Democracy for New Mexico

NM Congressional Districts Elect Pledged Delegates to Denver Convention

Crowd gathering at National Hispanic Cultural Center

See the entire photo album on this event at Flickr. UPDATE: Also see this diary at Daily Kos that reports on what happened in NM-03 and has some terrific photos.

Here's the official list of winners in all three CDs.

Today a Democratic Party convention to elect pledged delegates to the DNC Convention was held in each of our state's three Congressional Districts. Excited Democrats again turned out in droves. I attended the packed NM-01 convention at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, where members of the State Central Committee and those who had previously registered to vote in the process selected delegates pledged to either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. Attendees signed in as supporters of a certain candidate, and then got to vote for delegates to represent that candidate from among a crowded list of candidates for the slots.

Standing room only before splitting into two caucuses

The crowd hears how the process will work

Obama's NM presidential caucus win on February 5th in CD1 entitled him two female and one male delegate and a male alternate. Clinton's second place finish in the District caucus earned her one male and one female delegate along with a male alternate. There were 62 candidates approved to run for the Clinton delegate slots 53 candidates for Obama's and competition was lively. A number of candidates plastered signs inside and outside the hall and lots of electioneering was evident for several hours before the voting began. The CD1 winners are:

Three of four Obama Winners: Dory Shonagon, Brad Lyua, Pamelya Herndon

Pledged Obama Delegates NM-01
Female Delegates: Dory Shonagon and Pamelya Herndon
Male Delegate: Brad Lyau
Male Alternate: Brian Eagan

Two of three Clinton winners: Terri Holland, Richard Cooley

Pledged Clinton Delegates NM-01
Female Delegate: Terri Holland
Male Delegate: Richard Cooley
Male Alternate: Mark Fleisher

Brad Lyau campaigning at event

Those elected as pledged delegates and alternates will all be representing their candidates at the Democratic National Convention in Denver in August, as will the winners in NM-02 and NM-03.

Pamelya Herndon working the crowd

I don't yet know who won the pledged delegates slots at today's elections held in NM0-02 at the NM Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum and in NM-03 at the Taos Convention Center. If you attended one of these meetings, please report on your event in the comments thread.

Counting the votes on stage for all to see

Next Saturday, the State Central Committee will elect other Convention delegates including those known as PLEO (elected official) and at-large delegates (based on statewide caucus totals), as well as a DNC Committeeman and Committeewoman to serve starting next year. These pledged delegates will be joined by New Mexico's contingent of super (or automatic) delegates who are free to support either candidate at the Convention. As we've learned as we've watched the caucus, primary and delegate election process unfold nationwide, it's a complex undertaking indeed.

New Mexico will have a total of 26 elected pledged delegates at the Denver Convention, including 17 at the district level, 6 at large and 3 PLEOs (filled by party and elected officials). In addition, we'll have 11 unpledged super delegates and 1 unpledged at large, for a total of 38 delegates, plus 4 alternates, or 42 Democrats who will all be traveling to Denver to decide the presidential nominee.

See the entire photo album on this event at Flickr. All photos by M.E. Broderick. Click on photos for larger versions.

Technorati Tags:Democratic Party of New Mexico, Democrats, pledged delegates, NM-01, Albuquerque, New Mexico Barack Obama Hillary Clinton

Get Your Tickets Now: David Iglesias Booksigning & Talk in ABQ 5/18/08

This one sounds like a must-see. Former U.S. Attorney for New Mexico, David Iglesias, will be signing and discussing his important new book and the roles played in his abrupt firing by familiar figures like Rep. Heather Wilson, Sen. Pete Domenici and Karl Rove. 

David Iglesias: Sunday, May 18, 2008, 6:30 PM
IN JUSTICE: INSIDE THE SCANDAL THAT ROCKED THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION
Simms Auditorium on the Albuquerque Academy Campus
6400 Wyoming NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109 (Map)
Presented by Page One Books

Each person must have a ticket to enter event. Tickets are free. Pick up a numbered ticket at Page One Bookstores or the Albuquerque Academy Bookstore. Seating is limited. Books can be purchased at event or at Page One Bookstore. Publication date is May 15.

From Page One:
The Bush administration’s drive to politicize the Justice Department reached a new low with the wrongful firing of seven U.S. Attorneys in late 2006. Their action has ignited public outrage on a scale that far surpassed the reaction to any of the Bush administration’s other political debacles. David Iglesias was one of those federal prosecutors, and now he tells his story.

Iglesias has long served in the Navy as part of the JAG corps. One of his earliest cases, about an assaulted Marine in Guantanamo Bay, became the basis for the movie A Few Good Men. When Bush chose him to become the U.S. Attorney for New Mexico, it was a dream come true. He was a core member of Karl Rove’s idealized Republican Party of the future — handsome, Hispanic, evangelical, and a military veteran. The dream came to an abrupt end when Senator Pete Domenici improperly called Iglesias, wanting him to indict high-level Democrats before the 2006 elections. When Iglesias refused, the line went dead. Iglesias was fired just weeks later. First, he was devastated. Then, he was angry. Now, he is speaking out.

Iglesias recounts his interactions with Bush, Rove, Alberto Gonzales, and other key players as he takes readers into his time at the Justice Department to reveal what top Republican officials said and did, and how they subverted justice (Wiley).

Also see my post from last month that discusses a review of the Iglesias book by Dahlia Lithwick at Slate.

Page One Bookstore
11018 Montgomery Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87111
505-294-2026

Albuquerque Academy Bookstore
6400 Wyoming NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109 (Map)

Technorati Tags:David Iglesias, U.S. Attorneys, U.S. Justice Department, Heather Wilson, Pete Domenici, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Karl Rove, In Justice

Lobbyist $$$$ (Updated: Hillary Disses Activists)

UPDATE: A story just broke on Huffington Post about Hillary being highly critical of "Democratic activists" and MoveOn, and blaming them (in other words, us) for her prez campaign woes at a private fundraiser after Super Tuesday. Mindboggling. It obviously bugs DLC Dems that ordinary people are becoming active in the political and election processes. That damned Howard Dean started it all. Read all about it. There's an audio clip too.
************

Yes, it's one of the new Obama web ads. But it doesn't mention his name .... By the way, I was at the Dem prez candidate forum at YearlyKos last summer (below) where Hillary uttered her defense of lobbyists statement that's shown in the video. It was astonishing at the time, and I think it still is.

So long ago when Edwards & Kucinich were still in the race

As we move ever closer to Tuesday's Pennsylvania primary, another national poll shows Obama pulling away with a large lead. According to the new Newsweek poll of registered Democrats and Dem leaners:

The survey of 1,209 registered voters found that Obama now leads Clinton by nearly 20 points, or 54 percent to 35 percent, among registered Democrats and those who lean Democratic nationwide. The previous Newsweek poll, conducted in March after Clinton's big primary wins in Ohio and Texas, showed the two Democrats locked in a statistical tie (45 percent for Obama to 44 percent for Clinton). The new poll puts Obama ahead among women as well as men, and voters aged 60 and older as well as younger voters. (For the complete poll data, click here).

One of the more devastating results for Clinton was that a majority of all registered voters now see her as dishonest and untrustworthy. According to the poll, just four in 10 (41 percent) registered voters view the New York senator as honest and trustworthy, while 51 percent think the opposite. This compares with solid majorities of voters who see Obama and McCain as honest and trustworthy (both polled 61 percent).

The results suggest that Clinton was damaged more by being caught in a tall tale about landing in Bosnia under sniper fire than Obama has been by his recent controversies, including the firestorm of criticism provoked by the Illinois senator's remarks that blue-collar voters "cling" to religion, guns and other issues because of their bitterness. In addition, over half (53 percent) of voters say they believe Obama shares their values, more than those who say the same thing about Clinton (47 percent) or McCain (45 percent).

Maybe it's because of responses like this one by Obama:

Post debate in Raleigh, NC

Technorati Tags:Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, lobbyists

NM-01: Martin Heinrich Campaign Seeking Field & Finance Interns

From Heinrich for Congress:
Martin Heinrich’s Congressional Campaign is currently accepting applications for internships. New Mexico’s 1st District is one of the most important Congressional Races in the country this cycle. An internship on the campaign is an excellent way to expand your skill set, build your resume and make a significant difference for the people of New Mexico. Interns will work closely with staff members, learning and engaging the political process directly.

Successful applicants will work in two specific areas:  Finance and Field Operations. Interns will be expected to work specified hours each week, will have assigned responsibilities, and will be accountable for completing assignments. See this FLYER for more information on the positions and how to apply.

Technorati Tags:Martin Heinrich, internships, political jobs, NM-01, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Democrats

Saturday: Matanza Fundraiser for Eleanor Chávez for State Rep

Please join us this
Saturday, April 19th, from 3-6 PM
at the La Vega House (803 La Vega SW) for a:

Matanza for


$20.00-$50.00 (Sliding Scale)

Music * Food * Drink

Sponsored by Joaquín Luján

For more info call 505-400-6545 or just stop by! Directions to 803 La Vega SW: From NE: Cesar Chávez/Bridge West Across the River to La Vega, South on La Vega to address. From SW: Bridge East to La Vega, South on La Vega to address. Click for map.

The Albuquerque DFA-DFNM Meetup group has endorsed Eleanor Chávez for State Representative. Click to donate to her campaign via Act Blue. To learn more or volunteer to help, visit her campaign blog.

Patrica Madrid and More to Host Benefit for Victor Raigoza for State Senate

Former Attorney Gen. Patricia Madrid
And
State Sen. Dede Feldman, State Sen. Bernadette Sanchez,
State Rep. Ed Sandoval, and Marcus Rael, JD

Invite You
To Join Them For an Evening of Food and Drinks
In Support of
Victor Raigoza
Candidate for State Senate District 10

Tuesday, April 22, 2008, 5:30–7:00 PM
At
Home of Victor Raigoza
VISTA DEL NORTE
901 Copperhead Court NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113

Suggested Contribution $50. Contributions should be made payable and can be sent to: c/o Committee to Elect Victor Raigoza, 901 Copperhead Ct. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113. or at www.victor4senate.com. RSVP your HOST or to (505)306-8872 or Miller24601@gmail.com. Click for FLYER (doc).

Technorati Tags:Victor Raigoza, Patricia Madrid, New Mexico, Albuquerque, Democrats

Tonight: NM-01 Dem Candidate Debate at UNM Law School

The Democratic Party of Bernalillo County has its regular Third Thursday Meeting tonight, April 17, at 6:00 PM in Room 2401 at UNM Law School at 1117 Stanford NE in Albuquerque (map). The first hour will be devoted to new procedures for voting registrars. However, starting at 7:00 PM, there'll be a Dem NM-01 Congressional candidate forum that's open to the public. All four Democratic candidates have confirmed they'll be participating: Martin Heinrich, Michelle Lujan Grisham, Rebecca Vigil-Giron and Robert Pidcock. With the June 3rd primary election coming up fast, and early voting starting on May 6th, it's time to get familiar with the candidates.

Technorati Tags:Democratic Party of Bernalillo County, NM-01, Democrats, Martin Heinrich, Michelle Lujan Grisham, Rebecca Vigil-Giron, Robert Pidcock, primaries

Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund Radio Ad: Pearce & Wilson Protect Polluters

The direct hits just keep coming for the candidates vying for the Repub nomination in the U.S. Senate race in New Mexico. The latest revelations call out Reps. Steve Pearce and Heather Wilson for their nasty habit of taking campaign contributions from corporate interests that harm the environment -- and reciprocating by doing the polluters' dirty work in Washington.

The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund launched a new radio ad today denouncing Pearce and Wilson as “a flip of the coin” when it comes to protecting producers of a potential carcinogen contaminating New Mexico water supplies from liability -- while accepting tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from those companies. You can listen to the ad here. It will run for a week, starting today, on KKSS-FM 97.3, KKOB-FM 93.3, KMGA-FM 99.5, KBQI-FM 107.9, KRST-FM 92.3 and KPEK-FM 100.3.

“Heather Wilson and Steve Pearce are two bad for New Mexicans concerned about their water quality safety,” said Ed Yoon, Defenders Action Fund’s New Mexico Campaign Manager. “Shame on them for protecting toxic chemical producers rather than their constituents, who are at risk from MTBE-contaminated water.”

According to data provided by Defenders, New Mexico has hundreds of sites where the groundwater is contaminated with the toxic chemical called Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether, better known abbreviated as MTBE, which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies as a “potential carcinogen.”[1]  It is often released into groundwater and surface water through underground storage tanks and pipelines, spills or emissions.

Reps. Pearce and Wilson, however, voted to give the producers of this toxic chemical immunity from legal action for contaminating New Mexico’s water systems, including drinking water from tap sources.

Further infomation documents that in 2005, Wilson and Pearce supported an effort to protect producers of MTBE from lawsuits that stemmed from contaminated drinking water sources. At that time, the nation had 1,861 water systems in 29 states with traces of MTBE and several communities were suing the manufacturers to help pay for the cleanups. The legal shield to protect MTBE manufacturers was championed by the former disgraced House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX), whose state is home to several manufacturers of MTBE.

A chart provided by Defenders based on FEC campaign reports shows that Rep. Wilson received $61,500 and Rep. Pearce received $44,500 from the lobbyists representing the makers of MTBE. Even more scandalous, both Wilson and Pearce took campaign money directly before – and directly after – voting to protect the makers of MTBE.[2]

Contributions from Producers of MTBE

Rep.Heather Wilson 2004-06	Producers of MTBE	Rep. Steve Pearce 2004-06
$27,500	Valero Energy	$17,000
$15,000	Exxon Mobil	$16,500
$13,000	Chevron Texaco	$7,000
$4,000	BP	$4,000
$2,000	Lyondell Chemical
$61,500	TOTAL	$44,500

“New Mexico deserves better than politicians like Pearce and Wilson that would rather protect their chemical industry campaign contributors than preventing health risks to ordinary families due to toxic chemicals,” Yoon continued. “Our campaign will continue to highlight their terribly long record of serving special interests over people’s interests.”

For more information, please go to www.2Bad4NM.org.

[1] www.epa.gov
[2] Center for Responsive Politics; www.fec.gov

Also see the TV ad by the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund that's been running on local TV recently about the dismal environmental records of Pearce and Wilson.

Technorati Tags:Heather Wilson, Steve Pearce, New Mexico, NM-Sen, Republicans, Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund, MTBE, Two Bad for New Mexico

Celebrate Emerge NM Class of '08 at Friday Reception

From Emerge NM:
We want to thank each and every one of you who helped to spread the word about Emerge NM during these past few months. With your help, we are proud to introduce our 2008 participants! Please celebrate with us this Friday nite at a reception in ABQ - and help us to welcome the women in emergeNM's 2008 class:

EMERGE NM 2008 RECEPTION
JOIN US AS WE PRESENT
The 2008 CLASS PARTICIPANTS
When: Friday, April 18, 2008
Where: 9103 Lynx Loop NE, Albuquerque
Time: 6:30 PM

The suggested $50 donation will be used to train Democratic women to run for public office and win! Emerge NM 2008 class includes:

Erika Anderson
Sara Attleson
Kelley Burns
Rosemary Cosgrove Aguilar
Nancy Denker
Miriam Diemer
Catherine Jabar
Julie Lucero
Helen Maestas
Lisa McNiven
Hazel Mella
Diana Montoya Boyer
Loretta Naranjo Lopez
Alejandra Nava
Yvette Ramirez Ammerman
Angela Reynolds
Stephanie Richard
Reena Szczepanski

Onward and forward,
Anathea Chino, President, Emerge New Mexico 

Directions to 9103 Lynx Loop from Paseo del Norte & Tramway

1.  Go South on Tramway to San Bernardino (1st traffic light).  Turn left/east.

2.  Follow San Bernardino to Tramway Lane (first stop sign). Turn Right.

3.  Follow Tramway Lane through the next stop sign (at Deer Road) and turn on Lynx Loop (second and third lefts after the stop sign).

The house is on the north side of the street.  We share an entrance to our driveway with our neighbors (9102). Our driveway is the long driveway on the right. The house is set back from the street. There is a second story balcony facing the street.

Emerge Alums Running for Office
Please contact each woman individually to find out more about her campaign and how you can get involved

Christina Argyres: Metro Court Judge
Committee to Elect Christina P. Argyres,
1200 Georgia NE, ABQ 87110
(505) 245-7063

Karen Giannini: State House District 30
(505) 480-9766

Roxanne Lara:
Eddy County Commission District 5
Lara for Commissioner, 310 N Canyon, Carlsbad 88220
(575) 628-8248 or (575) 706-3879, votelara@windstream.net

Janice Saxton: State House District 22
123 Juniper Road, Placitas 87043 jnjsaxton@msn.com

LaVerne Wyaco: State Senate District 4
Committee to Elect LaVerne Wyaco,
PO Box 1720, Gallup 87305, www.lavernewyaco.com

Technorati Tags:Emerge New Mexico, New Mexico, women candidates, women in politics

Worst. Debate. Ever.

Greg Mitchell at Editor & Publisher pretty much about tonight's prez debate:

In perhaps the most embarrassing performance by the media in a major presidential debate in years, ABC News hosts Charles Gibson and George Stephanopolous focused mainly on trivial issues as Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama faced off in Philadelphia.

Not one question was asked about:

• health care
• the worldwide economic crisis
• Darfur
• China
• Pakistan
• worldwide rioting over food
• the housing market collapse
• massive trade deficits
• inflation
• Afghanistan
• torture planned in the White House

• FISA
• collapse of the U.S. dollar
• education
• trade policy
• renewable energy
• global warming
• immigration
• job losses
• unions
• civil liberties
• government checks and balances
• infrastructure collapse
• where the trillion dollars for the Iraq occupation will come from
• Supreme Court appointments
• repairing damages to U.S. Constitution
• Guantanamo
• Geneva Convention

I could go on. But what we did learn was that pompous Charlie Gibson is incensed at any hint that capital gains taxes may rise even a smidgeon. In an odd move, the moderators abandoned playing off the results of their network's own polling. The just released ABC News/WaPo poll barely came up, probably because the numbers almost all amounted to devastating news for Hillary's campaign. Only one question on the polling, having to do with Hillary's trust numbers being bad, was broached during the two-hour "debate."

The questions were mostly trivial "gotcha" attempts that had nothing to do with the challenges that face our nation and our planet. Way too many focused on Obama and his alleged a) lack of patriotism, b) dislike of the U.S. flag, c) former pastor, d) serving on a well respected board with an ex-60s radical. Dead horses beaten some more. Nonissues raised to prominence. Near total neglect of anything that matters to ordinary people facing rising challenges from every angle.

Of course when you have the questions being asked by the former happy talk co-host of Good Morning America and one of the Clinton administration's senior advisors, you have a scene ready made for disaster. What we got was a video version of the National Enquirer. We all deserve better.

Last point: What I wanna know is why Hillary is never asked why she doesn't wear a flag pin. She has lapels just like Obama. And they're bare!

UPDATE: Apparently I'm not alone in bagging ABC's handling of this debate. Truly scathing:

• Tom Shales, Washington Post
• Will Bunch, Philadelphia Daily News

Technorati Tags:Democrats, presidential debate, ABC News, George Stephanopoulos, Charlie Gibson, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Philadelphia