SD 17: Shannon Robinson Hits New Low with Campaign Mailers; Gets Contributions from Vested Interests

New Mexico's primary cycle certainly has had its share of negative campaigning, but the latest low-life moves by Dem incumbent Shannon Robinson (right) -- who's running to keep his State Senate seat in Albuquerque District 17 -- may well be the filthiest campaign tactics used so far this year. I'd call them Rovian in nature, but Robinson's hits are far worse because they're aimed at a candidate in his own Party. And they're outright lies. And he needs to be called on it.

Robinson is facing a hard-charging challenge from Tim Keller, a smart, articulate and progressive reform candidate who's earned endorsements from some of the most respected and ethical Dems in town, as well as scads of organizations and neighborhood leaders (see this post.) It must really be getting to Robinson, who's used to running unopposed and unchallenged on his ethical breeches and his favors to the powers that be. I'm sure he can't believe what's happening and he's responding in the worst possible way -- by trying to slime Keller with outrageously distorted mailings in the last days before the primary. Obviously, Robinson's feeling really desperate. Panicked. Ready to do or say almost anything to try and gain an edge.

Robinson Equates Keller with GOP, Bush
Get this: a recent direct mail piece distributed by Robinson's campaign has this to say about Keller:

"Tim Keller was recruited by the REPUBLICAN Party, his campaign funded by the REPUBLICAN Party, and if elected he will vote with the REPUBLICAN Party."

Another Robinson mailer equates Tim Keller with George Bush, and shows their photos side by side to underline the claim. I'm not kidding you. Hey Shannon, it's you who gets support from donors that usually support Bush and other Republicans.

Keller's Strong Support from Dems, Progressives, Unions
Maybe someone should tell Democratic-to-the core folks like Rey Garduno, Jerry Ortiz y Pino and Richard Romero that they've -- gasp -- heartily endorsed a candidate who's a stealth Republican! Evidently Keller has also managed to fool progressive and labor groups like the Albuquerque Teachers Federation; the National Educational Association, New Mexico; New Mexico Professional Firefighters Association; Conservation Voters New Mexico; ACORN, New Mexico; the Hispano Round Table de Nuevo México; New Mexico Progressive Action; Albuquerque Area Firefighters Local 244; the Sierra Club; and DFA-Democracy for New Mexico -- all of which have endorsed Tim Keller. Click for even more loyal Dems who are supporting Keller.

Who's the Real Democrat?
Judging by the corporate special interests donating to Robinson's campaign, I'd have to say it's NOT Shannon Robinson. Shannon more closely resembles one of those bought-off change fighters we've come across all too often of late in Democratic politics -- a DINO -- Democrat in Name Only. How else to explain donations to Robinson like these:

Nearly $8,000 from oil and gas Interests—in the last 15 days!

$500 BP North America Employee
$1,000 ConocoPhillips Company
$600 Devon Energy Corporation
$600 Giant Industries
$500 Phelps Dodge
$750 Samson

Other suspect donations have come from:

$1500 from Insurance groups
$600 Anheuser-Busch Cos
$500 National Rifle Association
$500 Reynolds American (Tobacco)
$1000 Corrections Corp. of America (private prisons)

Are these entities that normally support progressive Democrats? Yet they're supporting Shannon Robinson with donations considered large in a State Senate race. What does that tell you? It seems clear that monied interests that almost always work against any candidate with a progressive, Democratic agenda are supporting none other than Shannon Robinson in this race. Shame on Shannon.

Yeah, But How Does Robinson Vote?
Not surprisingly, Shannon Robinson's voting record reflects his buddy-buddy relationships with his big donors, who are against the very things that real Dems believe in. Check out this Keller mailer that spells out Robinson's DINO-ness by examining his actions. Robinson's record shows him protecting the health care industry, being involved in activities to fight a raise in the minimum wage, opposing ethics reform, protecting oil and gas interests and pushing the privatization of education. Maybe it's Robinson who's shifted over to the dark side of the aisle ....

Last Chance to Help
Let's do what we can to help Tim Keller -- the real deal -- win this race and get rid of another outed DINO Dem. Visit Keller's website or email tk@timkellerfornewmexico.com to volunteer some time or donate some money. Tim's got a terrific chance to win this seat, but only if The People help him do it.

Technorati Tags: