Democracy for New Mexico

Armijo Announces He'll Stay in Race: Others Say He's Already Off the Ballot

UPDATE: KRQE News online has video of Armijo's press conference as well as their story about the reactions of Democratic Party Chair John Wertheim and Governor Bill Richardson.
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In a late afternoon news conference, Jeff Armijo announced he's staying in the race as the Democratic candidate for State Auditor. According to an article on the Albuquerque Journal website:

Armijo said Tuesday he decided to stay in the race to keep his promise to his supporters. he said he'd received hundreds of e-mails and phone calls urging him to stay in the race.

"If that makes a select few politicians nervous, so be it,'' he said. He said the accusations from the women are false.

"I am the victim of a horrible political scheme,'' he said.

Armijo supposedly had until 5:00 PM today to formally withdraw his name from the ballot. Previously, he had issued a press release saying he'd withdraw but reportedly hadn't filed any legal paperwork. According to the Journal article, Secretary of State Rebecca Vigil-Giron is claiming Armijo's press release served as his formal withdrawal from the race:

Vigil-Giron, in a telephone interview, said she considered Armijo's Aug. 29 written news release as his official notice of withdrawal as a candidate.

"I accepted that withdrawal and the Democratic Party central committee has already been notified they will be meeting to select a candidate,'' said Vigil-Giron. "He is not on the ballot.''

Reportedly, a written copy of the news release was provided by Gov. Richardson's office to Vigil-Giron's office at their request earlier today, and Richardson agrees with State Party Chair John Wertheim statement that Armijo already officially withdrew:

Democratic Party Chairman John Wertheim contends that no matter what Armijo said Tuesday, "he already officially withdrew his name from the general election ballot for state auditor a week ago. ... His actions on that day created a vacancy.''

I certainly have no idea what would legally constitute a withdrawal of a candidate from a statewide election. But I think we'll all become familiar with New Mexico law in this regard if Armijo continues to fight to stay on the ballot.

Jeff Armijo Press Conference Set for 4:45 Today

I just got word that Jeff Armijo is holding a press conference at 4:45 PM today at Bataan Park near Lomas and Carlisle. If Jeff is going to officially remove himself from the ballot as the Democratic candidate for State Auditor, he must do so by 5:00 PM today. Joe Monahan reported this morning that Armijo may be having second thoughts about withdrawing from race. Given the timing of the press conference, I guess it could go either way. The plot thickens.

Democratic State Central Committee members were getting phone calls over the long holiday weekend from Dems trying to garner support for replacing Armijo on the ballot, including popular progressive Rep. Hector Balderas, Albuquerque attorney and County Party Vice Chair Daniel Ivey-Soto and Mayor Chavez's buddy on the Albuquerque City Council, Ken Sanchez. It was assumed Armijo was quitting the race when he made a statement to that effect after meeting with Governor Richardson last week. At the moment, however, nothing is certain and Armijo hasn't yet removed his name from the ballot officially. More to come.

Jeff Armijo Withdraws as Auditor Candidate

As you probably know by now, Jeff Armijo, the Democratic candidate for State Auditor, withdrew from the race yesterday after meeting with Governor Richardson to discuss how allegations of sexual misconduct against Armijo might affect his candidacy and the Party.

I personally think it's unfair to tar and feather anyone based purely on dark allegations for which they haven't been arrested, indicted or proven guilty in a court of law. But as we know, that's often the way the political cookie crumbles. Of course I don't know if Jeff is guilty of the allegations or not, but I do know that he ran a very energetic and grassroots-based campaign and gained many friends and supporters on the way. We'll see if he ever gets his day in court so justice can be served either way. I hope the accusations are bogus. If they aren't, he should be prosecuted like anyone else.

In the meantime, the Democratic State Central Committee is set to meet on September 9th at Smith-Brasher Hall on the campus of what used to be called TVI to vote on a replacement candidate. The names of State Rep. Hector Balderas, ABQ City Councilor Ken Sanchez, outgoing Bernalillo County Assessor Mark Carrillo and DPBC Vice-Chair Daniel Ivey-Soto are among those being mentioned as possibilities, but at this point it's all just talk.

Here are the statements released about Armijo's withdrawal:

From the Democratic Party of NM website:
ALBUQUERQUE – Following a meeting with New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson Tuesday afternoon, Jeff Armijo, Democratic candidate for New Mexico State Auditor, released this statement:

“Governor Richardson has convinced me that I must leave the race for State Auditor. A debate on the issues could not take place if I remain in the race.  I started this campaign with the notion to contribute to all the Democratic candidates.  I feel if I stay in, I may detract from their efforts this fall.

“My focus will now turn to facing the accusations against me.  As I have done all my life, I will maintain my honor and dignity throughout this process.  I would remind everyone that I am presumed innocent until proven guilty.  I have full faith in the judicial process.

“Although a number of people have urged me to stay in the race, I believe leaving is the best decision for my family. I would ask that my privacy be respected during this difficult time.”

SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson released the following statement today following Jeff Armijo’s decision to withdraw from the race for State Auditor:

“I appreciate Jeff Armijo’s action,” Governor Bill Richardson said. “He has acted in the best interest of his family and the Democratic Party.”

As a result of Armijo’s decision to withdraw from the race, the New Mexico Democratic Party’s State Central Committee must meet to choose a replacement candidate.

“I support a competitive process in which the State Central Committee chooses the best candidate to represent the Democratic Party on the ballot,” Governor Richardson said.

ALBUQUERQUE -- Today, Jeff Armijo, the Democratic candidate for State Auditor announced his decision to withdraw his candidacy for the position of state auditor and confront allegations made against him.  Jeff Armijo put the Democratic Party first and his decision helps ensure that the Democratic message – one that calls for a new direction in Washington and celebrates New Mexico Democrat’s record of moving our state forward – will be heard.

Chairman of the Democratic Party of New Mexico John Wertheim issued the following statement in reaction to Armijo’s decision:

"We recognize that this is a difficult time for Mr. Armijo and his family and we appreciate him acting in what he feels is the best interest of the Democratic Party”

“The Democratic Party of New Mexico is fortunate to have a deep bench of competent, capable Democrats who can campaign for, win and effectively manage the office of the state auditor.  Our State Central Committee, the body empowered with filling vacancies on the statewide general election ballot, will convene on September 9th to decide on the best qualified candidate to join our ticket.  Ours will be a fair and open nomination process."

Eric Griego: Democrats Search for Their Soul: Lessons from Lieberman

We're pleased to feature a guest post by Eric Griego, former Albuquerque city councilman and progressive candidate for mayor:

Que lastima .  What a shame.  Three-term United States Senator and one-time Vice Presidential candidate Joe Lieberman made history again this month.  In 2000, he became the first Jewish-American at the top of the American political ticket.  Last week, he became one the few senators in modern U.S. politics to lose his seat in a primary.  In Connecticut, like much of Democratic America, the natives were restless. 

Lieberman's opponent, antiwar millionaire Ned Lamont, ran as an outsider and tapped into growing discontent not just with the war in Iraq but the myriad other failed Bush policies.  Lieberman, his opponent asserted effectively, was as cozy with W as corporate lobbyists with keys to the White House.

The upstart Lamont, once snubbed by the Democratic establishment for taking on an incumbent in a primary, is now cuddling with the who’s who of the Democratic Party, including Hillary Clinton, John Kerry and our own governor. This, after former President Bill Clinton and a list other “centrist” Democrats campaigned tirelessly for Lieberman.

Progressives in the Democratic Party see the Lamont win as a major victory not just for their wing of the party, but for the “heart and soul” of Democratic voters. They believe Lamont is much more in line with rank-and-file Democratic voters. The center of the Democratic Party, it seems, just shifted.

The struggle within the national Democratic Party is echoed here at home. Democratic State Party Chairman John Wertheim was challenged at this year’s state Democratic convention by a group of agitated progressive delegates. Wertheim easily survived the challenge, but the discontent within the base of the Democratic Party has not gone away.

The Democratic Party has historically championed working men and women, fought for the environment and supported a foreign policy that engages rather than alienates the international community. From the New Deal to the Civil Rights Act to the Clean Air Act, Democrats have been the party of the people. However, recently Democrats from Congress to City Council have sided with corporate America, become environmental relativists and supported the preemptive wars of the Bush Administration.

Many Democrats are fatigued with the morphing of the two parties into one mega-centrist party whose members fight to keep their political office rather than make needed political change. They want their party back.

With several up-and-coming Democrats being wooed to the center, it is getting more difficult to see any real difference between the parties, especially on state and local issues. Several DINOs (that’s Democrats In Name Only) have held seats in the state legislatures and Congress for years. Some, like Lieberman, even hold leadership positions.

New Mexico House Majority Leader Kenny Martinez, a strong bet for both speaker and governor in the future, clarified it for me at a recent awards dinner. “It’s not so much moving to the center; it is speaking in terms of values that resonate with voters.”

The lesson of Lieberman’s loss should not be lost for the many up-and-coming aspiring politicos looking to lead the state in the future. Among the group—thirty- and forty-something up-and-comers at all levels of government in our fair state—conversations often center around how the next generation will take the reins of New Mexico. Will it be through go-along-to-get-along politics? Will it be by having a noncontroversial voting record to build broad financial and political base? Will it be by fighting for real reform even if it means taking on some of the powerful members of the Democratic Party? Or will it be by tapping into the alienation and discontent felt by the kind of voters who supported Lamont?

Democratic leaders from the growing list of presidential contenders to candidates for City Council have to do a gut check. What is it that we stand for as Democrats? Are we still the party of the working class? If so, why couldn’t we get an increase in the minimum wage in our Democratically controlled State Legislature? Are we still the party of conservation? Then why is it that developers run most New Mexican cities? Are we the party of diplomacy and internationalism? If so, why did so many Democrats line up like lemmings behind the failed Bush war policies?

One big sign that the waters may be changing is the national movement to hold Wal-Mart accountable for its dismal labor practices. A parade of presidential hopefuls, including our own governor, have or will join the national tour to put pressure on Wal-Mart to change its policies of not providing adequate health care and paying its workers substandard wages.

As the political “center” keeps drifting right, Democrats here at home and in Washington will have to decide if they will keep chasing that elusive “middle” or stand up for the core values of the Democratic Party. As they make that decision, they should remember Joe Lieberman. More importantly, they should remember Ned Lamont.

This commentary is cross-posted at the Alibi.

If you'd like to submit a guest post for consideration, contact me by clicking on the Email Me link on the upper left-hand corner of our main page.

Get Trained to Register Voters

From the Democratic Party of Bernalillo County:
We are having a major campaign to register new voters in our county. You must take a class taught by the County Clerk's office to become a Voter Registration Agent. We have made arrangements with the clerk's office to hold two trainings this month. Our goal is to have at least one voter registration agent in each precinct.

Voter Registration Agent Training

1. Thursday, August 17th, UNM Law School, Room 2401 at 1117 Stanford NE, 6:00 PM - this will replace our usual Third Thursday meeting
2. Saturday, August 19th, UNM Law School, Room 2401 at 1117 Stanford NE, 10:00 AM

Please RSVP to the County office (256-1855 or terri@bernalillodems.org at least 24 hours ahead of each class so that the clerk's office will have enough forms to hand out.

If you cannot attend one of those classes, the clerk holds classes each Tuesday and Thursday, call 768-4085 for exact times and locations.

I am hoping to hear from all of you. This election is crucial. We must elect Patricia Madrid to Congress! The only way we unseat Heather Wilson is by turning out Democrats to vote in large numbers. Please, do you part, register new voters, we will help you make sure they vote! This is bigger than our Congressional District - it is the one thing that we can each do to help our county come back from the mess we are currently experiencing!  Please call or email today!

Terri Holland, Executive Director
Democratic Party of Bernalillo County

Democratic Women of Sandoval County to Hold First Anniversary Picnic

Janice Saxton, Dem candidate for State Rep. District 22

From the Democratic Women of Sandoval County:

Guess who’s having a birthday!
DEMOCRATIC WOMEN OF SANDOVAL COUNTY
First Anniversary Celebration Picnic
Sunday, August 20, 2006, Noon until 3 PM

Join us as we celebrate our first anniversary as Democratic Women of Sandoval County! We will meet for a picnic in the pavilion at the Coronado State Monument Campground (turn right into the campground immediately after you turn off the highway) on Highway 550 in Bernalillo.

Everyone is welcome from age 0 to 109. Bring your relatives, your friends, your neighbors, and anyone else who wants to have fun. There will be good food, music, games and balloons for the kids, lots of politicians (short speeches) and information about local organizations. The pavilion is a short hike from the river and a short drive to the monument. Admission to the monument is free on Sundays and tours are available.

Please help us spread the word to local organizations that they are welcome to have a table (free if they provide the table) at this event. Let your favorite cause know about our celebration. We’d welcome their participation. Click to download a flyer (.doc). If you have questions call Janice Saxton at 867-1139 or email jnjsaxton@msn.com. Don’t miss our Birthday Bash! See you there! You can keep track of Democratic events in Sandoval county at the website of the New Mexico Democratic Club of Sandoval County.

West Side ABQ Dems Meet & Greet Set for 8/16

All Welcome:
West Side Albuquerque Democrats
Meet & Greet Candidates & Neighbors
Ladera Golf Club - 3401 Ladera Dr. NW
August 16, 2006, 6-8 PM

FREE TO ALL:
Light Snacks, Beverages (Cash Bar) - Mariachi Music

Special Guest - Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish
Antonio “Moe” Maestas - Rep. Dist 16
Traci Cadigan - Rep. Dist 15
Ann Stirling - Rep. Dist 23
Antonio Sandoval - Rep. Dist 29
Carol Sloan - Public Regulation Commission Dist #4
Mary Herrera - Secretary of State
James Lewis - State Treasurer
Jeff Armijo - State Treasurer
Jim Baca - State Land Commissioner

Map: https://www.cabq.gov/golf/ladera.html
RSVP:  Marlene Seaton: Bugszie@aol.com or H 505-831-3335
Candy Patterson: candypatt@aol.com or H 505-839-9235

NM Democratic Reunion Events Set for This Weekend

Democrats all over the nation will be participating in "Democratic Reunion" events this coming weekend. Here in New Mexico, there are events scheduled for Chavez, Santa Fe, Bernalillo, Taos, Dona Ana, Socorro, Valencia, Roosevelt and Quay counties and Las Vegas. You can learn more and sign up for events at the DNC's Democratic Reunion site, or create your own event. There'll be cookouts, picnics, canvassing, ice cream socials, potlucks and more. Here's the info on Bernalillo County's event:

From theTerri Holland, Executive Director of the Democratic Party of Bernalillo County: The Democratic Party of Bernalillo County is hosting our First Annual Old Fashioned County Picnic to be held this year on Saturday, July 29 from noon through 5:00 PM at Villa Hispana -- Expo New Mexico (State Fair Grounds). This will be free to one and all, there will be games for adults and children, a raffle, a cakewalk, candidates, music and lots of fun. Our goal is to energize the county and help to get out the vote. We will have hot-dogs and hamburgers, cokes and treats for sale, but families will be encouraged to bring their own picnic lunch. Call for any further details - 256-1855. All Democrats welcome!

DCCC Plans Big Ad Buy in NM, Elsewhere

According to an AP story published yesterday, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Commitee (DCCC) plans to spend at least $30 million in ad buys in approximately 24 congressional districts across the nation. One of those will be New Mexico's CD-1, where Dem Patricia Madrid is challenging incumbent Republican Heather Wilson:

Based on information available to date, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee intends to air ads for eight weeks in an attempt to defeat Rep. Heather Wilson of New Mexico.

The DCCC must operate independent of the candidate campaigns, and their advertising is not approved by the candidates. However, it can have a powerful impact on local races. For a change, the DCCC has more money than its Republican counterpart:

The DCCC reported this week it had $32 million in the bank as of June 30, compared with $18.4 at the same point two years ago. The NRCC reported slightly $26.5 million cash on hand as of June 30.

Democrats need a net change of 15 seats to take back the U.S. House of Representatives. With the DCCC planning to advertise heavily in more than two dozen districts, there appear to be enough competitive seats to allow for a possible Dem takeover of the House come November.

A reports that the campaigns of Democratic challengers are also raising funds at a record pace:

Specifically, Democrats dominate the list of the — those candidates who are seeking to unseat incumbents of the other party — according to a CQPolitics.com review.

Madrid 4th on House Challenger List for Fundraising
In CQ's chart listing 50 House challenger candidates that reported the most cash-on-hand as of June 30th, the campaign of New Mexico's Patricia Madrid came in fourth, with $1,258,845. In the second quarter of 2006 alone, the Madrid campaign raised $684,402. They've raised a recordbreaking total of $1.8 million, more than twice the amount Richard Romero had raised by the same point in his 2004 campaign and nearly four times more than he raised in 2002. And they've done it without the benefit of a $375,000 donation dump like the one Heather Wilson received from President Bush's Albuquerque fundraiser.

It seems clear we'll have enough money to compete in many races across the nation. The question is, will our candidates have the passion, conviction and courage to run the kinds of races we need to turn out large numbers of voters enthusiastic about supporting Dem candidates. Money alone can't bring victory, but it's a start.

Dem State Chair Hosts ABQ Poetry Slam

From the Democratic Party of New Mexico, which Invites you join our march towards victory:

109 DAYS LEFT!
Hosted by  CHAIRMAN JOHN WERTHEIM
And Featuring THE ALBUQUERQUE SLAM POETS
Thursday, July 20th, 2006, 5:30 to 7:30 PM
OPM Nightclub, 211 Gold Ave SW
Food by Tucanos

$40.00 at the door includes 2006 DPNM Membership (bumper sticker, newsletters, discounted admission to events)

$10.00 for Current 2006 DPNM Contributing Members,

$20 for students with ID

For more information and to RSVP call 830-3650 or email ana-lisa@nmdemocrats.org

Click here to become a contributing 2006 member for just $35.00. As an annual member, you will receive a bumper sticker,  a newsletter in July and October informing you of DPNM activities, and discounted admission to DPNM fundraisers. Not only will you be donating to your DPNM, but also your county party – county parties will receive 20% of membership contributions.

Contributions are not tax deductible and for federal income tax purposes. Your contribution will be used in connection with federal elections and is subject to the limitations and prohibitions of the Federal Election Campaign Act.

Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year.

Paid for by the Democratic Party of New Mexico, www.nmdemocrats.org, and not authorized by any federal candidate or candidate’s committee.