Democracy for New Mexico

NM-Sen: Rep. Tom Udall Finishes 2nd in ActBlue Fundraising This Cycle

Rep. Tom Udall (r) at NM Dem Preprimary Convention last month

Congrats to Rep. Tom Udall and all who donated via ActBlue. As reported in CQ Politics:

Part political committee, part fundraiser, part social networking site, the pro-Democrat fundraising Web site ActBlue announced today that it collected $24 million from 199,000 donors for candidates so far this election cycle — more than 10 times what the political action committee raised at the same point in the 2006 election. 

... Daniel Seals leads the way this cycle, raising $245,000 on ActBlue for his rematch against Rep. Mark Steven Kirk , R-Ill. He is followed by Senate candidates Tom Udall of New Mexico and Texan Rick Noriega, who raised $195,000 and $171,000 respectively. Donna Edwards, who upset fellow Democrat Rep. Albert R. Wynn in a Maryland primary, raised $151,000 via ActBlue.

Udall has raised a total of $333,722 at ActBlue.

And here's the rundown on donations raised at ActBlue on behalf of the Dem Congressional candidates in New Mexico, led by NM-01 candidate Martin Heinrich at $159,601. Hooray Martin and all who gave! I'm not sure, though, whether these totals include everything given at the site through midnight yesterday, the deadline for donations to count towards the candidates' first quarter FEC report.

Regardless, Dem fundraising is on track to break records this cycle, up and down the ticket, all over the country. Official campaign fundraising reports for the first quarter are due to the FEC by April 15, but I'm sure many of the campaigns will be releasing their totals before that date. Keep an eye out.

Last Chance to RSVP: Gourmet BBQ Fundraiser for Heinrich

Don't miss this chance to share a scrumptious meal on Monday evening with fellow Dems -- while supporting Martin Heinrich's campaign for Congress in NM-01. Enjoy a fine dining experience prepared by guest chef Ambrosio Barela and your host, Mario M. Benavidez. Dinner will include:

• Garden salad or various delectible appetizers
• Mouth watering baked salmon in a buttery rosemary sauce
• Montreal seasoned top sirloin steak grilled to order
• Tender grilled chicken
• Your choice of side dish
• A glass of New Mexico's best St. Claire wine
• Vegetarian plates available upon request

Monday, March 31, 2008, 5:30 PM at the home of Mario Benavidez, 2528 Sarita Avenue NW, Albuquerque, NM.

Suggested contribution: $100 - ActBlue credit card payments accepted prior to and at event -- this is only suggested ... all contributions welcome! IMPORTANT: Please RSVP today so the hosts can purchase adequate supplies of food.

NM-01: Two More Unions Endorse Heinrich

Yesterday, two more unions announced their endorsements of Martin Heinrich in the NM-01 Congressional race. The Sheet Metal Workers Local 49 and the Albuquerque Federation of Teachers Local 1420, a division of the American Federation of Teachers, both came out in favor of Heinrich. Altogether, eleven unions have endorsed Martin's campaign.

In addition to the strong union support, four organizations, two pueblos, eight state legislators, six city councilors and nine other former elected officials and community leaders have formally endorsed Heinrich. Click here for a full list of endorsements.

To donate to Martin's campaign, click here. He's exceeded his original goal of raising $15,000 online by the end of this quarter's fundraising cycle on March 31st, and is now shooting for $25,000 in donations. Also, there are some terrific fundraising events happening tonight through Monday, from a wine and cheese tasting to a house party to a gourmet BBQ with the candidate. Click here to learn more and RSVP.

You're Invited: Special Heinrich Events This Weekend

Martin Heinrich thanks supporters at last night's victory party celebrating his preprimary convention win

Chantal, who always seems to know where the hot events are happening, reminded me there are listings on Duke City Fix for two fun events this weekend to benefit Martin Heinrich's campaign:

Saturday Coffee in the SE Heights @ Michael Thomas:
Michael Thomas Coffee Co. invites you to join The Next Democratic Congressman from New Mexico’s 1st district, Martin Heinrich, for an intimate Afternoon Coffee on Saturday, March 29, 2008, from 2:00-4:00 PM. Coffee and Refreshments provided. Michael Thomas Coffee, 1111 Carlisle Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106.

Wine and Cheese Tasking in the Valley on Friday
Charlotte Walters and Tierra Encantada Winery invite you to a Wine and Cheese Tasting at 5:00 PM to benefit the Martin Heinrich campaign. Tierra Encantada Winery is located at 1872 Five Points Road SW (at Goff), Albuquerque, NM. Suggested minimum contribution: $25. If you have any questions, please contact Charlotte Walters at 247-3473 or e-mail cwalters505@netzero.net.

Click here to RSVP directly at the Heinrich website and learn more about these events, as well as other Heinrich campaign events happening between now and the end of the fiscal fundraising quarter on March 31st. There's quite an array.

It's extremely important for the Heinrich campaign to demonstrate its superior fundraising ability this quarter to follow up on Martin's first-place finish at the recent Dem preprimary convention. If you can't attend one of the campaign events, consider donating online.

To read our previous coverage of the NM-01 Congressional race, visit our archive.

LCV and CVNM Endorse Martin Heinrich for Congress

The League of Conservation Voters and Conservation Voters New Mexico have announced their joint endorsement of Albuquerque City Councilman Martin Heinrich for New Mexico's 1st District seat. The seat is currently held by Congresswoman Heather Wilson, a longtime enemy of the environment and two-time Dirty Dozen member. For more information on the Dirty Dozen, click here.

"Councilman Heinrich's commitment to conservation extends beyond his council votes," said LCV President Gene Karpinski. "Not only did he fight to bring curbside recycling back to Albuquerque, he helped build a solar car in college. Not only has he stood firm to protect the Bosque and Valle Vidal, his own home is powered by renewable energy. When elected, Martin Heinrich will be one of the greatest conservation champions in Washington and a tremendous improvement for both Albuquerque and the nation."

"Since elected to public office, Martin Heinrich has been a staunch advocate for conservation and New Mexico's wild spaces," said Sandy Buffett of Conservation Voters New Mexico. "We are thrilled that Martin will take his commitment to conservation and his profound understanding of New Mexico's unique issues with him to Washington."

"I am honored by the support of the conservation community and look forward to working with LCV to create a green economy here in greater Albuquerque," Heinrich said.

In response to an LCV questionnaire, Heinrich, a former Natural Resources Trustee for the State of New Mexico, pledged to:

• Seek a seat on the House energy committee to help create an Apollo Program for energy independence and to fight for the use and development of wind and solar energy;
• Support legislation that achieves 15 to 20 % reductions in global warming pollution by 2020 and reductions on the order of 80% by 2050;
• Actively seek legislation to encourage green building, such as the bill he championed and passed in the Albuquerque City Council, and   
• Work to bring land and water conservation issues to the forefront and to use his experience as a conservationist to protect America's wild spaces.

Heinrich has worked with Governor Richardson and Congressman Udall to protect many of New Mexico's wild spaces, including Tijeras Canyon, the Valle Vidal, the Bosque, Petroglyph National Monument, and the Ojito Wilderness. As a councilman, he helped create tax incentives for hybrid vehicles in Albuquerque. In his previous work experience, he helped introduce urban children to the natural environment and to protect the endangered Mexican gray wolf.

The Heinrich campaign is currently trying to raise an additional $15,000 by Midnight on March 31, 2008. Click to contribute or RSVP to attend an fundraising event, including a victory party tomorrow, Tuesday, March 25 at O'Neill's Pub on Central.

To see our previous posts on the NM-01 race, visit our archive.

Michelle Lujan Grisham: Upcoming Campaign Events

From the Michelle Lujan Grisham Congressional Campaign:
Over the next several weeks, I'd like to welcome you to meet with me and learn more about our campaign at one of our upcoming events. Dates and information are listed here (doc), but please visit our website, or call us at our headquarters at 505-260-2008 for complete details. Our next event is an Open House at our Campaign Headquarters at 3716 Central Avenue SE in Albuquerque on Monday, March 24th, from 10 AM to 8 PM. Many more are listed here. I look forward to seeing you!

NM-01: Firedoglake et al. Pick Martin Heinrich as Next Blue America Candidate

Join the live blog with Martin hosted by Howie Klein of Down with Tyranny at Firedoglake from Noon to 2:00 PM MDT today. Then donate a few bucks to his campaign at the Blue America '08 page at Act Blue. Blue America, a project of national bloggers at Firedoglake, Crooks & Liars, Down With Tyranny and Digby, raised more than $545,000 in only a few months during the 2006 election cycle for select Dem candidates across the nation. They expect to raise much more than that in the current cycle.

Also check out this Crooks & Liars post welcoming Heinrich as a Blue America candidate, which includes a new video of Martin talking about his campaign and what he believes in.

Saturday: Heinrich to Live Blog at Noon on Firedoglake

NM-01 Dem Congressional candidate Martin Heinrich will be participating in a live chat on the national blog Firedoglake at Noon MDT tomorrow, Saturday, March 21, 2008. Martin will be hanging out at the blog for about two hours to answer your questions and take your comments.

The influential Firedoglake, Crooks & Liars, Digby and Down With Tyranny are the creators of the Blue America campaign at Act Blue that's dedicated to raising netroots support for electing "more and better Democrats." During the 2006 election cycle, Blue America raised almost $545,000 for Dem House and Senate candidates around the country in only a few months. They expect to raise much more in the run-up to the 2008 election.

By the way, you're invited to a Victory Party to celebrate Martin's win at last Saturday's preprimary convention. Come on down to O'Niell's Pub, located at 4310 Central Ave. SE in Albuquerque, at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, March 25 and join in the festivities. Read more and RSVP.

NM-01: Today's Must Read on Martin Heinrich

Martin with son on his shoulders at Saturday's preprimary convention

Johnny Mango has an excellent post at Duke City Fix based on an interview with Dem Martin Heinrich. The piece considers his "resume" and what has shaped and prepared Heinrich to become the next member of Congress from New Mexico's First District.

Also, if you haven't seen it yet, check out Albuquerque City Councilor Debbie O'Malley's letter supporting Heinrich's candidacy. Councilor O'Malley lays out exactly why she has strongly endorsed him-- based on her work with Martin on the City Council and the kind of experience and principles he brings to the table.

Some critics of Heinrich, like those of Barack Obama, suggest that Martin isn't ready to serve because he doesn't have decades of a certain kind of narrow "experience." Well, we've seen the damage, deception and corruption that supposedly "experienced" politicos have brought to the halls of Congress and the White House alike. Fortunately, more and more Americans have come to realize that what we really need in Washington are fresh ideas, new perspectives, caring advocates, persuasive problem-solvers and change agents -- not more business-as-usual bloviators in it for their own power and glory.

If you agree, you can help make a difference right now. Heinrich's campaign is trying to raise $15,000 by 11:59 PM on March 31st, and is tracking donations as they come in on his website. As of Noon today, they've raised more than $5,000. Add your donation here in any amount, large or small. Another great way to support Martin's campaign is to host a house party, whether you live in NM-01 or elsewhere. If we don't do it, who will?

NM Dem Preprimary Convention Congressional Races

Click for Official Results (pdf) of voting at Saturday's Dem Preprimary Convention.

NM-01 (Albuquerque area):
Martin Heinrich was the only Congressional candidate in any of New Mexico's three Districts to get more than 50% of the delegate votes -- a very strong showing in a field of four. Also, his 28% margin of victory over the First District's second-place finisher Michelle Lujan Grisham -- at 56.41% to 28.29% -- was the largest of any winning candidate. Heinrich and Grisham were the only two candidates to reach the 20% level in NM-01, giving them automatic placement on the primary ballot in the number one and two slots, respectively.

Diego Arencón, Debbie O'Malley, Martin Heinrich

Heinrich was nominated and seconded by Albuquerque City Councilor Debbie O'Malley, who touted his leadership and hard work on issues like raising the minimum wage, water conservation and smart growth planning, and International Association of Fire Fighters' Local 224 President Diego Arencón, representing one of the many unions that have endorsed Heinrich's candidacy. Heinrich emphasized he has the skills necessary to lead in Washington and take on the special interests. He pushed ethics, renewable energy, ending the war, creating green-collar jobs, solving the health care dilemma and regaining and protecting our constitutional rights and civil liberties.

Rebecca Vigil-Giron (at 11.15%) and Robert Pidcock (at 4.16%) will have to submit more petition signatures if they want to get on the ballot. They both gave spirited speeches. Jessica Lynn Wolfe withdrew from the race before the voting began, and will run instead for State Senate in District 21 against conservative Repub incumbent Kent Cravens.

Unfortunately, I had to leave the event before Michelle Lujan Grisham gave her speech. I believe she had the tough role of being the last speaker of the day-long Convention. I've heard she was rousing nonetheless. Anyone out there hear her?

NM-02 (Southern NM):
Despite the deep pockets of wealthy oil business honcho Harry Teague and his friends in the Hobbs area oil patch funding Teague's candidacy, Dona Ana Commissioner Bill McCamley scored an impressive victory in the Second District with 48.71% of the delegate vote in the four-person race. Teague came in second with 36.47%, followed by Al Kissling (13.41%) and Frank McKinnon (1.41%).

Teague supporters fill the stage

McCamley's live-wire (and sometimes humorous) speech at the convention seemed to wow the delegates in all three Districts. He recounted how he had beaten big odds in his first campaign for Dona Ana County Commissioner, and trashed conventional wisdom in his fundraising and grassroots organizing in this campaign. Change is in the air and McCamley is working hard to bring fresh air and new ideas to Washington.

Former Lea County Commission Teague, however, won the unofficial wardrobe award in NM-02 with dozens of his supporters wearing blue campaign t-shirts and white hardhats as they marched to the stage in unison. He stressed his hard scrabble roots and his up by his bootstraps business successes as evidence of his hardworking nature and knowledge of the concerns of ordinary people.

McCamley (right) entered the contest back in April when incumbent Repub. Steve Pearce had yet to vacate the race to run for U.S. Senate, and by all accounts has waged a highly successful person-to-person grassroots campaign, traveling more than 45,000 miles to visit every county in the massive District -- some several times.

“We are so grateful for this overwhelming support for our campaign and the momentum it has given us,” McCamley said in a statement. “The message today was loud and clear: The people are hungry for someone who has the commitment to fight for change in Washington and results for southern New Mexico. Today was a victory for the people. Many political insiders said that we wouldn’t win today, because there is another candidate who has a lot of his own money to spend. We proved them wrong. We showed that hard work, commitment, and a compelling message are what really matters.”

McCamley has already raised about $300,000 for the race and his victory at the pre-primary has sparked a new campaign initiative to raise $30,000 more between now and Bill's 30th birthday on April 1st. The campaign is asking supporters to give Bill a "birthday gift" by March 31, which you can do right here at Act Blue.

NM-03 (Northern NM):
Public Regulation Commissioner Ben Ray Lujan was the top vote-getter at 40.21% of the delegate votes, with political newcomer and green developer Don Wiviott making a strong showing at 29.67%. The two will be on the primary ballot in the one and two slots, respectively.

Jason Marks at podium nominating Lujan (left)

Lujan's supporters, clad in bright yellow and red t-shirts, marched through the crowd and onto the stage tooting kazoos and raising a ruckus to music. Lujan was nominated by fellow PRC Commissioner Jason Marks, who cited Ben Ray's environmental achievements, work ethic and fairness. Lujan gave a powerhouse speech amidst much cheering from supporters, and stressed his New Mexican roots and dedication to environmental and energy issues.

Jason Marks (left), Ben Ray Lujan (right)

Commenting on his first-place finish in a six-candidate race, Luján said in a statement, "I am grateful and honored by the support delegates have shown for our campaign. Saturday's victory and Friday's endorsement by the League of Conservation Voters puts momentum on our side, and we will work 1 percent at a time to secure victory in June."

"This is a great showing, and along with the LCV endorsement, we clearly have the momentum going forward," said campaign manager Carlos Trujillo. "We will keep working to let voters know about Commissioner Luján's record of leadership on renewable energy, of holding insurance companies and big corporations accountable and of standing up for New Mexico consumers."

Don Wiviott was escorted toward the stage by a large contingent of supporters while the Beatles song "Revolution" filled the hall. In a surprise move, Wiviott was nominated by former Ambassador Joe Wilson (right), who relocated to Santa Fe last year with his family after Scooter Libby was found guilty in the scandal involving the outing of Valerie Plame-Wilson's CIA status by the Bush administration. He remarked that traditional political experience is highly overrated given the current state of affairs in DC and beyond, and that we need more citizen members of Congress like Wiviott to set things right.

Wiviott stressed that he's dedicated to bringing change to Washington and won't take a cent from special interest lobbyists or PACs in this campaign. He hopes to bring real-life experience at problem-solving and a strong dedication to greening the economy and ending the war to Washington.

In response to Don Wiviott's capturing almost 30% of the delegates, campaign spokesperson Caroline Buerkle said in a statement, “It is remarkable how far this campaign has come. Don started out with no name ID, no political network and none of the advantages of a political insider. Just a few months later, he shocked the establishment by not only getting on the ballot, but by running neck-and-neck with those who started with far more in their favor. Don’s strong showing is a testament to his progressive vision and voters’ desire for change.” 

Buerkle said Saturday that Don is looking forward to a spirited primary campaign. “Now that he’s on the ballot, Don’s going to keep on doing what got him here today -- working hard, meeting with voters and talking about his commitment to fight for change in Washington, DC. Today’s showing made clear that Don’s message is resonating with voters. They are tired of politics and politicians. They want leaders who will focus on their issues and fight for them.”

Jemez Pueblo member and former NM Secretary of Indian Affairs Benny Shendo Jr., garnered a somewhat surprising 16.47%. That didn't earn an automatic slot on the ballot for the electoral politics newcomer, but it did show he has substantial support in the District. Shendo is expected to seek a place on the ballot via the petition route, and he reportedly already has enough signatures to qualify. Many in the crowd were impressed by Shendo's heartfelt and progressive speech, and many commented on how refreshing it was to have a Native American candidate in the running. Here, here.

Trailing the field in NM-03 were Harry Montoya (10.98%), Jon Adams (2.37%) and Rudy Martin (0.30%).

Also see my previous posts on the Dem Nominating Convention here and here. You can check out our entire set of Convention photos at Flickr. All photos by M.E. Broderick except where noted.