Democracy for New Mexico

Meet & Mingle Events: Tim Keller for State Senator

Upcoming ‘Meet and Mingles’ in support of TIM KELLER, Democrat State Senate Candidate in Albuquerque's District 17 are set for Tuesday and Wednesday, April 29th and 30th. Click for FLYER (pdf) with more information about the events, including directions.

DFA-Democracy for New Mexico has endorsed Tim Keller for State Senate. Please do what you can to support his candidacy whether you live in his district or not. We need to help elect more and better Dems regardless of district if we want the NM Legislature to pass a progressive agenda.

Thursday 4/24: Fundraiser to Re-Elect Sen. Linda Lopez

NARAL Pro-Choice New Mexico  Rep. Gail Chasey
Terri Nikole Baca  Mario Benavidez  David Duhigg
Katy Duhigg  Michael Gritzbaugh  Larry Horan  Julie Koob
Margie Lockwood  Cassandra Malone Toni Martorelli
Brian Miller  Rosalyn Nguyen  Richard Romero

Invite you to a fundraiser for Senator Linda Lopez
Candidate for Re-Election in District 11
On: Thursday, April 24, 2008, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
At the home of Richard Romero and Margie Lockwood
907 Silver Ave. SW, 87102
More Info: Click for FLYER (doc)

Firefighters Union Endorses Tim Keller in Senate 17 Race

Tim Keller has received the endorsement of the Albuquerque Area Firefighters Union IAFF Local 244 in his run in the Democratic Primary for State Senate in District 17.

"We are proud to endorse newcomer Tim Keller for State Senate," said Diego Arencon, President of the Firefighters Union. "Tim will fight to get the resources firefighters need so we can do our jobs better. He's the sort of strong champion we need."

"I'm proud to receive this important endorsement," said Keller. "Our firefighters are our first responders and everyday they work to make us safe."

The union pointed to Tim's strong commitment to stand with the firefighters. Tim will:

--Help to pass "presumptive disability" legislation so that our fire fighters receive workers' compensation and disability retirement for cancers, cardiovascular and infectious diseases that are job related. New Mexico is one of nine states in the country that does not offer such protections for our fire fighters. Tim will fight to change that.

"Every day firefighters risk their lives to serve the public. We must honor their service and make sure they get they get the healthcare coverage they deserve," Tim said.

--Stand strong so that our fire fighters continue to enjoy collective bargaining rights.

Tim Keller, a progressive Democrat from Albuquerque, is a business consultant and spends much of his time volunteering on the boards of several non-profit groups that foster economic opportunities in the Southeast Heights and around the New Mexico. He is active in the Democrat Party, serving as Ward Chair and the Bernalillo County Parliamentarian.

Tim is challenging Shannon Robinson for the District 17 State Senate seat in the SE Heights, Albuquerque. Keller has been endorsed by DFA-Democracy for New Mexico and Conservation Voters New Mexico (CVNM). You're encouraged to volunteer and/or donate to his campaign.

More can be found about Tim Keller at his website www.timkellerfornewmexico.com. Tim can be reached at tk@timkellerfornewmexico.com

Technorati Tags:Tim Keller, Albuquerque, New Mexico, New Mexico State Senate, Democrats

Be There or Be Square: Healthy Communities Fundraiser for Eric Griego for State Senate

Albuquerque DFA-Democracy for New Mexico is joining Infill Solutions, Conservation Voters New Mexico and others concerned about building and maintaining healthy communities to host a fundraiser on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 to support the District 14 State Senate campaign of Eric Griego. Click to RSVP for the party, to be held from 5:30 to 7:30 PM on the lower level of the Downtown Flying Star located at 723-B Silver Ave. SW 87102. If you can't make it but want to support Eric's campaign, ActBlue makes it easy to donate online.

Click for a FLYER and post it and/or pass it on. We'd love to have a large turnout for this event. Encourage your friends and neighbors to attend, even if they don't live in District 14. The more forward looking State Senators we can help to elect, regardless of district, the better chance we have for passage of the thoughtful and effective legislation we need in terms of:

• Smart growth and sustainable development
• Conservation, including better protection for the Rio Grande
• Bike-, walk-, and dog-park- friendly communities for healthy citizens and their companion animals
• Safe, clean, and live-exit animal shelters

The June 3rd primary is coming up fast. Don't delay if you want to be a part of the grassroots effort to elect more and better Dems to the New Mexico State Legislature. If we don't work to reform the Legislature's often business-as-usual thrust, who will? Besides attending the fundraiser, please consider volunteering for phone banking and other tasks for Eric's campaign.

The Albuquerque DFA-Democracy for New Mexico Meetup has formally endorsed Eric Griego for State Senate in District 14.

To see this blog's previous coverage of NM Legislative races, visit our archive.

Technorati Tags:Eric Griego, Democrats, Albuquerque, New Mexico, New Mexico Legislature, fundraisers, sustainable development, DFA

Saturday: Matanza Fundraiser for Eleanor Chávez for State Rep

Please join us this
Saturday, April 19th, from 3-6 PM
at the La Vega House (803 La Vega SW) for a:

Matanza for


$20.00-$50.00 (Sliding Scale)

Music * Food * Drink

Sponsored by Joaquín Luján

For more info call 505-400-6545 or just stop by! Directions to 803 La Vega SW: From NE: Cesar Chávez/Bridge West Across the River to La Vega, South on La Vega to address. From SW: Bridge East to La Vega, South on La Vega to address. Click for map.

The Albuquerque DFA-DFNM Meetup group has endorsed Eleanor Chávez for State Representative. Click to donate to her campaign via Act Blue. To learn more or volunteer to help, visit her campaign blog.

Patrica Madrid and More to Host Benefit for Victor Raigoza for State Senate

Former Attorney Gen. Patricia Madrid
And
State Sen. Dede Feldman, State Sen. Bernadette Sanchez,
State Rep. Ed Sandoval, and Marcus Rael, JD

Invite You
To Join Them For an Evening of Food and Drinks
In Support of
Victor Raigoza
Candidate for State Senate District 10

Tuesday, April 22, 2008, 5:30–7:00 PM
At
Home of Victor Raigoza
VISTA DEL NORTE
901 Copperhead Court NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113

Suggested Contribution $50. Contributions should be made payable and can be sent to: c/o Committee to Elect Victor Raigoza, 901 Copperhead Ct. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113. or at www.victor4senate.com. RSVP your HOST or to (505)306-8872 or Miller24601@gmail.com. Click for FLYER (doc).

Technorati Tags:Victor Raigoza, Patricia Madrid, New Mexico, Albuquerque, Democrats

And the Winners Are: First Series of 2008 DFA-DFNM Endorsements

The voting ended late last week and the votes are counted. Members of the Albuquerque DFA-Democracy for New Mexico Meetup group were polled on the candidates they wanted the group to officially endorse in a number of this year's Dem primary races. They included the NM-01 race for U.S. House, three State Senate races and one State House contest. Here are the results and responses from some of the winners:

U.S. House NM-01
81.6% - Martin Heinrich: Winner
13.1 % - Michelle Lujan Grisham
05.3 % - Robert Pidcock
00.0% - Rebecca Vigil-Giron

"Our campaign for change is powered by volunteers who are committed to creating good paying jobs, turning our economy around and bringing the disastrous war in Iraq to an end," said Martin Heinrich. "I'm pleased that DFA-DFNM, a volunteer, grassroots organization committed to changing Washington has joined our large and diverse coalition of supporters that include 15 labor unions, two pueblos, the League of Conservation Voters, the Sierra Club and over 2000 individual contributors."

State House District 13
88.8% - Eleanor Chávez: Winner
11.1% - Dan Silva (incumbent)

"I'm very pleased to receive the endorsement of DFA-Democracy for New Mexico," said Chávez. "Thank you to all the members of DFA-DFNM for the vote of confidence. Together, we will bring the greatly needed change to the Round House, Capitol Hill and the White House. I'm honored to add the group's endorsement to the growing list that support "Proven Leadership for Progressive Change," that include Conservation Voters New Mexico, NM Federation of Labor and United Food and Commercial Workers Union."

State Senate District 14
100.0% - Eric Griego: Winner
000.0% - James C. Taylor (incumbent)

"Thank you, members of DFA-Democracy for New Mexico, for your endorsement and vote of support!  DFNM is a great example of grassroots democracy in action," said Eric Griego. "I look forward to working with DFNM and other groups to bring real reform to NM politics."

State Senate District 15
78.3% - John Blair: Winner
21.7% - Tim Eichenberg

State Senate District 17
100.0% - Tim Keller: Winner
000.0% - Shannon Robinson (incumbent)

"I am honored to be endorsed by DFA-Democracy for New Mexico, a group that proudly stands up for progressive Democratic values. You can count on me to be a champion on the issues that affect our families—healthcare, improved education and job creation," said Tim Keller

As you can see, the top vote getters, percentage-wise, were Eric Griego, who was endorsed by DFA-DFNM in his mayoral run in 2006, and electoral newcomer Tim Keller. However, the group had strong favorites in every race, with the winners receiving a large majority of the votes.

Of course New Mexico's races for three open U.S. House seats and one open U.S. Senate seat are receiving the bulk of the political coverage here, but there are many lively primary races for seats in the New Mexico Legislature that also deserve attention. Progressive candidates strongly supportive of ethics and campaign reform and other measures that have gotten little traction in the Legislature are challenging long-time incumbents in a number of Dem primaries. Is a shakeup in the works?

The DFA-DFNM Meetup group plans to make endorsements in a number of other local races in the near future. But for now, congratulations to the winners and thanks to all who participated!

You're encouraged to support the candidates who won by donating to their campaigns and/or signing up as volunteers for phone banking and canvassing. Every dollar and every hour contributed can pack a big wallop in local races, especially those for Legislative seats. Even if you don't live in a candidate's district, it makes sense to offer support. The more progressive Legislators we elect, the better chance there is for passage of criitical measures like universal health care, ethics and campaign reform, improved funding for education and many more.

Technorati Tags:DFA-DFNM, Democrats, endorsements, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Martin Heinrich, Eleanor Chavez, Eric Griego, John Blair, Tim Keller, Democracy for America, New Mexico Legislature

4/10: Young Professionals Benefit for Raigoza for NM Senate

From Victor Raigoza for State Senate District 10:

You're Invited to
A Party of Young Professionals In Support of
Victor Raigoza, Candidate for State Senate
Click for Flyer (doc)

Thursday, April 10, 2008, 5:30–7:00 PM
The Downtown Blackbird Bouvette Bar & Restaurant
509 Central Ave. NW
(Downtown b/w 5th and 6th St. on Central)
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Suggested Contribution Level: Guests - $25

Contributions should be made payable and can be sent: c/o Committee to Elect Victor Raigoza; 901 Copperhead Ct. NE; Albuquerque, NM 87113; or at www.victor4senate.com. RSVP to a HOST or (505)306-8872 or Miller24601@gmail.com

NM House District 13: Guest Blog by Dem Challenger Eleanor Chávez

This is a guest blog by progressive Democrat Eleanor Chávez, who's challenging long-time Dem incumbent Dan Silva in NM House District 13. Her campaign has been endorsed by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1564 of New Mexico, as well as the New Mexico Federation of Labor. As I've said before, if we want to change how business is done at the New Mexico Legislature, we need to support candidates willing to take on the status quo.

Whether or not you live in District 13, consider attending the "Progressives for Eleanor Chávez" happy hour at Scalo, 3500 Central Ave SE in Nob Hill. It will take place on Friday, April 11th, from 5:30-7:00 PM. Suggested donation $50.00 but any amount is welcome.

Dear Friends,
In early February several colleagues in the social justice and labor community urged me to consider a run for the State House of Representatives, District 13. After much thought and discussion with my family, I've decided to accept the challenge.

Since the early 70's I have worked to make the world we live in a better place. While attending the University of Washington I worked with student farm worker boycott committees, worked to ensure that Chicano programs were not dismantled, and worked against funding cuts of childcare services to low income student parents.

For over 20 years I have been a member the SouthWest Organizing Project, one of the strongest grassroots organizations in the state. With other SWOP members I participated in voter registration drives, community surveys, and campaigns to educate our communities about the impact of toxic dumping. I served on the board of SWOP for many years and remain an active member.

I am currently the director for the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees District 1199NM. We represent health care workers in Las Vegas, Taos, Los Alamos, Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico. In our recent contract negotiations at University of New Mexico Hospital we were successful in a living wage campaign where no worker will receive less than $1.00 per hour wage increase! Good paying jobs with benefits are essential to our ability to raise our families and we all know the right of workers to organize and negotiate over wages, benefits and working conditions must be protected.

As the health care crisis deepens I believe systemic reform is the only answer. Since the early 90's I have worked with other activists to pass legislation that would ensure all New Mexicans have health insurance. For over three years I have chaired the Health Security for New Mexicans Campaign, a coalition of 135 organizations dedicated to the passage of the Health Security Act. 

The time has come for me to offer my services as House Representative from District 13. Growing up in New Mexico I learned early that justice is something that we have to struggle for and work towards.  I want to bring a voice for working people to the Roundhouse. My opponent is a 20 year incumbent who has sold out to polluters, developers and insurance industry lobbyists. This Democratic primary race is one of the hottest in the state and the winner will face no opposition in the general election.

In order to win, we are building a strong, aggressive, grassroots campaign. We have gathered enough nominating petition signatures to secure a place on the ballot for the June 3rd primary. We have also secured the number one slot on the ballot for the District 13 race. We have built a solid campaign team and we have designed a plan to win. But we need your help to ensure a victory on June 3rd. We will need thousands of fliers, 100s of yard signs and many hours of walking to knock on doors and talk about the issues with our neighbors.

I am humbly asking those, like you, who share my commitment to justice to support my campaign now.  In order to get this campaign off to a running start we need to raise $50,000 in the next two months—half of that by early April. That's a big task but we can do it if people like you pledge your support. 

Your gift of $25, $50, $100, $250, $500 or $1,000 will help me raise the vital "early seed money" I need to successfully launch this campaign.

You can make donations on-line on my page on Act Blue or you can mail checks to the Eleanor Chávez for District 13 Campaign, to 1307 Del Maestro SW Albuquerque, New Mexico  87121. If you would like to volunteer I can be reached at eleanorchavez@gmail.com; or call the campaign at 967-1337.

Thank you very much in advance for your generous support!

Sincerely,
Eleanor Chávez
https://eleanorchavez.blogspot.com/

This is a guest blog by Eleanor Chávez. If you'd like to submit a post for consideration as a guest blog, please contact me by clicking on the Email Me button on the upper left-hand corner of the page.

State Senate District 14: Step Up to the Plate for Eric Griego

Former Albuquerque City Councilor Eric Griego is running for NM Senate in the Dem primary in District 14, taking on incumbent Dem James Taylor. Visit Eric's campaign website to learn more, sign up to help or make a donation. You might also be interested in checking out a new interview with Eric on the local blog A Female New Mexican's Political Point of View.

Griego has already receive two important endorsements -- from Conservation Voters New Mexico and the Albuquerque Area Firefighters Union IAFF Local 244.

When progressive grassroots candidates like Eric take on entrenched interests, they need all the help they can get -- from those who live in their districts and those who don't. Electing another State Senator who's dedicated to issues like ethics and campaign reform, clean energy jobs, universal health care and effective improvements in our schools benefits all of us, not just those who live in a particular district. Consider volunteering to canvass door-to-door for Griego's campaign regardless of where you live. Pass it on. Pass it on. Pass it on.

The campaign needs at least 25 volunteers each week between now and the primary election on June 3rd to reach voters door-to-door and by telephone. Please contact Eric's campaign today to sign up by callin Field Coordinator Marti Tully at 907-7752.

Click to see our previous posts on Eric Griego's campaign for NM Senate:

• Firefighters Endorsement
• Petition Filing
• Conservation Voters New Mexico Endorsement
• Young Professionals Fundraiser
• Eric at DFA-DFNM Meetup
• Website Launch and Video Introduction
• Campaign Team
• Campaign Kickoff
• Decision to Run