Democracy for New Mexico

Heinrich Attends "Strengthening Our Majority" Boot Camp (So Does McCamley)

Martin Heinrich, Dem candidate for Congress in NM-01, has just returned from a special candidate training session in Chicago for top challengers from around the country. He reports on his experiences in a new blog post on his campaign website:

Wow! That's all I can say to describe the last few days. I just returned from Chicago where I attended an incredible candidate training. The "Strengthening Our Majority" Boot Camp was co-sponsored by AFSCME and the New House PAC. They invited the top challengers from around the nation and put us through the paces with two days of intense coaching on management, message, money and mobilization. I've been through a lot of political trainings, but this was in a class by itself. It was especially helpful to get to know some of the freshmen Congressmen like Ed Perlmutter who ran and won in Republican leaning districts.

In addition to being a great learning experience the conference also gave me great hope. This year's challengers are an amazing crop of candidates. They all had impeccable credentials and the fire in the belly to win. By the end of the weekend they all had an impressively polished message as well.

Believe me when I tell you that 2008 is going to be a great year for Democrats, a great year for change, and a great year for America. Watch for my classmates' names in the news:

John Adler (NJ-03), Kay Barnes (MO-06), John Boccieri (OH-16), Charlie Brown (CA-04), Darcy Burner (WA-08), Steve Driehaus (OH-01), Joan Fitz-Gerald (CO-02), Bill Foster (IL-14), Larry Grant (ID-01), Jim Himes (CT-04), Mary Jo Kilroy (OH-15), Bill Kennedy (MT-AL), Bob Lord (AZ-03), Dan Maffei (NY-25), Betsy Markey (CO-04), Eric Massa (NY-29), Bill McCamley (NM-02), Bill O'Neill (OH-14), Gary Peters (MI-09), Jon Powers (NY-26), Mark Schauer (MI-07), Dan Seals (IL-10), Ron Shepston (CA-42), John Unger (WV-02), Dick Versace (IL-18).

I believe you'll see more than a few of them in Congress just over a year from now.

Heinrich was certainly in some top-notch company at the training, judging from the names above. We got to meet several of them at the YearlyKos blogger convention we attended in Chicago this summer, including Charlie Brown (CA-04), Darcy Burner (WA-08) and Eric Massa (NY-29). Very impressive. Many of those who attended the training session with Heinrich are grassroots-netroots favorites, so he was in very good company.

Also exciting that Bill McCamley, running for Congress in NM-02, was in the mix. TWO Dem candidates from TWO Congressional districts in New Mexico. This is gonna be one exciting election cycle, isn't it?

Dem House Leaders Pushing for Madrid Run in NM-01?

Former Attorney General Patricia Madrid, who lost to Rep. Heather Wilson in NM-01 by fewer than 900 votes in 2006, has reportedly been toying with running either for U.S. Senate or the House seat in NM-01 ever since Domenici announced his retirement. She hasn't been alone. Unless you've been out of the country or off the planet, you've witnessed the names of dozens of New Mexicans being mentioned or leaked or dropped as possible candidates. Coy quotes are planted. Politicos spin and whisper. Emails and phone calls come in clusters. Even to me.

Emanuel and Pelosi Apply the Pressure
In Madrid's case, it's gotten more definite over the last few days. She told the media she's decided not to run for Senate, but left the door ajar on another Congressional run in the First District. Late yesterday, I got word from someone I met at the YearlyKos bloggers convention this summer that a rumor about Madrid springing from knowledgeable sources was circulating in DC. Namely, that Dem House Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel, along with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, were pressuring Madrid to enter the NM-01 race.

Yes, that Rahm Emanuel -- the pugilistic DLC Dem who had insisted that Tammy Duckworth was a better candidate in IL-06 -- even though Christine Cegelis had built a real following and given Rep. Henry Hyde a run for his money two years previously. Emanuel was wrong about Duckworth. She lost in 2006, and no one in Illinois was surprised except Rahm. It's also common knowledge that Emanuel fought behind closed doors against several Dem Congressional candidates who ended up winning in 2006, only to claim credit for their victories later. Rahm Emanuel has long expressed the view that DNC Chairman Howard Dean is just shy of the devil incarnate -- mostly because Dean has respect for local voters and local parties, and has stuck with his plans to organize in all 50 states. Now Emanuel is rumored to be perhaps the strongest advocate for another Congressional run by Madrid.

If what I've heard is true, I guess Rep. Emanuel doesn't see any value in the NM-01 candidacy of Martin Heinrich, who's already raised $318,000 and has been performing well in the campaign spotlight for many moons now. I guess he doesn't see any value in political newcomers Jon Adams or Michelle Lujam Grisham either. No, Rahm wants to play the role of long distance candidate picker -- all the way from inside the Beltway. He wants things his way, as he usually does, and the word is he's got Nancy Pelosi helping him make the pitch. Do they care what New Mexicans in the First District want? I think not. Emanuel, in particular, is known to have only disdain for the locals. In his world, all the wisdom (and power) is found within the Beltway in DC.

Madrid Fatigue
If there's anything afoot here in New Mexico to do with another Madrid run, it's clearly candidate fatigue. Complete with groans and cries of "no please, not again." Every time her name gets floated, that's what I hear, even from those who have been fans. The fact is that Dems worked their hearts out for Madrid in '06, only to be let down abruptly and without recourse when she performed (You Tube) incredibly poorly (You Tube) in a TV debate in the waning days of the campaign. Supporters, whether passionate or practical, were devastated. I'm sure she was too. But it didn't help that Madrid refused to demand a recount in the incredibly tight election. No one really knows why. The margin was so small it would have automatically resulted in a recount in many districts around the country.

Patricia Madrid has been a hardworking and often effective public servant for years, but I have to say that another run for Congress would almost certainly go over like a lead balloon. Most of all this election cycle, voters are clammering for a fresh perspective, an original approach, something new and inspiring. Not the same old faces, the same old targets of negative ads, the same old same old. If Rahm Emanuel and Nancy Pelosi succeed in convincing Madrid to run again in NM-01, I predict nothing but disaster. And that would be a sad and tragic thing for Patsy, for New Mexico's Dems and, ultimately I'm afraid, for the country.

New Mexico Dems know what's going on here in terms of the political atmosphere, not Rahm Emanuel or Nancy Pelosi. Chances are Madrid will make a decision sometime this weekend about another run in NM-01. I hope she makes the right one.

You can read our previous coverage of the NM-01 Congressional race in our archive.

NM Congressional Candidate Scorecard Time Again

Here's the lastest news on the political candidate musical chairs front in New Mexico. Dem Lt. Gov. Diane Denish told the Albuquerque Journal she's "still considering" a U.S. Senate run and doesn't expect to make a decision for "several weeks." She also said she'd recently spoken to several female Senators and elected officials about the possibility of her candidacy, including an unexpected call from Sen. Hillary Clinton. "I don't think it's a decision to rush. I want to work it through and make a decision," Denish said.

Former Attorney General Patricia Madrid has announced she won't run for Senate but said she's still considering running for Congress in NM-01. I'll have more on that later this morning.

On the Repub side, State Land Commissioner Pat Lyons announced he won't run for U.S. Senate due to the "crowded field." And Spiro Vasilopoulis has told the AP he's not running despite his earlier announcement that he'd do so.

I'm sure I'll be reissuing this scorecard many times before the nominations are secured on both sides of the aisle. Let me know if you have any other updates. As far as I can piece it together, here's how it stands now:

U.S. SENATE

Democrats:

• In: Santa Fe small business owner Don Wiviott; Albuquerque Mayor Marty Chavez; Santa Fe publisher Leland Lehrman; Santa Fe Community Housing Trust Finance Director Jim Hannan
• Out: Gov. Bill Richardson; former AG Patricia Madrid; Rep. Tom Udall (NM-03)
• Pondering: Lt. Gov. Diane Denish

Republicans:

• In: Rep. Heather Wilson (NM-01); Steve Pearce (NM-02)
• Out: State Land Commissioner Patrick Lyons; oil industry investor Spiro G. Vassilopoulos
• Pondering: ?

U.S. HOUSE NM-01

Democrats

• In: ABQ City Councilor Martin Heinrich; former Secretary of NM Public Health Department Michelle Lujan Grisham; attorney Jon Adams
• Out: State Rep. Al Park; State Treasurer James Lewis
• Pondering: Former AG Patricia Madrid

Republicans:

• In: Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White
• Out:
• Pondering: State Rep. Janice Arnold-Jones; State Sen. Mark Boitano; State Sen. John Ryan; State Sen. Joe Carraro

U.S. HOUSE NM-02

Democrats

• In: Dona Ana County Commissioner Bill McCamley; retired minister Al Kisslling; conservative oilman and former Lea County Commission Chairman Harry Teague
• Out:
• Pondering: State Rep. Joseph Cervantes; State Sen. John Arthur Smith (who lost to Pearce in 2002)

Republicans

• In:
• Out: Incumbent Rep. Steve Pearce (running for Senate)
• Pondering: Dona Ana County State Senator and Minority Whip Lee Rawson; Socorro State Rep. Don Tripp; Roswell oilman Phelps Anderson; Sierra County GOP Chairman Earl Greer; K-Bob's steakhouse chain owner Ed Tinsley; State Rep. Gray of Artesia; State Rep. Bratton of Lea

U.S. HOUSE NM-03

Democrats

• In: Tom Udall, incumbent

Republicans

• In: No names floated yet

You can compare this updated scorecard with our previous version.

Heinrich Fundraising Tops $318,000 for NM-01 Race

According to a press release from the Martin Heinrich campaign for Congress in NM-01, he's raised more than $318,127 through the end of the third quarter FEC reporting period. Of that total, more than $137,000 was raised this quarter, from July 1 - September 30, 2007. The campaign has a little over $217,000 in cash on hand. Heinrich announced his candidacy in April of this year.

"The willingness of so many individuals to invest in this campaign is a sign of just how many people are anxious for change," said Heinrich. "The groundswell of support I have received over the past six months is further evidence of just how tired people are of the failed policies of this Republican Administration - and they know that I am the candidate who will go to Washington and focus on the right priorities."

"Since I entered this race, I have been privileged to speak to countless voters around this district," Heinrich continued. "So many of them share my vision for leadership that works to find a new direction in Iraq, to ensure that New Mexico is out front in the drive toward energy independence, and to bring integrity to Congress. I am proud to have their support, and I know the momentum in this campaign for change will only continue to grow over the coming months."

The campaign has received donations from 1324 individuals, 771 of whom contributed in the third quarter. A staggering 90% of Heinrich's contributors live within New Mexico - a further sign of the grassroots strength of his campaign. The average contribution amount was slightly over $200.00.

To date, the Heinrich campaign has raised $77,114 online via ActBlue, including $1,040 on the DFNM Netroots page and $730 on the Beat Back Bush New Mexico page supported by local blogs NM FBIHOP and DFNM. Click on the links to add your contribution, no matter how small. Every dollar will count in this race, especially now that other less progressive challengers are emerging to take advantage of Heather Wilson's withdrawal to run for Senate. Remember, you can also set up an automatic monthly donation program at ActBlue where any amount can be charged to your credit card monthly to support Heinrich's campaign.

Martin was at the Green Builder's Council luncheon yesterday in Albuquerque and he seemed elated about how the race is going. I am too. Let's help keep the momentum going. Add your official endorsement to the growing list of voters, elected officials and community leaders who are supporting Martin Heinrich for Congress.

For more on this race, visit our topic archive.

Who Is Michelle Lujan Grisham and Why Is She Running for Congress in NM-01?

Democrat Michelle Lujan Grisham, former Secretary of the NM Department of Public Health, will officially announce her candidacy today for the NM-01 Congressional seat being vacated by Heather Wilson. This is Grisham's first run for public office.

Grisham was appointed to head the state's public health effort by Governor Bill Richardson in September 2004. She served in that role until June of 2007, when she was replaced by Dr. Alfredo Vigil. The press release announcing the change stated that Grisham was resigning to pursue an opportunity involving elected office. She later explained she planned to explore running for Heather Wilson's Congressional seat or another elected office and said "I'm going to need time to raise money."

Grisham's tenure at Public Heath was a rocky one. She endured public controversies over her firings of highly respected infectious disease specialist, Dr. Gary Simpson, and regional director of public health, Albert Esparsen, as well as her alleged mistreatment of the immunization program's Steve Nickell, who resigned. While some department staff apparently found her blunt management style refreshing, others accused her of being bureaucratic, abrasive, a micro-manager and prone to cronyism. Scandals related to life threatening conditions and poor nursing home care at Ft. Bayard Medical Center, as well as problems with client care, oversight and fiscal management at Los Lunas Community Programs, came to light on her watch.

Prior to her work at Health, Michelle was the director of the Agency on Aging, which became the Aging and Long-Term Services during her 14-year career there. A lawyer, Michelle also managed the Lawyer Referral for the Elderly Program with the state bar. Grisham's grandfather, Eugene David Lujan, served on the NM Supreme Court from 1945 to 1959, and was the first Hispanic appointee to New Mexico's top court.

The word is that former Democratic Party of New Mexico Chair John Wertheim will serve the campaign as a fundraising co-chair. By the way, Wertheim's wife, Bianca Ortiz-Wertheim, works in the administration of Mayor Marty Chavez, who's running for U.S. Senate. She was hired in June of this year as the city's legislative coordinator, a position created by Chavez. The job pays $79,000 a year and entails serving as a liason between the Mayor's Office and the City Council.

You can read more about Grisham in my previous post discussing her departure from the Public Health Department.

Our past posts about the NM-01 Congressional race are compiled here.

The Freshly Minted "Independent": Sheriff Darren White Enters NM-01 Race

Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White announced his entry into the NM-01 Congressional race on the Republican side yesterday afternoon at a news conference in Albuquerque. His spinning began immediately. This is the man who headed up the county's 2004 Bush-Cheney reelection campaign and has been one of the most vociferous defenders of all things Bush. Suddenly he's seen the light or at least decided it's politically expedient to portray himself as an "independent voice" more dedicated to doing what's right than toeing any party line. In an Albuquerque Journal article entitled "Sheriff Stresses Independence," White is quoted as saying

"Sadly, some politicians in Washington from both parties have broken the public's trust ... I will continue to call things the way I see them and (I will be) criticizing mistakes, no matter which party makes them."

What a turnaround. Here's what Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman Brian S. Colón had to say in response to White's entry into the race:

"Darren White served as the 2004 Bernalillo County Chairman for the Bush-Cheney reelection Campaign. In serving as George W. Bush's figurehead in Bernalillo County, Darren White carried water for an administration that has spent half-a-trillion dollars fighting an endless civil war in Iraq that has led to the deaths of 3,800 brave American soldiers. Darren White defended an administration who has created the largest deficits in American history - deficits that our children and grandchildren will be forced to repay.  And he stood up for an administration that has refused to expand health care to an additional 27,900 New Mexican children whose parents cannot afford it.

"The people of New Mexico have had enough of the failures of the Bush-Cheney Administration and will reject this Bush-Cheney insider from going to Washington.  Anyone who occupied such a position as Darren White did with the campaign of the failed Bush-Cheney Administration is simply too extreme for the people of New Mexico."

Independent?
Of course hiding behind a fake "independent" mask is also a trademark of Heather Wilson, NM-01's current Rep who's running for Senate. Despite voting in support of the Bush-Cheney agenda almost every time, Wilson has long sought to portray herself as a "moderate" motiviated by doing what's right, not doing what the GOP bosses in the White House want. Clearly, White is now trying to assume that mantle. I think it's gonna be a hard sell, don't you?

As I reported in a previous post, White received the honor of being one of a handful of delegates to the 2004 GOP convention selected to officially inform President Bush of his selection as the official Republican nominee for President. Think about that. Of all the Repubs heading up Bush-Cheney reelection campaigns in the many states and counties across the country, Darren White was among the few chosen to personally inform George II that he'd secured the nomination for his second term. He's been that loyal to the Bush-Cheney agenda and the neo-con power structure.

Victory in Iraq!
White has apparently experienced a eureka moment on the Iraq occupation as well:

On the subject of the Iraq war, he said, "mistakes have been made by those in Washington." In a question-and-answer session with reporters, he added, "I'm for a course of action that brings our troops home as quickly as possible, but stays true to that mission— which is wiping out the terrorists in Iraq, and most importantly, keeping Americans safe.

Then again, you can watch him say in this KOB-TV News video that,

"We all want to bring the troops home and I will do just that but our troops must return in VICTORY!"

Darren White -- still buying into the Bush machine myths that the Iraq occupation is keeping Americans safe, that the administration has defined a clear mission there and that "victory" is possible, whatever that means. I guess his fancy new independent voice has gone missing already. Not surprising considering that White has spent many years being a vocal apologist for and booster of All Things Bush.

For previous posts about the NM-01 Congressional race, check our archive.

(Updated) Get Your Scorecard: U.S. Senate and House Races in New Mexico

Have you ever felt such powerful, crackling, constantly changing political lightning flashing all over New Mexico? To say the situation has been fast-paced and fluid since Sen. Domenici announced his retirement would be a huge understatement. The phone companies must be making a bundle on the traffic being generated by all the speculating, negotiating, analyzing, strategizing, gossiping and bitching that been going on every political level in all parts of the state. So where do we stand right now? Here's a basic scorecard (UPDATED 10.12.07):

U.S. SENATE RACE

DEMOCRATS:

IN: Santa Fe sustainable developer Don Wiviott; Albuquerque Mayor Marty Chavez; Santa Fe Community Housing Trust Finance Director Jim Hannan; Santa Fe publisher Leland Lehrman

OUT: Gov. Bill Richardson; Rep. Tom Udall (NM-03)

STILL PONDERING: Lt. Gov. Diane Denish; former Attorney General Patricia Madrid

REPUBLICANS:

IN: Rep. Heather Wilson (NM-01); Roswell oilman Spiro Vassilopoulos

LAUNCHED EXPLORATORY COMMITTEE: Rep. Steve Pearce (NM-02)

STILL PONDERING: NM Land Commissioner Pat Lyons

U.S. HOUSE NM-01

DEMOCRATS:

IN: Albuquerque City Councilor Martin Heinrich; Attorney Jon Adams; former Secretary of NM Department of Public Health Michelle Lujan Grisham

OUT: State Rep. Al Park; State Treasurer James Lewis; former Attorney General Patricia Madrid

STILL PONDERING: ?

REPUBLICANS:

IN: Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White

STILL PONDERING: State Rep. Janice Arnold-Jones; State Sen. Mark Boitano; State Sen. John Ryan; State Senator Joe Carraro

U.S HOUSE NM-02

DEMOCRATS:

IN: Dona Ana County Commissioner Bill McCamley; Minister Al Kissling

STILL PONDERING: State Rep. Joseph Cervantes

REPUBLICANS:

UNKNOWN: Current Rep. Steve Pearce (may run for U.S. Senate)

MAY BE PONDERING: K-Bob's Steakhouse owner Ed Tinsley; Roswell State Rep. Dan Foley

U.S. HOUSE NM-03

DEMOCRATS:

IN: Current Rep. Tom Udall (considered a shoe-in)

REPUBLICANS:

IN: No names being floated yet

Check our archives for previous posts on these races:

• Senate
• NM-01
• NM-02
• NM-03

(Updated) Martin Heinrich: A Powerhouse on Conservation and the Environment

Martin and son at White Sands, NM

UPDATE: Dem Rep. Al Park has decided not to enter the NM-01 race. Sheriff Darren White is expected to announce his candidacy for the seat on the Repub side sometime today.
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Dem Martin Heinrich, running for Congress in NM-01, has a long and strong environmental record of achievement, and his positions on related issues are informed and personally passionate ones. See page 14 of the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance's Spring 2007 magazine (pdf) for an article about Heinrich's experience and accomplishments. It's written by Stephen Capra, Executive Director of the NM Wilderness Alliance.

As Capra writes,

Before running for office [on the Albuquerque City Council], Heinrich served on the Board of Directors for the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, including some time as President. He is also the former Executive Director of the Cottonwood Gulch Foundation, a non-profit organization providing experiential outdoor and environmental education. During those days, Martin's hair was a little longer and his tan a bit darker, thanks to time spent outdoors exposing young people to the history, art, science and cultures of the southwest.

... He used his burgeoning political instincts as the primary organizer in the successful campaign to protect the Ojito Wilderness Area. His tireless efforts were crucial in gaining the necessary support of our congressional delegation and overcoming earlier opposition by local ranchers. Ojito became the first new wilderness in our state in over 18 years.

.. Many politicians like to “talk green,” far fewer actually make the environment part of their core agenda.

To learn more about Heinrich's achievements, read the entire article. We've got the real deal here at a time when so much is at stake in terms of the crises we face related to global warming, energy and water use, habitat preservation and so much more.

DLC No, Heinrich Yes
It's so important to show our support for Heinrich NOW if we want him to be our nominee. With Repub Heather Wilson vacating the race to run for Senate, more Dem candidates may be tempted to run in NM-01. In my opinion, the names being mentioned can't hold a candle to Heinrich on any number of issues, including the environment.

DLC Dems like State Rep. Al Park and others are good guys in many ways, but I don't think their "centrist" views measure up to the principled stands Heinrich takes. For instance, note that Al Park was selected for special notice by the conservative, business-oriented DLC (see here and here). In my book we need more DLC Dems in the Congress like we need a hole in the head. What we do need are more candidates like Heinrich, who hail from the Democratic Wing of the Democratic Party.

In my view, potential candidates like Park are more about clinging to a business as usual model than creatively envisioning a future shaped by our growing awareness of the kind of change we'll need to make to ensure the planet's survival -- and ours.

Just Do It
If you agree, let's help clear the field for Martin. Donate a few bucks at the DFNM Netroots for Heinrich page at Act Blue, visit Martin's revamped website and blog and officially endorse his candidacy.

For our previous posts on the 2008 Congressional race in NM-01, visit our archive.

Two Repubs Mull Run for Heather Wilson's Seat

Two Republican names are consistently being mentioned as possible candidates for the Congressional seat being vacated by Rep. Heather Wilson (NM-01), who's running for Pete Domenici's Senate seat in 2008: Sheriff Darren White and State Rep. Janice Arnold-Jones.

On the strongly conservative side, there's current Bernalillo County Sheriff , who headed up the Bush-Cheney campaign in Bernalillo County last time out. This election cycle, he's been working for Rudy Giuliani's presidential campaign in the county. Sheriff White will fly to DC this week to confer with GOP bigwigs. He's known to have connections with the same folks who brought us the bogus GOP "voter fraud" strategy and were go-betweens in the political firing of US Attorney David Iglesias: lawyer-lobbyist Mickey Barnett and attorney Pat Rogers.

White began his second four-year term as the Sheriff of Bernalillo County on January 1, 2007. He was a Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Department of Public Safety from 1995-99 during Gov. Gary Johnson's administration. Previously, he served as an officer in both the Houston and Albuquerque police departments. He's an Army vet, having served with the 82nd Airborne. White has a Bachelor's in management from the University of Phoenix.

Fear and Loathing in New Mexico
Sheriff White can be expected to run as a "law and order" and "homeland security" candidate. Some of his major issues as Sheriff have been tougher enforcement on DWI, methamphetmine and sex offenses. Add illegal immigration and "border security" to the mix and, voila, you've got the typical right-wing platform based on fear, "cracking down" on crime and being ever vigilant against "terrorists."

The idea is to scare people by exaggerating threats as much as possible, and then to sell yourself as the hero who will keep them safe. We've seen this strategy over and over during the Bush II era. It's usually accompanied by a thousand TV ads that attempt to smear opponents as less than patriotic, as well as soft on crime, terrorism and illegal immigration. It can be seen as the Big Daddy Will Protect You strategy. White seems tailor made for it. This setup has been employed by the GOP for decades in one form or another. Remember when every Dem who dared to voice an opinion was labeled a Pinko-Commie or someone who "coddles" criminals?

State Rep. Janice Arnold-Jones (R-Albuquerque), a more moderate Repub, is also mulling tossing her hat in the ring in NM-01 and has said she's checking out the fundraising situation before going forward. Arnold-Jones was first elected to the NM House in 2002. During the 2007 Legislative Session she served on the House Taxation and Revenue Committee (and the Capital Outlay Subcommittee) and the House Voters and Elections Committee. She has a BA in Speech Communication from UNM. Here's her bio.

Powerful right-wing GOP operatives can be expected to encourage her not to enter the race as she's not a good match for their usual Big Daddy approach to campaigning.

Background: Sheriff White and "Voter Fraud"
Here's more background about Sheriff Darren White's involvement in the GOP's "voter fraud" scam that later became a pivotal issue in the firing of U.S. Attorney David Iglesias:

From an indepth look at the GOP's pursuit of bogus "voter fraud" in New Mexico, in the magazine of the National Housing Institute:

By the fall of 2004, the presidential contest between George W. Bush and Sen. John F. Kerry had tightened, and by all accounts, ACORN was signing up new voters statewide. By August 2004, ACORN and its allies registered 65,000 people-about a 10-percent increase over 2000-in Bernalillo County, home to Albuquerque. The Republicans' vendetta against ACORN in New Mexico was about to begin.

It started in early August when a group of Republicans led by County Sheriff Darren White marched into the Bernalillo County clerk's office and asked if there were any "problem" registrations. County Clerk Mary Herrera said yes: some 3,000 incomplete or error-ridden forms were missing Social Security numbers, post office box addresses, or signatures.

That was enough for White, one of the state's highest-profile Republicans and chair of the county Bush-Cheney campaign. "When they brought me on, it was plain and simple: They said, 'We need to win Bernalillo County,' " White told the Albuquerque Journal.

On August 5, he dashed off a letter to New Mexico's U.S. attorney, David C. Iglesias, asking him to investigate voter-registration cards that might be fraudulent. A series of "suspect" forms had been submitted in recent weeks, he said in his letter.

As we all know by now, and as the article explains, no "voter fraud" was found by U.S. Attorney Iglesias and a task force he created. Instead, the investigation turned up the usual kinds of mistakes and errors found in voter registration applications.

From a summary of the conduct of the 2004 election in New Mexico:

Two months before the election, Republican U.S. Attorney David Iglesias formed a task force — involving the criminal division of the U.S. Justice Department, the FBI, the New Mexico Department of Public Safety and the secretary of state's office — to investigate and prosecute suspected cases of election fraud. "The New Mexico probe was launched in part at the request of Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White, who chairs the county's Bush-Cheney campaign."

"When they brought me on, it was plain and simple: They said, `We need to win Bernalillo County,'" said Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White, who is helping coordinate Bush's campaign here. In April 2004, Sheriff White was added to the National Bush-Cheney '04 First Responders Leadership Team. "The Bush-Cheney '04 National First Responders Leadership Team will help build a nationwide network of grassroots support for the President and help communicate his commitment to homeland security and his record of achievement for America's first responders."

Sheriff White also attended the 2004 Republican National Convention as a GOP delegate. While in New York City, the delegates took in a Broadway show and a tour of the Fox News studios. Sheriff White also received the honor of being one of the 10 delegates selected to officially inform President Bush of his selection as the official Republican nominee for President.

Click for previous posts about the NM-01 Congressional race and the U.S. Attorney firing scandal.

(Updated) Heinrich Comments on Wilson's U.S. Senate Announcement; Click to Endorse Him

CLICK HERE to Endorse Martin Heinrich

UPDATE 10.08.07: Click to read some of the citizen endorsements that have been submitted at Martin Heinrich's revamped website and blog. Click above to submit yours.
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Martin Heinrich, Democratic candidate for Congress in New Mexico's First Distrtict, issued the following statement on Friday regarding Heather Wilson's decision to run for the U.S. Senate:

"Today, Congresswoman Heather Wilson announced that she will not run for reelection to the House of Representatives, and will instead run for the United States Senate seat being vacated by Senator Domenici. Since I entered the race for Congress over five months ago, I've spoken with countless voters who share my vision and are just as eager to bring change to Washington as I am. I am running for Congress to bring a change in leadership for New Mexico's First District - to find a new direction in Iraq, to make New Mexico a leader in the drive toward energy independence, and to bring integrity to Congress.

"In Congress, I will focus on getting results - just as I have in my four years on the Albuquerque City Council, where I have led the effort to increase the minimum wage, worked to bring new jobs to our city, cracked down on crime and the methamphetamine epidemic, and always stood up for our environment and the wilderness areas that make New Mexico such a special place to call home.

"I have been honored by the many endorsements I have received from community leaders and elected officials, but nothing has honored me more than the many voters across this district who have told me they believe that I am the Democrat who can win this seat and bring about the change we all want to see in Washington. Together, we will continue to build on that momentum and unite New Mexicans around our campaign for change."

Editor's Note: How to Endorse Martin Heinrich
See Heinrich's revamped website and blog where you can read yesterday's message to voters and submit your official endorsement of his campaign. Heinrich has been working hard on this race for months, but now that Wilson has decided to run for Senate, other less progressive Dem candidates are coming out of the woodwork to test the waters.

Now's the time to join hundreds of other Heinrich endorsers to show that Martin has the strong support of Democrats across the First District. Now's the time to help Martin keep the momentum going on his campaign and convince others that Martin Heinrich is the best candidate for the job. Endorse Martin Heinrich right now and ask your friends, family and neighbors to do the same.