Bill Clinton Records Call, Sends Email Supporting Re-Election of Mayor Martin Chavez

Former President Bill Clinton has recorded a phone call urging Albuquerque voters to support the re-election of Mayor Martin Chavez in Tuesday's municipal election. You can listen to it here:

Clinton also wrote a letter that was sent to supporters via email today. Click for a copy of the email (pdf).

When he was serving as President, Clinton visited Albuquerque many times, including several trips when Chavez was serving his first term as Mayor of Albuquerque. Their friendship is well known. Mayor Chavez also supported Hillary Clinton for President and appeared with President Clinton at a rally for Hillary's campaign at the University of New Mexico's Johnson Center in early 2008.

Mayor Chavez got another high-profile endorsement last week when former DNC Chair and 2004 presidential candidate, Gov. Howard Dean, recorded a call and wrote a guest blog on DFNM supporting Chavez for re-election.

October 4, 2009 at 07:15 PM in 2009 Albuquerque Mayoral Race, Bill Clinton, Martin Chavez | Permalink

Comments

the Clintons will never forget who supported Hillary
check out my Bill Clinton blog
https://adugan-billclintonblog.blogspot.com/

Posted by: adugan | Oct 4, 2009 7:31:27 PM

Yes, the Mayor worked hard for the Secretary of State when she was trying to get the nomination.
This election is extremely important. If you have not voted please do so. If RJ Berry gets 40% of the vote he could wind up as our next Mayor.

For those of you who normally do not vote in municipal elections, please get out there and vote.

Posted by: Cornelia Lange | Oct 4, 2009 8:49:59 PM

It is time for the Democrats to Unite behind Marty - Let's Go Marty!

Posted by: Joe | Oct 4, 2009 9:13:48 PM

I got the Howard Dean email. I got the Bill Clinton email. But I'm not convinced until I get the Bill Richardson email.

Governor Richardson? Governor Bill Richardson, red courtesy phone please.

Oh, alright, I don't live in the city limits, and can't even vote in this shindig. Still wonder about the Bill Richardson thing though.

Have a good election you city folks, chances are you'll have another one real soon.

Posted by: scot | Oct 4, 2009 9:50:01 PM

Marty has to go all the way to D.C. to get supporters where Romero can get democrat supporters here in Albuquerque, who actually now the politics of New Mexico extremely well. Sorry Bill, but you just didn't do it for me!

Posted by: Time4Change | Oct 5, 2009 7:44:13 AM

Yeah, this is getting ridiculous. Marty is running scared, and taking desperate measures to win this election. What I can't believe, is how stupid he and his campaign think this electorate is...does he really think a couple of endorsements from has been democrats are really going to convince me to vote for him? Come on Marty, give us a little more credit than that.

What I want to know, is how are these endorsements going to fix our terrible drop out rate or hide all of the scandals the mayor has been involved in, and is still involved in? Clinton doesn't change Bode or ABQPAC for me.

Go Romero.

Posted by: Reggie Tenenbaum | Oct 5, 2009 8:33:55 AM

If Marty can muster an endorsement from Kucinich, I'll think about changing my vote... which is firmly with Romero.

A vote for Marty is a vote for SunCal. If Marty wins, you so called progressives can pat yourselves on the back for continuing the corruption, enabling sprawl, gambling with our water, continuing the recruitment of officers with felony records, etc. etc.

Go down the list on progressive issues and vote with your conscious.

Posted by: And? | Oct 5, 2009 8:34:43 AM

Oh an Barb, I am curious. I got a mailer yesterday from the Marty camp saying that DFNM endorsed him. I thought your endorsement was a personal endorsement, and not the voice of DFNM?

Something seems fishy here. But I'm not surprised.

Posted by: Reggie Tenenbaum | Oct 5, 2009 9:20:19 AM

Hooray for Marty-- Big name CENTRIST Dems love him. I have all the respect in the world for President Clinton and his family, but they don't live in Abq and have no idea of the acrimony the "Mayor for Life" has caused in and among city agencies. Also: can't anyone here read a poll!? There are NO undecided GOPers out there. Berry has all the support he can and will get. Even if the Indys split 50-50 GOP/DEM he STILL doesn't have 40%. Use your progressive vote to vote for a progressive-- RICHARD ROMERO FOR MAYOR!

Posted by: Stephen Reed | Oct 5, 2009 9:37:22 AM

Howard Dean is not a centrist. Bill Clinton was a great president. Both of them say that Mayor Chavez is effective not only in Albuquerque but on the national stage. We need a Mayor who knows people nationally who can help bring jobs here. Who does Richard Romero know? He is a nice man but not right for the times.

Posted by: Go Marty! | Oct 5, 2009 9:45:38 AM

Reggie: Obviously, this blog is named Democracy for New Mexico. For years, I've had a statement about the blog at the link on the upper left-hand corner of the page called "About Democracy for New Mexico." Please read it: https://www.democracyfornewmexico.com/about.html

As it says, this blog is owned, managed and written by me and is an independent entity.

Posted by: barb | Oct 5, 2009 9:52:01 AM

Yes, I understand that Barb. My question is this, how can the Marty Camp send out a mailer saying Democracy for New Mexico has endorsed him?

Posted by: Reggie Tenenbaum | Oct 5, 2009 9:55:48 AM

Did you read the link? Democracy for NM is my independent blog and I endorsed him for the reasons I provided. I don't get your question

Posted by: barb | Oct 5, 2009 9:58:10 AM

Go ahead and try to spin the words however you like. The mailer does not say "Barbara Wold's independent blog Democracy for New Mexico." It says
Democracy for New Mexico." Inferring that the group DFNM, and extension of DFA endorsed Marty.

Posted by: Reggie Tenenbaum | Oct 5, 2009 10:00:23 AM

Democracy for New Mexico IS the blog, as it always has been. End of story.

Posted by: barb | Oct 5, 2009 10:02:55 AM

I'd rather have a Mayor who understands a diverse economy which isn't tied to huge national interests is stronger in the current climate. What have Marty's national contacts brought Albquerque? Eclipse? Intel? HP? Giant employers who shed 100s if not 1000s of jobs when things get rough. If Marty'd been as focused on stimulating small biz as bringing in giant global corps we wouldn't be seeing such enormous increases in unemployment.

Posted by: Stephen Reed | Oct 5, 2009 10:27:16 AM

If the Romero people commenting on here would spend their time working for their candidate instead he'd have a better chance to win.

Posted by: Dem Voter | Oct 5, 2009 10:45:28 AM

Santa and the Tooth Fairy might endorse Marty as well, SO WHAT? Personally I prefer to think for myself, and I think Marty having been proved CORRUPT is NOT what this City needs four more years of. His cronyism, taxpayer funded travel, and pet projects is money that could be better spent for basic services EVERYONE in the city could use, like Library's that stay open longer and buses that run 24/7. President Clinton nor Dr Dean live in Albuquerque, as much as I respect them, their endorsement doesn't mean much, IMO, I am voting for Mr Romero..

Posted by: VP | Oct 5, 2009 11:00:42 AM

Richard Romero for Mayor is like Eric Griego for Mayor is like Dennis Kucinich for President. Good ideas but not enough support to get things done or win elections. Running a bad campaign doesn't help. You have to reach out to the big tent to win.

Posted by: Eliot | Oct 5, 2009 11:07:16 AM

"Richard Romero for Mayor... is like Dennis Kucinich for President."

So Richard Romero was excluded from the debates and currently only has 3% support? C'mon.

Marty supporters claim Romero is running a bad campaign... what kind of campaign is Marty running if, with 12 years of branding, he's tied with Romero in the polls?

What you're seeing is an incumbent disadvantage. I think ABQ is smart enough to realize there's only one democrat in this race.

Posted by: Benito | Oct 5, 2009 11:36:36 AM

Benito-So I guess Howard Dean and Bill Clinton are in the habit of endorsing Republicans? Give it up. You can support or vote for who you want but implying those two are supporting someone who isn't really a Democrat is off base.

Posted by: Ron | Oct 5, 2009 11:50:40 AM

Actually, it is Marty himself who regularly endorses Republicans.

I've been wondering why it would not be a benefit for gay rights if Richard Berry became Mayor? Not that I will vote for the man, but is he not more harmful to gay rights casting votes as a Representative in Santa Fe than as Mayor? It seems to me that Berry is more harmful in re: racial profiling as Mayor.

I just don't think the racial profiling issue has yet had the press that it will have in the run off.

Posted by: bg | Oct 5, 2009 4:56:20 PM

We can't let Berry win. Romero has a very slim chance of getting votes outside the UNM-downtown area. So we have to unite behind Marty. It's that simple. Stop chasing moonbeams and vote for someone who can win.

Posted by: Northeast Hts. | Oct 5, 2009 5:10:33 PM

bg - Do you like how Romero gave all that money to Republicans in the legislature? He gave money to RJ Berry and some of the worst conservative Republicans. He gave money to the opponent of Democrat Victor Raigoza during his campaign. He gave money left over from when he ran for Congress to Republicans. He acts like a good guy but he isn't honest.

Posted by: Romero Isn't Honest | Oct 5, 2009 5:32:13 PM

Marty has been a great Mayor. I watched the city grow in ways I never imagined as an Albuquerque resident. There are more opportunities in the city, I feel safer, and I think I am better off than I was years ago.

Saw the Mayor featured on Fox Business for best citys to live in. I for one hope he's around another four years!

Posted by: Patrick | Oct 5, 2009 5:37:11 PM

"Saw the Mayor featured on Fox Business for best citys (sic) to live in. I for one hope he's around another four years!"

Wow, with endorsements like that from Fox Business, who needs letters/emails from Howard Dean and Bill Clinton? Especially as we have one of the "best citys to live in"...

Sorry, I'm cranky.

Now that I think about it...just about everybody is cranky these days. Personally, I blame Marty...but the scale of crankiness here may be beyond his scope or purview at this point.

Posted by: scot | Oct 5, 2009 6:16:07 PM

Richard Romero lobbies for UNM. Last time I heard, UNM is a public institution that allows Republicans, Democrats, gays, straights, Christians, pagans, and a lot of other people who can pass the entrance requirements to attend.

I am very certain he did not discriminate with his donations, nor was he endorsing everything anyone votes for in the legislature with those same donations.

Everyone here who has a glass house, stand up.

I am not defending his choices per se, but I think the issue is not so cut and dried.

Vote for 4 more years of corruption. You can have it if you want it.

Posted by: bg | Oct 5, 2009 7:08:55 PM

Romero's contributions were in his name and given to more than a few Republicans during election cycles where they were running against Democrats for legislative seats. Go look it up. It's a fact

Posted by: Romero Isn't Honest | Oct 5, 2009 7:16:46 PM

BFD, so Mr Romero working as a lobbyist made some donations to Republicans, last I checked its legal. Regardless, Mayor Marty has been proved to be corrupt. Go look it up. Its a fact.

Posted by: VP | Oct 5, 2009 9:51:18 PM

Marty:

-Pocketed $54,000 from the tax-payers of Abq and was FORCED to pay it back. ABQ PAC, look it up.

-Pressured APD Detectives to lower standards for recruits to up the numbers in a political stunt, hiring officers with felony records. We're now reaping the benefits of our Mayor's actions with officers being implicated in rapes and murders... try to put a happy face spin on that.

-Fast tracked the SunCal TIDD and when the council voted it down, Marty vetoed their decision... with not one word about WATER. He now has a registered lobbiest for SunCal running his campaign... Progressives?!... Where are you??

-His own city staffers are on tape telling a city contractor that Marty's not a good person and that he's solely responsible for holding up their contract... for not giving him free tickets!!

I'm actually dumbfounded that this site endorsed him and tried to do it with a straight face.

Posted by: And? | Oct 5, 2009 11:26:21 PM

Desperate. Hope all the Marty haters are ready to vote for him in the run off.

Posted by: Ron | Oct 6, 2009 8:33:19 AM

There's a big turnout Ron... not good news for your camp.

Posted by: Benito | Oct 6, 2009 11:18:55 AM

Is it civic minded to hope for a low turnout Benito? Democrats should always encourage people to vote.

Posted by: Ron | Oct 6, 2009 12:21:04 PM

Is it civic minded to label those who factually recount a politician's record as "haters"?

Democrats and progressives should always encourage ethics and accountability.

Posted by: Benito | Oct 6, 2009 12:45:55 PM

"As it says, this blog is owned, managed and written by me and is an independent entity."
And brilliantly so Barb!

Posted by: qofdisks | Oct 6, 2009 3:22:03 PM

Thanks, gofdisks!

Posted by: barb | Oct 6, 2009 4:59:43 PM

Say Ron, hows that voting for Marty in a run off working out for you?

Posted by: VP | Oct 6, 2009 10:34:52 PM

VP-How do you like having a right wing fruitcake as mayor? I'm so grateful to the Romero fans.

Posted by: Ron | Oct 7, 2009 1:30:43 AM

Let the whining begin, blame Mr Romero for the corrupt Mayors loss. Regardless of what some may think about Berry (RW fruitcake)he won, get over it. Rather than whining about it I prefer to look on the positive side. If Berry can pry all the fat paycheck useless to taxpayers cronies off the City Hall teat and put a stop to the corruption thats infected City Government then his election will be a positive to all.

Posted by: VP | Oct 7, 2009 8:29:46 AM

VP-you are naive beyond words. You seem to have no idea what Berry and a city council with an R majority will do to wreck this city.

We go from a city getting national recognition for welcoming and celebrating diversity including the gay community to one run by a right wing bigot who appealed to other bigots with his message. We go from a city getting international recognition as seeking green jobs and pushing for a green agenda to one run by people who don't believe greenhouse gases are causing global warming.

You seem to take no responsibility for voting in way that allowed the GOP to take over and reverse everything we've fought for over decades. How can you possibly be celebrating a win by Berry? You've let your hatred of Chavez make you brain dead. Romero fed that too. Berry was the real enemy not Chavez.

Posted by: Wake Up Democrats | Oct 7, 2009 9:49:16 AM

"Wake Up", whatever, your right I don't know what Mayor Berry will do, and NEITHER do YOU. I am also not going to let ideological driven supposition or conjecture pre-judge a Mayor elect who hasn't even been sworn in yet. Enjoy wallowing in your your doom and gloom predictions while your whining about Marty's loss. I am NOT celebrating Berry's win but I do appreciate knowing that Marty's long reign of corruption and cronyism is over.

Posted by: VP | Oct 7, 2009 8:27:13 PM