Democracy for New Mexico

NM-Sen: Defenders Launches Second TV Ad Blasting Pearce & Wilson

The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund launched its second TV ad today blasting Republican Reps. Steve Pearce and Heather Wilson as being two bad for New Mexico due to their unethical behavior and anti-conservation voting records.

Rep. Wilson is criticized in the ad for pressuring U.S. Attorney David Iglesias to put politics before the law, and voting to give oil companies billions of dollars in tax breaks.  As reported in the newspaper Roll Call last week, Rep. Pearce is criticized for ignoring clear conflicts of interest while selling his oil company for millions of dollars above its apparent value, and for voting against prosecuting price gouging at the gas pump.

"New Mexican families deserve better representation in the U.S. Senate than either Steve Pearce or Heather Wilson," said Defenders Action Fund President Rodger Schlickeisen. "Steve Pearce and Heather Wilson have behaved with shockingly questionable ethics and voted against the interests of a sound energy policy. New Mexican families deserve an honest, sensible voice in Washington that looks out for their interests, and that is Tom Udall."

The ad will be broadcast statewide, and follows Defenders Action Fund's previous TV ad criticizing Pearce and Wilson as being "two bad for New Mexico" for putting the interests of big oil companies before those of ordinary New Mexican families.

Technorati Tags:Steve Pearce, Heather Wilson, Tom Udall, New Mexico, Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund, political ads, NM-Sen

Clinton Implies Working, Hard-Working Americans = White Americans

I guess in Hillary's world, where she still has a chance to win the presidential nomination, only White Americans are working Americans or hard working Americans. According to a report in USA Today:

"I have a much broader base to build a winning coalition on," she said in an interview with USA TODAY. As evidence, Clinton cited an Associated Press article "that found how Sen. Obama's support among working, hard-working Americans, white Americans, is weakening again, and how whites in both states who had not completed college were supporting me."

"There's a pattern emerging here," she said.

Click to listen to her comments to a USA Today reporter.

Clinton's blunt and demeaning remarks are getting widely criticized in no uncertain terms, as such comments should be at any time in any campaign -- but especially as her sorry campaign for president slides into oblivion. For instance, Pam's Blend says Clinton is "race baiting" and deems her comments "inflammatory" and Oliver Willis writes, "Congratulations, Hillary Clinton, you win the prize for the first Democratic Bigot Eruption since I’ve been keeping track of this."

Mike Barnicle makes it even plainer by writing:

Now, faced with a mathematical mountain climb that even Stephen Hawking could not ascend, the Clintons -- and it is indeed both of them -- are just about to paste a bumper sticker on the rear of the collapsing vehicle that carries her campaign. It reads: VOTE WHITE.

Speculation has been widespread that Clinton would finish the campaign on a high note, going easy on the presumptive Dem nominee. Apparently not.

Instead, Hillary seems to be resorting to the worst kind of racial politics, basically framing African-American voters as unnecessary to her cause and lumping them all together into one homogeneous, problematic demographic viewed as The Blacks. This is something we might expect from certain Klan-friendly Republicans, but from someone who claims to represent the Democratic Party mainstream?

Hillary's comments mirror surrogate Paul Begala's gurglings during a heated exchange on TV with Donna Brazile on the evening of the Indiana and North Carolina primaries in which he stated that "we cannot win with eggheads and African-Americans." Everyone knows, of course, that there are no black- or brown-skinned eggheads. Or hard working Americans who happen to be black, brown or something in between.

Also note the implication that a majority of white working class voters support Clinton because they won't vote for an African-American candidate. I wonder how Hillary knows that all the votes she's gotten from that slice and dice are due to her being white -- and that these Dems would refuse to vote for Obama in the general election because he's not. Such framing is clearly insulting to both white and non-white voters, isn't it? It suggests that we all base our votes primarily on race, not issues or other factors. But then what do I know, I'm one of those "eggheads" I guess, not a "hard working American."

How low can the Clinton campaign go? I hope that question is on the minds of all the undecided superdelegates, as well as those who have previously endorsed Clinton. Is this the kind of campaigning we want to see among Democrats, or Americans for that matter?

What's ironic is that Hillary's husband failed to win the "white vote":

According to CNN's 1996 exit poll, Bill Clinton lost the white vote (Dole 46%, Clinton 43%, Perot 9%). He lost the white male vote by an even larger margin (Dole 49%, Clinton 38%, Perot 11%). And he lost gun owners badly (Dole 51%, Clinton 38%, Perot 10%). However, Clinton won the popular vote overall 49%-41%-8%, and he won 70% of the electoral votes.

In 2000 -- when Al Gore won the popular vote by half a million votes -- he lost white males to Bush by a whopping 60%-36%, according to CNN's exit poll. He lost men overall 53%-42%. He lost whites overall 54%-42%. He lost gun owners 61%-36%. He lost small-town voters 59%-38% and rural voters 59%-37%. He lost the Midwest overall 49%-48%.

She knows that, but at this point in her desperation she apparently doesn't care.

Technorati Tags:Hillary Clinton, race, USA Today, white voters, African-Americans, Democrats

NM-03: New Wiviott Ad Touts Fighting Special Interests

Switching gears a bit from making the Iraq war a certerpiece of his TV advertising campaign, the new ad from Don Wiviott emphasizes that he's the only candidate in the NM-03 Congressional race who won't take contributions from corporate lobbyists and special interest PACs. He ties the issue to that of health care, claiming he'll "stand up to the insurance companies to work for quality, affordable health care for everyone."

Only Wiviott and Ben Ray Lujan have aired TV ads so far in the primary campaign, and Wiviott has far outpaced Lujan in ad time purchased. Right now, Lujan has no TV ads running and the word is he probably won't for another week or so. Wiviott is seeking donations to keep the new ad on the air and continue his ads through the June 3rd Democratic primary. .

Technorati Tags:Don Wiviott, NM-03, New Mexico, political ads, Democrats, special interests, PACs, corporate lobbyists, health care

NM-03: Luján Campaign Grassroots Rally This Friday

NM-03 Congressional candidate will hold a grassroots rally for supporters in Santa Fe this Friday. According to the campaign, the rally is anticipated to be the largest event held by a candidate running for the Democratic nomination in the 3rd Congressional District:

Grassroots Ralley: Friday, May 9, 2008, 5:30 PM
Alumni Hall, College of Santa Fe, 1600 Saint Michaels Dr.

At the rally, Luján will unveil his county coordinators, key supporters in each county who will drive local voter turnout. Ben will introduce each county coordinator to those in attendance. The county coordinators are just part of an innovative campaign structure that will focus on the people of New Mexico. Local leaders will interact with the campaign and voters in their area to build support for Ben in every county. The bottom-up strategy will provide Ben with an opportunity to listen to and respond to individual voters in each county.

"This campaign is about the people of New Mexico; they are why I am running for Congress, and they will be the focus of all my decisions in Congress," Luján said. "The county coordinators will help me stay in touch with the needs and interests of people throughout the district."

The event is also an opportunity to connect with the hundreds of individuals who have donated to the campaign. Over 400 individuals have donated to Ben R. Luján's campaign.

Technorati Tags:Ben R. Lujan, NM-03, Santa Fe, New Mexico, political rally, Democrats

You Say It's Your Birthday ...

Back from a few days celebrating my birthday, including a visit to Taos and other points in Northern New Mexico. Up near Pilar, the Rio Grande is rushing with a rowdy Spring melt-off (video clip-turn up sound) and the cottonwoods are just turning that singular shade of chartreuse they take on when their leaves emerge. It's lush and very green in many areas up North due to the heavy winter snowfalls. Mary Ellen engineered a special surprise visit from my oldest and best friend, who flew in from Chicago to join the festivities. Her birthday is the day before mine. Two peas in a pod in many ways.

We drove up I-25 to 84-285 to 68 along the river and over to Taos. On our return, we took the High Road through Las Trampas, Truchas and Chimayo. The peaks of the Sangre de Christos are still magnificently snow-packed. Political signs were abundant amidst the towns and Pueblos all over the North.

One of our best birthday presents was the news on the radio on the way back reporting Obama's big win in North Carolina and his holding Clinton to a squeeker in Indiana. I think we have our nominee. Finally. The only thing left for the Clinton campaign to decide is when and how to bow out. Let's hope she does it soon and gracefully.

Rio Grande Gorge bridge pointing towards Taos

The worst thing about going away is returning to my full-to-the-brim email accounts. Catching up properly will take a few days. Be patient. It can be so overwhelming to realize how much political activity is going on nationally and locally -- all at the same time.

Rio Grande Gorge Wes of Taos, NM

For the moment, I'd like to hang onto my natural birthday-mountains-rushing-water-with-friends-high for a few more hours. It was that good.

On Taos Pueblo

Technorati Tags:Rio Grande, New Mexico, Taos, Northern New Mexico, Obama, Clinton

NM-01: SEIU Endorses Martin Heinrich

Yesterday the local and national branches of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) formally endorsed Martin Heinrich's campaign for Congress. They're the 13th union to officially endorse Martin's candidacy. No other 1st Congressional District candidate has received a union endorsement.

"Martin Heinrich is a relentless fighter for working families" said Megan Sweeney, SEIU Regional Political Director. "Martin comes from humble roots and those values have guided him throughout his life. From winning the tough minimum wage fight to creating good jobs, Martin Heinrich has a strong record of standing with middle class New Mexicans. In Congress, Martin will lead the fight to turn our economy around and create stable, good paying jobs."

"SEIU is an effective advocate for thousands of hardworking New Mexicans and I'm honored to have their support," said Martin Heinrich. "Stagnating wages, skyrocketing gas prices, out of control healthcare costs and the high price of college tuition are putting a strain on too many New Mexico families. In Congress, I'll work to improve our economy and provide relief to working families."

SEIU represents 1.9 million workers nationwide. Learn more here. Click to visit the Martin Heinrich campaign website.

DFA-Democracy for New Mexico has endorsed Martin Heinrich for Congress.

Technorati Tags:Martin Heinrich, NM-01, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Democrats, SEIU, union endorsements

¡Todos Para Tim! Launches to Support Tim Keller for State Senate

From Keller for State Senate:
Calling for change, local elected officials and neighborhood leaders will launch ¡Todos Para Tim! in support of Tim Keller's candidacy for State Senate in District 17. City Councilor Rey Garduño, whose council district makes up part of Senate District 17, will host the kick-off event.

¡Todos Para Tim! launch will take place on Thursday, May 8, at the home of Rey and Ilsa Garduño, 414 Vassar NE, from 5:30-7:30 PM. Please call 332-9441 for more information. Please see this FLYER for a complete list of the ¡Todos Para Tim! steering committee.

"The support for my campaign is as diverse as my district—and I'm proud of that. We're gaining momentum largely in part because more people are coming forward to say it's time for change. I'm grateful to have the support of well respected Democrats and neighborhood leaders," says Tim.

Local leaders have this to say:

• Richard Romero, Former State Senator and Pro Tem: "We need to send a true Democrat like Tim to the Roundhouse. I know where Tim stands—he's ethical and competent."
• Rey Garduño, Albuquerque City Councilor, District 6: "I look forward to working with Tim to bring much needed jobs and economic investment to the SE Heights."
• Jerry Ortiz y Pino, State Senate, District 12: "I'll be able to work with him up at the Legislature to pass bills that helps those who need it most—our children and families."

Neighborhood leaders who support Tim include:

• Nancy Bearce, District 6 Neighborhood Coalition President
• Joanne Landry, Trumbull Neighborhood Association President
• Enrique Cardiel, South San Pedro Neighborhood Leader
• Idalia Lechuga-Teña, La Mesa Neighborhood Leader

The SE Heights is one of the most ethnically diverse districts in New Mexico. "The district's diversity is an enormous community asset and with the right leadership, it can be the cornerstone of a vibrant local economy and a cultural destination for our state," says Tim.

Tim Keller is challenging Shannon Robinson for the District 17 State Senate seat in the Democratic Primary in June. Keller has been endorsed by Albuquerque Area Firefighters, Democracy for New Mexico and Conservation Voters New Mexico (CVNM) and Progressive Action New Mexico.

More can be found about Tim Keller at his website www.timkellerfornewmexico.com.

Technorati Tags:Tim Keller, New Mexico Legislature, Albuquerque, New Mexico, New Mexico Senate District 17, Rey Garduno, Jerry Ortiz y Pino, Conservation Voters New Mexico, Democracy for New Mexico

NM-02: Kissling Endorses McCamley

Today Congressional candidate and Doña Ana County Commissioner Bill McCamley announced that Al Kissling (right), the 2006 Democratic nominee for New Mexico’s Second Congressional District, was endorsing his candidacy for US Congress.

“Bill and I may not agree on everything, but I have been very impressed with his energy and efforts crisscrossing this extensive district and making contact with the people,” said Kissling. “For me, issues are critical in this campaign because we need someone in Congress who can work to solve problems and not just fill the seat. I have watched Bill as grows in his knowledge of the issues, and I feel that he will continue to develop in this area.”

“I am humbled to have Mr. Kissling’s support,” said McCamley (right). “Al was the only one with the courage and commitment to stand up to Steve Pearce in the last election. Al understands what it means to fight for Democratic values, not just to talk about them. I look forward to having him supporting me on the campaign trail as we spread our message of fixing Washington so it works for the middle class and not special interests."

Al Kissling was the Democratic nominee for the Second Congressional District in 2006 against Steve Pearce. He won over 40% of the vote.

McCamley is a Doña Ana County Commissioner and former Executive Director of the New Mexico Rural Development Council. He recently won the Democratic Party’s Pre-Primary Convention for the Second Congressional District with 49% of the Convention delegates over his remaining opponent’s 36% in a tremendous show of strength. Internal polling has shown McCamley leading his opponent by over 20%.

McCamley has previously been endorsed by the New Mexico Building and Construction Trades Council, which represents over 7,000 New Mexico workers, and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), which represents over 12,000 city, county, state, and university employees in New Mexico. He also been endorsed by numerous present and former Democratic officials in New Mexico’s Second District.

McCamley’s campaign website is www.billmccamley.com.

Technorati Tags:NM-02, New Mexico, Al Kissling, Bill McCamley, Democrats, primaries, endorsements

Judge Elizabether Whitefield Needs Your Vote

You may be aware that Judge Elizabeth Whitefield's opponent recently dropped out of her race. That means she is now unopposed for the June Democratic Primary and the November General Election.  However, because her opponent dropped out too late to take his name off the primary ballot and also due to some uncertainties in the Election Code, Judge Whitefield needs your vote. Democrats of Bernalillo County, please vote for Judge Elizabeth Whitefield for District Court Judge in the 25th Division in the June Primary!. Don't forget that absentee and in-person early voting begins May 6, with additional early in-person voting sites opening May 17.

Technorati Tags:Elizabeth Whitefield, Albuquerque, New Mexico, primaries, Democrats

Last Chance to Register to Vote for June 3rd Primary; Early Voting Begins

If you're not registered to vote in New Mexico, you have until 5:00 PM on Tuesday, May 6th, 2008 to register if you want to vote in the June 3rd primary. You  must also be registered as a Democrat to vote in the Democratic primary. There have been some problems in the past with people thinking they were registered as Democrats only to find that they registered as Independents or undeclared as to political party.

You can see if you're registered by using the Voter View tool provided by the NM Secretary of State, but it doesn't tell you if you're registered under a political party or not. You have to contact your county clerk to check party affiliation on the your registration (or check the voter card that was sent to you). In Bernalillo County, call 468.1291. If you live in another county, get your County Clerk contact info here.

You can register to vote in person at your County Clerk's office. In Bernalillo County, that's at One Civic Plaza, NW in Albuquerque, 6th Floor.

Early Voting
Voting my mail-in absentee balloting starts on May 6th. You must request an absenttee ballot from your County Clerk. Early in-person voting also begins on May 6th at your County Clerk's office or, in Bernalillo County, at the County Clerk’s Office Annex in downtown Albuquerque – 620 Lomas, NW. The hours of operation for this location are as follows:

• Tuesday May 6 – Friday May 9:            8:00am – 5:00pm
• Monday May 12 – Friday May 16:         8:00am – 5:00pm
• Monday May 19 – Friday May 23:         8:00am – 5:00pm
• Monday May 26 – Friday May 30:         8:00am – 5:00pm
• Saturday May 31:                             10:00am – 6:00pm

Starting on May 17th, residents of Bernalillo County will be able to vote early at 16 polling places throughout the county. Other counties will also be holding early voting at satellite locations. Check with your County Clerk.

Voters in the June 3rd primary in New Mexico will be choosing their preferred candidate for Congress and other races, depending on their location. Click for a listing of candidates provided by the New Mexico Secretary of State. Also see the Bernalillo County list of candidates for additional candidates at the county level. In other counties, check with your County Clerk.

See our previous post for more information on early voting.

Technorati Tags:voter registration, June 3 New Mexico primary, primaries, Bernalillo County , New Mexico, county clerk