« NM-03: Wiviott First on the Air With Campaign Ads | Main | If You're Not Part of the Solution, You're Part of the Problem »

Friday, February 29, 2008

Voters Excited at Tim Keller's Campaign Launch

Rey_introduces_tim_keller
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.

Ti_in_front_of_sign
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.

Kellerlaunch_22408_40
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.

Kellerlaunch_22408_45
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.

Kellerlaunch_22408_5
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.

Kellerlaunch_22408_4
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.

Kellerlaunch_22408_38 Kellerlaunch_22408_28

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

Kellerlaunch_22408_57 Kellerlaunch_22408_35

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

February 29, 2008 at 10:25 AM in 2008 NM State Legislature Races | Permalink

Comments

It's so important that we support candidates for the statehouse like Keller, Eric Griego, Victor Raigoza and Jason Call so we can get the Legislature to start representing the people instead of those who give them money and dinners.

Posted by: I Vote | Feb 29, 2008 2:23:02 PM

Post a comment