Democracy for New Mexico

Reminder: Today at 2:30 PM, Tim Keller Campaign Launch

I met with Tim Keller this past week and was very impressed with his ideas, energy and positions on the issues. I think he'll be a formidable candidate for State Senate in District 17 if he gets the support he needs. Whether we live in his district or not, I think it's important that we support candidates of Keller's caliber and ethical focus who would put the people's needs over those of vested special interests in the New Mexico Legislature. Today's event provides a great opportunity for you to meet Tim and make up your own mind:

Join Us for Tim Keller's Campaign Launch
for State Senate District 17 on Sunday, 2/24!
New Leadership Working for Us!
Tim is the change we need.

Please join friends, family, and  community leaders for
Tim's campaign kick-off for New Mexico State Senate!
Bring your friends and family
(light hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be provided)!

Sunday, February 24 2008
from 2:30 - 4:30 PM
El Norteño Restaurant
6416 Zuni Rd SE, ABQ 87108
Click here! for a map Tim's Campaign Launch is Proudly Hosted by the Following Supporters
Dely Alcantara
Dr. Javier Aceves
Sandy Buffett
Cristy Carbón-Gaul
Javier Benavidez
Enrique Cardiel
Leanne Leith
Steve Estrada
Janet Page Reeves
John Fitzpatrick
Ona Porter
Teckkiam "Chhor" Chang
Shannon Bacon
Charlie Bennet
Steve Whitman
Nancy Bearce
Rachel LaZar
Tomas Garduno
Steve Whitman
And Albuquerque City Council Vice President Debbie O'Malley

RSVP's are appreciated please contact: info@timkellerfornewmexico.com or call Tim at 400-0415.
Visit our website at www.TimKellerForNewMexico.com. Thanks for your support!

Tim Keller for New Mexico
11023 Vistazo Pl SE
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87123
505-332-9441

Also see our previous post on Tim Keller's campaign.

To see our previous coverage on 2008 New Mexico legislative races, visit our archive.

Tonight on 60 Minutes: The Secret Karl Rove

Tonight's 60 Minutes story on Rove and his involvement in smearing and framing Dem Gov. Don Siegelman of Alabama is reportedly a must see. Here's what the AP has to say:

A former Republican campaign worker claims that President Bush's former top political adviser, Karl Rove, asked her to find evidence that the Democratic governor of Alabama at the time was cheating on his wife, according to an upcoming broadcast of '60 Minutes.'

"Jill Simpson, who has long alleged that Rove may have influenced the corruption prosecution of former Gov. Don Siegelman, makes the claim against Rove in a broadcast scheduled to be aired Sunday, according to a statement from CBS.

"Simpson testified to congressional investigators last year that she overheard conversations among Republicans in 2002 indicating that Rove was involved in the Justice Department's prosecution of Siegelman. She has never before said that Rove pressed her for evidence of marital infidelity in spite of testifying to congressional lawyers last year, submitting a sworn affidavit and speaking extensively with reporters.

Dan Froomkin of the Washington Post has more.

SurveyUSA Poll: Obama Has Best Chance to Beat McCain in NM

Austin Pre-Debate Parade Rally: Love the HS Marching Band

In SurveyUSA poll results released yesterday, Obama is ahead of McCain by 15 points, with Clinton's margin at 5 points in New Mexico. The survey, commissioned by KOB-TV, was conducted during the period of 2/15-2/17/08 and shows 5% undecided:

Obama 55%--40% McCain
Clinton 50%--45% McCain

Click to see the cross tabs SurveyUSA polled 506 registered voters. The results have a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4%. You can see the results from SurveyUSA polls in other states here.

State Senate District 10: Democrat Victor Raigoza Announces Candidacy

From the Victor Raigoza Campaign:
Albuquerque financial advisor and community activist, Victor P. Raigoza, recently announced that he will seek the democratic nomination for State Senate District 10 – an area that encompasses the Northeast Heights, North Valley, Los Ranchos, Corrales, and parts of Rio Rancho.

A familiar face to local residents, Raigoza recently led a community coalition to defeat corporate retail giant, Wal-Mart in a campaign to build a ‘super store’ in the North Valley. The effort not only preserved landing space for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, but united divergent business and neighborhood interests toward a common goal as a result.

“When the battle to preserve the site for Albuquerque’s signature event began, victory was very much in doubt,” the 43-year-old Raigoza said, “But just as David battled Goliath, a caring and united community emerged to defeat an imposing giant. I was proud to play a leading role in an effort that preserved our local interests alongside soccer fields and the Fiesta’s balloon landing sites – efforts that I will build upon as New Mexico State Senator.”

In fact, Raigoza has been battling on behalf of Albuquerque residents in a variety of causes for the past several years. In 2006, Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez, appointed Raigoza to serve on the city’s Accountability and Government Oversight Committee – a group that monitors and approves municipal audits to ensure that the city is serving as a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars.

Since 2003, he has also served as Vice President of the New Mexico Holocaust and Intolerance Museum – raising funds for the institution while fostering an appreciation for diversity among residents. 

Raigoza also serves on the Board of Directors for the University of New Mexico’s Popejoy Center for the Arts, where he has helped raise funds and served as arts ambassador; and as a director for the Janke Scholarship, where he helps recognize outstanding teachers and instructors statewide. Late last year, he also helped establish a memorial scholarship fund in his hometown of Pueblo, Colorado.

“Even as we identify the problems that plague us a community, I was raised to believe that it was my responsibility to be a part of the solution,” Raigoza said. “That’s why I’ve consistently lent my support towards those causes and organizations that are important to the region’s residents. If elected, I will not stop until I find the right solutions for Senate District 10 and the families of New Mexico.”

District 10 households likely will relish the sound fiscal and economic representation that Raigoza will provide as State Senator.  A successful Edward Jones financial advisor who has managed millions in monetary investment for hundreds of clients both statewide and nationally, Raigoza has visited Washington, D.C. on several occasions to lobby Congress for policies favorable to the pocketbooks of New Mexico’s families.

Given his experience as a money manager, and his growing stature as a limited partner in the Edward Jones firm, Raigoza understands the complex economic challenges facing New Mexico’s businesses and families. 

“New Mexicans are struggling to make ends meet, and their efforts are made all the more difficult by rising energy costs and a health care system that is no longer affordable or accessible to the average resident,” Raigoza said. “I am running because it is time for the people of District 10 to have a senator who will be their voice during uncertain economic times.”

“In the Senate, I’ll develop legislation that will help families, particularly as it relates to the provision of affordable and accessible health care, job creation and workforce training, and educational opportunities for residents of all incomes and backgrounds,” Raigoza said.

And though his passion to serve is unmatched, Raigoza’s run for State Senate is rooted in recent tragedy.  His close friend and campaign manager, 23-year-old Army Sgt. James C. Akin, was killed last June while serving in Iraq. 

“I’m dedicating this campaign to James, in whose life, service and friendship I still find great inspiration,” Raigoza said. “I miss him immensely, but I know that he’ll be right there throughout this campaign, helping me battle on behalf of our families.”

To learn more about Victor’s plans and campaign, you can call him at 505-332-4128 or email victor4senate@gmail.com.

NM-Sen: Defenders of Wildlife Endorses Udall, Will Target NM in 2008 Elections

The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund in Washington, DC announced this week that one of its main areas of focus during the 2008 elections will be the state of New Mexico. The group will focus primarily on electing Rep. Tom Udall, whom it is endorsing in his race for the U.S. Senate. In addition, it is likely to be very active in one or more of the three open seat House races in New Mexico. Ed Yoon, the group's field campaign manager during its successful 2006 campaign against former Rep. Richard Pombo (CA-11), has been designated as state campaign manager and has established an office in Albuquerque.   

"New Mexico presents a rare opportunity for Americans who care about conservation to increase their ranks in the Senate and House," said Action Fund President Rodger Schlickeisen. "Rep. Tom Udall has a stellar conservation record and we know he'd be a true champion for New Mexico in the Senate.  Conversely, Reps. Steve Pearce and Heather Wilson both have atrocious conservation records. They both sit on House committees that are vital to our nation's conservation efforts, yet both have voted repeatedly to provide tax breaks to polluting industries and undermine key laws that protect our air, land and water. Their horrible record in these key committees has earned them a place on our target list for 2008."

There of a Kind: Pombo, Pearce, Wilson
Rep. Pearce sits on the House Natural Resources Committee, which oversees much of the nation's wildlife and land conservation efforts. Rep. Wilson is on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which takes the lead on issues related to pollution, clean energy and global warming. The Defenders Action Fund focuses special attention on these vital committees, believing that membership on these committees should come with a commitment to protect our nation's air, land and water. In 2006, the Action Fund targeted the then-chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, Richard Pombo, because of his record of accepting campaign contributions from polluting industries and then using his elected position to undermine and weaken conservation laws. Although heavily predicted to win, Pombo was handily defeated, the only sitting chairman to lose in that election cycle.

"Reps. Pearce and Wilson have followed the same path the voters have seen so many times, taking big campaign contributions from polluting industries and then promoting their special interest agenda in Congress. Both Pearce and Wilson have accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from big oil, gas, mining and other polluting industries, and then repeatedly voted against clean energy and efforts to combat global warming, and against commonsense measures to protect New Mexicans' quality of life," said Schlickeisen. 

"For too long, Steve Pearce and Heather Wilson have refused to protect New Mexico's conservation heritage and to address our nation's energy needs in a way that protects our air, land and water for future generations," said Ed Yoon, Action Fund campaign manager for New Mexico. "We're going to build a strong and effective grassroots campaign and work with our allies to change that."

The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund provides a powerful voice in Washington to Americans who value our conservation heritage. Through grassroots lobbying, issue advocacy and political campaigns, the Action Fund champions those laws and lawmakers that protect wildlife and wild places while working against those that do them harm.

To sign up to support Rep. Tom Udall's run for U.S. Senate, visit the campaign website.

To see our previous coverage of the 2008 U.S. Senate race in New Mexico, visit our archive.

Dia de Lobos Rally: 3/14/08 at the KiMo

From the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance:
Just twenty-three wild Mexican Gray Wolves are left in New Mexico today. Ignoring science and bowing to pressure from special interests, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has abandoned its legal obligation to protect, conserve, and recover the Mexican Gray Wolf - the most endangered mammal in North America.  Rather, conflicts (whether real or induced) are routinely resolved by killing or permanently removing wolves, risking the second extinction of this rare, ecologically important carnivore.

Despite the challenges that our lobos, our amigos face, there is something that every New Mexican can do to reverse this course and ensure that the Mexican Gray Wolf lives on forever.

On Friday, March 14th from 7-9 PM at the KiMo Theater in downtown Albuquerque, a coalition of hunters, conservationists and elected officials will host Dia de Los Lobos, a public rally for ensuring the preservation of our Mexican Gray Wolves. This event is free and open to the public. Come join the howl to action and be the difference in saving our lobos in New Mexico. For more information, please call: 505-843-8696.

NM-03: IBEW, Builders Endorse Luján

From Ben R. Luján' for Congress:
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 611 on Thursday joined all 18 unions of the New Mexico Building and Construction Trades Council in endorsing Public Regulation Commissioner Ben R. Luján for New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District.

IBEW represents 2,600 electrical workers from across New Mexico. The Building and Construction Trades Council, which represents about 6,000 workers, is a collective of 18 union locals, and all 18 voted to endorse Luján.

"Commissioner Luján's labor record is impeccable. He has working American families in his heart and in his mind. That's what we look for when we choose a candidate - that working people are at the top of their list," said Antonio Cruz, political coordinator for Local 611.

"I am honored to have the support of organized labor," Commissioner Luján said. "Labor unions have a long history of standing up for hard-working families, and I have been proud to support them. There's no better partner in the fight for the middle class than organized labor."

"For all his accomplishments, his strong leadership, his democracy and his will to be a strong advocate for New Mexico, the affiliated Unions of the New Mexico Building and Construction Trades Council voted unanimously to endorse Ben Ray Luján for Congress in the 3rd Congressional District," NMBCTC president Jerry Romero said.

NMBCTC includes Asbestos Workers #76, Boilermakers #627, Bricklayers & Tile Setters #3, Electrical Workers #583, Electrical Workers #611, Elevator Constructors #131, Iron Workers #263, Iron Workers #495, Laborers #16, MWRC of Carpenters, Operating Engineers #953, Painters & Allied Trades #823, Plasterers & Cement Masons #254, Plumbers & Pipe Fitters #412, Roofers #123, Sheet Metal Workers #49, Sprinkler Fitters #669 and Teamsters #492. 

Ben R. Lujan 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. His PRC district includes much of Northern New Mexico and many of the counties in Congressional District 3.

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

Albuquerque Tribune Adios

Decades-Ago Downtown Albuquerque

"Were it left to me to decide whether we should have government without newspapers, or newspapers without government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter." --Thomas Jefferson, 1787

“Here is the living disproof of the old adage that nothing is as dead as yesterday’s newspaper...This is what really happened, reported by a free press to a free people. It is the raw material of history; it is the story of our own times.” --Henry Steel Commager, historian, 1951

“News is what somebody somewhere wants to suppress; all the rest is advertising.” --Lord Northcliffe

Eighty-six years of history. Eighty-six years of news and opinion, scandals and civic pride. Eighty-six years of original stories about the characters, the quirks, the unique economic, social and political landscape of Albuquerque and New Mexico. From the roaring 20s through the Great Depression and World War II, railroads and Route 66, the Manhattan Project and Ernie Pyle, Clyde Tingley and Harry Kinney, mesa and valley, cowboys and atomic labs, artists and rebels, brothels and churches, schools and sports, streets and alleys, board rooms and barrooms.

Rio Pecos Oil Company's Gas & Eat Cafe on site of Lobo Theatre.
Library of Congress 1943.

The Albuquerque Tribune was a newspaper that never succumbed to the lures of becoming a stenographic service for political press releases, that never gave up on journalism as a legitimate profession, that was never satisfied with the easy skim of a shallow story. This was a newspaper that served the people, not the political schemes and spin of the worst of us. This was a newspaper admired for the compelling prose of its columnists and the curiosity and grit of its reporters. It was ours, and now it's gone.

Why is it always the best ones that seem to go down early and hard?

Yes, we all know that newspapers are on the way out, or at least on the road to a very different kine of existence. We can't stop time or change. But we can at least stop and think about the gifts this particular newspaper gave us -- holding up a mirror for 86 years to our flaws and triumphs, our people and our places, our arts and our sport and our vanities, with accuracy and heart. Adios Albuquerque Tribune. Your readers mourn you. There's a gap in the civic center of our civic lives. I expect it will be difficult to fill it.

Modern Albuquerque

Read and remember:

The official announcement that the Tribune will publish its last edition this Saturday.

The masterful Tribune columnist Ollie Reed  Jr. on the characters and culture of the paper's early days paper's early days and how its first editor focused on rooting out corruption: rooting out corruption and life in the newsroom.

A history of the Albuquerque Tribune.

A reminiscence and roundup of blog and otheer coverage of the paper's demise.

Should Clinton Withdraw from the Race?

A compelling concept on a day featuring a Clinton-Obama debate in Austin, TX where she must decide whether to attack Obama on the low road or move beyond her personal presidential ambitions. Tonight's debate: CNN, 6:00 PM MST.

State Senate District 14: Eric Griego Launches Campaign Website

From Eric Griego for State Senate:
I am excited to announce that I have launched my campaign website. I hope you will take time to visit the site, www.EricGriegoforNewMexico.com. I would appreciate your feedback.

Now that the legislative session is over, my fundraising efforts are kicking into high gear again. With the website up, contributions can be made online.  If you haven't done so already, please consider helping my efforts to make progressive change in New Mexico by making a contribution today. To donate, please click here.

Thank you for your support!

PS:  The Governor may call a special session of the state legislature.  If he does, my fundraising efforts will again be put on hold in accordance with state law. Please make a contribution today before the blackout period begins. See below the fold for info on how you can help collect petition signatures.

Please Help Collect Petition Signatures
Along with hard-working volunteers, I am continuing to ask registered voters in Senate District 14 to sign nominating petitions to place my name on the June 3 primary ballot.  Here are the upcoming dates for volunteers to collect nominating signatures:

• Saturday, Feb. 23, 10 am to 1 pm
• Sunday, Feb. 24, 1 pm to 4 pm 
• Saturday, March 1, 2 pm to 5 pm
• Sunday, March 2, 2 pm to 5 pm
• Wednesday, March 5, 4 pm to 6 pm
• Wednesday, March 12, 4 pm to 6 pm

If you cannot participate on these dates, we can make other arrangements with you. Please contact my field coordinator, Marit Tully, at 907-7752 or eric.g.griego@gmail.com, to sign up.

To see our previous coverage of 2008 races for State House and Senate seats, visit our archive.