Democracy for New Mexico

New Poll, Teague vs. McCamley: Money Can't Buy Me Love?

McCamley rocks the Dem Preprimary Convention crowd

The primary competition between Dems Bill McCamley and Harry Teague in New Mexico's Second Congressional District has been characterized as a contest between grassroots campaigning and big oil money. I don't think that's far from the truth and, at least for now, the grassroots candidate is winning -- big. McCamley beat Teague at the recent Dem Preprimary Convention by a margin of 48.71% of the delegate votes to Teague's 36.47%, followed by Al Kissling (13.41%) and Frank McKinnon (1.41%). Kissling and McKinnon have since dropped out of the race, and the odds are that most of Kissling's supporters will probably switch to McCamley.

Now, McCamley's campaign has released initial polling results that show McCamley leading Teague by a huge margin:

Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research 3/17-19 (likely Democratic primary voters):

Bill McCamley (D): 43%
Harry Teague (D): 22%
Undecided: 35%
(MoE: ±4.9%)

Click for polling results and memo. Quote:

McCamley leads Teague in every demographic group, including Hispanics and Anglos, men and women, and across most of the district. He leads Teague by more than 50 points in Doña Ana County and is tied with him in the eastern part of the district, where Teague lives.

Granted, about 35% of those polled in NM-02 are still undecided, but McCamley's taking a 21 point lead over a deep pocket candidate with support from the lieutenant governor and the entrenched interests of New Mexico's wealthy oil patch denizens is quite an achievement any way you look at it.

Remember, Teague backed his own campaign with a personal loan to the tune of $200,00. Yet, at the end of 2007, Teague had only $362,735 on hand and carried the $200,000 debt from the loan -- even with the backing of his fellow oil business pals. Meanwhile, McCamley had more than $212,00 on hand and not a cent of debt. Even better, much of that total consists of small donations from ordinary people. McCamley's running a lean and mean campaign. That fact, and his impressive poll numbers, should significantly bolster his fundraising clout.

What Does It All Mean?
First off, that Dona Ana County Commissioner McCamley is a very impressive and tireless campaigner. He gives a highly entertaining and passionate campaign speech. He's willing to travel the huge District and win over voters one by one, face to face, by listening to their problems and responding with common sense solutions. In addition, his positions are in line with voter concerns in what's clearly a change election cycle. And he's obviously being viewed as a straight shooter who can bring fresh ideas to the status-quo-filled halls of Congress. In race after race across the country, voters are rejecting candidates who draw their support from vested interests and supporting candidates who appeal directly to the people and pledge to bring the fight to Washington on behalf of their needs.

To Help
McCamley is trying to raise an additional $30,000 before his 30th birthday on April 1st. Click to before the March 31st campaign filing deadline for the first quarter of 2008.

Click to see the rest of McCamley's campaign videos. Too read our previous coverage of the NM-02 Congressional race, visit our archive.

National Congress of American Indians Seeks Applicants for National Native Vote Coordinator

The National Congress of American Indians is seeking qualified applicants for the salaried position of National Native Vote Coordinator for a national bi-partisan GOTV campaign. For more information on the job and how to apply, click here. The 2008 Native Vote initiative is an extensive national non-partisan effort to mobilize the American Indian and Alaska Native vote in collaboration with regional organizations, local tribal governments, centers serving the Indian populations of urban areas, and non-governmental organizations whose focus is on democracy initiatives.

You're Invited: Special Heinrich Events This Weekend

Martin Heinrich thanks supporters at last night's victory party celebrating his preprimary convention win

Chantal, who always seems to know where the hot events are happening, reminded me there are listings on Duke City Fix for two fun events this weekend to benefit Martin Heinrich's campaign:

Saturday Coffee in the SE Heights @ Michael Thomas:
Michael Thomas Coffee Co. invites you to join The Next Democratic Congressman from New Mexico’s 1st district, Martin Heinrich, for an intimate Afternoon Coffee on Saturday, March 29, 2008, from 2:00-4:00 PM. Coffee and Refreshments provided. Michael Thomas Coffee, 1111 Carlisle Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106.

Wine and Cheese Tasking in the Valley on Friday
Charlotte Walters and Tierra Encantada Winery invite you to a Wine and Cheese Tasting at 5:00 PM to benefit the Martin Heinrich campaign. Tierra Encantada Winery is located at 1872 Five Points Road SW (at Goff), Albuquerque, NM. Suggested minimum contribution: $25. If you have any questions, please contact Charlotte Walters at 247-3473 or e-mail cwalters505@netzero.net.

Click here to RSVP directly at the Heinrich website and learn more about these events, as well as other Heinrich campaign events happening between now and the end of the fiscal fundraising quarter on March 31st. There's quite an array.

It's extremely important for the Heinrich campaign to demonstrate its superior fundraising ability this quarter to follow up on Martin's first-place finish at the recent Dem preprimary convention. If you can't attend one of the campaign events, consider donating online.

To read our previous coverage of the NM-01 Congressional race, visit our archive.

NM-03: Former Ambassador Joe Wilson Officially Endorses Wiviott

Yesterday, the Wiviott Campaign announced the major endorsement of prominent Iraq war critic and respected diplomat Ambassador Joseph Wilson. Citing Wiviott’s commitment to finding a responsible end to the Iraq war, Wilson (right) praised Wiviott’s judgment and ability to effectively represent New Mexico’s Third District in the United States Congress.

“Don Wiviott’s call for an end to war in Iraq is a voice that is sorely needed in Washington,” Wilson said. “Wiviott has an extensive understanding of the situation in Iraq, and I’m confident his election will provide a crucial catalyst for change in Iraq and improving the strength of our international stature throughout the world.”

“I am honored to have the support of Ambassador Joe Wilson in this effort,” Wiviott (left) said. “Few individuals in our country possess a wider breadth of knowledge and experience in American foreign policy than Joe Wilson. I look forward to working closely with him and heeding his advice on Iraq and the Middle East.”

"During my time in Washington, I met a lot of career politicians," Wilson said. "Too many of them are beholden to the lobbyists and far too many have lost touch with the people who sent them there. Sending another career politician to Washington isn’t going to change anything. That’s why I’m so excited about Don Wiviott. He doesn’t represent politics-as-usual –he’s a breath of fresh air. He’s a new kind of leader with bold ideas for turning our country around."

Wilson spent over two decades as a career diplomat in the US Foreign Service, most notably in Africa and the Middle East. He was the Deputy Chief of Mission in Baghdad, Iraq from 1988-1991, where he played a crucial role in the run up to the Gulf War. From 1992 to 1995 Wilson was Ambassador to Gabon and São Tomé and Príncipe. After finishing his Ambassadorship in 1995, Wilson served as a special assistant to President Clinton and Director for African Affairs at the National Security Council.

Wilson is also the bestselling author of “The Politics of Truth: Inside the Lies that Led to War and Betrayed My Wife's CIA Identity: A Diplomat's Memoir”, a book detailing his struggle to hold the Bush Administration responsible for fabrications in pre-war intelligence.

Also see Joe Wilson's personal email message discussing why he supports Don Wiviott and urging contributions to Wiviott's campaign.

Photos by M.E. Broderick. To read our previous coverage of the 2008 NM-03 Congressional race, visit our archive.

Sandoval County Dem Women: April 2 Potluck

From the Democratic Women of Sandoval County: On Wednesday, April 2, at 6:30 PM the Democratic Women of Sandoval County will meet for a potluck dinner at UU Westside Congregation Church, 1650 Abrazo, Rio Rancho. Please bring a dish to share. Coffee, tea, and water will be available. There will be a business meeting beginning at 7:15. The public is encouraged to attend. Guests are welcome. For info call Janice Saxton at 867-1139 or email jnjsaxton@msn.com.

Saturday: Celebrate César Chávez Day

From the Recuerda A César Chávez Committee: The 2008 César Chávez celebration in Albuquerque will take place on Saturday, March 29th. The theme of this year’s celebration –- “Celebrating the Past, Continuing the Struggle” -– is meant to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the long walk, highlight the importance of the Latino vote in the 2008 elections and to call for a César Chávez national holiday. We have a lot to celebrate, but realize that the struggle continues. Click for FLYER (pdf).

The day will begin at 9 AM at the Sanchez Farm (Lopez and Arenal) with a service learning project, including planting seeds and working the land. Bring a shovel! There will also be live music and a planting ceremony. At 11 AM we will then march from the Sanchez Farm to the National Hispanic Cultural Center (4th Street and Avenida César Chávez), where a rally and cultural celebration will be held from noon until 3 PM with speakers, poets, performances and live music. This year, our featured performance is the musical group Nosotros! Food will be available for purchase from La Fonda del Bosque Restaurant. Learn more.

Hillary "Misspoke"

CBS News

Why does she say things like this when it's so easy for people to check and get the facts? Maybe because she's said similar things in the past about her trip to Bosnia without getting called on it strongly by the media. If any number of other politicians were caught in the act like this, the video would be playing 24/7 on every cable news outlet.

The melodramatic version:

Save La Bajada Mesa from Strip Mining

From Save La Bajada Mesa:
The Railrunner is being used as an excuse to start strip mining historic, scenic La Bajada Mesa. The application (dated Jan. 30, 08) discloses that the operation would not be limited to ballast for the Railrunner (which is expected to be built by the end of 2008). The application has things in common with the last application to mine in 2005. That application was withdrawn. Buildology has become Rockology, same applicant, Steven Hooper. The land owners Peter Naumburg and Hugh Graham of Buena Vista LLC, are the same. This application, submitted by agent James Siebert, is for 50 acres. Water is required by law for dust control. They have proposed trucking 80,000 gallons a month from Cohiba Club LLC (near La Bajada Village). Off site water should not meet the County's standards for a secure source. Their temporary permit only goes until Sep. 6, 2008!

ROCKOLOGY WILL HOLD A PUBLIC MEETING: Monday April 7, 6:00 PM, Turquoise Trail Elementary School, along NM 14. The applicants hope to bring the proposal before “the next available County Development Review Committee meeting”—this could be April 17th.

TAKE ACTION: Contact Gov. Richardson and Santa Fe County Commissioners. Tell them the Railrunner should not be used to jump start the strip-mining of historic, scenic, and culturally significant La Bajada Mesa.

La Bajada Mesa, listed by the NMHPA as a Most Endangered Place, is the gateway to Santa Fe and
needs to be a protected viewscape. www.nmheritage.org/endangered/2003.php?ID=72

We don’t need two gravel operations on Waldo Canyon Rd at the entrance to the Galisteo Basin park
lands. Similar, if not superior construction materials are available within the same “vicinity” from an
established facility (Espanola Mercantile’s Waldo Quarry located in the Cerrillos Hills).

The applicant is seeking to rezone a portion of La Bajada Mesa from agriculture/residential to mining
for its narrowly focused economic interests. Any such large mining zone would likely be subject to
expansion. The whole mesa is capped by basalt. Example: in 2002 JR Hale Contracting proposed a 500
acre strip-mine there.

The current owners have no protected rights to demand a rezoning as they purchased the property with
the current zoning in place. No adverse action has been taken by Santa Fe County that impairs the
economic value of their property (which is also up for sale). The County has no obligation to enhance
the value of the property to the detriment of the County and State as a whole.

• Visit website: www.savelabajadamesa.org
• See FLYER
• Sign up for email alerts: savelabajadamesa@earthlink.net 

LCV and CVNM Endorse Martin Heinrich for Congress

The League of Conservation Voters and Conservation Voters New Mexico have announced their joint endorsement of Albuquerque City Councilman Martin Heinrich for New Mexico's 1st District seat. The seat is currently held by Congresswoman Heather Wilson, a longtime enemy of the environment and two-time Dirty Dozen member. For more information on the Dirty Dozen, click here.

"Councilman Heinrich's commitment to conservation extends beyond his council votes," said LCV President Gene Karpinski. "Not only did he fight to bring curbside recycling back to Albuquerque, he helped build a solar car in college. Not only has he stood firm to protect the Bosque and Valle Vidal, his own home is powered by renewable energy. When elected, Martin Heinrich will be one of the greatest conservation champions in Washington and a tremendous improvement for both Albuquerque and the nation."

"Since elected to public office, Martin Heinrich has been a staunch advocate for conservation and New Mexico's wild spaces," said Sandy Buffett of Conservation Voters New Mexico. "We are thrilled that Martin will take his commitment to conservation and his profound understanding of New Mexico's unique issues with him to Washington."

"I am honored by the support of the conservation community and look forward to working with LCV to create a green economy here in greater Albuquerque," Heinrich said.

In response to an LCV questionnaire, Heinrich, a former Natural Resources Trustee for the State of New Mexico, pledged to:

• Seek a seat on the House energy committee to help create an Apollo Program for energy independence and to fight for the use and development of wind and solar energy;
• Support legislation that achieves 15 to 20 % reductions in global warming pollution by 2020 and reductions on the order of 80% by 2050;
• Actively seek legislation to encourage green building, such as the bill he championed and passed in the Albuquerque City Council, and   
• Work to bring land and water conservation issues to the forefront and to use his experience as a conservationist to protect America's wild spaces.

Heinrich has worked with Governor Richardson and Congressman Udall to protect many of New Mexico's wild spaces, including Tijeras Canyon, the Valle Vidal, the Bosque, Petroglyph National Monument, and the Ojito Wilderness. As a councilman, he helped create tax incentives for hybrid vehicles in Albuquerque. In his previous work experience, he helped introduce urban children to the natural environment and to protect the endangered Mexican gray wolf.

The Heinrich campaign is currently trying to raise an additional $15,000 by Midnight on March 31, 2008. Click to contribute or RSVP to attend an fundraising event, including a victory party tomorrow, Tuesday, March 25 at O'Neill's Pub on Central.

To see our previous posts on the NM-01 race, visit our archive.

Missing the Point on Richardson's Endorsement of Obama

It's been interesting to read the commentary about Gov. Bill Richardson's endorsement of Barack Obama for President last Friday. I think much of it misses the point. Analysis has focused on two questions -- whether the endorsement will sway Hispanic (or other) voters and whether it was made by Richardson to try and secure a future post in Washington. Speculation on both counts appears to be rather meaningless at this point in terms of the race at hand.

The bottom line is that unless Clinton gets overwhelming victories in all of the 10 states with upcoming primaries, she can't come close to Obama in terms of the popular vote, states won or pledged delegates captured. Even if she won all of the contests by a margin of 60-40, a definite pie-in-the-sky scenario, she'd still likely be behind in all three categories. As anyone who's studied the numbers knows, the only way Clinton can snatch the nomination away from Obama would be to a) destroy him personally or completely undermine the integrity of his campaign or b) strong arm enough superdelegates to overcome his healthy delegate lead and/or convince them Obama can't win in November.

AP Photo/Alex Brandon

In his endorsement speech, Richardson made a point to decry the negativity that's cropped up in the race as Hillary's chances for victory have weakened. It seems clear he's signaling to other superdelegates and so-called "party elders" that if this race -- that's unwinnable for Hillary unless she concentrates on gutter politics -- is allowed to continue there will be damage done to our eventual nominee with every passing news cycle.

Remember, Richardson made his endorsement soon after it became clear that neither Michigan nor Florida would be having a "re-do" of their discredited primaries. Any seating of the now barred delegates from those two states will reflect a fair and rather even distribution of delegate numbers between the Clinton and Obama camps, not any significant gain by Clinton. The handwriting is on the wall and Richardson made a strong pitch for the Party to begin rallying around the inevitable winner. There's no up side to allowing the Clinton campaign to damage our nominee despite having virtually no chance of victory based on conventional measurements.

The Numbers
Obama has won 30 contests to Clinton's 14, and has 1418 delegates to her 1251, a margin of 167 according to his campaign's math. And reports that only about 500 pledged delegates are still up for grabs, while quoting the independent website RealClearPolitics.com that puts the superdelegate count at 248 for Clinton and 213 for Obama as of Sunday. Obama has nearly a 750,000 lead in the popular vote. On Sunday on Fox News Richardson said, "The Democrats (should) come together and look at who's ahead when it comes to delegates, when it comes to the popular vote, the number of states." Bingo.

As the Baltimore Sun :

Democratic strategist Steve Murphy said the Clinton campaign is "like a lawyer with a losing case. You file every motion imaginable and hope to hit pay dirt ... The Obama candidacy would have to collapse for her to win," said Murphy, a Democratic consultant not aligned with either campaign. "Their real strategy is to buy as much time as possible in the hope that that will happen."

Tell It Like It Is
There are not many Dems who have the chutzpah or clout to confront Hillary and the former President with the facts, and be heard. I firmly believe that if Hillary were any other candidate in a similar situation, she would have been "encouraged" to get out of the race weeks ago.

As it is, even those within the Clinton campaign's inner circle who have accepted the realities in this race are reportedly fearful of speaking their truth to the former President and First Lady. But Richardson, with his close relationships to Bill and Hillary and his experience within the Clinton administration, has both the standing and the nerve to urge the power duo to face the music. Richardson has the prominence on the national stage necessary to attract big media attention to the dilemma and underline the dangers of continuing down this path so that fellow superdelegates and opinion makers get the message.

Richardson may well gain some voters for Obama, and he may well be angling for a future job in Washington, but neither factor will change the shape of the race one iota. I think the real meaning of his endorsement has to do with convincing the Party that we need to begin closing down the nomination process so we can concentrate on confronting McCain and gaining strength for the general election.

Despite the fact that Clinton's chief strategist, Mark Penn, has claimed that Richardson's endorsement is meaningless -- too little too late -- I notice that the Clinton camp's number one media mouthpiece, James Carville, wasted no time in coming forth to demean Richardson. His "Judas" remark shows just how worried the Clintons are about Richardson calling attention to the fact that the sun is finally beginning to set on their dreams for a restoration.

Richardson https://www.usnews.com/articles/news/campaign-responded this way to Carville's slur:

"I'm not going to get in the gutter like that. And you know, that's typical of many of the people around Senator Clinton. They think they have a sense of entitlement to the presidency." Richardson was energy secretary and United Nations ambassador for President Bill Clinton, and the Clintons seem more than a little angered at his endorsement of Clinton's rival.

The strong blow back from the Clinton campaign and their allies demonstrates how much persuasive power Richardson still has with other power players in the Party. At least I hope so, for the good of the Party and the nominee who's pretty much sealed the deal.