Democracy for New Mexico

Attend Rey Garduño for ABQ City Council Campaign Kick-Off

From Rey Garduño Campaign for Albuquerque City Council, District 6: We are on the Ballot! Now we can get back on the Campaign Trail and meet the voters who will help us win the City Council District 6 seat. Let's meet at our house for a Campaign Kick-off meeting to move forward with our recent successes. Here are the details:

• WHERE:  Meet at 414 Vassar, NE [inside the UNM Campus - Map]
• WHEN:  Saturday, August 4th at 10 AM ~ 11 AM
• WHAT:  Campaign Kick-off
• WHY:  To distribute yard signs, campaign literature, and go door knocking

We can win this City Council seat and make sure our neighborhoods are protected, and not neglected. Contact Information: Home: 266-4424; Cell: 688-6981; Email: reygarduno@gmail.com; Website: https://reygarduno.blogspot.com/.

Editor's Note: To determine your Albuquerque City Council District, and enter your address. You don't have to live in Rey's district to help him get elected.

(Updated) Gov. Richardson Criticizes Desert Rock Power Plant

UPDATE 6:38 PM: The complete statement by Gov. Bill Richardson about the proposed Desert Rock Power Plant is now available. Click here.
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"Woman in Gas Mask" (Credit: Small Axe Organization)

According to an article (also see audio-visual) in the New York Times on the controversial coal-fired Desert Rock Power Plant proposed by the Diné Power Authority and Houston-based Sithe Global Power, which in turn is majority-owned by Blackstone, a large and much in the news private-equity firm:

The staff of Gov. Bill Richardson, a Democratic presidential aspirant, recently issued a statement saying that the plant “would be a significant new source of greenhouse gases and other pollution in the region” and that Mr. Richardson “believes, as planned, it would be a step in the wrong direction,” undoing his proposed reductions in emissions.

To my knowledge, this is the first time Gov. Richardson or his staff has spoken out publicly on the proposed plant, which is projected to increase greenhouse gas emissions in New Mexico by at least 15%, and produce significant amounts of other toxins like mercury. According to the New York Times, "each year, it would emit 12 million tons of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of adding 1.5 million average cars to the roads. Coal-fired electricity contributes more than half of the 57 million tons of annual carbon-dioxide emissions in New Mexico. Together, the two existing plants emit 29 million tons."

The fight against the power plant has received growing attention nationally, with increased coverage in the media and on progressive blogs. Gov. Richardson has made his generally very positive environmental record a cornerstone of his presidential campaign, but until the recent statement had refrained from speaking out clearly against Desert Rock.

The Four Corners region, where the plant would be sited, already has two coal-fired power plants that produce copious amounts of pollution, turn the skies in the area brown and deposit other dangerous substances in water sources for hundreds of miles.

Hearings on Desert Rock EIS
A series of public hearings in New Mexico on the projected environmental impacts of Desert Rock was completed yesterday. Environmental groups like the Sierra Club, the Natural Resources Defense Council, San Juan Citizens Alliance, as well as Diné groups like Dooda Desert Rock (their blog has lots of information about their vigil against the plant and more) and Diné CARE, joined many ordinary citizens in strongly criticizing both the plant and the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) issued by the Bureau of Indian Affairs that reports on its potential impacts.

Dem-Proposed Tax Break Defeated in NM Legislature
In the NM Legislative Session earlier this year, a proposed bill to provide an $85 million tax break to Desert Rock was introduced and pushed by two Democratic leaders, Senate Pro Tem Ben Altamirano and House Speaker Ben Lujan. The bills were eventually defeated with the help of state representative Ray Begaye, a Navajo, and lobbying by many others in the state in a process that often featured heated battles within legislative committees and behind the scenes. (See previous posts listed below.) According to a recent article in The Economist:

Ray Begaye, a Democratic state representative and a Navajo, worries that the new power plant will suck water out of the area's aquifer and contaminate it with mercury and other toxins.

What Gov. Richardson and NM Could Do
The state of New Mexico has no real jurisdiction over whether Desert Rock gets built since the plant would sit on lands within the sovereign Diné Nation. However, critics have suggested that Richardson and others could speak out publicly against the plant and apply other pressures to discourage or at least improve the project. The state, perhaps working with the federal government or private business interests, might also come up with a plan to offer financial and other incentives for the tribe to pursue green energy projects that might produce significant jobs and revenues for the Navajos. They might also help to attract capital and other resources in support of renewable energy development on Dine land. After all, the Four Corners has an abundance of sun and wind that could be harnassed to produce large amounts of power without adding to the already heavy coal-fired plant pollution in the region and beyond.

Another possible strategy would be to pass legislation to encourage Sithe's investment in rapidly developing carbon-sequestration technology to lessen the global warming impact of the plant's emissions. Again, according to the New York Times:

Some backers of the plant hope that Desert Rock could be a proving ground for an experimental technology to reduce carbon emissions by capturing them and injecting them deep in the ground.

Mr. Johns of Sithe Global Power and Senator Jeff Bingaman, the New Mexico Democrat who is chairman of the Senate Energy Committee, expressed hope that the carbon-capture technology could be incorporated into the plant with an additional $1 billion investment.

The Senate Finance Committee approved a measure for a production tax credit of $20 a ton for sequestered carbon dioxide, and Mr. Bingaman said he was looking for [a] bill to attach it as an amendment.

Many will be watching to see what Gov. Richardson says and does next on the power plant issue. Only time will tell if his critical statement was merely a political response to growing publicity about Desert Rock or if Richardson will be as outspoken against the plant as he has been against oil and gas drilling on New Mexico's Otero Mesa and other environmentally dangerous projects.

More Information
Some of our previous posts, including guest blogs, about the Desert Rock Power Plant issue:

• July 16, 2007
• July 13, 2007
• June 27, 2007
• June 14, 2007
• April 20, 2007
• February 27, 2007
• February 21, 2007
• February 17, 2007
• February 13, 2007
• February 5, 2007
• December 15, 2006

Also see an article on the plant and the recent EIS hearing in Albuquerque in this week's edition of the alibi.

Must See TV Tonight on NOW: Repub Plan to Disqualify Dem Voters in NM, Other Battleground States

Tonight, July 27, 2007 at 8:00 PM Mountain Time on PBS' NOW on KNME: How Secure Is Your Right to Vote? Those interviewed include investigative journalist Greg Palast, who has done extensive work on the issue in New Mexico and elsewhere. (Check local listings.) NOW investigates a secret Republican plan designed to disqualify voters by various means including voter caging:

Was there a White House plot to illegally suppress votes in 2004? Is there a similar plan for the upcoming elections? NOW examines documents and evidence pointing to a Republican Party plan designed to keep Democrats from voting, by targeting people based on their race and ethnicity. Congress is investigating, and so are we. NOW speaks with David Iglesias, one of eight fired US attorneys, who says he lost his job because he refused to go along with the White House plan to suppress votes.

Was the White House involved? David Iglesias, one of the fired U.S. Attorneys, thinks so: "It's reprehensible. It's unethical, it's unlawful. It may very well be criminal." Iglesias told NOW he was repeatedly urged by his superiors at the Justice Department to investigate allegations of false voter registrations. After his investigations came up short, Iglesias said Republican officials got angry, complained to White House aide Karl Rove. Soon after Iglesias lost his job. As a result of allegations by Iglesias and others, Congress is investigating whether the White House acted unlawfully.

The NOW website also reveals key emails and documents covered in their investigation and also features an extended interview with David Iglesias, as well as one with another fired U.S. Attorney, Bud Collins. Excerpts of Iglesias interview:

NOW: It wasn't only officials at the Department of Justice who were expressing an interest in pursuing such [voter fraud] cases. You were getting requests from other individuals, correct?

DI: That's correct. In fact, there was a Republican attorney, Pat Rogers, who was a prominent local attorney who tried to pressure me to come up with cases. He would send emails to my assistant, who I had tasked with running this election fraud taskforce ... And I had lunch with Mr. Rogers last fall and he expressed his concern about what he believed to be this systemic, ongoing election fraud. I did not know at the time that he belonged to an organization called the American Center for Voting Rights. He did not disclose to me that he was representing any other interest. And I've also found out that the Republican Party was very interested in stamping out what it believed to be instances of voter fraud.

NOW: The State Republican Party or the National Republican Party?

DI: Both. But who contacted me or some of my assistants was the State Republican Party.

... NOW: In one press account you're quoted as characterizing Mr. Rogers' interest in this issue as "obsessive."

DI: Yes. I was aware of grumbling within the State Republican Party. I had friends of mine who were attorneys. One was a former federal prosecutor himself and he would tell me during the course of early 2005 through mid-2006 ... "The Republicans are still upset with you. They still expect you to prosecute cases."

So I knew there was this belief that was I intentionally not prosecuting prosecutable cases. And I knew Rogers, as a prominent Republican, who had actually represented the State Republican Party in some civil litigation related to the voter ID issue ... I knew he was interested in the issue. And then I was also aware of the emails and phone calls he had been leaving with my assistant, who I had tasked with prosecuting this. So I knew there was a tremendous amount of dissatisfaction of me not prosecuting any cases.

What I believed, however, was consistent with historic practice—that the Justice Department would insulate me from any partisan political pressure. As it turns out, they didn't do that. And that was one of the bases for forcing my resignation.

... NOW: Trying to use the office of a U.S. Attorney for partisan political purposes is unethical. But you're saying it is actually illegal?

DI: Right. That's why there has been such a circling of the wagons around Karl Rove and Harriet Miers and Sarah Taylor. I believe there to be incriminating, possibly criminally incriminating evidence contained in those e-mails and other memoranda. That's why the White House doesn't want to produce it to Congress.

Help Young Dems of NM Support New Mexico Youth Day

From Young Democrats of New Mexico:
On August 4th and 5th, 2007 there will be a celebration of the NM Youth Holiday. The NM Youth Holiday was a Democratic initiative that was signed into law by our Lt. Governor Diane Denish this past Legislative season. You can learn more about the event(s) by visiting this website: https://www.newmexicoyouthday.org/.

What I ask of you is to help YDNM collect as many volunteers as possible or help to raise some money for the event. Any size donation is welcomed from $5 to $20. YDNM has an initial goal of raising $500.00 and supplying 15 volunteers for this event. If you would like to either donate money or donate time (or if you simply want more information) please contact Ray Armijo, YDNM Secretary, 505-980-0605, rarmijo87114@yahoo.com.

Thanks so much!
Ray Armijo, YDNM Secretary, Ward 29 Chair, DPNM SCC Member

At Last! Leahy Subpoenas Rove (and Jennings)

You can find the subpoenas, cover letters and Sen. Patrick Leahy's floor statement today (video and text) right here. The vibrations in the battle against a lawless White House just moved up an octave in intensity and speed ....

"... Stonewalling this congressional investigation is further demonstration that this Administration refuses to abide by the rule of law."

“... The evidence shows that senior White House political operatives were focused on the political impact of federal prosecutions and whether federal prosecutors were doing enough to bring partisan voter fraud and corruption cases.  It is obvious that the reasons given for the firings of these prosecutors were contrived as part of a cover up and that the stonewalling by the White House is part and parcel of that same effort,” Leahy said.  “The Bush-Cheney White House continues to place great strains on our constitutional system of checks and balances.  Not since the darkest days of the Nixon Administration have we seen efforts to corrupt federal law enforcement for partisan political gain and such efforts to avoid accountability.”

"... E-mails show that Mr. Rove initiated inquires at least by the beginning of 2005 as to how to proceed regarding the dismissal and replacement of U.S. Attorneys.  The evidence also shows that he raised political concerns, including those of New Mexico Republican leaders, about New Mexico U.S. Attorney David Iglesias that may have led to his dismissal.  He was fired a few weeks after Mr. Rove complained to the Attorney General about the lack of purported “voter fraud” enforcement cases in his jurisdiction."

"...With our service of these subpoenas, I hope that the White House takes this opportunity to reconsider its blanket claim of executive privilege, especially in light of the testimony that President was not involved in the dismissals of these U.S. Attorneys.  I hope that the White House steps back from this constitutional crisis of its own making so that we can begin to repair the damage done by its untoward interference with federal law enforcement.  That interference has threatened our elections and seriously undercut the American people’s confidence in the independence and evenhandedness of law enforcement.  Mr. Rove and the White House must not be allowed to continue manipulating our justice system to pursue a partisan political agenda.  Apparently, this White House would rather precipitate an unnecessary constitutional confrontation than do what every other Administration has done and find and accommodation with the Congress. If there are any cooler or wiser heads at the White House, I urge them to reconsider the course they have chosen.

"There is a cloud over this White House and a gathering storm.  I hope they will reconsider their course and end their cover up so that we can move forward together to repair the damage done to the Department of Justice and the American people’s trust and confidence in federal law enforcement." [emphais mine]

You really, really should read or watch the entire statement. Constitutional crisis, here we come.

In the Good News Department - Literally

Have you heard about The Real News, a new plan to build the world's first global independent news network -- without funding from governments, corporations or advertising? Be sure to watch the entire video above and check out their site at TheRealNews.com.

They're only at the Beta stage but they plan to eventually offer a full service international news service on the web and and an hour-long TV newscast. They need seed money now to create their web news service, and plan to start their TV show in time to cover the 2008 election. I signed up as a supporter and I hope you'll join me and pass this info on. If this isn't worth $10 a month or however much you can give, I don't know what is. I find their concept really exciting.

Check out of esteemed supporters, which includes people like CBS News veteran Tom Fenton, Air America radio host and journalist Laura Flanders, author Gore Vidal, Freepress founder and president Robert McChesney, longtime progressive Phil Donahue and many others from all over the world who are concerned about the damaging influence of corporate-filtered news.

We all complain about how badly the mainstream media has been performing in terms of keeping citizens informed with REAL fair and balanced coverage that relies on fact instead of spin. We're all tired of the news concentrating on fluff, gossip and mayhem. Now there's something we can do about it. We can sign up to support The Real News.

The Real News will be financed by the economic power of thousands of viewers like us around the world. Just 250,000 people paying $10 a month will make it happen. I made my pledge. I hope you do the same. Here's film maker and Real News founder Paul Jay explaining why our support is so important:

Click for media and blog coverage on the creation of The Real News.

Sign Up Now for Training for Nonprofit Staff & Volunteers

From America Votes, Center for Civil Policy:
Alliance for Justice Presents Worry-Free Advocacy: Understanding the Rules of Nonprofit Advocacy and Election-Related Activity. During this one-day workshop for nonprofit managers, staff, and volunteers, our attorney-trainers will teach you the rules so that you can answer questions such as:

• What is lobbying?
• How much can our 501(c)(3) lobby?
• What are the state rules and regulations we need to be aware of?
• What types of election-related activity can our 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) engage in?

Co-sponsored by America Votes, Center for Civil Policy, P.O. Box 27616, Albuquerque, NM 87125, 505.842.5539, https://www.civicpolicy.com

August 29, 2007, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
AFSCME
1202 Pennsylvania NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
$40 before August 15th
$60 after August 15th

Click for flyer (doc) and help spread the word.

Please RSVP to Jennifer Ford of America Votes - NM at jford@americavotes.org.

Registration fee includes all workshop materials and lunch. For information, registration or other workshop dates, visit www.afj.org/worryfree.html  Questions? Contact Jasmeet Sidhu at (202) 822-6070 or Jasmeet@afj.org.

Sign On to Support NM Health Security Act

From Terry Riley of What If You Knew-NM:
Recently there have been many posts here regarding health care coverage/insurance. The NM state legislature deferred action during the last legislative session on the NM Health Security Act because they had commissioned a study of three health care finance reform models. The study has been released and the findings are that the Health Security Act is the least expensive plan, the Health Security Act does not "miss" certain groups of individuals(1), and the Health Security Act will not require a tax increase.

The Governor's Health Coverage Committee took the typical politicians' response and is indicating that rather than to take the recommendation of the $320,000 Mathematica Study they will put together some conglomeration of the three proposed plans to "solve" our health care crisis. Governor Bill Richardson has stated that he will support no plan that does not include health insurance companies. How do we solve the problem when we lock the fox inside the hen house?

I would like to ask anybody and everybody who can to please go to my web site which is:  www.whatifyouknew-nm.com.

There you can get tremendous details regarding the three plans, you can read the Health Security Act as it was presented to the Legislature this last session, the Mathematica Study, several supporting studies, etc.  You can also join with me to bring the Health Security Act to New Mexico in the 2008 Legislative Session.

Knowing that there is a problem does not help anybody.  Joining an organization that is working to solve the problem can increase the chances that the problem will be solved!

Terry Riley

(1) People who are homeless due to domestic abuse are not covered by either the Health Choices plan, the Health Coverage Plan or under our current coverages.

State Dem Party to Hold Judicial Council and Discussion Meetings in Taos

From the Democratic Party of New Mexico:

DPNM Judicial Council Meeting
The Democratic Party of New Mexico’s Judicial Council will be convening in Taos this Saturday, July 28, from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the Kachina Lodge. Per the ruling of the last Judicial Council meeting on April 26th, 2007, the purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the allocation of the Democratic Party of Taos County’s Central Committee and to interpret the Democratic Party of New Mexico’s rule 9-2.C. Rule 9-2.C outlines the rules for allocating committee members for county party organizations (see below).

DPNM Discussion Panel with State Officers
Also we would like to inform you that the Democratic Party of New Mexico’s Chairman Brian Colón and state officers will be hosting a Discussion Panel in Taos on Sunday, August 12th, also at the Kachina Lodge beginning at 1:30 PM. The Discussion Panel will be an informational session that is geared to give party activists and community members an opportunity to address their concerns about precinct elections that were held in Taos on March 13, 2007. The Discussion Panel will then use information and testimonies from the August 12th meeting to ensure that precinct elections in the future are fair and inclusive.

(Rule 9-2.C-additional committeepersons, as apportioned to the precincts on the basis of the average of votes cast in each precinct for the Democratic candidate in the most recent presidential and gubernatorial elections.  A fair apportionment formula shall be set by the county rules and shall be uniform throughout the county.  The apportionment may vary from one committeeperson for each 200 votes to one committeeperson for each 25 votes, depending on the rules of the county, provided, however, that the apportionment formula shall not result in more than one-third (1/3) of the precincts of the county being represented by only one committeeperson.  The membership allotted to the precinct chair is included in the number of committeepersons apportioned to that precinct.)

Democratic Party of New Mexico
1301 San Pedro NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
Office: (505) 830-3650

Editor's Notes:
As with all Party meetings, all Democrats are welcome to attend.

Some previous posts, including guest blogs, on these issues related to the Taos County Democratic Party:

• April 26, 2007
• April 11, 2007
• April 10, 2007
• March 26, 2007

The Contemptuous Alberto Gonzales

Keith Olbermann's report on Gonzales appearance

Last night, I forced myself to sit through most of CSPAN's rebroadcast of AG Alberto Gonzales' smirking, sullen appearance (I won't call it testimony) before the Senate Judiciary Committee. I admit it -- I yelled at the TV set. Again.

Alberto's rude arrogance, his abject refusal to answer legitimate questions and his "I can't recall" refrains were frustrating enough, but his obvious lying and dissembling were executed without even a smidgeon of shame. Publicly. As if daring the Committee members to do something about it. He obviously feels protected by the Bush-Cheney cabal. As long as he continues to provide them cover, he can break any rule, any law, any protocol, for Bush himself has said he won't allow the Justice Department to investigate or prosecute Alberto for anything.

In any other era, the mainstream media would be all over the story of Alberto's deceit, incompetence and refusal to answer questions representing entirely legal constitutional oversight by the Congress. It would be on TV 24/7, like the Clinton stories were back in the days of Special Prosecutor Starr. Citizens would be up in arms, demanding action.

In any other era, of course, the person serving as president would never have appointed a slug like Gonzales and certainly would have forced a resignation if the AG behaved like Gonzales. In the Bush era, however, this is mere business as usual -- incompetence, dishonesty and acting above the law are commonplace, from the highest echelons of the White House on down. It's the modus operadi of the Bush administration: anti-democratic, unconstitutional and venal.

Will the Congress ever reach its limit and make a stand against Gonzales and his partners in crime? At least the language used by Senators yesterday was blunt indeed. Some Senatorial quotes from the SJC hearing, provided by Dana Milbank of the Washington Post:

"The department is dysfunctional. . . . Every week a new issue arises. . . . That is just decimating, Mr. Attorney General. . . . The list goes on and on. . . . Is your department functioning? . . . What credibility is left for you? . . . Do you expect us to believe that? . . . Your credibility has been breached to the point of being actionable."

And that was just from the top Republican on the committee, Arlen Specter (Pa.). Democrats had to scramble to keep up with the ranking member's contempt.

"I don't trust you," announced Chairman Pat Leahy (D-Vt.), who paused, while swearing in the witness, to emphasize "nothing but the truth" -- as if lecturing a child.

"You just constantly change the story, seemingly to fit your needs to wiggle out of being caught," added Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

"You, sir, are in fact the problem," submitted Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).

What are the Senate's options to get at Gonzales? The choices are confusing, to say the least. A special prosecutor? Contempt of Congress or perjury charges? Impeachment of the AG? What's called "inherent contempt," whereby a trial would be held in the Senate and Gonzales would be seized by the Sergeant-at-Arms if convicted? Legal minds are no doubt working overtime to come up with something that can puncture the in-your-face criminality of Bush and company. Let's hope they get somewhere.

If the precedents being set by this bunch are allowed to stand unchallenged, what hope can we possibly have for the survival of our democracy, constitution or civil liberties?

More video:

• Sen. Chuck Schumer vs. Gonzales
• Sen. Arlen Specter vs. Gonzales
• Chair Patrick Leahy's closing statement (and Code Pink chants to resign)
• CSPAN's complete video of the hearing