going on!

Just how low will the Wilson campaign go in its quickening spiral into the depths of Lala Land? I'd guess it'll be pretty darned low as we tick down the hours to election day 2006. Be forewarned.

Radio Debate and New Radio Ad for NM Land Commissioner Candidate Jim Baca

Jim Baca at a DFA-DFNM Meetup earlier this year

Democratic challenger Jim Baca will debate with Republican incumbent Land Commissioner Pat Lyons live on radio KKOB-77AM's Jim Villanuci show on Monday, October 16, from 4-5:30 PM. You can also listen to a live stream at the KKOB website at that time.

Baca is locked in a tight race with Lyons, whose campaign contributions have come almost entirely from big oil and gas interests to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Lyons is also getting strong support from Republicans at the national level. He's set to launch a massive TV-ad campaign filled with the kinds of personally destructive attacks peppered with disinformation that have characterized the approach of Republicans in NM this election season.

Meanwhile the Baca campaign has launched a new radio ad calling attention to several recent financially questionable boondoggles by Lyons while serving his current term. Click to listen to the ad (mp3). You can help keep it on the air by donating what you can to the Jim Baca Campaign. If we want to elect a candidate who will work for all New Mexicans rather than just for oil and gas interests, now's the time to donate a few bucks and help Jim get his message out.

In the lastest Journal poll, Baca leads Lyons 43% to 39%, with 18% undecided. The outcome of the election may well turn on convincing those 18 percent, and the Baca campaign needs your help to accomplish that. Here's Jim Baca's response to the poll results:

New Mexico voters are rejecting Lyons’ negative advertising and looking instead to the important issue of who best will provide the proper balance of protecting our environment while generating revenue from state land from oil and gas leasing and development.

It is a very tight race, and that may be a result of Lyons’ significant war chest that has been spent on advertising that is paid by contributions from the oil and gas industry.  It’s a simple fact that the oil and gas industry wants someone in office who will do their bidding, and they’re willing to pay for it.

I’m certainly not against oil and gas production in our state, but I’m also very supportive of renewable energy development, and coordinated development on state lands. We must protect our valuable hunting and fishing areas for sportsmen. We must protect valuable water supplies and wilderness areas. Development and protection can go hand-in-hand if we balance competing interests.

We just can’t give it all away to the oil and gas industry. New Mexico voters understand the need for a balanced approach, and that may be the reason why despite heavy spending by my opponent, I remain the leader in this race.

25 Reasons to Vote Dem in November

According to 'Campaign 2006: The Issues, the Stakes, the Prospects' by Arthur Blaustein, an essay first published in Mother Jones, voting this November is incredibly important if you care about the future of our nation. Quote: "The choices are stark, the consequences are momentous, writes a public policy professor at UC Berkeley, who argues that the November elections will be the most significant in a generation."

As Professor Blaustein writes, the time is ripe for a referendum on Bush's failed policies:

Republicans running for the House and Senate in marginal districts and swing states have a problem. They’re just like Tony Blair, fatally weakened in Britain and derided in Europe as “Bush’s poodle” for rolling over for the U.S. president’s every policy demand. Republicans in Congress, however much they may try now to distance themselves from a deeply unpopular president, are in trouble for having stood on their hind legs and jumped through hoops every time the White House has fed them a new policy biscuit. Thus, the policies of George Bush and his administration are—and well should be—the defining issue of this campaign.

The professor lays out in detail the Bush political strategy, our political prospects, the issues and the foreign policy and national security implications of the November election and then lists out what is at stake:

25 reasons as to why this election is important and why you should get involved:

1. Iraq
2. Woman’s choice
3. Global warming
4. Public education
5. Civil liberties
6. Decent jobs at livable wages
7. Affordable housing
8. National health insurance
9. Torture and human rights abuse
10. Separation of church and state
11. Soaring federal deficits
12. The Supreme Court and federal judges
13. Increase in poverty and homelessness
14. Assault weapons back on the street
15. Social Security
16. Consumer protection
17. Huge national debt
18. Preemptive wars and national security
19. Mercury and acid rain
20. Disaster preparedness and Hurricane Katrina
21. Maldistribution of wealth
22. Resumption of nuclear testing
23. Homeland security—ports, mass transit and chemical plants
24. Renewable energy and gas prices
25. Pervasive corruption, cronyism, manipulation and incompetence

You could probably add a number of reasons of your own. What’s of paramount importance, though, is that the issues are basic, the choices are stark, the stakes are high and the consequences could be devastating.

So what kind of election-related volunteer work are you contributing? Contact a candidate's campaign office, an issue group or the Democratic Party and join the effort to turn things around. If we don't do it, who will?

Clean Energy Group Organizes in Las Cruces

This is a guest post by Ed Fulmer a renewable energy advocate who blogs at Alternative Comment:

Every day there is growing consensus that fossil fuel based transportation, energy generation and agriculture is not sustainable into the future. A new group has formed in Las Cruces to explore clean renewable affordable energy solutions. The Southwest Energy Alliance meets the first Wednesday of each month, 6 p.m., at the South West Environmental Center on the Mall in Las Cruces.

The group brings together energetic, capable and imaginative citizens dedicated to public education, citizen action and the installation of renewable energy production facilities. If you attend one of their meetings you will find a full agenda of energy related topics. Biofuels, geothermal energy, solar installation, wind energy technology, government incentives, community education and clean energy capitalization are some of what you’ll hear. The Alliance is a discussion group, a government watchdog and a community advocate for clean energy. In addition, there are field trips to renewable energy facilities.

The group was in action on Thursday October 5th when two members met with the City Project Administrator for the new city hall. The topic was Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification for the facility. The way this building is constructed will determine it’s effect on the wallets and the health of Las Crucens for decades to come.

The South West Environmental Center is an appropriate venue for Energy Alliance meetings. SWEC is poised to become a focal point of clean energy in southern New Mexico. The New Mexico Legislature passed and the Governor authorized funding for the installation of a solar electric system and a solar energy education exhibit at the center. However, New Mexico State University, tasked with installation, has reportedly reneged on fulfilling the intent of the legislation to include an educational exhibit.

As we continue to move toward the tipping point, whether it is the economic impact of high energy prices or the environmental impact of global warming, pollutants and resource extraction, the South West Energy Alliance will be working on solutions.

NRCC Drops More Money for Phone Work in NM-01

Repub losers: Brownie, Dubyee and Foley

We previously reported on the National Republican Congressional Committee's releasing more than $6,000 to pay a notoriously dirty campaign outfit to make what will no doubt be nasty phone calls in NM-01 against Dem challenger Patricia Madrid's campaign. Today's check of FEC records shows another big buy with the same Rove-connected outfit, this time to the tune of $2,820 in New Mexico and many thousands more in hot Congressional races nationwide. That totals almost $9,000 that's been transferred over the past several days to the infamous firm of Larson & Synhorst DCI for use against Madrid.

Also recall that the despicable ex-Rep. Mark Foley donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the NRCC, and that the NRCC also has designs on seizing Foley's own sizeable campaign war chest. (See this post on local blog Live From Silver City.) I guess Repub incumbent Rep. Heather Wilson has no qualms accept this kind of help from the NRCC even though significant amounts of their funds are tainted by a Mark Foley connection. Have you heard Wilson urging the NRCC to refuse to use any dollars they get via the Foley connection? Neither have I.

Richardson Campaign Seeks Website Intern

From the Bill Richardson for Governor Campaign:
The campaign needs someone who wants to volunteer on the campaign and help with the website. See below for more information, including a job descripion and how to apply. Time is of the essence so if you're interested in this opportunity, submit the required info ASAP:

As a Website intern you will ensure the Bill Richardson 2006 Campaign website has up-to-the-minute information on issues by:

-Updating our "News" page with the latest news articles or press releases.

-Write campaign updates on the Plaza Blog.

-Formulating and implement creative website and online organizing ideas, and Facebook and My Space outreach strategies.

Job Description: The Intern will gain hands-on experience in the management of the technical side of a major statewide campaign operation, including web design, technical support, and online organizing.

Work atmosphere: Young, Fun and Gung-Ho!

Volunteer/Intern Requirements: The qualified applicant should possess the following qualities:

1 . Enjoy working in a team environment and know how to have fun on and off work;

2 . Be responsible, including being on time;

3 . HTML & XML proficiency, Java, Flash and web design skills desired.

Minimum Internship Commitment: At least 4 weeks (any bloc of time between now through November). Although Website and Online Networking internships are unpaid, students may receive academic credit from their college or university. This is also one of the best opportunities for getting into a democratic political campaign.

Location: Website Internships are located in our Albuquerque HQ.

How to Apply: Interested students should email a cover letter, resume, and short (1-2 page) writing sample to:

Joaquin H. Guerra
Director of Internet Operations
Bill Richardson for Governor 2006
jguerra@billrichardson2006.com

Campaign Website https://billrichardson2006.com/
Campaign Blog https://blog.billrichardson2006.com/

Bernalillo County Early Voting Locations to Open 10/21

NOTE: This post is about the 2006 election. For information on early voting in the 2008 election, see this post.
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If you're registered, you can vote in person right now at your County Clerk's office and via absentee (mail-in) ballot. Call your County Clerk or any of the Democratic candidate's campaign offices for more information. See my earlier post for more on this. (If you aren't registered to vote, the deadline for doing so ended yesterday, October 10, 2006.)

Starting October 21st, you can also vote at alternate in-person locations as designated by your County Clerk. These are the locations where registered voters who reside in Bernalillo County can vote in person from October 21st through November 4th:

BERNALILLO COUNTY EARLY VOTING SITES GENERAL ELECTION 2006:

Clerk’s Office: One Civic Plaza, Room 6011

Rio Bravo Shopping Center: Rio Bravo/Isleta, 1698 Rio Bravo SW, Suite J

Sandia Vista Shopping Center: Menaul/Juan Tabo, 11500 Menaul Blvd. NE, Suite L

Glenrio Plaza: Glenrio/Coors NW, 851 Coors NW

APS City Center: Americas Parkway/Uptown, 6400 Uptown Blvd. NE

West Tower Conference Room: 5024 - 4th St. NW, North of 4th/Griegos, Suite B

Integrity Plaza: Wyoming/Constitution, 1500 Wyoming NE, Suite A

Parkland Plaza: Near Kathryn/San Mateo, 1118 San Mateo SE

Los Vecinos Community Center: 478 ½ Old Hwy 66, Tijeras, NM

Plaza Ladera: Coors/Sequoia NW, 5300 Sequoia NW, Suite G

900 - 4th St. SW: 4th/Atlantic, Suite B

Academy Office Park: Academy/Truchas, 6739 Academy NE, Suite 252

Los Ranchos Villa: 4th/Osuna, 6601 - 4th St. NW, Suite R

EARLY  VOTING HOURS OF OPERATION:

Clerk’s Office Downtown:
Tuesday, October 10 thru Friday, October 13: 8 am-5 pm
Monday October 16 thru Friday, October 20: 8 am-5 pm
Monday October 23 thru Friday, October 27: 8 am-5 pm
Monday October 30 thru Friday, November 3: 8 am-5 pm
Saturday, November 4: 10 am-6 pm

All Other Sites begin on October 21:
Saturday, October 21: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday, October 24 thru Friday, October 27: Noon - 8:00 pm
Saturday, October 28: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday, October 31 thru Friday, November 3: Noon - 8:00 pm
Saturday, November 4: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Source: Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office 10/10/06

For info on early voting sites in other counties, contact your County Clerk. You can find contact information for them here.

Four ABQ Events Scheduled to Benefit Herrera for SOS Campaign

Mary Herrera at campaign event.

From the Democratic Party of Bernalillo County:
Here are four Albuquerque events scheduled to benefit the Mary Herrera for Secretary of State campaign, starting on Friday, October 13, 2006:

GOLF OUTING FUNDRAISER
Los Altos Golf Course , 9717 Copper Ave NE, ABQ
Friday, October 13, 2006
Noon Registration/Lunch, 1:00 PM Shotgun Start
$75.00 per person
For a registration form call: 266-6874 or 828-9009 or e-mail to maryherrera@maryherrera.com

WINE TASTING
St. Clair Winery & Bistro, 901 Rio Grande Blvd NW, ABQ
Wednesday, October 18, 2006, 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Suggested donation: $20.00 per person
Music by: Linda Cotton * Hors D'oeuvres *
Tasting of 4 wines and you keep the glass!!
For more information call: 266-6874 or 828-9009 or e-mail to maryherrera@maryherrera.com

COME DANCE TO THE MUSIC OF THE FABULOUS "CHEKKERS"
Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge
5900 Jefferson NE, ABQ
Friday, October 20, 2006, 8:00 PM to Midnight
Suggested Donation: $25.00 per person
Dinner available at the FOP separately, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM
For more information call: 266-6874 or 828-9009 or e-mail to maryherrera@maryherrera.com

CONCERT/DANCE BY: ANA MARIA Y SANGRE LATINO
Volcano West Club, 10125 Central Ave NW, ABQ
Sunday, October 22, 2006, 5:00 to 8:00 PM
Suggested donations: Donations will be greatly appreciated
For more information call: 266-6874 or 828-9009 or e-mail to maryherrera@maryherrera.com

To learn more about Democrat Mary Herrera's campaign, visit her website.

To Tax or Not to Tax: a Forum on the Bernalillo County Quality of Life Initiative

From the League of Women Voters of Albuquerque/Bernalillo County:

You're invited to a forum to learn more about the Quality of Life gross receipts tax proposed by Bernalillo County on Saturday, October 14, at 9:00 AM, at the Courtyards at Cutler Clubhouse, at 2403 San Mateo NE. There will be coffee and refreshments at 9:00 AM, and the forum will start at 9:30 AM.

On November 7, voters will be asked to approve the Quality of Life Gross Receipts Tax. Proceeds from this tax would be dedicated to cultural programs and activities. It has been the subject of much community debate.

Please join us for the first installment in LWV/ABC's new Voter Education Series, where the pros and cons of this tax will be discussed.

JUDY ANDERSON, member of the Quality of Life Campaign's Executive Committee, will speak in favor of the tax with "The Quality of Life Initiative 2006."

QUENTIN CHANDLER, Vice President of Business Advocacy and Government Relations at the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, will speak on the other side of the issue. His presentation is entitled "If We Support the Quality of Life Initiative, Let's Get It Right."

Editor's Note: Thanks to Michelle Meaders for the heads up on this.

Nexus: Foley Money, NRCC, and Heather Wilson

Local blog Live From Silver City has a revealing post up that explores an additional compelling angle on the recent big-buck spending by the National Republican Congressional Commitee described in my earlier post. Live From Silver City's must-read piece begs the question, "hey Heather Wilson, are you going to allow dirty Foley money to pay for ad campaigns in NM-01 touting your candidacy?"