Democratic Party of New Mexico Elects Javier Gonzales as Chair, Unanimously Passes Resolution for Strong Public Option (Photos, Video)

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The State Central Committee of the Democratic Party of New Mexico held its Fall meeting yesterday at Isleta Casino and Resort at Isleta Pueblo. After being cordially welcomed by Isleta Pueblo Governor Robert Benevidez, the first order of official business was to elect a new Chair to replace Brian Colón, who resigned on August 8th to run for Lt. Governor. Javier Gonzales of Santa Fe was elected by acclamation, with no opposition, and will serve the remainder of Colón's term that expires in April of 2011. Brian got a huge outpouring of thanks from the crowd for his work over the past three years -- and the victories we all enjoyed in 2008.

New DPNM Chairman Javier Gonzales

Gonzales Family

Chairman Javier Gonzales at podium

Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish thanked Vice Chair Annadelle Sanchez for a job well done in serving as Party Chair during the transition, and then proceeded to formally nominate Javier for the post.

Denish talks about Dems vs. GOP, nominates Gonzales

"It is my honor to place the name of Javier Gonzales into nomination. He has been a Democrat through and through - from his family roots to his service today. I would like to thank Javier for his willingness to serve and I look forward to celebrating with him in November 2010," said Denish. Gonzales' nomination was seconded by Bernalillo County Vice Chair Victor Raigoza.

Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, DPBC Vice Chair Victor Raigoza

Addressing the crowd, Javier Gonzales said, "It is in the name of my father George Gonzales, and his belief in a brighter future, that I stand before you seeking the privilege to become Chairman of the people's party, the Democratic party of the Great State of New Mexico."

Click for a complete transript (pdf) of Javier's speech.

Gonzales talks about education, equality for all

Gonzales gave a powerhouse speech that emphasized traditional Democratic values and how they're more important than ever in a time when change agents and forces working for the status quo are locked in a sometimes brutal battle. He spoke of his strong support for improving education, fighting off attempts to cut education funding and ensuring that every American has access to affordable health care -- with a public option to help hold down costs.

Javier on health care reform, Ted Sen. Kennedy, public option

Equality for ALL
Gonzales forcefully explained that he believes equality for all is a core Democratic value, and brought down the house when he said, "As Democrats we fight for the day when the right to marry the person of one's choice is a fundamental right regardless of sexual orientation."

Gonzales on Justice Sotomayor, equal pay, the fundamental right of marriage equality

"I commit to you today, as your Party Chair, that I will fight for you and the principles and ideals of our Democratic Party. You believe what I believe, we are right on all the issues and when we have Democrats in office, the people of this nation and this state have people fighting for them and against the status quo. We are a Party of progress and not stifled. We are the party of labor, education, environment, civil rights and working families," he continued.

Clearly, Gonzales is taking the reins of a State Democratic Party that's united in its values and thirsting for the kind of progressive change that Democrats have historically achieved. He seems incredibly proud to BE a real Democrat, and excited about leading the Party into the 2010 election cycle with confidence, a yen for teamwork and an intense focus.

Rep. Ben Ray Lujan talks about health care reform

Other Speakers
Earlier, the crowd of several hundred heard from a number of elected Dems. A passionate speech by Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (NM-03) addressed the need to reform health care this year, now. Rep. Lujan emphasized that the battle is still heating up in DC, and asked Dems to keep up the calls and letters in support of Obama's reform intiative. He urged Democrats to arm themselves with the facts and continue talking to neighbors, family members and colleagues to make sure they know what's true about the reform initiative -- and what's not. Rep. Lujan also made quite a case for the public option and pledged to continue his strong advocacy for the provision. 

State Auditor Hector Balderas called for strong ethics reform measures and explained why he believes the role of the office needs to be valued, and expanded. Secretary of State Mary Herrera was happy to report she had accomplished all of the personal goals she had set for herself when she was elected to her first term and is ready for another.

Resolutions
The SCC passed -- unanimously -- a resolution that originated in the Democratic Party of Santa Fe County in support of a strong public option in any health care reform bill. The Dems of New Mexico are speaking with one voice in terms of what real reform entails.

Two other resolutions for changes proposed by the Rules Committee, to discontinue the use of proxy voting at conventions on the county and state levels, were both defeated.

LG Candidates Abound
Candidates for Lt. Governor were out in force mingling with the crowd and/or speaking to SCC members at tables around the meeting space. LG candidates in attendance included former DPNM Chair Brian Colón, Sen. Linda Lopez, Sen. Jerry Ortiz y Pino, Santa Fe Sheriff Greg Solano, Lawrence Rael, who's Executive Director for the Mid-Region Council of Governments, and Rep. Jose Campos. The nonscientific observation of Mary Ellen was that most SCC members were wearing Brian Colon campaign stickers. She's usually spot on.

Click on photos for larger versions. All photos and videos by M.E. Broderick.