Democracy for New Mexico

Bogus Richardson for Senate Petition Being Sent to Dems

So have you gotten a letter and petition in the mail recently asking you to gather signatures for a Senate run by Gov. Bill Richardson? I did, and so have others I know. Seems that members of the Dem Party's State Central Committee and those that hold other Party offices have received copies via snail mail. I've heard that they're also being left in prominent locations in restaurants and other locales.

If you give them more than a passing look it's obvious they're bogus -- no return address, no official stationery, etc. Looks like an anonymous someone is trying to hold down declared candidate fundraising by trying to convince potential donors that Richardson is still considering running for Senate if his presidential bid fails. Or something. Whoever and whatever is behind the attempt, it's definitely weird. Unfortunately, in an election cycle like this one, we can probably expect to witness an abundance of shady tactics being used to try and gain an edge.

Email from Richardson Campaign
Here's the official word from the Richardson for president campaign declaring the petition effort a sham:

Over the past few days many of you have received anonymous letters and petitions asking you to gather names to support a supposed run for the Senate by Governor Richardson. I just wanted to let you know that these petitions are not coming from Richardson for President and do not have the support of Governor Richardson, ourselves or anyone working for Governor Richardson.

The Governor, as he has repeatedly said, plans on being the next President of the United States and has no interest in running for the Senate.

Additionally, let me assure you that Richardson for President would never send out material that is not on an official letterhead and personally signed. These anonymous letters, with no return address and no signature, were not generated by Richardson HQ and we do not want anyone to sign them or return them to our offices. If you know anyone who has started to collect names, or see someone trying to gather signatures, please tell him or her that Governor Richardson is not going to run for the Senate and instead encourage him or her to support the Presidential campaign.

In just a few weeks, the first voters in Iowa and New Hampshire will head to the polls, we're focused on winning the Democratic nomination for President and hope you will stand with us and make sure the best candidate gets elected.

Those who sent out these letters were clearly trying to influence our closest supporters and provide them with misleading information. We are looking into this matter, and please disregard any more so called "Richardson for Senate" petitions you receive in the mail.

Thank you very much,

Dave Contarino
Campaign Manager
Richardson for President

Amanda Cooper
Deputy Campaign Manager
Richardson for President

NM-Sen: Udall Reports Richardson Won't Enter Race

We've all heard it over and over again from many sources -- Governor Bill Richardson isn't interested in entering the 2008 U.S. Senate race in New Mexico. He's running for president and that's that. The Albuquerque Journal's front page headline this morning says it again, in case anyone's still unconvinced at this point: "Udall Says Governor Confirms He's No Senate Threat." The story reports on a conversation reporter Jeff Jones had with Rep. Tom Udall (NM-03) yesterday:

Gov. Bill Richardson to his key New Mexico backers: Support anyone you want for the 2008 U.S. Senate race, because I'm not getting in. That was Richardson's message during a face-to-face meeting with those supporters earlier this month, according to Rep. Tom Udall, a fellow Democrat who next week will announce his U.S. Senate bid.

"He basically released them to do what they wanted to do in the Senate race," the 3rd Congressional District representative told the Journal on Tuesday.

Rep. Udall was in Rio Rancho yesterday to speak at a joint luncheon meeting of the Rio Rancho and Greater Albuquerque Chambers of Commerce, an appearance scheduled before his decision to run for Senate.

Richardson's campaign joined in with another attempt to make the Governor's position clear:

"We are not running for Senate," Richardson campaign spokesman Tom Reynolds said again Tuesday.

Udall also explained that hearing about Richardson's statement to his supporters was a major factor in his decision to run for Senate:

Udall initially had said he would seek to stay in the House. In an interview Tuesday, he said he reconsidered "almost immediately" upon getting news of what Richardson had to say to his top supporters.

"I wasn't a part of the group (at the meeting)," he said. "But I heard from many people that were at the meeting."

As further evidence, Udall said he's now lining up "some longtime Richardson backers" to support his Senate campaign. He also said that he'll officially enter the race "over a period of several days next week."

Will all this finally put to rest the rumors and speculation about Richardson still eying a Senate run if his quest to be the Democratic nominee for president fails? We'll see.

In the meantime, the Richardson campaign reports that the Governor has real momentum in New Hampshire's presidential primary race:

A new CNN/WMUR poll released today shows New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson surging in New Hampshire, climbing six points to pull even with John Edwards and shrinking the gap with Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

... "The momentum we are seeing in New Hampshire is happening in all of the early states," Contarino added. "Voters are looking for bold solutions, backed by a real track record of success, and more and more are supporting Bill Richardson."

According to the new CNN/WMUR poll:

Hillary Clinton	36%
Barack Obama	22%
John Edwards	13%
Bill Richardson	12%

Check our archive for previous coverage of the 2008 U.S. Senate race in New Mexico. Photo credits: Udall photo by Jeff Jones, published the Gallup Independent. Richardson photo from campaign Flickr album.

Ortiz y Pino: Hillary Is a Symptom of America's Malaise

This is a guest blog by NM State Senator Jerry Ortiz y Pino, a Democrat who represents District 12 in Albuquerque. This article recently appeared in other publications including the Seoul Times, OpEdNews.com and Santa Fe Sun News:

Watching the Democratic Presidential candidates' televised debates has become painful for me. Oh, sure: watching the Republicans' version of the rainbow coalition (white, off-white, grey, bone, ivory, buff and cream) in action on television in (pardon the expression) "living color" is even more dreadful, but we know those guys are going to lose, so who cares how bad their act is?

The Democrats, on the other hand, are in all likelihood sifting through the options leading up to actually picking a winner—the next occupant of the Oval Office. If the point of these debates is to give us, the voters, any insight into what our next Chief Executive is going to be like, we are in big trouble. I say this knowing that the Press has already accorded Senator Hillary Clinton not only the Democratic nomination, but the ultimate prize, the White House, as well. This was done without a single vote having been cast and simply on the strength of one solitary measure: dollars raised. She must be ahead, the pundits reason, because she's lapped the field in the money-grubbing sweepstakes.

I know that all the commentators realize that technically some sort of voting has to take place before the coronation is allowed to happen, but to the skilled political observer's eye, this is just so much red tape and hokum. The matter has been decided. She was the first in the sprint to raise $10 million this year, which shot her to the forefront in the early analyses and which then generated an avalanche of additional money from those eager to be lined-up on the same side as the ultimate victor. Then that extra money was widely interpreted to mean she was enjoying soaring, even skyrocketing popularity, far more than her primary opponents…and that attracted yet more contributions. A classic snowball effect played out.

It should be no surprise that the polls show her well ahead of Obama, Edwards, Richardson, and the rest of the pack. She's riding a tsunami of cash, and she seems expertly shrewd in the art of spending it wisely. Her commercials (definitely carried on network television, not the dusty back shelves of cable rerun channels) are certain to be slick. Her mailings will be models of Madison Avenue wizardry. Her telephone push polls will, of course, be put together so subtly that no respondent will ever be aware they've been pushed or polled. If money can buy it, Hillary will have it in her arsenal and all the gadgetry of modern political "witch doctorism" will be immediately at her disposal.

You've got to hand it to her: Senator Clinton plays this version of the political game like the old pro she is, and she plays it to win, with nothing left to chance. So I admit to a certain admiration for this tough, smart, supremely polished woman. She might have made a terrific President at one time, but now when I see her in action in front of the cameras, I cringe. She has become the number one symptom (and not the solution) of all that ails American Democracy in these most cynical of times.

In her probable victory a year from now, we will have reflected back to us the dismal portrait of what we have devolved into: a culture that can't be bothered to decide the value of anything except by one solitary measure: the marketplace.

Equally on full display is the frightening picture of how corrosive the influence of money is on political processes. I can't blame Hillary for playing to win by these rules; she didn't write them, she just figured out how to make them pay. It can be argued that it was the Supreme Court that did the dirty deed when it ruled some years ago that any attempt by law makers to limit the influence of money in elections is an unconstitutional attempt at limiting free speech!

One corollary to this ruling has always seemed to me to be: he who has the most money has the most free speech, and the poor, by virtue of their lack of money, have practically no free speech. A second corollary is what Clinton appears to be demonstrating so precisely this primary season: when dollars are the equivalent of votes, who needs elections as long as we have bankers?

This, then, is the American political malaise. Our worship of money has logically produced an electoral process in which nothing will be said that might antagonize the sources of political cash: the wealthiest of the American Corporate lions. Senator Clinton's rhetoric becomes increasingly bland and forgettable as her campaign treasury deepens. In the end stages (now), she says nothing and promises only to avoid (her favorite word) "irresponsible" action. Wonderful. We will get four years of "responsible inaction" if she assumes the mantle.

This rapid ride to the bottom of insipid inoffensiveness was on pathetic display most recently when she forgot herself during an answer to a question on issuing drivers licenses for undocumented persons. She said something just a wee bit venturesome—then spent five minutes thrashing around trying to re-establish herself as sitting squarely on the fence on this (and every other) issue imaginable. "I can see all sides of this controversy," she seemed to me to be saying, "and you can be assured that as President I will do absolutely nothing about it…for fear that taking action might offend someone, especially someone who possibly might have supported my campaign financially. I just can't take that risk. Nor will I promise to end the Occupation of Iraq during my term, either."

A campaign run the way this one is being run seems exquisitely crafted to produce record low voter turn-outs. The message is clear. Our leading candidates feel passion about nothing but the size of their campaign's bank deposits. They intend to do nothing to change the status quo. When Democrats and Republicans are indistinguishable, will voting make the slightest difference? There isn't a whole lot of Democracy left in this country, just a powdery covering with a lot of bare spots. Watching our leading Democratic Presidential contender brush away even those remnants isn't a pretty sight.

Editor's Note: This is a guest blog by NM State Senator Jerry Ortiz y Pino. Click to read a previous guest blog by the Senator. Guest blogs provide readers with an opportunity to express their views on relevant issues and may or many not reflect our views. If you'd like to submit a piece for consideration as a guest blog, contact me by clicking on the Email Me link on the upper left-hand corner of the page.

Live Online Saturday: First Presidential Forum on Global Warming

From Grist:
Los Angeles, CA – For the first time in history, presidential candidates will take part in a forum focused on the issues of global warming and America’s energy future this Saturday, November 17th at the Wadsworth Theater in Los Angeles. The forum will be webcast live beginning at approximately 3:00 PM MST, at: https://www.grist.org/webcast.

Senators Hillary Clinton and John Edwards and Congressman Dennis Kucinich are confirmed to attend the presidential forum sponsored by Grist and PRI’s Living on Earth. The candidates will present their plans to address global warming and energy issues in a series of interviews with journalists and experts in the field.  All candidates from both the Democratic and Republican parties have been invited.

"Grist.org is pleased to be a sponsor to the Presidential Forum and provide the candidates a platform to spell out for voters exactly what they intend to do halt global warming. Most Americans recognize the seriousness of the issue and are looking to our political leaders for solutions," said Chip Giller, President of Grist.org.

"We are very excited about providing voters with the chance to hear, directly from the candidates, how they will address global warming and America’s energy future," said Gene Karpinski, President of the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund.

The forum will be presented in partnership with the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, California League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, Center for American Progress Action Fund, NRDC Action Fund, and the Presidential Forum on Renewable Energy. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa will give the opening remarks.

"Californians know there is no time to waste in fighting climate change," said Susan Smartt, Executive Director of the California League of Conservation Voters. "We are extremely proud that California is hosting the first ever presidential forum on climate change and our energy future. We hope the nation will be taking notes."

"California has shown great leadership on this issue from emissions to alternative resources -- it's now time for national leadership to match our dedication and we're excited to hear the candidates outline their strategies," said Nina Hachigian, Director of the California Office of the Center for American Progress Action Fund.

To watch the webcast live beginning at approximately 3:00 PM Mountain Time visit:

https://www.grist.org/webcast

Also see these interviews conducted by Grist.org and Outside magazine with participating candidates:

• Hillary Clinton
• John Edwards
• Dennis Kucinich

And here and interviews and factsheets on the positions of all the presidential candidates of both parties.

DFA Presidential Pulse Poll: Bill Richardson

Democracy for America is running a Presidential Pulse Poll and each of the Dem candidates has been invited to submit a message explaining why they should get our vote. Gov. Bill Richardson is the latest to distribute a message:

I know you've already received a couple of emails from other candidates, asking for your vote in the Presidential Pulse Poll.  They have given you what you usually get from candidates: long lists of strong policy statements and broad political philosophies.

You've seen my DFA videos on energy and Iraq, and you can visit my website for my plans on health care, education, and other important issues. But today I want to talk to you about the issue that matters most in this race:

Ending the war in Iraq.

You know where I stand: end this war now and get all our troops out as quickly as possible. If you're with me and want this war over now and all the troops out, please cast your vote for me, Bill Richardson, in the DFA Presidential Pulse Poll:

https://DemocracyforAmerica.com/VoteRichardson

Ending the war was the defining issue in 2003, when Governor Dean called for an end to the war - before President Bush spent four more years wasting billions of dollars, and hundreds more brave American troops died.

Iraq was the issue that really mattered in 2006, when we elected a Democratic majority to Congress to end the war (though they have yet to get that done). Iraq will be the issue this spring when we select a nominee, and it will be the issue that can win us back the White House in 2008.

Ending the war is the issue that distinguishes me from the other candidates in this race.

It seems simple - yet I am the only leading candidate who is unequivocally calling for the removal of all troops now. No half-measures. No rhetorical games about "combat troops" versus "non-combat troops." No residual troops. No one left behind.

https://DemocracyforAmerica.com/VoteRichardson

From the other leading candidates we're hearing poll-tested pieties about ending the war. But when you ask them what they'll actually do, none of them will commit to getting all of our troops out of Iraq now. They won't even commit to getting all the troops out by 2013. I've committed to ending the war my first day in office, and getting all the troops out in 2009. You can hold me to it.

If we don't elect a candidate who will get all of our troops out now, the war in Iraq may still be the defining issue in the 2012 campaign.

Your vote in the Pulse Poll does more than just determine an endorsement; it sends a message about what you demand from your candidates.

Today, I'd like you to send a message about ending this war when you cast your vote.

https://DemocracyforAmerica.com/VoteRichardson

Ending the war means a full and complete withdrawal. That's what America needs... and it's what I'll do.

Before I was Governor of New Mexico, I was a member of Congress, Secretary of Energy, and Ambassador to the United Nations. I've successfully negotiated with the worst "bad guys" from around the world -- including Saddam Hussein.  I know the region, and I know real diplomacy isn't possible until we get all of our troops out. As long as our troops are in Iraq, the Iraqis will not make the tough political compromises and the insurgents will continue to use our presence for recruitment. As long as our troops are in Iraq, they will continue to die in someone else's civil war.

I'm talking about Iraq and ending this war everywhere I visit - with DFA support and volunteers behind me, think of how far we can go. Vote now.

https://DemocracyforAmerica.com/VoteRichardson

We need to end this war now. That means getting all of our troops out. I'm the candidate committed to getting it done, and the only candidate with the experience to do it right.

Thank you for your vote in the Presidential Pulse Poll, and your continued hard work helping to elect Democrats.

Sincerely,
Governor Bill Richardson

Note from DFA: All Candidates have been asked to submit a "Vote for Me" message for DFA members. This message is not an endorsement by DFA. We provide this direct contact from the campaign as a service for our members when choosing whom to support in the final DFA Presidential Pulse Poll.

If you've already voted in the Pulse Poll, you can vote again and it will replace your previous vote.

(Updated) Call Today to Stop Telecom Amnesty in the Senate Judiciary Committee

UPDATE 10.25.07: Three more Senators on the SJC have pledged to vote against telecom amnesty: Joe Biden (D-DE), Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Ben Cardin (D-MD). Let's keep the pressure on the others. Yesterday, presidential candidate Bill Richardson issued a statement urging the Senate to reject telecom immunity.
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Senator Chris Dodd has been leading the fight in the Senate against amnesty for lawbreaking on the part of the telecoms who allowed Bush to conduct warrantless surveillence using their facilities. He has pledged to request a hold on the bill to stop it from getting a vote on the Senate floor or to filibuster the legislation, if necessary, to stop it.  In the meantime, he suggests we try to stop telecom amnesty in the Senate Judiciary Committee. So far, only Sen. Russ Feingold has said he will vote no. Click on the image above and it will take you to a page that provides the info you need to call the other members of the committee.  Pass it on.

Neanderthal Candidate Takes Repubs by Storm

Go ahead. Go see it below the fold.

Click on image for larger version. See more Tom Tomorrow cartoons. (h/t to NG)

Reminder: Richardson Road Runner Rally This Thursday

Richardson Campaign's New Ad: Only One.

RSVP NOW for the Bill Richardson for President Roadrunner Rally:

What:	Richardson Road Runner Rally
When:	Thursday, October 25 at 4:30 PM
Where:	IBEW Union Hall 4921 Alexander Blvd NE Map Albuquerque, NM 87107

, or email Michelle Frost at mfrost@richardsonforpresident.com with any questions.

Richardson Campaign Rally in ABQ Thursday

From Richardson for President:
Please join me and my campaign for a Road Runner Rally this Thursday, October 25, at the IBEW Union Hall in Albuquerque from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. In less than 84 days the first votes will be cast in the 2008 Democratic Caucuses in Iowa-- time is of the essence, and I need your help! Having given me the largest margin of victory in a Governor's race in more than four decades, I need your support now more than ever to keep the momentum rolling to take back the White House in 2008! I look forward to seeing you on Thursday to discuss my roadmap to the White House and how you can help. Here are the details for the event.

What:	Richardson Road Runner Rally
When:	Thursday, October 25 at 4:30 PM
Where:	IBEW Union Hall 4921 Alexander Blvd NE Map Albuquerque, NM 87107

, or email Michelle Frost at mfrost@richardsonforpresident.com with any questions.

See you then,
Governor Bill Richardson

New Gore Videos: Is He Running?

Yesterday, Al Gore added three short, campaign style videos to Current.com, the online website of the cable TV channel he helped found. As far as I can tell, he's never done this before. What does it signal? Watch them and then you tell me:

• He's for universal, single-payer health care: Health Care Is a Right
• He thinks we need more protection against government surveillance: Americans Deserve More Protection
• He wants to bring the troops home as quickly as possible: Get the Troops Home