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Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Video: DPNM Protests Bush Fundraiser for GOP & White
The Tom Udall campaign liveblogged the Dem Party of New Mexico's demonstration in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque today protesting George Bush's fundraiser for NM-01 candidate Darren White and the state GOP. Click to see the recorded video of the event. Participants included reps from the AFL-CIO, AFSCME, Tom Udall's campaign and UNM College Dems, as well as State Dem Party chair Brian Colon, NM-01 Dem Congressional candidate Martin Heinrich and Janice Saxton, Dem candidate in NM House District 22. KRQE News 13 has this video of Bush's arrival in Albuquerque and the protest in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque.
A major complaint raised by demonstrators centered on Bush's promise to veto the new GI Bill that would expand veterans' benefits and support every vet who's served since 9-11 with expanded financial support for a college education. John McCain, the presumed GOP nominee for prez, is also against the new GI Bill. I guess he supports vets, but only when George Bush tells him it's ok. A couple of quotes from participants about the close relationship between White and Bush:
DPNM Chair Brian Colon: "You know, Darren has been critical of the administration but he got a lot less critical when he had the opportunity to get some money from Bush's supporters. "That's not acceptable."
NM-01 candidate Martin Heinrich: "It's disappointing to see Darren White continue to embrace the president at a time when the administration's failed policies are hurting New Mexico families."
By the way, the Udall campaign is seeking 1000 donations between now and when the polls close for the primary election on June 3rd to offset the effects of the big bucks being raised today in New Mexico for Republican candidates. You know what to do.
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May 27, 2008 at 02:28 PM in 2008 NM Senate Race, 2008 Presidential Primary, Democratic Party, Labor, NM-01 Congressional Seat 2008, Republican Party | Permalink
Comments
The Democrats had a press conference at the park in Los Ranchos. I went to the very edge of the event for Darren White, along with eight others. I prefer to protest as close to the focus of my protest rather than over a mile away in a safe location that might be construed as a "free speech zone".
I had thought that Bush was supposed to be at the event by 10 am so we arrived by 8 am. Bush arrived a little after 12 pm so we waited a long time.
It is interesting to note that at least 20 cars were at the location when I first arrived but there were no more than 80 care there when I started to leave. This means that they may have netted as much as $60,000 at that event.
It seems to me that Bush's addending this fundraised for Darren White may have cost him a lot and provided little benefit for White.
Terry Riley
Posted by: Terry Riley | May 27, 2008 3:35:04 PM
So did Bush see you? There were at least 50 people demonstrating at the park, so I don't know why you'd say it wasn't a protest. There are many ways to be effective. The demonstration got great news coverage by the way.
Posted by: Old Dem | May 27, 2008 4:57:27 PM
There were small groups up and down the road there. Good showing for the day after Memorial Day.
Posted by: ron | May 27, 2008 6:07:03 PM
