Democracy for New Mexico

Visuals: Iraq Summer 'Take a Stand' in Albuquerque

I haven't had a chance to report on the moving and well-attended Take a Stand Town Hall organized in Albuquerque by the Iraq Summer campaign and others. The August 28th event at the UNM Continuing Education Auditorium attracted more than 300 people to hear Albuquerque City Counselor Martin Heinrich; ex-Marine Bruce Clark (videos above), the parent of two sons in the military, one of whom is stationed north of Baghdad right now; Major General Mel Montano, US Air National Guard, Retired, and former Adjunct General of New Mexico; Judy Pratt, activist, former NM State Senator and 1984 U.S. Senate candidate against Pete Domenici; and Greg Richardson of the Iraq Summer campaign.

Both Sen. Pete Domenici and Rep. Heather Wilson were invited to participate, but refused the invitation to speak with their constituents about what they plan to do to end the carnage in Iraq.

I've compiled images from the Albuquerque event in this photo album for you to check out.

City Councilor Martin Heinrich speaks to crowd

The videos at the top of this post are excerpts of Bruce Clark's extremely emotional and passionate speech. They're of rather poor quality, taken with our little digital camera, but I hope you'll listen to Bruce's words about the real intent of Bush, his cronies and his supporters like Domenici and Wilson. If everyone in New Mexico could hear Bruce speak, I know that most of them would have a clear picture of what's truly at stake here. The other speakers were also excellent, and I'll cover more of what they had to say later. For now, please listen to Mr. Clark and do what you can to convince Domenici and Wilson to do what's right for the country, not what's right for the GOP or the Bush administration.

The event was moderated by Carter Bundy of AFSCME, who did a bang up job, and began with what seemed like an eternity of total silence as we watched a slideshow with the faces and names of members of the military from New Mexico who have died in the war. Lives are at stake. Time is of the essence. And still Sen. Pete Domenici and Rep. Heather Wilson won't vote to stop the deadly and damaging occupation.

By the way, Iraq Summer, MoveOn, True Majority and others helped organize similar events in many other states around the nation that day. Click to see a slide show of photos from other states.

Help Elect Replacements for Wilson and Domenici
The Beat Back Bush New Mexico page was created at Act Blue to counteract Bush's recent visit to Albuquerque to raise money for Pete Domenici. It's designed to raise donations from New Mexico's progressive netroots-grassroots for candidates who will run against the Republicans here. If you haven't donated yet, there's still time. Contrbute a few bucks to Martin Heinrich and Don Wiviot -- candidates who want to get rid of Heather Wilson and Pete Domenici once and for all in November 2008.

Click to read our previous posts about Beat Back Bush New Mexico.

TONIGHT: Take a Stand and Demand that Domenici & Wilson Do the Same

Watch this video, listen to Iraq Vet John Bruhns (who has been blogging on AMERICAblog this month) -- and do what he says. Today, there will be over 700 "Take a Stand" events around the country. You can find one here. Take a Stand. In Albuquerque: UNM Continuing Education Auditorium, 1634 University Blvd. NE, 7 PM. If you can't make it, check in at AMERICAblog tonight for the live blogging on Take a Stand efforts. You might even get some right here.

Reminder: Iraq Summer Take a Stand Events Tonight

Take a Stand Day events coordinated by the Americans Against Escalation in Iraq's Iraq Summer campaign, MoveOn, TrueMajority Action, Working Assets and others are going around the nation today. Click to find one near you or set up your own. In New Mexico there are events set for Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Los Lunas.

In Albuquerque, you're urged to gather at the 'Iraq Summer' Campaign Take a Stand Townhall:

WHAT: Hundreds of Domenici and Wilson constituents to attend ‘Take A Stand’ Town Hall Meeting to pressure the Senator and Congresswoman to break with Bush and vote to begin responsible redeployment of U.S. troops out of harm’s way in Iraq

WHEN: Tuesday, August 28th, from 7:00 – 8:00 PM

WHERE: UNM Continuing Education Auditorium, 1634 University Blvd, NE, Albuquerque, NM

SPEAKERS: Moderator will be Claudia Iglesias – Iraq Summer Campaign

• Major General Mel Montano (USANG, Ret.) – Former Adjunct General of New Mexico
• Martin Heinrich – Albuquerque City Councilor (Dist. 6)
• Bruce Clark – Marine veteran and father of two active duty soldiers, one currently serving in Iraq
• Judy Pratt – Activist, former State Senator and 1984 U.S. Senate Candidate against Pete Domenici

The New Mexico 'Iraq Summer' Campaign has been turning up the heat on Senator Pete Domenici and Congresswoman Heather Wilson all summer to start representing their constituents by voting for a safe and responsible end to the Iraq war. The campaign will come to a crescendo on Tuesday, August 28th: 'Take a Stand Day' –- when the campaign will host a public town hall meeting on Iraq in Albuquerque featuring veterans, military families, and community leaders.

Invitations to the TAS town hall, which is already expected to draw hundreds of constituents, were ignored by Senator Domenici’s office and flatly rejected by Congresswoman Wilson’s. In response, the Iraq Summer Campaign will provide an empty chair for both Wilson and Domenici to highlight their disappointing lack of courage to face their constituents and explain their continued support for the President's costly and irresponsible policy of endless war in Iraq. With U.S. forces stretched the breaking point policing a religious civil war that has no end in sight, New Mexicans deserve answers from their representatives in Congress.

This historic forum comes on the heels of a startling pronouncement this month from Lt. Gen. Doug Lute –- a three-star general and President Bush's "War Czar" –- that a military draft is "on the table." This bombshell announcement followed recent statements by General David Petraeus -– the President's top military commander in Iraq -- that U.S. forces should stay in Iraq for another 9 or 10 years. In response, 'Take A Stand' participants will publicly ask Domenici, Wilson: Since you support Bush's endless war in Iraq, do you also support the draft needed to sustain it?

CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAUSE
If you'd like to do more to help defeat Domenici and Wilson in the 2008 election, consider making a small donation at the BEAT BACK BUSH NEW MEXICO Act Blue page, a joint effort of the Democracy for New Mexico and blogs designed to counteract the fundraising machinery of Bush and the Republican right wing. Click to see previous posts on the effort.

Scenes from Demonstration at Today's Domenici-Bush Lovefest in Los Ranchos NM

Demonstrators were on both sides of Rio Grande NW

Mounted police blocked the road to the site of the fundraiser

The photos above were taken by Terry Riley at the demonstration on Rio Grande NW in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque on August 27, 2007. Click for more photos from Terry. Bush flew into Albuquerque for a few hours and attended an expensive private fundraiser for Sen. Pete Domenici at the home of Los Ranchos' "Independent" Mayor Larry Abraham. The Albuquerque Journal and demonstrated estimated the crowd at more than 100 at its peak -- in the hot summer sun of New Mexico at mid-day. Albuquerque Code Pink was much in evidence. Although the demonstrators didn't get to see Bush arrive, they did manage to "greet" GOP bigwigs arriving in their vehicles. (Click on images for larger versions.)

According to the Albuquerque Journal the event raised more than $430,000 for Domenici and the state GOP, and that close to 200 people attended. The minimum donation was $1000 and photos with Bush went for $5000. One protester had this to say:

Air Force veteran George Boersig, 67, said he believes the war is about oil and money. Boersig, a member of the local Veterans for Peace group, carried a sign with a picture of Bush and the words, "Impeach Me: Clueless but Evil.'' "The only way to stop (the war) is to cut the funding. That's what we did in Vietnam and we need to do the same thing in Iraq and Afghanistan,'' Boersig said.

To counter Domenici's windfall from Bush's fundraiser, visit BEAT BACK BUSH NEW MEXICO and donate a few bucks to the cause.

Watch your tax dollars go down the drain in this Albuquerque Tribune raw video as Bush's motorcade full of "security" heads to the fundraiser for Domenici on a cleared Rio Grande Boulevard this morning. As the host of the fundraiser -- Los Ranchos' "Independent" Mayor Larry Abraham -- has said, the village of Los Ranchos won't pay a penny for the extra cops and other security -- residents of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County and other places will, by providing the extra details.

Here are videos of the protests and more from KRQE News 13 and KOAT 7 News.

Tragedy in the Motorcade
Very sadly, one Rio Rancho police officer riding a motorcycle in Bush's motorcade paid with his life. He crashed into a tree near I-26 as Bush was on the way back to the Sunport. Germaine F. Casey, 40, left a wife and two children behind with his passing.

More from demonstration and Bush visit to Albuquerque:

• Story and photos of Terry Riley and Bruce Barnaby from the Albuquerque Tribune
• Reuters photos here and here
• Yahoo News Photos
• Albuquerque Code Pink photos:

If anyone else has photos or videos from the day, I'd be happy to post or link to them.

To counter Domenici's windfall from Bush's fundraiser, visit BEAT BACK BUSH NEW MEXICO and donate a few bucks to the cause.

Beat Back Bush New Mexico!

George Bush will be at a campaign fundraiser in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque today raising lots of money from Republican elites for "Pajama Pete" Domenici's reelection campaign. Last year Bush came to New Mexico and raised $375,000 for Rep. Heather Wilson the same way. Why? Domenici and Wilson have been among Bush's most loyal and obedient supporters, putting the neocon political agenda of Bush-Rove-Gonzales ahead of the real needs of New Mexicans, our troops, our Constitution, our environment, our health care system and our nation. Visits from Bush to raise big bucks for their campaigns are their reward, and a down payment on the continuation of his failed policies for years to come.

Over the next couple days, members and supporters of the Democratic Party of New Mexico, AFSCME, Democracy for New Mexico, the Iraq Summer campaign, Albuquerque Code Pink, the Sierra Club and Stop the War Machine, as well as ordinary citizens and grassroots-netroots activists, will be staging protests, honking horns and attending rallies and vigils to remind Bush, Domenici and incumbent Repub Rep. Heather Wilson where New Mexicans stand on the Iraq occupation and other Bush failures. We need to end the Bush-era horrors. To do that, we need to elect Democrats to office who will address the critical problems we face with fresh strategies based on honest analysis -- and with genuine integrity and energy.

On this historic day when Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has finally resigned in disgrace and Bush is in New Mexico to thank Domenici for services rendered, we can start the ball rolling by joining the Beat Back New Mexico grassroots surge, sponsored by the Democracy for New Mexico and New Mexico FBIHOP netroots communities. To win, our candidates need the means to compete against Domenici, Wilson and the Bush-crony fundraising machine. We can help them do just that by raising thousands of small donations from the progressive netroots here in New Mexico and across the nation to fund change in America from the ground up.

Donate $5, $10, $20 or more right now at the Beat Back Bush New Mexico page at Act Blue and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Every single dollar counts when you donate to the campaigns of Martin Heinrich (above), who's running to take on Heather Wilson in New Mexico's first congressional district, and Don Wiviott (below), who's stepped forward to run against "Pajama Pete" Domenici.

It's important to demonstrate and rally against the negative forces of Bush's disastrous presidency, but unless we do more to elect replacements for Bush rubberstamps like Domenici and Wilson, not much will change. Support Martin Heinrich and Don Wiviott NOW. Our ambitious goal is to raise $50,000 this week for each of their campaigns from thousands of activists dedicated to turning every state in the nation as BLUE as it can be.

While Bush is in Albuquerque's North Valley today collecting $1000 and $5000 donations from the few, and Alberto Gonzales is holding his resignation press conference, you can be an integral part of the New Mexico netroots effort to show the power of small donations from the many. Be a part of Beat Back Bush New Mexico. Click away.

NOTE: Also visit New Mexico FBIHOP for more on Beat Back Bush New Mexico.

(Updated) Today, 2 PM, ABQ Peace & Justice Center: TV Ad Release Calling on Domenici to Vote to End Iraq War

UPDATE: Here's the TV ad that was released today. Dial away.
****************
Isn't it time for Sen. Pete Domenici to see things as they are at last and vote to bring the war in Iraq to an end? Domenici has tried to get a lot of political mileage out of making a few public statements admitting Bush's Iraq strategy is on the wrong track, but he's still rubberstamping Bush's policies whenever push comes to shove. Americans United for Change, part of the coalition supporting the Iraq Summer Campaign folks, will unveil a new TV ad today that calls him on his lack of real action to end the war and bring our troops home. The ad is part of an ongoing effort to turn up the heat on Domenici in advance of "Take a Stand Day" on August 28th:

“With the war in Iraq now well into its 5th year and as U.S. forces continue to suffer tragic consequences there policing an endless religious civil war, Americans United for Change will unveil a TV ad campaign on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 at 2:00 PM at the Albuquerque Peace and Justice Center calling on Pete Domenici to vote to bring the war in Iraq to a safe and responsible end and criticizing him for continuing to stand with President Bush and his failed strategy in Iraq. You're invited to attend."

• WHO: Americans United for Change, Iraq Summer Campaign, Veterans and Iraq Servicemen Family Members
• WHAT: Unveiling new TV ad blitz calling on Senator Pete Domenici to "Take a Stand" and vote to bring war in Iraq to safe and responsible end
• WHERE: Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice, 202 Harvard SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 (Map)
• WHEN: Wednesday, August 22, 2007 at 2:00 PM

"The ad comes in advance of a forthcoming White House written report to Congress on the status of the war in September and as part of the Iraq Summer Campaign sponsored by the coalition Americans Against Escalation in Iraq, of which Americans United for Change is a leading partner. The ads are also running in advance of the coalition's national "Take a Stand Day" on August 28th during which thousands of citizens will attend hundreds of town hall meetings and vigils calling on Republicans in Congress to Take a Stand and vote to safely and responsibly end the war in Iraq."

Show Your Support for Ending the War at Albuquerque's "Take a Stand Day" Event: In Albuquerque, the August 28th "Take a Stand Day" event will be held at the UNM Continuing Education Auditorium at 1634 University NE at 7:00 PM (map). Both Sen. Domenici and Rep. Heather Wilson have been invited to attend and respond to constituent calls for an end to the Iraq occupation. Neither one has so far accepted the invitation. For one thing, Domenici will probably be completely pooped from attending that private, big dollar fundraiser in Los Ranchos the night before, where George Bush is scheduled to appear for expensive photo ops and backslapping on behalf of Pete's reelection campaign. You know how tedious and draining it can be to witness The Decider's sophomoric antics!

Martin Heinrich, running for Congress in NM-01, Wilson's district, has indicated he'll attend the "Take a Stand Day" event on 8/28, and anyone who wants to see our troops come home as soon as possible is also urged to attend.

Click to sign up for updates.

Heinrich Gaining Momentum in Quest to Take On Heather Wilson

Current Albuquerque City Councilor Martin Heinrich (left, speaking at Dem picnic), who's running for a chance to be the Dem nominee in the NM-01 Congressional race against Repub incumbent Heather Wilson, is racking up the endorsements these days. Martin, who also Chairs the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority and serves as the Natural Resources Trustee for the State of New Mexico, recently announced that the following prominent public officials were formally supporting his candidacy:

• State Senator Jerry Ortiz-y-Pino
• State Senator Cisco McSorley
• State Representative Antonio "Moe" Maestas
• State Representative Mimi Stewart
• State Representative Gail Chasey
  State Representative Danice Picraux
• Former Bernalillo County Commissioner Steve Gallegos
• Albuquerque City Councilor Debbie O’Malley
• Albuquerque City Councilor Michael Cadigan
• Albuquerque City Councilor Isaac Benton
• Edgewood City Councilor Brad Hill
• Former Mayor of Ranchos de Albuquerque John Hooker
• Vice Chairman of the Public Regulation Commission Jason Marks
• Prominent Albuquerque businessman and political activist Antonio Sandoval
• Former Democratic candidate for the first Congressional district Miles Nelson

Heinrich was the keynote speaker at our DFA-DFNM Meetup earlier this month and by all accounts wowed the crowd with his intelligent, knowledgeable positions, his forthright and articulate answers to questions from attendees and his enthusiasm to take on Wilson. Not only that -- but when he didn't know an answer, he admitted it and pledged to do the necessary research. Imagine that. Honesty on the stump!

Excerpts from Heinrich at Meetup:
Asked what he was most proud of during his prior four years as City Council President, Heinrich cited the Council's successful passage of a raise in the city's minimum wage, but stressed that more should be done to make sure the wage rises with inflation. He also pointed to ethics reform achievements, including voluntary public funding for candidates in municipal elections and a tightening of rules about City contracting. Saying he's working within a broken election system that relies on candidates raising large sums of money, he pledged that he'd work for public campaign financing nationwide if elected.

Why is he running? So that he can have some hope for his kids and the world they'll inherit. In that vein, he said he strongly supports an "Apollo project" to achieve energy independence by speeding green technology advances and a switch to renewable energy sources. Commenting on how far ahead other nations are in this change, he noted that almost 100 percent of the products produced by Albuquerque-based Advent Solar will go to Germany, even though we have much more sun. Asked about nuclear power, he said that we shouldn't be viewing it as the answer or as a magic pill. We need to subsidize and generously fund the future in terms of new technologies, not the past.

As for the Iraq occupation, Heinrich said he believes that Congress mishandled the supplemental appropriation bill and that Dems should have kept putting their bill back into the President's lap after he vetoed it because of the troop redeployment requirements. He agreed that our troops need to come home as quickly as an orderly drawdown can be achieved, and said that Dems need to remember that leading with their values will lead to respect.

Regarding healthcare, Heinrich stressed that it's a basic human right and that Medicare is an excellent model because everyone is in the same insurance pool. He praised the current federal SCHIP bill that would greatly expand Medicaid healthcare coverage for children and noted that Heather Wilson voted against it and with Bush and the tobacco companies. He said he thinks a new approach is needed in financing healthcare and that the free market cannot solve all problems, especially in areas like healthcare.

Asked if he would support impeachment of Bush, Martin said we should start by impeaching Alberto Gonzales and take it from there.

Heinrich said No Child Left Behind should be repealed but funded in the meantime. We need to teach kids to think, not just take tests, he said.

After Heinrich finished answering questions, Meetup attendees were so motivated to contribute to his campaign that additional donation envelopes had to be retrieved from his car when the original supply proved insufficient. That's putting your money where you mouth is -- something we have to keep doing if we want Martin to clear the field and be the Dem nominee. If you'd like to help Heinrich keep his big mo' building, kick in a few bucks for his campaign at the DFNM Netroots page at Act Blue.

Others in the Race
Three other contenders for the Dem nomination in CD1 have come forward in recent weeks. Bryon Paez, who works for the powerful NM lobbying firm run by the Guv's friend, Bruce Maki, has said he intends to enter the race. Attorney Jon Adams has also tossed his hat in the ring. According to Kate Nash at the Albuquerque Tribune, Adams raised $10,000 in campaign cash during the first week of his campaign. Most recently, Jason Call has announced his entry into the race as a "small d independent democrat."

To read previous posts on the NM-01 Congressional race, visit our archive. Thanks to EB for taking such good notes at the Meetup with Heinrich while I was at YearlyKos in Chicago. Photo credit: M.E. Broderick.

Iraq Summer: Cheney in Albuquerque

Here's the latest video from the Iraq Summer campaign showing demonstrators confronting Dick Cheney's motorcade as he arrives for his speech on August 6th at the Albuquerque Marriott to the Marine Corps League. Cheney stuck with the same tired Republican talking points on why we must "stay the course" and keep our troops in Iraq despite the evident failure of Bush's "surge" to improve chances for a needed political settlement or regional strategic policy initiative.

Despite Sen. Pete Domenici's alleged "break" from the Bush administration's failed war tactics, he continues to parrot the right-wing party line on the war, as his words in the video make clear. At a July 21st fundraiser in Albuquerque attended by an Iraq Summer activist, Domenici stated unequivocably that "we don't intend to leave the area" and that he fully supports a long-term occupation of Iraq and the region "for many years."

We need to push Sen. Pete Domenici and Rep. Heather Wilson to make a REAL break with Bush and take a stand to end this failed war based on lies and incompetence. To make your voice heard, we hope you'll participate in the coming Take A Stand Day on August 28th at 7 PM at the University of New Mexico's Continuing Education Auditorium at 1634 University Blvd NE in Albuquerque. More details soon. Send an email to NewMexicoFD@iraqsummer.org to get on their email list and stay current on upcoming actions.

Domenici & Wilson: Do You Support a Draft to Sustain Bush's Endless War?

From Americans Against Escalation in Iraq: Just 14 days before ‘Take a Stand Day’ –- the town hall event in which New Mexicans will ask Senator Pete Domenici and Rep. Heather Wilson to explain their war stance –- the Bush administration raised the stakes of the Iraq war even higher. Last week Lt. Gen. Doug Lute, President Bush’s “War Czar,” said he is considering reinstating a military draft. This bombshell announcement followed recent statements by General David Petraeus that U.S. forces should stay in Iraq for another 9 or 10 years. 

In the wake of these startling revelations, New Mexicans are asking Domenici and Wilson -– both of whom have obediently supported Bush’s reckless policy of endless war –- since you support Bush’s endless war, do you also support the draft needed to sustain it?

“Senator Domenici and Congresswoman Wilson make no apologies for their continued support of the President’s costly and reckless policy of endless war in Iraq, despite the fact that the vast majority of their constituents are adamantly opposed to keeping our troops stuck in the crosshairs of a religious civil war,” said Greg Richardson, Field Director for the New Mexico chapter of the Iraq Summer Campaign.  “The people of New Mexico deserve to know:  Do Senator Domenici and Rep. Wilson agree with General Petraeus’ assessment that the US will need to keep fighting in Iraq for the next 10 years?  If so, are they then willing to support a draft to maintain troop levels to support the Petraeus plan to stay in Iraq for another 10 years?”

“The Bush Administration’s reckless use of our military, National Guard and Reserves has strained our armed forces to the breaking point and has left us vulnerable here at home,” continued Richardson. “Senator Domenici and Rep. Wilson can no longer ignore the 800-pound gorilla in the room: Without a plan to get the US troops safely out of Iraq we could end up in situation where there is no choice but a draft.”

“If Domenici and Wilson don’t support the draft, then they must finally represent the majority of New Mexicans by voting to bring the war in Iraq to a safe and responsible end.  They have a choice to make: either stand with the people of New Mexico and vote to bring the troops home – or continue to enable the President’s reckless policy of U.S. troops refereeing an endless civil war in Iraq.”

Americans Against Escalation in Iraq has launched a new national television ad (video above) called “Draft” to denounce the Bush administration’s policy of endless war. With , the ad highlights an Iraq policy that is appallingly out of touch with American public opinion.

“New Mexicans won’t stand for a draft that would send even more men and women into a religious civil war,” warned Richardson. “If Sen. Domenici and Rep. Wilson truly want to ‘support’ our over-extended troops – they should bring them home.”

AAEI's "Iraq Summer" is a nationwide, 10-week long campaign with nearly 100 organizers in 15 states and 40 congressional districts to turn up the heat on members of Congress who have opposed setting a timeline to bring a safe and responsible end to the war in Iraq. The effort will culminate with a national "Take a Stand" day on August 28th, when Members of Congress will have the opportunity to explain their stance on the war to their constituents in a town hall setting.

If you want to join millions of Americans and volunteer to bring a safe end to the war in New Mexico contact NewMexicoFD@iraqsummer.org. You can also order a yard sign by contacting NewMexicoFD@iraqsummer.org. We'll keep you up to date on all the events and activities happening in New Mexico.

CDA, AAEI, and Iraq Summer is a coalition including a wide range of political and nonprofit organizations that are working against our current policy in Iraq. Coalition organizations that are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the IRC have not endorsed or sponsored this statement or the advertisement referred to therein, and no funds provided were used in producing or distributing this statement or the advertisement.

New Mexicans to Rep. Heather Wilson: Don’t Endorse Toothless Legislation

Recent Iraq Summer Demonstration in Albuquerque

From Iraq Summer, Americans Against Escalation in Iraq: Congresswoman Refuses to Vote for Timeline to End Bush’s War

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Heather Wilson this weekend said she is considering endorsing legislation that would limit missions for U.S. troops in Iraq but leaves it up to President Bush to decide when troops should leave.

“New Mexicans are demanding a responsible end to the war but apparently Congresswoman Heather Wilson’s idea of taking action is to back a toothless bill that offers no deadlines. Well the people of New Mexico just aren’t going to buy it,” said Greg Richardson, spokesman for the New Mexico chapter of the “Iraq Summer” campaign. “The time for rhetoric is over. If Heather Wilson truly supports bringing our troops home safely, she must stop obstructing the will of the American people and vote for a responsible timeline to end the war in Iraq.”

Wilson’s remarks come in the wake of a recent ABC News/Washington Post poll that found a record 78 percent of Americans think the President is not showing enough flexibility to change course in Iraq [Washington Post , 7/24/07].

“Congresswoman Wilson is out of touch with her constituents and out of touch with the American public. New Mexicans can see right through her latest charade to try to have it both ways,” continued Richardson.  “The public trusts Congressional Democrats over the President to end the war and Wilson, who has voted against Democrats efforts, will be forced to face her outraged constituents over August recess.

“Through the Iraq Summer campaign AAEI will be cranking up the heat on Congresswoman Wilson. She is in for an unforgettable August Recess back home in New Mexico where citizens are demanding an end to the war.”

“Iraq Summer” is a nationwide, 10-week long campaign with nearly 100 organizers in 15 states and 40 congressional districts to turn up the heat on Republican members of Congress who have opposed setting a timeline to bring a safe and responsible end to the war in Iraq. The effort will culminate with a national “Take a Stand” day on August 28th, when members will have the opportunity to explain their stance on the war to their constituents in a town hall setting.

For more info: website ; email newmexicofd@iraqsummer.org.