Democracy for New Mexico

True Blue New Mexico: Tom Udall on the Clear Choice We Have This Year

We're very pleased to feature a personal message from True Blue New Mexico candidate Tom Udall, our outstanding candidate for U.S. Senate. Tom took time away from his busy schedule in Washington to reach out to us this morning and talk about what's at stake in November.

During this past week, DFNM and New Mexico FBIHOP also published guest posts from fellow True Blue candidates Martin Heinrich, Harry Teague amd Ben Ray Lujan, which you can see here and here. Now we need some help from you. Please donate whatever you can afford to demonstrate real Democratic UNITY up and down the ticket in New Mexico this year. Rep. Tom Udall tells us why it's so important:

I’d really like to start off by saying thank you to both Democracy for New Mexico and New Mexico FBIHOP for hosting True Blue New Mexico 2.0! It is an honor to have the support of DFNM and NMFBIHOP. I know how hard you all work to bring new stories to light, support candidates, and hold those of us that are in office accountable – and I know that you’ll keep my feet to the fire throughout this campaign. New Mexico really benefits from your service, so keep it up!

I am running for the Senate because it really is extraordinary what’s happened over the last eight years. George Bush and Steve Pearce took a surplus and lost it. They took a strong military and exhausted it, they took an impartial Department of Justice and politicized it and finally took our reputation in the world and destroyed it. We’ve gone from being a beacon of hope to a defender of torture and pre-emptive war.

This choice that New Mexicans have in this election could not be more clear. We can continue the policies of a failed president and a Congress that was thrown out of office or we can return government to the proposition that it should pay its bills, abide by the constitution, strengthen the middle class, honor our veterans and respect the lives of our soldiers.

I’m running for the United States Senate because we have to do what’s right for New Mexico. 

That’s why I’ve worked with both Senators Bingaman and Domenici, along with Governor Richardson to keep Cannon Air Force Base open when it was threatened. It is why I am fighting to expand the mission of Los Alamos to create new jobs in counter-terrorism and alternative energy research.  It isn’t just the right thing to do for New Mexico, but the right thing to do for our country.

That’s the standard we have to live up to. As New Mexico’s Attorney General, I prosecuted corrupt public officials even though they were fellow Democrats. Big Special Interests went crazy when I wrote the law requiring utility companies to use more renewable energy, but it didn’t matter - because it was the right thing to do.

There’s a lot of work to be done to bring change and we can’t wait until November. I am fighting right now in Congress to do right by our veterans  - and I want to thank both New Mexico FBIHOP and Democracy for New Mexico for helping me to publicize our work on the New GI Bill. We need to stop the Big Oil profiteers from running up the price of gasoline, end this war in Iraq and start doing right by our troops. We need to reform No Child Left Behind and start helping our schools do better. We have to take responsibility for our planet and restore respect for one another in Washington.

We here in New Mexico are the inheritors of a great legacy. The Camino Real was the cultural and physical center of this great continent. We have a chance to lead this nation again – and with your help, alongside Martin, Harry, and Ben Ray , we will.

-Tom Udall

Please click here and give what you can to support our True Blue New Mexico candidates. If everyone reading this post would donate even a dollar per candidate, our totals would quickly add up -- and our candidates would have more of what they need to get out in front early, and stay there. You know what to do.

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Novak Pessimistic About GOP Chances in New Mexico

National political curmudgeon Robert Novak, a venomously right-wing Republican, presents a decidedly pessimistic picture for GOP candidates in federal races this year in New Mexico. He reports that Pearce has big odds to beat in the U.S. Senate race:

New Mexico: The retirement of Sen. Pete Domenici (R) because of degenerative brain disease looks likely to give another Senate seat to Democrats ... Udall has a huge cash advantage, stemming from his uncontested primary and an energized nationwide fundraising Democratic base. As of May 14, Udall had raised $3.2 million and had $2.9 million on hand. Pearce had raised $1.9 million, but he spent almost all of it on his competitive primary.

Udall is a well-known and well-liked politician who taps perfectly into the environmentalist zeitgeist of the state. His liberal base is large and energetic while Pearce's conservative base is much smaller. Bush hangs like a rain cloud over the GOP here, and McCain might not bring any coattails.

It's believable then when one New Mexico Republican tells us of a poll showing Udall up by 31 points.

Pearce will distance himself from the White House and work hard for Wilson's moderate backers, and Republicans will beat up Udall to knock him down a peg. Still, it's hard to see how Pearce wins without a major scandal that brings down Udall. Likely Democratic Takeover.

Novak is also downbeat about GOP chances to retain the U.S. House seats currently being held by Rep. Heather Wilson (NM-01) and Rep. Steve Pearce (NM-02):

Considering only the candidates, White has the edge [in NM-01], but the political landscape seriously favors Heinrich. Bush's name and the GOP brand are dirt in New Mexico. Tom Udall is likely to dominate the Senate race. In Albuquerque at least, Obama enthusiasm could drive up Democratic turnout, while luke-warmness about McCain could suppress GOP turnout. Domenici won't be able to help White, while Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D) could be on hand to boost all of the Democratic candidates.

Because we expect a strong Democratic tide, White's strengths look likely to be wiped out by a Democratic surge.
...
[NM-02] is the "Republican district" in New Mexico, but it could be represented by a Democrat next year. In 2004, Bush took 58 percent of this district, which covers the Southern half of the state, but the GOP might have nominated the wrong candidate [in Ed Tinsley].

Making things even worse for Darren White and Ed Tinsley, Martin Heinrich and Harry Teague will get lots of help from the Democratic Congressional Campagin Committee. Both of them were recently added to the DCC'Cs powerful Red to Blue program.

As for NM-03, Novak gives Ben Ray Lujan the nod, saying that "Republicans nominated contractor Dan East (R), who doesn't have much of a chance. Likely Democratic Retention."

Just more reasons we think there'll be a True Blue New Mexico come November, IF everyone chips in a few bucks right now to help make it happen.

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NM-Sen: Pearce Campaign Can't Identify Tom Udall

For the record that's NM's Tom Udall (left) and CO's Mark Udall (right)

Yes, this is some of the weirdest news I've encountered on a long day filled with weird reports about GOP lies, flip-flops and negative campaign predictions. With each passing day, the GOP and its candidates seem to be sliding closer to the edge of confused disaster, and it's not even July.

You couldn't make this up if you tried. Seems that the Pearce for Senate campaign sent out a press release criticizing Rep. Tom Udall, the Dem candidate for U.S. Senate in New Mexico, for offering an amendment on preventing oil shale leases. The only problem is that it was actually MARK Udall's amendment. Mark is Toms' cousin and he's running for U.S. Senate in Colorado. Quite a spectacular error on the part of the Pearce campaign. Then again, we're getting used to Pearce et al. having a little trouble absorbing and communicating facts.

You really must read the Pearce press release -- and don't miss the Tom Udall campaign's three word response -- over at the TU blog.

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NM Dem Party Demands That Pearce Return Tainted Money; GOP Going Off the Tracks?

CALLING STEVE PEARCE: Return the money from discredited Texan Clayton Williams, and repudiate his repulsive remarks about rape.

John McCain was forced to cancel a Texas fundraiser this past weekend hosted by oil man Clayton Williams after he was confronted with sexist quotes made by the monied GOP donor but has so far refused to return more than $300,000 his campaign Williams has raised for McCain. The most egregious prounouncement by Williams equated rape with the weather, saying "as long as it's inevitable, you might as well lie back and enjoy it."

As I previously posted, Steve Pearce, the GOP's candidate for U.S. Senate in New Mexico, has gotten $4,000 from Williams going back to his 2006 campaign for Congress -- plus who knows how much more from donors "bundled" by Williams. The Democratic Party of New Mexico is now demanding that Pearce return the money.

"Steve Pearce and John McCain need to do the right thing and return every dollar they have gotten from their sexist and misguided friend, Clayton Williams," said Conchita Cruz, Press Secretary for the Democratic Party of New Mexico. "Pearce's silence on the matter is unacceptable, as Williams' words are disturbing and out of step with New Mexico values."

Ironically, one of the major mantras of Pearce's campaign is that he "represents New Mexico values." Guess not, at least when it comes to taking campaign contributions. No wonder Sen. John Ensign, who heads the GOP's Senate campaign committee, was quoted as saying that putting money into races Repubs can't win, like the one in New Mexico, would be a waste.

GOP Woes
It appears that GOP candidates -- as well as the Republican Party itself -- are in big trouble this election cycle. And the tension and bad blood within the Party are growing. Check out Peter St. Cyr's post (and extensive audio) reporting on the New Mexico GOP's convention in Las Cruces last Saturday. One controversy at the event resulted in Albuquerque delegate Patrick Marron being tossed out for trying to ask a question about the ban on taking photos or recording the event. State Party Chair Allen Weh defended the move:

“Other state’s run their conventions by Robert’s Rules,” said Chairman Allen Weh. “Not ours. This convention was run by the chairman’s gavel. ... “It’s my bat, my ball, and he [Marron] struck out.”

Ooooh, how autocratic! Weh and his pals probably think Robert's Rules are un-American. Order before democracy! And I wonder why they're so paranoid about people taking pics or taping the proceedings.

According to St. Cyr, Jeff Wright, state field director of U.S. Rep. Ron Paul's presidential campaign, was also closed out of the meeting (at least the SCC meeting portion):

"What we want is the beginning of a recognition that the Republican Party has gone far afield," said Wright ... It's not about the man, it's the message. The Republican Party is damn near about to go off the tracks."

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Pitch In to Create a True Blue New Mexico

New Mexico FBIHOP and the Democracy for New Mexico blog are re-launching the True Blue New Mexico campaign today -- this time with the Democratic candidates for all the federal races.

You can donate at the True Blue New Mexico ActBlue fundraising page, where you'll find the full slate of Democratic candidates New Mexicans can vote for come November.

This year, voters around New Mexico and across the country have voted for change in record numbers, and not just for presidential candidate Barack Obama but for more local races as well. Progressive candidates already shocked incumbents in state Senate and House primaries earlier this month.

This Is Our Moment
In 2008, New Mexicans have a chance for a true change -- a golden opportunity to make a True Blue New Mexico. There are more Democrats than Republicans registered in the state, and Democrats control both the state Senate and House. Yet in federal offices, Republicans hold a 3-2 advantage, including a 2-1 advantage in the House. This year, that can change -- and change dramatically.

When Sen. Pete Domenici decided to retire due to medical problems, it created a scramble for his seat that eventually enveloped the entire House delegation. All three representatives decided to run for the Senate seat. Candidates for their now-open House seats popped up everywhere.

After the dust settled, Democrats were left with five great candidates for federal office: Sen. Barack Obama in the Presidential race, Rep. Tom Udall in the Senate race, Martin Heinrich in the 1st Congressional District, Harry Teague in the 2nd Congressional District and Ben Ray Lujan in the 3rd Congressional District.

Watch for Candidate Guest Posts This Week
Throughout week, these candidates (except Obama) will be letting you know on both Democracy for New Mexico and New Mexico FBIHOP why they deserve your vote and your donations. Tuesday, Martin Heinrich will write on both blogs, followed by Harry Teague on Wednesday, Ben Ray Lujan on Thursday and culminating with Tom Udall on Friday.

Why Now?
But why now? The simple answer is EMILY -- Early Money is Like Yeast, and as the old saying goes, it helps to raise the dough. Please donate now. Every early dollar helps. Money donated on October 20th, just a couple weeks before the election, is not as valuable as money sent now. Money sent now can be used to hire staffers, it can be used to raise more money -- it is incredibly valuable to candidates.

Some of these candidates will be in extremely close races -- but with your help, they can make a True Blue New Mexico for years to come.

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NM-Sen: McCain and Pearce Got Money from Controversial GOP Fundraiser Who Compared Rape to Bad Weather

ATTENTION STEVE PEARCE: Return the money from discredited Texan Clayton Williams, and repudiate his repulsive remarks about rape.

According to an article in The HIll:

The Democratic Party is turning up the pressure on Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), saying he should return the money raised by a Texas oilman who once compared rape to bad weather.

McCain has already cancelled a fundraising event next week at the home of Clayton Williams, according to ABC News, after being asked about the remarks. Now, the Democratic National Committee is calling on McCain to return the $300,000 Williams has reportedly raised for him.

... Williams made national headlines when he was running for governor of Texas in 1990. [He eventually lost to Ann Richards.] A reporter heard him make the comparison between rape and weather. “As long as it’s inevitable, you might as well lie back and enjoy it,” he was quoted as saying at the time.

Pearce and His Pal Clayton Williams
Turns out the GOP's Senate candidate in New Mexico, Steve Pearce, has also received money from the disgusting and demeaning Williams. According to OpenSecrets.org, Clayton Williams of Midland, TX donated $2,000 to Steve Pearce on January 15 of this year. He also gave money to Pearce last election cycle. Williams is one of the GOP's top fundraisers, so who knows how many thousands of dollars he "bundled" from others for Pearce's campaign.

But there's more.

Ann Richards campaign ad criticizing Williams on rape comment (h/t )

A website maintained by the Trans-Pecos Society of Petroleum Engineers features what appears to be a 2004 news article from the Odessa American that reports on Pearce and Williams sharing their distaste for so-called "radical environmentalism" and how it gets in the way of oil and gas profits.

These two share the shortsighted views that owners should have zero rights when it comes to oil and gas drilling on their land, and that protecting special places like Otero Mesa and the Arctic Wildlife Refuge from the ravages of energy extraction is part of some "radical" agenda. Last time I looked, polling numbers showed that a large majority of New Mexicans favored protecting Otero Mesa, including both environmentalists and ranchers. Guess they're all "radicals" too.

Let Pearce Know How You Feel
So, Wiliams and Pearce seem like two peas in a pod in more ways than one. I think we should find out if Pearce also shares Williams' view that women being raped should just relax and enjoy it.

Remember, Pearce is a guy always carrying on about "family values" and how he'll seek to get Americans in line by imposing the dictates of his personal view of what's "valued." In fact, his campaign slogan is "New Mexico Values for U.S. Senate."

You might ask him if he shares Williams' "values" about women and the horrible crime of rape. And demand that he return all the donations he's received via crude and nasty Clayton Williams:

People for Pearce
--(575) 523-4906, 121 Wyatt, Suite 14, Las Cruces, NM 88001
--1005 21st Street, Suite B, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
No email contact info listed: You could try info@peopleforpearce.com

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NM-Sen: Have You Signed Tom Udall's Letter to Bush?

Rep. Tom Udall is sending a letter to George Bush urging him to support the troops and sign the new GI bill. He'd love to add your name to the letter. Monday's the deadline. New Mexico FBIHOP has the . You know what to do.

Tonight on NM In Focus: Tom Udall, Brian Colon, Diane Denish, Primary Wrap-Up

Tonight at 7:00 PM, KNME's New Mexico In Focus features a wrap-up of Tuesday's New Mexico primary and a look ahead to November. David Alire Garcia interviews Tom Udall, special guests give their takes on the results and Gene Grant and The Line panelists provide analysis.

Guests:
• Brian Colon, Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman
• Diane Denish, Lt. Governor
• Tom Udall, Dem Candidate, U.S. Senate
•  Dan East, Repub Candidate, U.S. Senate
• Allen Weh, Republican Party Chairman

Guest Panelist:
• Michael Coleman, Albuquerque Journal Reporter

Regular Commentators/Panelists
• Hosts: Gene Grant and David Alire Garcia
• Margaret Montoya, UNM School of Law / UNM School of Medicine
• Scott Darnell, Communication Director, Republican Party of New Mexico
• Jim Scarantino, Weekly Alibi Columnist

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NM-Sen: New Defenders Ad Ties Pearce to Bush, Big Oil Profits

Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund today launched its third TV ad in New Mexico this election cycle, and the first since Steve Pearce defeated Heather Wilson by about 3,000 votes to win the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate in New Mexico on Tuesday. It shows how Pearce and George Bush are two peas in a pod when it comes to energy policy.

The ad calls on Pearce to begin working for the public interest rather than continually supporting President Bush’s legislative gifts to big oil. It will be broadcast throughout New Mexico and highlights Pearce’s vote to give billions in tax breaks to big oil, as well as his terrible record on improving fuel economy standards, a cost cutting solution for New Mexicans that Pearce has consistently opposed. 

The ad, entitled “Both,” highlights for New Mexicans how Pearce and Bush have consistently stood together on the wrong side of environmental issues, damaging the environment and eating into people’s wages simultaneously.

“Pearce and Bush have actively worked against legislation that could have helped thousands of New Mexicans now struggling to keep up with rising gas prices,” said Defenders Action Fund President Rodger Schlickeisen.

Pearce sits on the House Natural Resources Committee and has repeatedly voted against clean energy solutions and efforts to combat global warming, as well as voting to give oil companies billions in tax breaks.

“New Mexico faces serious challenges from high gas prices and the threat of global warming. Pearce needs to change the way he votes on energy and environmental issues, if he is to properly serve the needs of the state,” added Schlickeisen.

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NM-Sen: Join Tom Udall at Veterans Rally Saturday

From Udall for Senate:
You're invited to join Tom Udall tomorrow at Noon for a Veterans for Udall Rally. Throughout his career in public service, Tom Udall has demonstrated that he has the integrity to do what's right. He believes that we must provide our veterans with the care they need and opportunities they deserve when they get home. For questions or to RSVP, please call Mike Davis at 505.884.3055.

Veterans for Udall
Saturday, June 7th, 12 Noon
Bataan Memorial Park, Corner of Lomas & Carlisle, ABQ

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