Democracy for New Mexico

Clinton vs. Obama: Compare and Contrast

Will.i.am's new video above vs. HRCin08's video below.

And then there's the Clinton campaign's new fear not hope phone at 3 AM TV ad:

Latest polling: Rasmussen on Texas and Ohio

Texas. 2/27. 503 likely voters. MoE 4% (2/24)
Clinton 44% (46)
Obama 48% (45)

Rasmussen has Obama in the lead in Texas for the first time, following other polling that gave Obama the lead days ago. Two weeks ago, Rasmussen had Clinton up by 16 points.

Ohio. 2/28*. 862 likely voters. MoE 3%. (2/25)
Clinton 47% (48)
Obama 45% (43)

NM-03: Luján Open House Sunday

From Ben R. Luján for Congress:
The Ben R. Lujan for Congress Campaign is hosting an open house from 2 to 6 PM, Sunday, March 2. We hope you’ll join us, share your ideas and enjoy a bite to eat. Come talk with the candidate, see our new headquarters and learn about our campaign to bring New Mexico values to Washington!

• WHAT: Grand Opening of Ben R. Luján for Congress Campaign Headquarters
• WHERE: 1516 Paseo de Peralta, across from New Mexico Bank & Trust and next to Bulldog Gym
• WHEN: 2-6 PM, Sunday, March 2
• Click for Flyer

New Mexico Public Regulation Commissioner Ben R. Luján is running for the Democratic nomination for U.S. House District 3. Luján is a strong advocate for consumers’ rights and expanded access to health care and is a leading proponent of renewable-energy development. His PRC district includes much of Northern New Mexico and many of the counties in the congressional district. For more information please call 505.988.2442 or visit www.benrlujan.com.

For more on the 2008 Congressional race in NM-03, visit our archive.

NM-01: Repub Insiders Threaten Their Own

Must read: Dennis Domrzalski's post today about the threats received by Joe Carraro, Mark Boitano and Janice Arnold-Jones from Republican insiders warning them not to enter the NM-01 Republican primary -- or else. Powerful Repubs made it clear in no uncertain terms that current Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White (right) was the annointed nominee chosen by insiders and that anyone challenging that decision would be the target of a smear campaign or worse. Now the New Mexico Attorney General's office is reportedly looking into whether they should launch a full-scale investigation into the threats against Carraro:

The New Mexico Attorney General’s Office is checking out allegations that state Sen. Joe Carraro, an Albuquerque Republican, was threatened with a vicious smear campaign—including threats bring up and 20-year-divorce case an embarrass his children—if he went through with his decision to seek his party’s nomination for the First Congressional District seat.

The AG’s office is analyzing information to see if it warrants a full-blown investigation, said office spokesman Phil Sisneros.

“He (Carraro) has talked to the Attorney General about his concerns and his concerns have gone into the hopper,” Sisneros said. “The usual process is that we determine if there is something actionable, if there is something we can do. It is an analysis of the information. It was just last week that we spoke to the senator.”

Carraro has also reportedly contacted the FBI about the threats, which he deems to be "extortion":

He says the feds should be involved because some of the threats involved a former state Republican Party official who now works in Texas. “These people should be in jail the way they’re threatening people,” Carraro said.

As for the other two Repubs who considered entering the primary in CD-1,

State Rep. Janice Arnold-Jones, R-Albuquerque, and state Sen. Mark Boitano, R-Albuquerque, said they received similar threats when they were considering runs for Wilson’s seat. Arnold-Jones said operatives threatened to go after her 20-year-old daughter, a student at the University of New Mexico.

Boitano, a legislator for 12 years, said he was informed through his campaign manager that he would be attacked for being a member of the Unification Church if he chose to run for Wilson’s seat.

I wonder what New Mexico GOP golden boy and lawman Darren White thinks about the use of smear tactics, threats and what amounts to extortion by his political party against his potential primary challengers. You'd think he'd be up at arms considering his dedication to using stern "law and order" rhetoric and posturing, as have many other Repub candidates over the years. Is he up to the job of taking on the bottom feeders in his own Party who are using repugnant and perhaps even illegal tactics on his behalf? Maybe the AG's office and FBI will try to find out.

To get the full flavor of the warnings and threats made by NM GOP bigwigs, including State Chair Allen Weh (right), to the trio, you really must read Domrzalski's entire post. I guess Rove-style tactics have spread throughout the Bush-wing of the GOP and are used even within the Party against politicos who might dare to contradict the edicts issued from on high.

Dennis Domrzalski was a reporter for 24 years and is the co-host of the Eye on New Mexico Sunday morning TV talk show on KOB-TV, Channel 4.

If You're Not Part of the Solution, You're Part of the Problem

From the Democratic Party of New Mexico:
The Democratic Party of New Mexico is recruiting Neighborhood Leaders across the Land of Enchantment. The job of a Neighborhood Leader is simple and easy. You agree to take responsibility for contacting your friends and neighbors in your immediate area and talking to them about our Democratic nominees and the issues that matter most. If you are interested in becoming a Neighborhood Leader please contact Northern Field Organizer, Crystal Romero, or Southern Field Organizer, Miriam Diemer, by telephone at (505) 830-3650 or crystal@nmdemocrats.org and miriam@nmdemocrats.org.

We also need volunteers in our office to assist with data entry and reception duties. If you are interested in volunteering at the Albuquerque office please contact DPNM’s Volunteer Coordinator, Buck Glanz, at 505-830-3650 or buck@nmdemocrats.org. We have three hour shifts throughout the day and we need your help. Please specify your availability. 

DNC Trainings in New Mexico
There will be a series of trainings taking place next from Sunday, March 2nd thru Thursday, March 6th all across New Mexico focused on the Neighborhood Leader Program. Parag Mehta, Democratic National Committee Training Director will be heading up the curriculum for each of the events. Find a training near you and make a difference in your community:

To RSVP for any of the following trainings contact Crystal Romero at (505) 830-3650 or crystal@nmdemocrats.org. 

Sunday, March 2nd, 6:00PM – 8:00PM
Western New Mexico University
MECHA Building
1000 W. College St., Silver City, NM

Monday, March 3rd, 7:00PM – 9:00PM
New Mexico State University
Hardman Hall Room 104
University Ave., Las Cruces, NM

Tuesday, March 4th, 6:00PM – 8:00PM
TBD
Las Vegas, NM

Wednesday, March 5th, 1:00PM - 2:00PM
UNM School of Law
Room 2401, 1117 Stanford NE
Albuquerque, NM

Wednesday, March 5th, 6:00PM – 8:00PM
UNM Student Union Bldg. Ballroom C
Central & Stanford
Albuquerque, NM

Thursday, March 6th, 12:00PM – 1:00PM
UNM Valencia Campus
Academics Room 101, 2800 La Entrada
Los Lunas, NM

Thursday, March 6th, 6:00PM – 8:00PM
New Mexico Tech
Cramer Hall, room 101
801 Leroy Place
Socorro, NM 87801

We look forward to working with you to make New Mexico a Blue State in 2008!

Voters Excited at Tim Keller's Campaign Launch

City Councilor Rey Garduño (R) introduces Tim Keller at campaign launch

Democrat Tim Keller launched his campaign for State Senate in District 17 last Saturday at El Norteño restaurant in Albuquerque with an energized crowd in attendance. If you don't know about Keller, his background and his candidacy, you should. Be sure to check out his campaign website for all the details.

At last Saturday's campaign launch

We often talk about supporting challengers to the status quo in the NM Legislature, and this is a good opportunity to do just that. Whether you live in District 17 in the SE Heights or elsewhere, Keller's campaign would love to have you volunteer or make a small donation to the cause. Tim is running a grassroots campaign focused on lots of door knocking, reaching out to community organizations and contacting as many of the district's constituents as possible to listen to residents' concerns and talk about the issues.

Tim (C) talking with supporters

Keller is finding that many constituents have had little or no contact with their current State Senator in recent years. One of Keller's aims is to change that dynamic and work on developing close and enduring two-way relationships with those he intends to serve. He believes many of the District's pressing needs have been neglected and that residents' voices have gone unheard on a number of issues for too long. Calls for change and renewal are being heard at all levels of politics this year, and I think Keller is an excellent match for the times. He'd bring fresh and creative ideas and energy to his District and to the Roundhouse.

Tim with his littlest supporter, Mario Benavidez

A strong backer of ethics and campaign finance reform, Keller supports an independent commission to investigate complaints against state officials, publicly financed campaigns for legislative offices, campaign contribution caps and government benchmarking to bring measurable accountability. He has pledged to fight for affordable and accessible health care, better education, safer neighborhoods and new jobs.

Tim with his childhood neighbors

The Dem nomination for State Senate in this district and others around New Mexico will be determined at the June 3, 2008 primary election. The incumbent Dem running in District 17 is Shannon Robinson.

Dr. Javier Aceves, Dr. Norty Kalishman

Meet Tim at Thursday's Meetup
Tim Keller will be one of the speakers at the next Albuquerque DFA-DFNM Meetup on Thursday, March 6, at 7:00 PM at the Social Hall at the First Unitarian Church at Carlisle and Comanche. To join the group and/or RSVP for the Meetup click here.

Above: crowd at campaign kickoff; members of Tim's family. Below: enthusiastic supporters; Charlie Bennett and Deanna Archuleta.

See my previous posts on Tim Keller's candidacy here and here. For additional coverage of 2008 NM legislative races, visit our archive.

NM-03: Wiviott First on the Air With Campaign Ads

How Do You Say This Man's Name?


Meet Don Wiviott

A Dem primary candidate in New Mexico's Third District, Don Wiviott is challenging the field by being first up with TV campaign ads. The TV spots are designed to introduce Don to those in the district who haven't yet had an opportunity to meet him in person. One of them uses a humorous approach centered on Wiviott's name. The ads also touch on some of his progressive campaign themes including ending the Iraq war, cleaning up the environment and improving health care and education.

“Don is running for Congress to make a difference in people's lives and to bring real change to Washington,” said Wiviott spokeswoman Caroline Buerkle. “We’re excited to take this next step in our campaign and to communicate with even more voters about how he will bring progressive leadership in the tradition of Tom Udall to Washington.”

Wiviott is out front in the fundraising department and it shows with this early ad purchase just weeks before the Dem Party's preprimary convention, set for March 15 at the Santa Ana Star Arena in Rio Rancho. The candidate has also been traveling the Third District to reach out to voters using a van, which you can see in one of the ads, that's powered by cooking oil from Santa Fe’s Flying Tortilla restaurant.

The other candidates in the NM-03 Dem primary are PRC member Ben R. Lujan, former Secretary of the NM Indian Affairs Department Benny Shendo Jr., Santa Fe County Commissioner Harry Montoya, Dixon attorney Rudy Martin and Santa Fe attorney Jon Adams.

To read our previous coverage of the 2008 NM-03 Congressional race, visit our archive.

NM-03: Fire Fighters Endorse Luján

In a statement, the Luján for Congress campaign announced their latest endorsement:

Earlier this week the New Mexico Professional Fire Fighters Association announced its endorsement of Public Regulation Commissioner Ben R. Luján for the Democratic nomination to New Mexico's U.S. House District 3.

"Ben Ray Luján is well known by the state's fire-fighting community. He has always fought for the fire fighters, often behind the scenes and in ways that have had long-lasting positive effects on our profession," said union president Emily Kane.

"As chairman of the Public Regulation Commission, Luján has helped fire fighters extensively by creating a fire-fighter grant program which allows the fire departments in our state to receive special funding for projects which expand their capability and service to the public. This money would not be available if he had not had the wisdom to create legislation bringing all the excess Fire Fund money into this program," Kane said.

"Commissioner Luján is a strong supporter of Presumptive Disability for fire fighters, which is an important issue federally. The Fire Fighters Fairness Act HR 1142 is being worked on in Washington DC right now," she said. "He is well-versed in healthcare issues and will champion positive reforms to improve our nation's healthcare, a very important area of concern for fire fighters as both consumers and providers of healthcare."

"These heroes risk their lives every day for our safety. I am honored and privileged from the bottom of my heart to have their endorsement," Commissioner Luján said.

Last week, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and all 18 unions of the New Mexico Building and Construction Trades Council endorsed Commissioner Luján. Luján is a New Mexico Public Regulation Commissioner and former PRC chairman. He has been a strong advocate for consumers' rights and better access to health care and a leading proponent of renewable-energy development.

NM-03: Oddities in Actions of Candidate Jon Adams?

What's going on with attorney Jon Adams, a Dem who's running for Congress in NM-03?

Last week, Adams filed a reportedly incomplete legal challenge that doesn't follow the rules of civil procedure in seeking to disqualify most of the petition signatures submitted by green builder Don Wiviott, another Dem in the race. Adams allegedly didn't serve a summons on Wiviott, didn't name a plaintiff and defendant on his complaint and failed to join an indespensible party (the Secretary of State) in the action -- all basic legal requirements for such a challenge.

The petition signatures in question have been checked and certified by Secretary of State Mary Herrera as fulfilling the state's petition requirements. In response to Adams' challenge, Wiviott's lawyer has filed a Motion to Dismiss.

Previously, Adams alleged that Wiviott stole one of his political slogans and that Harry Montoya, another candidate in the NM-03 Dem primary, had pilfered one of his positions:

Adams has previously lobbed accusations at Wiviott, a Santa Fe developer. In December, Adams alleged Wiviott was calling himself a "Udall Democrat"— a label Adams said he coined.

At the same time, Adams accused another opponent, Santa Fe County Commissioner Harry Montoya, of stealing his position that military veterans should be "honored" and have good health care and services. Montoya responded that it was to be expected that Democratic candidates might have similar positions.

A former assistant attorney general who served from 2002-2004 under AG Patricia Madrid, Adams has been quoted as saying, "I practice law out of my living room" in Santa Fe. Last year, Adams was actively pursuing a Congressional seat in NM-01, while listing an Albuquerque address. On the day current NM-03 Rep. Tom Udall announce he'd enter the race for the U.S. Senate, Adams suddenly rented an apartment in Santa Fe and said he'd be running for Congress in NM-03 instead.

According to an article in today's Albuquerque Journal North:

Adams alleges most of the 2,132 voter signatures on Wiviott's petitions are invalid, largely because they came from people whose addresses don't match those listed on voter registration rolls.

The Wiviott camp calls that nonsense. Past court rulings have found that mismatched addresses are not a sufficient justification to challenge a voter's signature, Wiviott's attorneys argued Tuesday in a motion to dismiss Adams' complaint.

The motion also argues that Adams failed to specify which signatures he was challenging and failed to name a plaintiff or defendant on the appropriate place on the suit.

"A person should not have to guess as to whether or not they are parties to a lawsuit, and therefore the complaint must name parties in the caption," the motion states.

"We are confident that we have sufficient signatures and we are following the process," Wiviott spokeswoman Caroline Buerkle said Wednesday.

Adams had been a supporter of Wiviott's legal challenge to a recent law requiring candidates to garner the support of at least 20% of the votes at party pre-primary conventions to get on the primary ballot. A bill passed during last month's NM Legislative Session did away with the 20% rule, helping long-shot candidates like Adams who can once again gather more signatures to get on the ballot if they don't meet the 20% requirement. Ironic, isn't it, that Adams is now engaged in trying to get Wiviott -- who fought to get all candidates fair access to the ballot -- disqualified from the ballot?

To see our previous coverage of the 2008 Congressional race in NM-03, visit our archive.

Health Action NM Presents Legislative Wrapup Tonight

From Health Action New Mexico:
Health Action New Mexico will host a Legislative Wrapup on health care reform and other related issues on Thursday, February 28, at 5:30 PM at the First Unitarian Church (Comanche and Carlisle) in Albuquerque. The panelists reporting will be:

• State Senator Jerry Ortiz Y Pino
• Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Office of Governmental Ministries
• Bill Jordan, New Mexico Voices for Children

Patrick Tyrrell of Health Action NM  will be the moderator. The public is encouraged to attend.

Tonight: Second Community Meeting of Friends of the Albuquerque Tribune

From FOAT Inc.: The Friends of the Albuquerque Tribune will hold a follow-up community meeting on Thursday, February 28, at 7:00 PM at the UNM School of Law, Room 2402. All interested members of the public are invited. (The Law School is located at Stanford and Constitution NE.) 

An initial meeting, held prior to the publication of the Tribune’s final issue on Saturday, was well-attended by a cross-section of citizens interested in maintaining media diversity in Albuquerque.  Money was raised and volunteers committed. Thursday’s meeting will continue discussions related to efforts to organize a cooperative to operate the Tribune, probably as a web-based 24/7 newspaper.

FOAT seeks support and guidance from the community of Albuquerque newspaper readers, staffers, and subscribers. Friends of the Albuquerque Tribune is a New Mexico not-for-profit organization recently founded for the purpose of maintaining the Albuquerque Tribune as an independent voice in Albuquerque.

Details of a cooperatively owned -- readers, employees,and community groups -- publication will be discussed this Thursday. This mostly on-line publication will be nonprofit, making it possible, and will emphasize a greener solution to a daily, comprehensive newspaper. Join the process! Pass it on. More information: Rosamund Evans, rosamund04@juno.com.