And the Winners Are: First Series of 2008 DFA-DFNM Endorsements

The voting ended late last week and the votes are counted. Members of the Albuquerque DFA-Democracy for New Mexico Meetup group were polled on the candidates they wanted the group to officially endorse in a number of this year's Dem primary races. They included the NM-01 race for U.S. House, three State Senate races and one State House contest. Here are the results and responses from some of the winners:

U.S. House NM-01
81.6% - Martin Heinrich: Winner
13.1 % - Michelle Lujan Grisham
05.3 % - Robert Pidcock
00.0% - Rebecca Vigil-Giron

"Our campaign for change is powered by volunteers who are committed to creating good paying jobs, turning our economy around and bringing the disastrous war in Iraq to an end," said Martin Heinrich. "I'm pleased that DFA-DFNM, a volunteer, grassroots organization committed to changing Washington has joined our large and diverse coalition of supporters that include 15 labor unions, two pueblos, the League of Conservation Voters, the Sierra Club and over 2000 individual contributors."

State House District 13
88.8% - Eleanor Chávez: Winner
11.1% - Dan Silva (incumbent)

"I'm very pleased to receive the endorsement of DFA-Democracy for New Mexico," said Chávez. "Thank you to all the members of DFA-DFNM for the vote of confidence. Together, we will bring the greatly needed change to the Round House, Capitol Hill and the White House. I'm honored to add the group's endorsement to the growing list that support "Proven Leadership for Progressive Change," that include Conservation Voters New Mexico, NM Federation of Labor and United Food and Commercial Workers Union."

State Senate District 14
100.0% - Eric Griego: Winner
000.0% - James C. Taylor (incumbent)

"Thank you, members of DFA-Democracy for New Mexico, for your endorsement and vote of support!  DFNM is a great example of grassroots democracy in action," said Eric Griego. "I look forward to working with DFNM and other groups to bring real reform to NM politics."

State Senate District 15
78.3% - John Blair: Winner
21.7% - Tim Eichenberg

State Senate District 17
100.0% - Tim Keller: Winner
000.0% - Shannon Robinson (incumbent)

"I am honored to be endorsed by DFA-Democracy for New Mexico, a group that proudly stands up for progressive Democratic values. You can count on me to be a champion on the issues that affect our families—healthcare, improved education and job creation," said Tim Keller

As you can see, the top vote getters, percentage-wise, were Eric Griego, who was endorsed by DFA-DFNM in his mayoral run in 2006, and electoral newcomer Tim Keller. However, the group had strong favorites in every race, with the winners receiving a large majority of the votes.

Of course New Mexico's races for three open U.S. House seats and one open U.S. Senate seat are receiving the bulk of the political coverage here, but there are many lively primary races for seats in the New Mexico Legislature that also deserve attention. Progressive candidates strongly supportive of ethics and campaign reform and other measures that have gotten little traction in the Legislature are challenging long-time incumbents in a number of Dem primaries. Is a shakeup in the works?

The DFA-DFNM Meetup group plans to make endorsements in a number of other local races in the near future. But for now, congratulations to the winners and thanks to all who participated!

You're encouraged to support the candidates who won by donating to their campaigns and/or signing up as volunteers for phone banking and canvassing. Every dollar and every hour contributed can pack a big wallop in local races, especially those for Legislative seats. Even if you don't live in a candidate's district, it makes sense to offer support. The more progressive Legislators we elect, the better chance there is for passage of criitical measures like universal health care, ethics and campaign reform, improved funding for education and many more.

Technorati Tags:DFA-DFNM, Democrats, endorsements, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Martin Heinrich, Eleanor Chavez, Eric Griego, John Blair, Tim Keller, Democracy for America, New Mexico Legislature