Packed House for John Blair Campaign's Kickoff for District 15 Senate Run

Deanna Archuleta (R) introduces John Blair at fundraiser

We went to Saturday's campaign fundraiser in Albuquerque for Democrat John Blair, who's running for State Senate in District 15. The district is currently represented by two-term incumbent Repub Diane Snyder. The kickoff was hosted by Bernalillo County Commissioner Deanna Archuleta, Patrick Hart, Leslie Kelly, Judy Pratt and Nasha and Raul Torrez. The event was packed and attendees were excited about Blair's chances in the race.

It's a difficult challenge to take on any incumbent candidate, and Snyder is no exception. But it's also clear that momentum has been building for months to try and replace Snyder with someone who would represent the district more energetically and wisely. There seems to be strong widespread support for John Blair being that candidate. Blair is hosting three separate fundraisers this week and has already amassed a list of some 200 volunteers ready to pound the pavement. 

Blair is a graduate of UNM Law School who has served as Legislative Aide to Senator Jeff Bingaman and Chief of Staff to State Auditor Hector Balderas. He's also been active in organizations like the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the Democratic Party, and he has served in several campaigns.

Blair decided to run for office himself because he believes strongly that change is needed at every level of American government if we want to regain our footing and use the power of ethical government to help us solve the serious problems we face. He says it's time to confront the myth that government is the problem, as put forth by Republicans for the last several decades, and show that government can be an effective catalyst for positive accomplishments in areas like health care, renewable energy and environmental sustainability. He'll also work for meaningful ethics and campaign finance reform to help turn government around.

You can sign up for campaign updates at his website at https://johnblair.org/, where you can also make a contribution to his campaign via ActBlue. Blair is also hosting another fundraiser (click for FLYER) on Wednesday, December 5 at Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro, 3009 Central Ave. NE (in Nob Hill) if you would like to make a contribution in person.

If we want to be successful in getting a progressive agenda passed in the legislature, we need to elect more voices for change like Blair. And to elect candidates like Blair we need to donate to counteract the impact of the corporate donors who give to entrenched Republicans like Diane Snyder. Anyone can make a donation or volunteer to help the campaign, even if you don't live in Blair's district. I did.