Democracy for New Mexico

NM-Sen: Domenici Avoids the Heat; GOP Starts Negative Push Polling

I'm not sure how much retiring NM Sen. Pete Domenici's endorsement would mean in the Repub primary battle between Steve Pearce and Heather Wilson, but he's taking the easy way out and refusing to back either candidate publicly. Instead, he's said he'll work hard for whoever gets the GOP's primary nod on June 3rd.

I guess Domenici may have had enough of controversy and heat given all the negative attention he got for attempting to pressure former U.S. Attorney David Iglesias to speed up Dem indictments. Maybe he's content to bask in public neutrality and enjoy the many thanks-for-the-memories tributes he'll be getting if he stays out of the fray until the general election.

By refusing to go on the record for the primary, he won't get caught between the dueling forces of "common sense conservatism" and to-the-right-of-Atila-the-Hun extremism that have been rocking the NM Repub Party for many moons -- and is represented by the Wilson vs. Pearce battle. After all, Domenici himself went from being viewed early on as a moderate Republican to just another Bush clone as his Senate career evolved in later years. Despite being Wilson's long-time mentor, maybe he's now moved into the Club for Growth sector of the GOP that's inhabited by extreme right wingers like Pearce. Stranger things have happened within a Repub Party that's been decimated by plunging public support, weak candidates and falling campaign donations.

"Common Sense Issues" Push Polling Begins
In the meantime, the GOP Swift Boat brigade is already getting active in New Mexico with negative push-polling against Tom Udall, the nominee who's running unopposed in the Dem Senate primary. A Udall campaign email reports:

We've just received some disturbing news from one of our staff - the GOP "Swift Boat" attacks on Tom Udall have begun here in New Mexico. She got an automated "push-poll" phone call from an organization misleadingly calling itself "Common Sense Issues" this weekend. This group has been caught push-polling for Mike Huckabee in Iowa and the firm they used to make those calls has been fined in multiple states for violating the law. Now they're here slinging mud at Tom Udall.

A Newsweek story reports on the connections between the nonprofit "Common Sense Issues" -- whose executive director is Patrick Davis, a former national Republican Party staffer -- and Huckabee's campaign, as well as complaints from Huckabee's rivals about their operations:

Common Sense Issues is a tax-exempt group registered in Delaware whose organizers have acknowledged the use of controversial telephone polling tactics to promote Huckabee's presidential bid—and allegedly to trash the campaigns of the former Arkansas governor's rivals. The nonprofit also helped set up and run Trusthuckabee.com, a Web site that was involved in front-line efforts to recruit and mobilize Huckabee supporters to turn out for the Iowa caucuses.

Rival candidates have criticized Common Sense Issues's tactics, questioning whether the group's ties to the Huckabee campaign are really arms-length—as required by federal law. The Huckabee campaign has distanced itself from Common Sense Issues, renouncing its support and joining his rivals in calling for investigations into the nonprofit's activities.

Pollster.com reported in January that, according to the New York Times, "Common Sense Issues" was responsible for "a million calls to households in South Carolina telling voters, according to one of the calls, that [John] McCain has "voted to use unborn babies in medical research." The word is they're also active in Colorado, push-polling against the Senate campaign of Dem Mark Udall.

The Udall campaign is asking for donations to help fund a response to the push-polling. You know what to do.

Technorati Tags:Tom Udall, Common Sense Issues, push polling, New Mexico, NM-Sen, Mike Huckabee, Pete Domenici, Heather Wilson, Steve Pearce

Strong Local Support: Griego Raises Nearly $60,000 for Dist. 14 State Senate Race

According to a report filed Monday, State Senate candidate Eric Griego raised a total of $59,140 in contributions from 445 donors-- the majority of whom gave $50 or less.   

"Our finance report shows we're running a grassroots campaign that has generated widespread, local support. My donors are people in our community who believe we need to change the way things are done in Santa Fe," Griego said. "The working families that have supported my campaign are the kind of people I will fight for in the legislature -- not the special interests."

Senate District 14 includes the Barelas neighborhood where Eric was born and raised along with several other neighborhoods in Albuquerque, much of the South Valley, Isleta Pueblo, East Mountain communities and several neighborhoods in Valencia County.  As a former City Councilor, Eric represented nearly one third of the Senate district from 2001-2005. 

Eric is facing incumbent James Taylor in the Democratic Primary on June 3, 2008.

Eric has over two decades of practicing, teaching and studying public policy, including working at the local, state, national and international level. He is a former City Councilor, and Assistant Secretary of Economic Development for New Mexico. Today, he is the Executive Director of New Mexico Voices for Children, a non-profit policy, research and advocacy organization.

A copy of Eric's contribution report is available upon request from the campaign.

Support Eric Griego's Campaign
DFA-Democracy for New Mexico has endorsed Eric Griego for State Senate. You're encouraged to donate a few dollars or a few hours of your time to his campaign whether or not you live in District 14. Replacing business-as-usual legislators with forward-thinking lawmakers who are dedicated to the active pursuit of vital measures like ethics and campaign finance reform, expanding quality health care and improving education would benefit all of us, not just those who live in a specific district. Please do what you can to help.

Technorati Tags:Eric Griego, Albuquerque, New Mexico, New Mexico State Senate, New Mexico Legislature, campaign fundraising, Democrats, primaries

State Auditor Balderas Hosts Delegation From Africa

This past month, New Mexico's State Auditor Hector Balderas (right) hosted a fourteen member delegation from the Sahara region of Africa, according to a statement released by his office. The delegation discussed accountability and transparency in government, as well as job duties of the State Auditor.

“Hosting international delegations promotes further understanding of culture, governmental policies and operations,” Balderas said. “I’m honored to participate in discussions about democracy and open government.”

In addition to their stop in Santa Fe, the delegation visited Washington D.C. This is the third delegation that State Auditor Balderas has hosted since he has been State Auditor. Balderas traveled to Pakistan in 2006 as a member of the American Council of Young Political Leaders.

Technorati Tags:Hector Balderas, New Mexico Auditor, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Africa, Sahara, open government

82% Now Believe Country on Wrong Track; 31% Approve of Bush

The GOP and its candidates at every level have a lot to worry about in the latest ABC News/Washington Post poll, especially with a presidential candidate whose positions on most major issues mirror Bush's in almost every detail:

Eighty-two percent of Americans now say the country's seriously off on the wrong track, up 10 points in the last year to a point from its record high in polls since 1973. And 31 percent approve of Bush's job performance overall, while 66 percent disapprove.

The country’s mood – and the president’s ratings – are suffering from the double whammy of an unpopular war and a faltering economy. Consistently for the past year, nearly two-thirds of Americans have said the war in Iraq was not worth fighting. And consumer confidence is near its lowest in weekly ABC News polls since late 1985.

... Bush now has gone 40 months without majority approval, beating Truman's record (also during economic discontent and an unpopular war) of 38 months from 1949-52.

Guest Blog: Re-Elect Mary Jane Garcia for State Senate

This is a guest blog by Stephanie L. DuBois of Tularosa.

Senator Mary Jane Garcia (right), a Democrat from Dona Ana, NM who serves as Majority Whip, is seeking re-election to her Senate District 36 seat. Known in her district and around the state as the "working senator," Senator Garcia has sponsored and passed some of the most significant legislation we've had in the areas of protecting children from abuse, as well as protecting women from domestic violence. She was also instrumental in the passage of legislation to make human trafficking a crime.

Senator Garcia has a tremendous work ethic and is always willing to help. She doesn't know how to say "no," and the people of New Mexico reap many benefits from her efforts. Senator Garcia has received many awards in recognition of her superior service, including  The 2007 Milagro Award titled, "The Mary Jane Garcia Champion for Animals Award," The Spirit Award 2007 for her advocacy against domestic violence and the Outstanding Woman of New Mexico Award, presented by Governor Richardson and sponsored by the Commission on the Status of Women 2007.

Recent endorsements of Senator Garcia's candidacy include those from the National Education Association, AFCSME and EMILY'S LIST. These are very important endorsements from prestigious organizations to a very deserving Senator.

I encourage Democrats in NM Senate District 36 to vote in the June 3rd primary to keep Senator Mary Jane Garcia as our State Senator. To learn more or to sign up to support her re-election, visit Senator Garcia's campaign website.

This is a guest blog by Stephanie L. DuBois of Tularosa, New Mexico. Guest blogs are an opportunity for our readers to express their opinions on matters relevant to the blog. If you'd like to submit a post for consideration as a guest blog, contact me by clicking on the Email Me link on the upper left-hand corner of the page.

Technorati Tags:Mary Jane Garcia, New Mexico Legislature, Democrats, Las Cruces, New Mexico, primaries

DPBC to Host 5/19 Reading & Book Signing with Former U.S. Sen. Fred Harris

Fred Harris Reading and Book Signing
UNM Law School, Room 2401, Map
1117 Stanford NE, Albuquerque NM
Monday, May 19, 6:00 PM
Special Forum, Democratic Party of Bernalillo County
Does People Do It? - A Memoir by Fred Harris
Public Welcome

The well-known "people's politician" recalls his life and career.

One of Oklahoma's most famous native sons, Fred Harris faced life's challenges with the same resolve as a favorite uncle: "Does people do it? If people does it, I can do it."  In this engaging memoir, he describes how he met those challenges head-on.

A child of the Great Depression, he describes his upbringing and his initiation into state politics, and tells how he was elected to the U.S. Senate at the age of thirty-three. Earning a reputation as a "new populist," Harris chaired the national Democratic Party and was a serious presidential candidate. Enlivening his account with firsthand conversations, Harris contributes to our understanding of the motivations and personalities of figures such as Lyndon B. Johnson, Hubert Humphrey, and Robert F. Kennedy, including the infamous tensions between Johnson and Kennedy. Despite rubbing elbows with such power brokers, Harris maintained his own reputation as a down-to-earth man of the people whose advocacy included American Indian causes.

Harris accomplished much in his distinguished career, championing human rights at home and around the world. His masterfully written memoir attests to a philosophical consistency and humane liberalism that today are all too rare.

Twice elected to the U.S. Senate from Oklahoma, Fred Harris is now Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of New Mexico. He is the author of numerous works of fiction and nonfiction, including his most recent novel, Following the Harvest.

For more forum information contact:

Marvin Moss, Chairman
Information & Speakers Committee, DPBC
marvmoss@msn.com

Technorati Tags:Fred Harris, Does People Do It?, Albuquerque, New Mexico, University of New Mexico, University of Oklahoma Press, Democratic Party of Bernalillo County, Democrats

NM-01: Albuquerque Journal Endorses Heinrich

Yesterday, the Albuquerque Journal endorsed Democrat Martin Heinrich for Congress in New Mexico's First District primary race. Their editorial explaining their decision cites his success as a consensus builder on the Albuquerque City Council, as well as his talent for problem-solving that arises from top-notch listening and communication skills. The Journal also coined a new phrase -- the Heinrich Maneuver:

1st Congressional District Democrat — Heinrich: The partisan two-step is a common dance during the political season: A step toward the party regulars who often determine the primary results, a step back toward the center in time for the general election.

But Martin Heinrich established a record of putting one foot in front of the other to build consensus on the often contentious Albuquerque City Council. His liberal leanings are clear, but so is the pragmatism and respect for other points of view that endow Heinrich with the ability to listen, accommodate and move difficult initiatives forward. That would be a welcome talent in Congress.

The Heinrich Maneuver was key to navigating the controversy of the city minimum wage ordinance and producing a measure that the business community and activists could live with. It was apparent outside of City Hall when he worked with ranchers, Native Americans and outdoor recreation interests to build the bridges that helped lead to federal establishment of the Ojito Wilderness.

Issues topping Heinrich's list that are in dire need of consensus include health care reform, re-energizing the economy with investments in green technology, middle-class tax relief, securing U.S. borders and setting a realistic timeline for withdrawing from Iraq. An electrical engineer by training, he has a keen appreciation of the national labs' role in national security, research and the New Mexico economy.

The Journal endorses Martin Heinrich in the Democratic primary.

DFA-Democracy for New Mexico has endorsed Martin Heinrich for Congress. You're encouraged to donate a few hours of your time or a few bucks to his campaign as the primary election date of June 3rd nears.

Technorati Tags:Martin Heinrich, NM-01, Albuquerque Journal, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Democrats, endorsements, primaries

Guest Blog: Open Letter to Bill McCamley & Harry Teague

This is a guest blog by Col. Donald E. Jonker, USAF Ret., of Las Cruces in the form of an open letter to Bill McCamley and Harry Teague, Democratic candidates for Congress in NM-02.

The President is going to ask the Legislature to approve these additions for fiscal year 2009. An additional $1.3 billion to meet health care needs for the 350,000 military men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. $3.9 billion for mental health services and $1.5 billion for prosthetic and sensory aids. This does not include the fact that some men and women will be in pain the rest of their lives. I believe all New Mexicans are interested in these tragic numbers and those of us in Democratic District Two have a right to know where our candidates stand on these issues.

Open Letter to Bill McCamley & Harry Teague
Most of us New Mexicans believe that the economy, the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and health care are the three biggest areas of concern in the next election. Since I am not an expert on the economy or health care, I will stick to the wars. Almost all of the active duty, National Guard, Reserve, veterans and widows are deeply concerned about many aspects of the wars; however, I would like to concentrate on three areas: 1) Should we or should we not withdraw from the wars, and if so, when? 2) What health benefits should our military receive? And, 3) How should the VA be funded to ensure our brave young men and women returning from the wars after three, four and even five combat tours be treated for life long injuries?

If the wars go on, the cost of benefits could reach as high as $75 to $150 billion. During the wars, despite improved equipment, for every person killed there are 16 wounded and injured, an unprecedented number. (In Vietnam the ratio was 2.6 for every death and in Korea it was 2.8 for every death.) For 2009, the President has asked for $1.3 billion for health care needs, $3.9 billion for mental health services, and $1.5 billion for prosthetic and sensory aids. That's only $6.7 billion -- nowhere near what is necessary.

On behalf of all military and veterans, I would like to challenge both Mr. McCamley and Mr. Teague to debate these issues and these issues only. I believe these concerns are so important that the outcome of this debate should be a strong determining factor in choosing whom put forth as the Democratic nominee from District Two.

Military, veterans, widows and concerned citizens, send your comments to: www.billmccamley.com and www.harryteagueforcongress08.com.

This is a guest blog by Col. Donald E. Jonker, USAF Ret., of Las Cruces. Col. Jonker commanded a Fighter Squadron in Vietnam and flew 120 combat missions. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star, eight Air Medals and others. In addition to running a consulting firm with his wife, Dr. Pat Jonker Ph.D of NMSU, Don is currently Chairman of the Dona Ana County Labor/Management Board; Chairman of the Dona Ana County Airport Advisory Board; Director of the Picacho Hills Country Club and Director of the Special Deputy Sheriff's Commission.

Guest blogs provide our readers a chance to express themselves on topics of interest to the political discourse here, and may or may not express the views of the DFNM blog. If you'd like to submit a post for consideration as a guest blog, contact me by clicking on the Email Me link on the upper left-hand corner of the page.

Technorati Tags:Bill McCamley, Harry Teague, NM-02, New Mexico

Prez Candidates to Focus on Independents, Hispanics, New Mexico

Must read: This article in today's New York Times lays out the strategies that will likely be employed by the McCain and Obama presidential campaigns in the general election. Get ready for a big onslaught by the prez campaigns in the Land of Enchantment. Both campaigns will be heavily targeting Western swing states, including New Mexico, Colorado and Nevada:

Both sides say the states clearly in play now include Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

Post-primary action kicked off in New Mexico and across the nation this Saturday with the Obama campaign's Vote for Change effort to register and mobilize voters. 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.

It looks like Gov. Richardson will be active in Obama's efforts:

Mr. Obama’s aides said the endorsement by Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico, one of the nation’s most prominent Hispanic leaders, could prove more critical in the general election than in the primary.

Now this is exciting:

In a sign of what could be an extremely unusual fall campaign, the two sides said Saturday that they would be open to holding joint forums or unmoderated debates across the country in front of voters through the summer. Mr. Obama, campaigning in Oregon, said that the proposal, floated by Mr. McCain’s advisers, was “a great idea.”

On the money game:

Mr. Obama has a clear financial advantage. By March 31, Mr. McCain had raised about $80 million and reported about $11 million in cash on hand. Mr. Obama had raised three times as much — about $240 million — and had more than four times as much in the bank.

But the Republican National Committee, which is permitted to spend money on Mr. McCain’s behalf, has raised $31 million, compared with just $6 million by the Democratic National Committee. And Republican officials said they were not concerned about being outspent between now and the conventions.

Another very positive development is that the Obama campaign already has functional organizations in most states due to the campaign's efforts during the primary season:

Mr. Obama’s advisers said that as a result of the five-month series of primaries and caucuses, he had a nearly national campaign apparatus in place and had identified and registered thousands of new voters. That said, they acknowledged that they were at a disadvantage in two important states — Florida and Michigan — because those states had early primaries in defiance of the Democratic National Committee, and the candidates agreed not to campaign there.

“Organizationally, we have now built very powerful organizations in every state but Michigan and Florida,” Mr. Plouffe said. “That is one huge silver lining to how long this nomination fight has gone on.”

Technorati Tags:Barack Obama, John McCain, campaign strategies, New York Times, Bill Richardson, New Mexico, Western states, DNC

Celebrate 20th Anniversary of Amigos Bravos

From Amigos Bravos, Friends of the Wild Rivers:
Come celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Amigos Bravos and the launch of a new campaign to establish the constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment in New Mexico. No charge for current members -- this party is for you! Friends who wish to become members: $25 at the door.

Where: Philip Bareiss Gallery, 15 Route 150, Taos, NM
When: Saturday, May 17, 6-9 PM
Music by the Brent Berry Band

13th Annual Raffle for the Río
Grande Prize — Round-Trip Tickets for Two to the Bordeaux region of southwestern France, and a seven-day stay in the BED & BREAKFAST at the historic Chateau La Gatte, in Saint André de Cubzac (Some restrictions apply).

A $25 ticket gives you one chance to win -- Purchase a packet of 5 tickets for $100 and multiply your chances -- or give tickets to your friends. Click here to purchase your tickets now! Raffle coming to an end on Thursday, May 15th at 5:00 PM.