(Updated) Dem Prez Campaigns Focus on New Mexico

Standing for Change in the Land of Enchantment

Lots of rumors and incomplete data are circulating about possible visits to New Mexico this week by Dem presidential candidates or their surrogates ahead of our February 5th caucus.

Barack Obama
The only semi-confirmed event so far is an appearance by Barack Obama in Santa Fe on Friday that appears on an event notice here for car pooling from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. Obama may also appear at an event in Albuquerque. Word is that Sen. Ted Kennedy, who's officially endorsing Obama today, will visit New Mexico on behalf of the campaign later this week. Keep checking the Obama New Mexico page, where you can also sign up to volunteer and receive emails.

According to the Santa Fe New Mexican,

Obama also will receive "a slew of new endorsements" from black, American Indian and other political leaders during a Tuesday news conference at the state Capitol, Fitzgibbon said. On the same day, Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima and other mayors and state representatives from Southern New Mexico plan to endorse Obama at a news conference in Las Cruces, he said.

Last Wednesday, more than a dozen prominent New Mexicans endorsed Obama at a news conference in Santa Fe.

According to Trevor Fitzgibbon, who's a state campaign organizer for Obama, "More than 100 campaign workers canvassed about 8,000 voters in Santa Fe and 16 other cities across the state during the weekend. It has been just a flurry of activity."

Hillary Clinton
Nothing firm yet but rumors that Hillary and/or Bill Clinton will pay a visit to New Mexico before the caucus, perhaps on Friday or sometime next weekend.

UPDATE: Bill Clinton will be here Thursday to campaign for Hillary. Hillary herself may also visit Friday or over the weekend.

New Mexicans who have endorsed Clinton include Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chávez, former Gov. Bruce King, State Auditor Hector Balderas and former Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman John Wertheim. The campaign reportedly will hold a news conference later this week to announce further local endorsements. You can join the Clinton campaign's New Mexico effort here.

John Edwards
I haven't heard anything yet about an Edwards event here before the caucus. The only prominent New Mexican I've heard of that's backing Edwards is former Attorney General Patricia Madrid. You can sign up with New Mexico for Edwards here.