Democracy for New Mexico

NM-01: Heinrich to Live Blog at Firedoglake This Saturday

Coming Soon: Bush in Albuquerque

Dem NM-01 candidate Martin Heinrich will be live blogging at the prominent national blog Firedoglake this Saturday, May 17, at Noon MDT. He'll be highlighting the fact that George Bush himself will be visiting the District on May 27th to raise big chunks of money for Martin's likely Repub opponent, Darren White, and the New Mexico GOP.

White clearly wants to take advantage of Bush's still formidable fundraising abilities within elite circles of the GOP by sneaking in a visit from Mr. Campaign Toxicity early on, so people will forget he was ever here when Fall rolls around. White's already been making noises about how "independent" he is from the disastrous Bush agenda, but this fundraising visit says otherwise. The man who chaired Bush's 2004 campaign in Bernalillo County is still close to Bush no matter what he tries to say to the contrary.

So what can we do to help offset the corrosive effects of GOP big donor money being sucked into the wrong side of the NM-01 race by a visit from the most consistently unpopular president in modern times? Visit Firedoglake this Saturday and join in the brainstorming, for starters.

If there's one thing I know about this election cycle it's that progressives nationwide will be working together to elect Dems with integrity up and down the ticket everywhere we can. Get in on the ground floor of the networking this Saturday at FDL.

The Blue America '08 page on ActBlue, supported by Firedoglake, Crooks & Liars, Digby and Down With Tyranny, has so far raised more than $327,000 for Dem candidates, including over $2,800 for Heinrich's campaign.

Technorati Tags:Martin Heinrich, George Bush, Darren White, NM-01, Firedoglake, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Act Blue, Blue America

Buffy Sainte-Marie to Lecture at UNM's Zimmerman Library

From UNM Today: Buffy Sainte-Marie, an educator, activist and singer will give a free lecture on Saturday, June 7, at 7:00 PM in the west wing of Zimmerman Library as part of the University Libraries Summer Sunset Lecture Series. Sainte-Marie virtually invented the role of Native American activist pop star. Her work against the exploitation of Native American artists and performers has kept her in the forefront of activists for 40 years. She currently operates the Nihewan Foundation for Native American Education.

Sainte-Marie was born on the Cree Reservation in Qu’Appelle Valley, Saskatchewan, adopted and raised in Maine and Massachusetts. She holds a Ph.D. in Fine Arts from the University of Massachusetts, and also holds degrees in Oriental Philosophy and teaching, but she is best known as a writer of protest and pop songs.

The lecture is sponsored by University Libraries and the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs. For more information call 277-4241.

Technorati Tags:Buffy Sainte-Marie, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico

NM-03: Stewart Udall Endorses Luján

The Ben R. Luján campaign announced that Stewart Udall (right), the father of Rep. Tom Udall (D, NM-03), has endorsed Luján for Congress in the Third District's Democratic primary. Stewart Udall's environmental credentials and integrity are powerful and impeccable. Udall's endorsement may well provide a boost to Luján's chances in the closing days of the hotly contested primary race to be decided on June 3rd.

Luján is running to replace Tom Udall, who's running for U.S. Senate. Rep. Udall has not endorsed any candidate in the race.

Check out Matthew Reichbach's scoop on the story on the endorsement at the New Mexico Independent, which includes a nice photo of Luján and Udall. In a phone interview with NMI, Stewart Udall explained his endorsement this way: "I like him as a person, but I’m for him because of the strong position he’s taken on the issues that are important to me."

Steve Terrell's article in the Santa Fe New Mexican reports another quote from Udall:

"I've followed (Luján's) career, and I have a high regard for him," the elder Udall said in a telephone interview. He said he likes Luján's record on energy and environmental issues. "He's interested in all the things I am," Udall said.

An article in the Albuquerque Journal included commentary from the campaign of Don Wiviott, another Dem running in the NM-03 primary who's considered to be Luján's main rival:

A Stewart Udall endorsement would have likely been welcomed by Lujan's five Democratic opponents for the nomination, many of whom appear eager to assume the Tom Udall mantle. But an aide to Santa Fe developer and political newcomer Don Wiviott said the campaign knows not to expect such endorsements.

"Obviously, Wiviott respects Secretary Udall immensely and is grateful for his distinguished service to our country, but as an outsider and a candidate who is not a career politician, he doesn't expect a lot of endorsements," spokesman Webster Cash said in a statement.

Steward Udall, now 88, served in the U.S. House representing Arizona from 1955-61 and as Secretary of the Interior under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson from 1961-69.

Udall was the primary mover and shaker behind the enactment of environmental laws as part of Johnson's Great Society initiative, including the Clear Air, Water Quality and Clean Water Restoration Acts and Amendments, the Wilderness Act of 1964, the Endangered Species Preservation Act of 1966, the Land and Water Conservation [Fund] Act of 1965, the Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1965, the National Trail System Act of 1968, and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. He's a giant in the environmental community and a living legend to many.

Luján has also received endorsements from prominent environmental groups including the League of Conservation Voters, Conservation Voters New Mexico, Sierra Club and Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club, but this is the topper.

Photo of Stewart Udall by Kurt Markus from a on the Udall family that appeared in Outside magazine in March.

Technorati Tags:Ben R. Lujan, Stewart Udall, endorsements, NM-03, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Democrats, Sierra Club, League of Conservation Voters

(Updated) Breaking: Edwards to Endorse Obama

Update: Video clip of Edwards' endorsement

The one many have been waiting for: According to a post by Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post, John Edwards will endorse Obama for president tonight in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This former Edwards supporter is very happy with this news! Edwards has 18 pledged delegates, but it's not clear whether they'd all switch to supporting Obama. This is the second big endorsement for Obama today. Earlier, NARAL Pro-Choice America announced its support for Barack. The group has supported Hillary Clinton throughout her political career. From Cillizza:

Matt Bennett, a former Clinton Administration official, described Edwards as the "troubadour of the working class" and said the North Carolina senator's endorsement of Obama makes it "tougher for Clinton to make the case that working class Democrats can't [or] won't support Obama."

... Aside from the obvious demographic benefits an Edwards endorsement could have, his decision to throw his backing behind Obama also has symbolic import. Edwards is widely seen as one of the major party figures who had remained on the sidelines in the race between Clinton and Obama. That he has stepped in to the fray in hopes of, perhaps, bringing this race to an end should send a powerful signal to undecided superdelegates about the direction of the contest.

Former senator Tom Daschle of South Dakota, a major Obama backer, told CNN: "I think John Edwards is a tremendous national leader and obviously it's no seceret that we've been trying to get his support, his endorsement, his supporters, his counsel as we go through the balance of this campaign for a long period of time."

"All I know is that it's very, very important that as we go forwards, we unite this party," Daschle added. "John and Elizabeth Edwards have a tremendous following in our party. The more we can unite along with their leadership and their followership, the better off our party and the better off Barack Obama is going to be in November."

Technorati Tags:Barack Obama, John Edwards, endorsements, Democrats, presidential nomination

NM-01: Heinrich Unveils First TV Ad, Stresses Working Class Roots

Democrat Martin Heinrich, running for Congress in NM-01, has released a video of his first TV ad (above). The ad --which will start airing tomorrow -- stresses his working class roots, his dedication to working class values and his experience fighting for families and their interests in New Mexico. I like the quick cut style, which should be very effective in getting viewers' attention on a TV screen.

None of the other candidates in the First District race on either side of the aisle have, to my knowledge, aired any TV advertising so far. With the June 3rd primary only weeks away, I expect we'll see more action on TV soon from those who can afford it.

Text version:

The son of an electrician and a factory worker, Martin Heinrich learned early on the value of hard work and fighting for what's right. That's why as a City Councilor, Martin Heinrich led the fight to raise the minimum wage. It's why Governor Richardson appointed Martin Natural Resources Trustee, where he fought to clean up the water in the South Valley.

Now Martin Heinrich is running for Congress to fight for new priorities. To bring our troops home from Iraq and focus on families here. I'm Martin Heinrich and I approved this message. 

The Heinrich campaign has also been very active on the internet, with an ongoing web ad campaign expected to get more than 500K impressions, primarily in the District. The ad also gives a prominent spot to their campaign website URL, underlining the tech savvy nature of Heinrich's operation.

DFA-Democracy for New Mexico has endorsed Martin Heinrich for Congress. Please consider donating some time or money to his campaign.

Technorati Tags:Martin Heinrich, NM-01, political ads, Democrats, primaries, Albuquerque, New Mexico

DFNM Selected as Official DNC Convention Blogger for NM (Can I Say WOW?)

How I learned of my selection. Thanks, Howard!

I'm incredibly honored (and ecstatic) to report that the Democracy for New Mexico blog has been selected by the Democratic National Convention Committee to be the official New Mexico blogger at the Democratic Party Convention to be held on August 26-28, 2008 in Denver. DNC Chair Howard Dean announces our selection in the video above, standing alongside a shot of the blog. Given my long-held enthusiasm for all things Howard Dean, stretching back to his run for president in 2004, the news couldn't come from a more admired source in my book. Yowsa.

Some months ago the DNC solicited applications from bloggers in all 50 states (plus several territories) to vie for one blogger slot per state. They'll form what's called the State Blogger Corps at the Convention. You can see a listing of all the blogs selected to be a part of the team here. And here's a description of the process from the release announcing the selections:

More than 400 applications were received from bloggers across the United States and multiple territories.  Some of the blogs selected for the State Corps are full-time, professional endeavors while others are the work of individuals, who through their own efforts have become recognized authorities on state and local politics.  Bloggers had to submit daily audience information and provide examples of posts that made their blogs stand out as an effective online organizing tool or agent of change, a demonstration of both the reach and impact blogs have had and will continue to have on the 2008 election.  The program recognizes the growth of more localized blogs and is in line with Governor Dean's 50-state strategy.

Each official state blogger will be credentialed for seating with the state's delegation on the Convention floor, and will be an integral part of the Convention action. That means I'll be reporting to you directly from Denver and sharing my experiences and insights day by day as the drama unfolds. I hope I can do the job justice. Lots of fun, but lots of work too. Have I said I'm excited?

The seating of bloggers on the Convention floor is unprecedented in the history of the event. It reflects the Party's embrace of the power and value of the progressive blogosphere in helping to support our candidates and causes, and the Dem's continuing dedication to establishing a two-way feedback loop with ordinary voters all over the nation.

In addition to the State Blogger Corps, the DNCC will soon credential a General Blogger Pool, to include local, state and national political bloggers, as well as niche and video bloggers from across the country. All applicants not selected for the State Blogger Corps are now eligible for selection as part of the General Blogger Pool.

Oh, did I tell you I'm excited?

Technorati Tags:Howard Dean, DNCC, Democratic Convention, State Blogger Corps, Democracy for New Mexico, Democratic National Convention Committee, DNC Chair, New Mexico

NM-01: Darren White's (More Than) White Lies

Bernalillo County Sherfiff Darren White was for drug decriminalization before he was against it. Or something. And it appears that he lies about the reason he resigned his post as Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Public Safety in 1999. Not good for a candidate running on his "integrity."

For awhile now Darren White, the GOP's presumed candidate for Congress in NM-01, has been explaining his resignation as Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Public Safety in the Gary Johnson administration as a moral stand against Johnson's call for discussions on decriminalizing certain drugs, starting with marijuana. Johnson had proclaimed that the nation's "war on drugs" was a miserable failure and that new thinking on the matter was critical. He compared America's illegal drug policies to the nation's previous misbegotten attempt at liquor prohibition.

White has repeatedly said he couldn't go along with Johnson's position on drug decriminalization, and that he had to leave the administration to make that point. His campaign website says:

White served as Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Department of Public Safety under Governor Gary Johnson ... White resigned his Cabinet position after Governor Johnson began advocating the legalization of drugs.

The trouble with White's explanation is two-fold. For one thing, he's quoted in the The November Coalition's publication Razor Wire in 1999 essentially agreeing with Johnson's stance:

State Public Safety Secretary Darren White said the federal government spends about $17 billion annually to fight drugs, including about $6 million in New Mexico. "And we're probably only seizing 5 to 15 percent of all the drugs coming into the country," White said in an interview. "We're not going to arrest ourselves out of this drug problem. The governor is absolutely right. We should be looking at other options because our current policy is failing."

Kinda undermines White's excuse for resigning as Secretary of Public Safety, doesn't it? However, it's not surprising that White would try to cover up the real reason he gave up his post -- an overwhelming vote of 'no confidence" in White by members of the New Mexico Police Association. In September 1999, the Santa Fe New Mexican reported that "89 percent of ballots cast by members of [the] state police association express lack of faith in public safety secretary's leadership." The NMPA "described White as inexperienced, immature and a glory hound." There was a 61% turnout for the vote.

The paper also quoted Rick Anglada, then vice president of the Police Association, who said, "A good leader needs to gain the people's trust... you talk to our members, and they don't trust him because he says one thing and does another."

So much for "integrity" on the part of Darren White.

Technorati Tags:Darren White, NM-01, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Santa Fe New Mexican, Gary Johnson, drug decriminalization, Republicans, New Mexico Department of Public Safety

Saturday: KNME to Live Stream Wilson-Pearce Debate

According to the KNME blog, the PBS station's website will provide a live stream of the next big debate between GOP Senate candidates Heather Wilson and Steve Pearce to be held in Roswell this coming Saturday, May 17, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. You can watch live online here or at Ustream on Saturday.

KNME-TV will also be simulcasting the final debate between Steve Pearce and Heather Wilson on May 30th. They're one of a handful of media outlets participating in the New Mexico Broadcaster's Association debate at the Sandia Resort & Casino. The debate will be live from 7-8:00 PM, and they plan to follow up with live reaction and analysis from their studio with host Gene Grant and the rest of the LINE panelists. They'll also be live streaming that debate, on knme.org.

Technorati Tags:Steve Pearce, Heather Wilson, NM-Sen, Roswell, New Mexico, KNME, Republicans, debates

'You Can't Drink Oil' Set for 5.20, Santa Fe

Click on image for larger version. Click for FLYER (pdf). More info at Common Ground United and New Mexico Environmental Law Center.

Technorati Tags:oil drilling, gas drilling, New Mexico Environmental Law Center, Common Ground United, Conservation Voters New Mexico, Tweeti Blancett, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Get Involved with Obama Campaign in NM; Meeting Tonight

As I reported previously, post-primary action kicked off in New Mexico and across the nation this past Saturday with the Obama campaign's Vote for Change effort to register and mobilize voters. The Obama '08 campaign is teaming with lots of partners to bring thousands of new voters into the process nationwide and to help mobilize them for the November election.

Getting trained as voter registrars in ABQ; registering a voter

In Albuquerque, more than 60 people at the IBEW Hall to receive voter registrar training and hit the streets in the first phase of what will be a continuing effort until election day in November.

Tom Solomon offers voter registration to motorcycle fans

Obama Meeting Tonight in ABQ
Obama for New Mexico meets every Tuesday, including TONIGHT, at 7:00 PM at the Democratic Party of New Mexico headquaters located at 1301 San Pedro NE in Albuquerque. Click to RSVP. Also be sure to check out the New Mexico page on the Obama '08 website, where you can learn about upcoming events, create your own or join a local group (scroll down).

Click on photos for larger versions. All photos by Tom Solomon, a participant in last Saturday's Vote for Change event in Albuquerque.

Technorati Tags:Barack Obama, Obama for President, voter registration, Democratic Party of New Mexico, Vote for Change, Albuquerque, New Mexico