Democracy for New Mexico

(Updated) Reminder: Howard Dean & Register for Change Tour in NM Tomorrow

As I posted previously, DNC Chair Howard Dean will be in New Mexico tomorrow, Thursday, August 21, with the Register for Change Tour bus. He'll be joined by Jill Cooper-Udall (Tom's wife), Derek Fisher of the LA Lakers and actor Kal Penn. Come on down to greet Howard and company, register to vote if you haven't yet done so and pick up some good vibes from an excited crowd of Dems:

Dean & Register for Change, Thursday, August 21:

• Santa Fe, NM: 10:15 AM, Casa Solano Shopping Center Parking Lot, Alameda Street & St Francis
• Sandia Pueblo, NM: 1:00 PM,Sandia Library
• Albuquerque, NM: 3:15 PM, Albuquerque Campaign for Change Office Parking Lot, 3523 Central Avenue

Click for flyer (doc). Unfortunately, the stop originally scheduled for Santo Domingo Pueblo has been cancelled. The Tour will stop at Sandia Pueblo instead.

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David Rovics Brings His Political Folk Music to AirDance AirSpace Tonight

Singer/songwriter David Rovics is playing Wednesday night, August 20, at 8 PM at the AirDance AirSpace at 3030 Isleta SW in Albuquerque. Rovics presents a political array of folk music that's gotten praise from many quarters.

David Rovics has been called the musical voice of the progressive movement in the US. Amy Goodman has called him "the musical version of Democracy Now! Since the mid-90's, Rovics has spent most of his time on the road, playing hundreds of shows every year at massive rallies throughout North America and Europe and at thousands of conferences, college campuses and folk clubs throughout the world. He has shared the stage regularly with famed individuals such as Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn, Ralph Nader, Dennis Kucinich, Billy Bragg, the Indigo Girls, Martin Sheen, and Susan Sarandon. More importantly, folks say he's really good. He will make you laugh, he will make you cry, and he will make the revolution irresistible. David also has over 200 songs for free download on his website, www.davidrovics.com.

Details On Obama Visit to Albuquerque on Monday, Tix Available Saturday & Sunday

Campaign for Change New Mexico has announced that Obama will return to New Mexico on Monday, August 18th, to hold two events in Albuquerque. In the morning, he will have an invitation only discussion on the economy with local residents. In the afternoon, Obama will hold a public town hall meeting at Rio Grande High School. Tickets are required.

MONDAY, AUGUST 18
TOWN HALL MEETING WITH BARACK OBAMA
Rio Grande High School
Main Gymnasium
2300 Arenal Road, SW
Albuquerque NM 87105
Doors Open: 10:45 AM, Program Begins: 1:00 PM

This event is free and open to the public; however, tickets are REQUIRED. Tickets are limited and will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Members of the public can sign up online to receive a free ticket via email at https://www.barackobama.com or they can pick up free tickets on Saturday and Sunday at the locations listed below. (Specific page on Obama website for signing up for the town hall is https://my.barackobama.com/page/content/nmhome.)

Use of public transportation is STRONGLY ENCOURAGED. LIMITED public parking will be available at Rio Grande High School in student parking on the West side of the school on Arenal Road. Attendees are encouraged to car pool whenever possible.

Ticket Distribution Locations:
Tickets will be available: Saturday, August 16th and Sunday, August 17th from 9 AM- 5 PM

Albuquerque - State Headquarters
117 Montclaire Drive SE
Albuquerque, NM 87108
Contact Tel.: 505-266-3556

Albuquerque - Volunteer Headquarters
3523 Central Avenue NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
Contact Tel.: 505-435-0723

Bernalillo Office
240 South Camino del Pueblo
Albuquerque, NM 87004

Los Lunas Office
1052 Main Street NE, Suite B
Albuquerque, NM 87031
Contact Tel.: 505-865-9481

***For security reasons, do not bring bags. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners allowed.***

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Thursday: Celebrate 73rd Birthday of Social Security & Protest Privatization

You're invited to join with other Dems tomorrow to celebrate the 73rd Birthday of the most successful anti-poverty program in history, Social Security. The Democratic Party of New Mexico will join with concerned New Mexican voters to reject the Bush-McCain privatization plan.

WHAT: Singing Happy Birthday to Social Security; Protesting Republicans' Privatization Plans

WHO: Deputy Secretary of Aging and Long Term Care, Patsy Trujillo, State Senate District 10 Candidate Victor Raigoza

WHERE: John McCain's Office: 5643 Jefferson NE; Albuquerque, NM

WHEN: Thursday, August 14, 2008 - 12 Noon

The Enduring Value of Social Security: A recently released report from the Institute for America's Future estimates that without Social Security, more than 35 percent of Americans aged 65 and older would be living in poverty. In New Mexico, over 300,000 individuals count on earned Social Security benefits each month. Social Security privatization threatens their lives and each of our futures, as it would cut benefits by almost half a million dollars, making millions of senior citizens vulnerable to poverty.

"With the foreclosure crisis, soaring energy and food costs, we all know how little Republicans have done to help the middle class," said Brian S. Colón, Chairman of the Democratic Party of New Mexico. "I think New Mexicans will agree, we don't want Republicans like John McCain or Darren White getting anywhere near our social security."

Tonight & Tomorrow: Lt. Col. to Speak on "Progressive" Foreign Policy in Santa Fe, ABQ

From the National Security Network (NSN): NSN, founded in 2006 to revitalize America's national security policy, bringing cohesion and strategic focus to the progressive national security community, will host town hall meetings in Santa Fe and Albuquerque tonight and tomorrow. Lt. Col. Stephen Abraham (US Army Reserve Ret.) will be leading a discussions about Keeping America Safe and Safeguarding American Values.

The Santa Fe event will take place tonight, August 13, at 7:00 PM, at The Forum at the College of Santa Fe, 1600 St. Michael's Drive. The Albuquerque town hall is set for tomorrow, August 14, at 7:00 PM in Ballroom A at the UNM Student Union Building in Albuquerque. Free and open to the public.

ABOUT THE NSN: The National Security Network develops and promotes national security solutions that are both pragmatic and principled.  We work with experts and activists, candidates and elected officials to connect decision-makers and opinion leaders with the best foreign policy options available – in language that works for them and that their constituents understand and support.

We look to the future with a policy outlook that draws on the best traditions of American foreign policy: an unwavering commitment to American values, a return to shrewd diplomacy, a focus on effective partnerships and alliances, and a strong and flexible military.

What We Do

Policy analysis and development: NSN convenes top foreign policy experts and advocates to identify and develop innovative policy;  andthen helps put it forward in ways that elected officials, the media, activists and experts alike can understand and use.

Messaging: NSN works with experts, advocacy groups and candidates to develop and sharpen national security messages that will resonate with the broadest public audience.

Building a progressive national security community: NSN offers substantive policy advice, builds bridges, and shares resources to help progressives – from Capitol Hill to national advocacy campaigns
to local community groups – turn shared basic principles into a smart, savvy voice on national security.

Who We Are and How We Work

NSN is:

• a Washington staff with a wealth of experience in diplomatic and military service, politics and advocacy;
• a Board with top-level experience in government service, business, and the non-profit sector;
• state chapters in Iowa, Ohio and Florida, with more to come; and
• a network of more than 2,000 members and experts, representing the emerging generation of progressive foreign policy leaders.

NSN works:

• with progressive Capitol Hill leadership, to build agendas and inform staff;
• with party and political leadership, to train and support candidates on national security issues;
• with national and local media, to shape and inform national security coverage;
• with think tanks and experts, to help get their ideas to the media and public;
• with advocacy groups and campaigns, to mesh sophisticated foreign policy analysis with state-of-the-art outreach.

For more info, contact:

Ryan Keenan, State Outreach Coordinator
National Security Network
Office: 202 289 5999
Direct: 202 289 7117
Cell: 570 862 5766
fax: 202 682 6140
rkeenan@nsnetwork.org

Monday: Bush Legacy Tour Comes to Albuquerque

Brace yourself and watch the video to refresh your memory about some of the too-numerous-to-name failures that make up the disastrous legacy of Bush and his conservative cronies. Then think about what's at stake in November when one of those conservative cronies has a chance to win another four years for the team. Then get off the couch and get active.

Americans United for Change has created a museum on wheels that documents some of the worst moments of the last eight years under Bush and the conservatives, and it's coming to Albuquerque on Monday, August 11, 2008. Stop by the bio-diesel-fueled bus to see the memorabilia and show your support for American United:

Monday, August 11th, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
In front of Natural Sound music store and Flying Star Cafe
Central Avenue and Carlisle Blvd, Albuquerque, NM

Pass it on. To learn more about the Bush Legacy Tour, and to see what other stops it will be making this summer and fall, visit BushLegacyTour.com. The tour will be in Farmington, NM on Tuesday.

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Register Now for Camp Wellstone Training in ABQ

From Camp Wellstone: Camp Wellstone is on the road again. With a big election coming in November, we're training candidates, campaign workers, and community activists across the country in key states. Our next stop -- Albuquerque, NM. Make plans now to join us, August 16-17, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency. Register today for Camp Wellstone Albuquerque.

This two-day training, in collaboration with America Votes, the Center for Civic Policy and the Center for Progressive Leadership, is geared toward individuals wanting to make an impact in the 2008 election. With offerings for candidates and campaign workers, this training will combine lectures from highly experienced trainers and interactive exercises and simulations. Check-in and an opening reception kick off the weekend on Friday evening and the training will run from 10 AM Saturday through 5 PM on Sunday. Participate in one of these tracks:

• Working on a Campaign--learn how to run successful electoral campaigns
• Being a Candidate--learn the skills needed to run for office yourself

The cost of this training is based on a sliding scale ability to pay. We are committed to keeping this training accessible to all. If you are able to cover the full cost of your participation in this training, please do so as this will help us continue to train progressives across the country. Rates are as follows: $100 or $50; you choose the option that works best for you. This fee includes our book, Politics the Wellstone Way, customized materials, and meals during the weekend.

To learn more about Camp Wellstone, click here. Know someone working on a campaign or running for office?  Recommend Camp Wellstone to a friend! For further questions, contact Jen Haut at jennifer@wellstone.org or 651.414.6037.

Wellstone Action is a national center for training and leadership development for the progressive movement. Founded in January 2003, Wellstone Action’s mission is to honor the legacy of Paul and Sheila Wellstone by continuing their work through training, educating, mobilizing and organizing a vast network of progressive individuals and organizations.

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NM-Sen: Take2 for Udall and Udall Town Hall Meeting at Page One

Jill Cooper Udall explains the Take2 for Udall program
(Turn your volume way up)

Join the Take2 Team: At a Women for Udall rally yesterday at the UNM Law School, Jill Cooper Udall unveiled the campaign's new Take2 for Udall project. The idea is for each Udall supporter to get two new voters registered and make sure they vote in the November election. Those two can be encouraged to find two more new voters and so it goes. Or you can find two more yourself. Sign up to join the Take2 Team here or text Take2 to MYTOM. Once you sign up, you'll get the forms and info you need to get folks registered.

Albuquerque Town Hall: A town hall meeting with Tom Udall is set for Saturday, August 16 at 11 AM at Page One Bookstore, 11018 Montgomery Blvd. NE in Albuquerque. You will have an opportunity to discuss the campaign and ask any questions that you may have on issues that are most important to you. For more information contact Andrew Marshall at (505) 884-3055. Everyone is welcome.

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Friday: Gov. Richardson Wants to Hear Your Ideas for EXPO New Mexico

Governor Bill Richardson has announced he'll hold a community meeting at 1:30 PM on Friday, August 8, in the auditorium at the African American Performing Arts Center on the State Fairgrounds in Albuquerque. He wants to hear directly from New Mexicans who have ideas for redeveloping EXPO New Mexico (see aerial photo).

“I want to hear from the public, including the private sector and neighborhood associations, to explore every option for renovating the state fairgrounds,” said Governor Richardson.

The Governor will be accompanied by EXPO officials, Finance Secretary Katherine Miller and local legislators, who will be available to the public for questions and comments about the state fairgrounds. The event will be moderated by Tim Keller, Senator-Elect from District 17, where EXPO New Mexico (the fairgrounds) is located.

Governor Richardson is interested in ideas that may include replacing Tingley Coliseum and the Downs Racetrack with a world class EXPO New Mexico Exhibit Center. In effort to maximize the use of the space, the State is open to considering alternative uses for the property, including community green space, multi-use buildings and commercial or residential development.

EXPO New Mexico consists of 237 acres within the city of Albuquerque and contains approximately 1,000,000 square feet of buildings and 7,500 parking spaces.

The community meeting will be held on Friday, August 8, 2008 at 1:30 PM in the auditorium at the African American Performing Arts Center on the State Fairgrounds. This event is open to the media and the public. We urge those who would like to attend, to arrive prior to 1:30 PM.

For more info on the process set out to garner redevelopment ideas, see the website, this New Mexico Business Journal article and (pdf) on Ideas to Redevelop the Property at EXPO New Mexico.

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Get Involved: DPNM Committee Hosts National Platform Hearing Friday in ABQ

This invitation is from the always active Alex Flores, a Young Democrat who's a member of the Democratic Party of New Mexico's Platform and Resolutions Committee:

This Friday, July 25th, the Democratic Party of New Mexico's Platform and Resolutions Committee will host one of Senator Barack Obama's national platform hearings here in Albuquerque. You've been invited to attend the DPNM National Democratic Platform Meeting. Go to here to RSVP.

DPNM National Platform Hearing
Friday, July 25, 2008, 6:00 PM
Plumber's and Pipefitter's Hall
510 San Pedro Drive SE
Albuquerque, NM 87108

Every four years, the Democratic Party assembles a platform that outlines the party's position on a variety of issues. Traditionally, the platform is written by paid professionals and then presented to the American people.

This year, that's going to change. From July 19 to July 27, everyday people all across America will hold Platform Meetings in their own communities. From Atlanta, Georgia to Muncie, Indiana, from Bangor, Maine to Eugene, Oregon, Americans will meet to talk about what issues are most important to them and what should be at the heart of the Democratic platform for change.

The State Platform and Resolutions Committee of the Democratic Party of New Mexico is happy to host one of these events here in the Land of Enchantment.

The results of these Platform Meetings will be incorporated into the formal process that culminates in the adoption of the platform at the Democratic Convention in August. A few participants may even be invited to appear and testify at the National Hearing and at the Convention!

You can write the next chapter in the history of the Democratic Party.

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