Democracy for New Mexico

Stephen Jones: Harry Truman Had It Right, Harry Teague Didn't

This is a post by contributing writer, Stephen Jones, of Las Cruces.

"Given the choice between a Republican and someone who acts like a Republican, people will vote for the real Republican all the time," President Harry Truman often said.

Faced with the so-called wisdom of the chattering class and the august advice of Washington's political insiders, Truman chose instead to take his own counsel and run his own re-election effort, his way. In the process, as we all should know, Truman transformed his often forecast loss into a solid victory, going away. In doing so, he overcame two fractious third-party efforts by former Democrats and recaptured both houses of Congress to boot.

A day after his historic election, from the rear of a train platform at St. Louis Union Station, Truman held aloft the famously overconfident journalistic faux pas of the Chicago Tribune, whose headline read, "Dewey Defeats Truman."

Harry Truman, as was most often the case, got it right. If Democrats expect to win they need to run on honest principles, get a backbone and stand for something. We need not look too far afield to see that Harry Truman's plainspoken wisdom still holds as true today as it did in 1948. Faced with difficult re-election efforts, two of New Mexico's freshmen Congressmen banked on totally opposite strategies, both in their voting records in Congress, and in their re-election efforts in 2010.

In New Mexico's 1st Congressional District, Martin Heinrich established a progressive voting record in Congress and ran forthrightly on that record in his re-election campaign. In New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District Harry Teague frequently ran away from the tough votes, or failed to support or deliver on many of the key national and local issues that he was first elected on, and which his constituency expected of him. Instead, he expended much of his energy and political capital trying to placate conservative voters in his southern New Mexico district that never had any intention of backing him for re-election and who were always destined to be far beyond his reach.

In his 2010 re-election efforts, Heinrich fielded an enthusiastic and energized base of supporters and won with over 52% of the vote in a district whose boundaries were drawn for his Republican predecessor. Teague, in contrast, ran campaign commercials running away from the Democratic Party and took an arms-length approach to the progressive base of voters in his district. Teague lost, and most importantly he lost badly, not at the hands of progressive critics, but by the votes of the very constituencies on which he had expended all his energy.

In his 2008 election, Harry Teague captured 50% of the vote in his home base, Lea County in far southeast New Mexico (see  ). In 2010, Harry Teague only garnered a devastating 21% of the vote in his home base (see  ). The same happened in Chaves and Eddy Counties.

In Doña Ana County, the largest county in the district, Teague captured 60% of the electorate in 2008 and held onto a solid 57% of the vote in his 2010 re-election effort. Harry Teague rolled up an even more impressive victory in Grant County, where he took 61% of the votes cast. In 2010, Teague won Luna and Hidalgo Counties as well.

Given the high registration numbers in Doña Ana County and the low voter turnout in Lea, Chaves and Eddy counties, Harry Teague might have won if he had been a little more progressive in the votes he cast in Congress, and if he had run another kind of campaign. Instead, he tried to play it safe. In the end, the majority of voters in the 2nd District just weren't all that happy with Harry Teague, and what had been a promising start to a Congressional career ended after only one term.

Hindsight is 20/20, of course, but last year's election should be instructive to Democrats everywhere, from the President on down the line, both inside and outside the power centers of the Washington, D.C. "beltway" and in Santa Fe. As Harry Truman told us back in 1948, when Democrats keep to their principles and stand for something, we win. When we don't, we lose.

To see more posts by Stephen, visit our archive.

Teague: Representing New Mexico’s Second Congressional District has been the Greatest Honor of my Life

Hobbs, NM – Tuesday night, Harry Teague called Steve Pearce to congratulate him on winning the race to represent New Mexico’s second congressional district.

Teague gave prepared remarks to a crowd of family and long-time supporters:

“Thank you all for being here and for all the support you’ve given me over the years. From the County Commission to Congress, I owe it all to you – the people who believed in me enough to give me a chance to be your representative.

“Thousands of New Mexicans turned out to cast their vote today because they care about the future of New Mexico and the future of our country.

“I want to thank every New Mexican who voted in this election – no matter what political party you belong to or who you voted for. The most important thing is that you participated in our great democracy.

“You know, I like to say that when I started this, I had a lot of friends. And now, after driving tens of thousands of miles around the district to visit with my constituents ... well I have even more friends and my old friends ... well they’re even better friends now.

“By working with them, and all of you, we were able to start repairing our economy, we created jobs in New Mexico, we protected our veterans, and we finally started changing the way Washington works.

“You know as I was driving from Las Cruces to Alamogordo to Artesia and home to Hobbs today, I thought back to why I wanted to run for Congress ....

“Well, the answer to that is simple – I wanted to work side by side with you to make a better future for southern New Mexico.

“And I wanted to give back to a state and a country that have given me and my family so many wonderful opportunities.

“I can honestly say that next to being a husband, father and grandfather, the greatest honor of my life has been serving you as the Representative for New Mexico’s 2nd congressional district.

“Tonight, the vote didn’t go our way. And like you, I am disappointed.

"But when I think about going from being a kid who had to drop out of high school to go to work to help support my family after my parents got sick, to being your Congressman – well I guess the only thing I can say is WOW ... and thank you for giving me that honor.

“I want to wish Congressman Pearce luck as he returns to this very important job during a very difficult time. And I assure him that I and my office stand ready to assist with the transition during the next few weeks.”

Right Wing Horror Show: Susana Martinez, Steve Pearce, Jon Barela, Tom Mullins AND Karl Rove

See greedy, anti-working family monsters Steve Pearce, Jon Barela, Susana Martinez, Tom Mullins and Karl Rove mash it up as only teabaggers can. Kinky little buggers. Don't let them trick er treat at your house -- they have only monstrous tricks (and lies) up their sleeves ...

Congressman Harry Teague Rallies Student Support at NMSU

NMSU students, Teague and student reporter

Contributing writer Stephen Jones checks in with more on-the-ground coverage from Southern New Mexico.

Congressman Harry Teague rallied student support outside the Corbett Student Center at New Mexico State University on Wednesday prior to the KRWG-TV debate between Teague and his Republican challenger Steve Pearce.

“It’s important that we put Democrats back into public office,” Teague told the students who came out to meet the candidate prior to the debate. Teague outlined his Congressional record on obtaining funding to support college and university students, and his backing for education funding targeted at returning veterans. “We’ve gotten more money for higher education in this Congress than at any time since the Montgomery GI Bill in the 1950’s,” Teague said.

Teague speaks to students

“You’re going to hear from our opponent tonight that he thinks we’re putting too much money into education," Teague continued. "We think it’s important for our future that everyone who wants an education has an opportunity to go to college.” Teague did not limit his remarks to college students. “You’re also going to hear us debate tonight, not only about college education, but the importance of public education,” Teague said. “I want everyone to have a chance to get here, no matter where you’re from.”

Teague touched on a range of issues for the students, including immigration issues and the economy. “It’s very important that we don’t step back to the sort of de-regulation that got us into the mess we’re in today,” Teague said. “It’s very important that we don’t go back to the way things were, the ways which are making it so tough for so many of you to get to school, and for you and your parents to keep you here in school.”

Teague, Brian Colón, Andy Segovia; Joel Cano and Teague

“We need to keep enough Democrats in Congress to keep even tougher times from happening,” Teague said. “It looks to me like Wall Street is gearing up to run all over Main Street, and pick our pockets again. Please go vote,” Teague told the students. “It’s not just important to keep Congress. It’s going to take all of us, from the Magistrate Judge to the Governor here in New Mexico.”

Teague was joined at the NMSU event by , Democratic Candidate for Lt. Governor, Andy Segovia, Democratic candidate for Doña Ana County Assessor, and Jose “Joel” Cano, candidate for Magistrate Judge.

Aggie Brian Colón, NMSU students

“I have been all over southern New Mexico today,” said Colón, “I’ve knocked on doors all over this county, talking about how important it is to re-elect Congressman Teague and to elect Diane Denish our next Governor,” he said. “Let me tell you that there are some stark differences between us and our opponents."

"We believe that we need to continue to invest in education, because an investment in education is an investment in economic development in our state of New Mexico, Colón continued. "We have to maintain our investment, whether it is early childhood development, or post-secondary education, and to put money into first-class research and development institutions like New Mexico State University,” Colón said, adding, “and I’m proud to say there is only one ‘Aggie’ in this race for Lt. Governor, and that’s Brian Colón.”

Segovia and Cano outlined the functions of their offices and pointed out the importance of NMSU students turning out to elect Democratic candidates in less visible “down-ballot” elections, such as themselves. Segovia told the students that he would continue to count on interns from the University if elected in November. Cano told the students, “One thing you need to consider is that if any of you, or those you know should ever be involved in some sort of infractions, you will be sent to the Magistrate Court. You want somebody who is fair and knowledgeable in the office. I urge you all to get out and vote.”

Photos by Stephen Jones. Click on photos for larger versions. To see more posts by Stephen, visit our archive.

Environment New Mexico Endorses Heinrich, Teague, Luján

Today Environment New Mexico, with over 13,000 members and activists, announced its endorsement of Representatives Martin Heinrich (NM-01), Harry Teague (NM-02) and Ben Ray Luján (NM-03) for this November’s election. The organization cited their records on dealing with our energy crisis, ending America’s dependence on oil and curbing global warming pollution. According to the organization, Heinrich, Teague and Luján voted for policies to create more than 11,000 clean energy jobs and cut energy costs by more than $450 per year per household in New Mexico.

“These candidates have been consistent and effective leaders, producing real results that are moving New Mexico toward energy independence, creating clean energy jobs and cracking down on dangerous carbon pollution,” said Sanders Moore, Advocate for Environment New Mexico, in a statement. “New Mexicans are at work today in jobs manufacturing solar energy systems and building wind farms, consumers are saving money and pollution is being reduced because of policies they have helped put in place"
 

Environment New Mexico pointed to the most recent Council of Economic Advisors’ report that shows the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act is responsible for 19,000 jobs in New Mexico to date, including a large number of clean energy jobs.

“While campaign cash from Big Oil and the polluter lobby is drowning our political system, Representatives Heinrich, Teague and Lujan have consistently stood up to powerful interests and fought for our parks, the quality of our air and water and the promise of a clean energy economy,” said Moore.

Environment New Mexico will be mobilizing its members to support these candidates in the November election and to make sure their voice is heard on critical environmental issues facing New Mexico.

Steve Pearce Flunks the Interview in New Ad Campaign in NM-02

Yesterday, Accountability 2010 launched an aggressive advertising campaign to expose 2nd District U.S. Congressional candidate Steve Pearce’s failed record in Washington. The broadcast and cable television ad (video above, text below) will run across New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District over the next two weeks.

The ad features a man interviewing former-Congressman Pearce about why he deserves his old job back in Congress. Reading through the Congressman’s resume, the interviewer states: “Last time around you were named one of the most corrupt Members of Congress. Took $46,000 in Congressional pay raises. Voted against a $1,500 pay bonus for our troops.”

Accountability 2010 is a newly-formed entity focusing on candidates who repeatedly sell out Main Street America to serve outside special interest groups. The group’s website ties former Representative Pearce to a series of positions that it believes do not represent the interests of New Mexico’s 2nd District.

The spot is the inverse of an ad Governor Bill Richardson ran during his 2008 presidential campaign, which featured a job interviewer reading Governor Richardson’s positive accomplishments.

To learn more about Congressman Steve Pearce’s failed record in Washington, visit: www.notpearceagain.org/.

Ad Transcript for “Steve Pearce: Again? Seriously?” (30 Second Spot):

INTERVIEWER: Congressman Steve Pearce, you’ve had this job before. Let’s see, last time around you were named one of the most corrupt Members of Congress. [Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, 9/18/2007]

INTERVIEWER: Took $46,000 in Congressional pay raises. [Legistorm]

INTERVIEWER: You voted against a $1,500 pay bonus for our troops. [HR 3289, Vote #554, 10/17/2003]

INTERVIEWER: Thanks, Steve. Thanks for coming in. We’ll call ya.

V/O: Congressman Steve Pearce. Again? Seriously?

Join Harry Teague for 'Go Forward 2010' Early Vote Rallies in Lea and Chavez Counties

On Wednesday, October 20, Harry Teague will host rallies in Hobbs and Roswell to encourage voters to vote early.

Teague will be in his hometown, Hobbs, for a morning rally where he will also cast his vote. The rally takes place from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at 124 E. Broadway in Hobbs. At 10:30 AM, you can walk along with Harry and vote at the Lea County Complex at 1923 N. Dal Paso.

Later that evening, Teague will join local candidates, Michael Trujillo, Eloy Ortega, Oscar Gonzalez and Fred Moran in Roswell to encourage early voting. The rally is set for 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 903 E. Vista Parkway in Roswell.

Harry Teague Rallies Early Voters in Doña Ana County

Click for photo album

Note: Early voting began on October 16, 2010 and will continue through October 30, 2010. Click on your county for early voting locations in your area. Sample ballots are available here.

Contributing writer Stephen Jones checks in with more on-the-ground coverage from Southern New Mexico.

Congressman Harry Teague joined other Democratic candidates in rallying Democratic voters at a series of early vote events in Doña Ana County on Saturday. Events were held at Chaparral, Sunland Park, Anthony, Mesilla and Las Cruces.

“I want to continue to be your strong independent voice in Washington,” Congressman Teague told voters. He outlined his accomplishments of his first term and reminded voters that he, unlike his predecessor, has had an open door and engaged in frequent outreach the 2nd Congressional District. He pointed to his many Harry in Your Hometown events, his sponsorship of the national “Katie’s Law” and his initiative to slash Congressional pay for the first time in 77 years. “When I went to Washington, the nation was bleeding millions of jobs. From that difficult start, we have turned the corner,” Teague said.

He contrasted his own strong record with that of his opponent, Steve Pearce, the Republican who preceded him, and now seeks to recapture the office. “They drove us into the ditch,” Teague charged. “Now Pearce says he has ideas to turn us around. If he had so many good ideas, he probably should have raised them when he held the office.” Teague summed up the accomplishments of his predecessor with a single sentence, “He’s pretty much all hat and no cattle,” he said.

Other Democrats outlined the accomplishments of Doña Ana’s Democratic office holders including Teague. Councillor of Las Cruces reminded voters that many of the Republican candidates for state office are running on a platform of rolling back regulation of the mining industry. “Do you know when the last time we had new regulations on that industry in New Mexico? 1872!” Small said. “Just how many generations into the past do they want to go?”

State Representative Jeff Steinborn noted the progress that has been made in education, health, and economic development in recent years. He urged voters to get out and vote to keep the state moving forward. He reminded Democrats that this is a turnout election. His colleague, State Representative Nate Cote emphasized that Democrats from Doña Ana County have been leaders in bringing transparency and ethics to the legislature, while State Representative Joseph Cervantes reminded voters what New Mexico was like under gridlocked government. “My colleagues never experienced the government by veto and complete lack of direction that passed for a governing philosophy under Republican leadership in New Mexico,” he said.

Other candidates appearing at the Doña Ana Events were State Representative Mary Helen Garcia, State Representative Joni Gutierrez, Appellate Judge Mannie Arrieta, Magistrate Judge Olivia Garcia, Bill McCamley, candidate for Public Regulation Commission, Andy Segovia, candidate for Doña Ana County Assessor, Juan “JR” Stewart, candidate for Sheriff, Jose “Joel” Cano, candidate for Magistrate Judge, and Billy Garrett, candidate for Doña Ana County Board.

Photos by Stephen Jones. To see more posts by Stephen, visit our archive.

Today 10/16: Las Cruces Early Vote Rally with Harry Teague and Dems

Please join Harry Teague, Nate Cote, Jeff Steinborn,
Billy Garrett and other local candidates
for an Early Vote Rally
Meet the candidates and vote early!
The event will be held at:
Johnson Park
Corner of Picacho and Main St., Las Cruces
Saturday, October 16th, from 5:00 – 6:00 PM

For more information, contact Luke at luke@nmdemocrats.org or (575) 556-4965.

Records Show Congressman Pearce Diverted Thousands in Taxpayer Funds to Pay for Travel on Private Planes Owned by His Companies

Uh oh. Financial records never released to the public by Steve Pearce (I wonder why) show that during his six years as the Congressman for New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, Congressman Pearce diverted more than $17,000 in taxpayer funds to his own companies to cover the cost of flying in his personal private planes. This is the guy, remember, who insists he's dedicated to saving the taxpayers money. That's what he says, but his behavior while in office says otherwise.

Financial records show that between 2003 and 2006, Pearce charged taxpayers 14 times for flights on his personal private planes (registered to Gree, LLC/LTD and Trinity Industries Inc.) that were then charged to taxpayers for a total of $17,483 in “private plane travel disbursements,” according to a statement and documentation released late this afternoon by the Teague campaign. The record of taxpayer payments to Pearce-owned companies was found in the Statement of Disbursements of the House as Compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer for the years 2003-2006.

“Congressman Pearce's history of corruption and hypocrisy is catching up with him. First we discovered that Pearce pocketed $46,000 in taxpayer-funded pay raises and now he’s been caught paying himself over $17,000 in taxpayer funds just so he could fly around in luxury on his own private planes,” Teague Campaign Manager, Dominic Gabello said. “This is just another example of the greed-driven behavior that has resulted in Congressman Pearce being named ‘One of the Most Corrupt Members of Congress’ -- TWICE.”

Get the Facts:

Pearce Affiliation with Gree LLC
Gree LLC/LTD is listed on Congressman Pearce’s Personal Financial Disclosure Forms filed between 2003 and 2010. The Corporations Bureau of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission lists Congressman Steve Pearce and his wife Cynthia Pearce as Officers of Gree, LTD. There are no other officers listed.

Pearce Affiliation with Trinity Industries Inc.
Trinity Industries Inc. is listed on Congressman Pearce’s Personal Financial Disclosure Forms filed between 2004 and 2010. The Corporations Bureau of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission lists Congressman Steve Pearce as the President and his wife, Cynthia Pearce as the Secretary of Trinity Industries Inc.

:

Congressional Private Plane Travel

Quarter 3 2003
Gree, LLC: $3,207.63

Quarter 4 2003
Gree, LLC: $1,738.09

Quarter 2 2004
Gree, LLC: $581.07

Quarter 3 2004
Gree, LLC: $1,585.04
Gree, LLC: $819.88
Gree, LLC: $810.93

Quarter 4 2004
Gree, LLC: $461.68
Gree, LLC: $572.13

Quarter 3 2005
Gree, LLC: $673.42

Quarter 1 2006
Trinity Industries, INC: $1,523.36
Gree, LLC: $1,363.30
Trinity Industries, INC: $1,135.75

Quarter 2 2006
Trinity Industries, INC: $457.50
Gree, LLC: $2,553.29

Total: 17,483.07

(Information provided by the Teague campaign.)

Fight Back: Arrogant and elitist, isn't it? That's why the DFNM blog has started an ActBlue page called StandWithTeague to support Harry Teague's battle against Pearce in this rough election cycle. With lots of outside money pouring into right-wing coffers here in New Mexico, we have to fight back.

If you can afford to donate $5, $10 or more to Harry's campaign, we'd be much obliged. Every dollar counts as we head into the final weeks before the election.

Harry Teague’s “Energy Jobs for Vets” Becomes Law

On Wednesday, Harry Teague’s Energy Jobs for Veterans Act (H.R. 4592) was signed into law. The legislation, endorsed by many New Mexico veterans groups and energy companies, provides on-the-job training, apprenticeship, real experience, and long-term employment in all energy fields to veterans. It was signed into law along with other provisions of the Veterans Benefits Act of 2010.

“This is a common sense law that will address three of our top priorities -- putting New Mexicans back to work, working to increase our energy independence through a “Do It All, Do It in New Mexico” approach, and supporting our veterans who risked their lives for this country. This law will ensure that those who fought for their country abroad will be able to continue their work for the security of our country when they return home – by getting a job, and a career, producing our energy right here in America,” said Harry Teague, a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.

“Our service men and women who fought enemies funded by foreign oil purchased with American dollars can now come home to a job and continue their work for our national security – this time with a career in the energy industry that cannot be shipped overseas,” Teague continued.

The program will fund state-based programs that will reimburse energy employers for apprenticeship and on-the-job training provided to veterans, according to a statement released by Rep. Teague's office. The program would be available to employers across multiple energy fields, including oil and gas, energy efficient building, construction and retrofits, renewable electric power, biofuel production, energy efficiency assessment, and nuclear power. Unlike other employment training programs for veterans, the Energy Jobs for Veterans Act ensures that a veteran has the security of employment while he or she receives training and apprenticeship. Eligible employers are offered a strong incentive to hire a veteran because companies will be reimbursed for his or her training.

The bill was introduced following a roundtable discussion with New Mexico veterans that Harry Teague held in Valencia County focused on expanding job opportunities for Veterans. The legislation quickly garnered praise from across industry and veterans organizations, receiving the endorsement of PNM Resources, Sapphire Energy, Louisiana Energy Services (LES), Armstrong Energy Corporation, Center for Excellence in Hazardous Materials Management (CEHMM), Las Cruces Green Chamber, New Mexico Department of Disabled American Veterans (NMDAV), New Mexico Department of Veterans Services (NMDVS), New Mexico Department of Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Marine Corps League of New Mexico.

“The men and women who proudly and bravely served our country deserve all of the opportunities possible when it comes to job creation. This program will give New Mexico’s veterans the critical training and resources necessary to help them join our growing energy industry and combat the high unemployment rate in our veteran community,” said NMDVS Secretary John Garcia.

A Department of Labor report from June shows the unemployment rate for young Iraq and Afghanistan veterans at 11.5 percent. New male veterans face an unemployment of 10.8 percent, compared with 15.5 percent for new female veterans.

Check out Teague's other achievements working for veterans.

Had Enough With Sarah Palin and the Birthers? Support Harry Teague Right Now

Please visit DFNM's new ActBlue page StandWithTeague and donate to help Harry beat Steve Pearce and the right-wing machine. $5, $10 or whatever you can afford will help.

Steve Pearce is now infamous as the extreme right-winger who's agreed to be on the front lines in the "birther" fight to prove President Obama is not a U.S. citizen. Yes, he was caught on video late last month agreeing to carry the banner of the birthers right into the U.S. House of Representatives. Of course, that's only if he gets elected again to the NM-02 congressional seat he brazenly threw away because he thinks it has no power and he wanted to run a dismal, losing campaign for the U.S. Senate. The loser now wants back in so he can roost a bit in comfort until another Senate seat opens in New Mexico. He's that crass.

Long known as being to the right of, well, just about everybody, Pearce is in his element cruising the outer edges of extremist politics with the birthers, deathers and fringers of the tea party. He's for trashing Social Security as we know it, protecting wealthy elites from paying their fair share of taxes and doing the dirty work of moneyed corporate interests and the worst of the right's political operatives.

Wailin' With Palin
And now Steve's got the formal endorsement of none other than wacky Twitter/Facebook wisecracker Sarah Palin, who, it's been rumored, actually DREAMS and THINKS in bumpersticker language (if she thinks at all). Of course, a Palin endorsement ain't what it used to be in terms of clout -- only 22% now view her favorably (fewer than half of Republicans) -- but then those are probably some of the very people who agree with the birther BS pumped by Pearce. Palin, herself, apparently believes the soundly disproven myth about the President's lack of proper credentials. After all, she endorsed Pearce AFTER he came out as a birther. 

Unfortunately for Steve and Sarah, only 12% in a recent CBS News poll said a Palin endorsement would make them more likely to vote for that candidate, while 37% said it would make them less likely to do so. A total of 48% said it made no difference. I guess Pearce, not surprisingly, is taking what he can get in the endorsement department. However, it appears Palin's endorsements are really all about for a possible presidential run in 2012 -- so it looks like Pearce is willing to trade his allegiance for a Facebook push from Palin. In other words, a vote for Steve Pearce is almost as good as a vote for Sarah for president in 2012! And apparently Steve is more concerned with how Palin does than how working families in New Mexico are doing.

Stand With Teague
This year, more than ever, the Pearce campaign is bringing in big bucks from all the wrong people, who want nothing more than to see a return to the anything goes, partay down with high roller days of Bush and Rove and Cheney. Elites of the right-wing money machine and echo chamber are lined up like lemmings behind Pearce this year -- hoping to bring down good guy Harry Teague and recapture the NM-02 congressional seat. But we won't let them, will we?

Harry's been an incredibly hard-working congressman for the second district -- visiting with constituents back home almost every weekend. He's been a real champion for veterans and improving their health care and benefits when they get back home. He's been instrumental in snagging funding for important local projects, including renewable energy and broadband. Most of all, he works hard to represent the full spectrum of those who live in his district -- not just those who entirely agree with him.

In short, Harry Teague is the kind of honest, hardworking congressman we need to keep in office in an era that can be both difficult and confusing. He calls 'em as he sees 'em -- candid and unvarnished. And his eye is always on the needs of ordinary people, working people, people who populate New Mexico's 2nd district.

But Harry's in a really tough race with Pearce this year, given all the money coming from outside the state on the right-wing side, and the difficulties characteristic of any mid-term election. The good news is we can help make sure he has the resources he needs to battle back against the forces of the birthers and the Palins and the nasties who believe working people are to be used, abused and abandoned.

We Make It Easy
Please consider donating $5, $10 or whatever you can afford to the Teague campaign -- on DFNM's new ActBlue page StandWithTeague. Help keep Pearce, the birthers and Sarah Palin away! Even better, contact the Teague campaign and find out how you can help with the phone calling and canvassing that will make all the difference with our Get Out The Vote efforts.

We may not agree with Harry Teague on every vote, but he's been with us when it counts, and he's on the side of working families -- because he, himself, grew up struggling and scrambling. He knows which way the wind blows, and what it takes for folks to stay warm when the wind come whistling  out of the north.