Democracy for New Mexico

True Blue New Mexico: Win a Chance to Hike with Heinrich

Heinrich speaks at DFA Campaign Academy yesterday in ABQ

Martin Heinrich's NM-01 Congressional campaign is retooling now that primary season is over and attention gets refocused on defeating GOP nominee Darren White on November 4th. For one thing, the campaign office has moved to a new location at 4105 Silver SE in Albuquerque, just south of Central near the corner of Montclaire and Silver.

A new fundraising blitz is also underway. Martin needs us to help him replenish his campaign coffers after an intense (and expensive) primary contest. The goal is to raise $35,000 by the end of this month when the current FEC fundraising quarter ends -- and you can track progress at the their website's rapidly filling balloon. As an added incentive to donate, you'll be entered into a drawing for a chance to take a hike (literally) with Martin when you donate to his campaign via his website OR our True Blue New Mexico page. As Heinrich explains, everyone who donates before Midnight on June 30th will be entered in the drawing for the hike -- and Martin knows hiking:

As many of you know, I served as Executive Director of the Cottonwood Gulch Foundation for many years. In that capacity, I managed six figure budgets, oversaw scores of employees and provided outdoor educational experiences for hundreds of kids. I also gained a deep appreciation for New Mexico's outdoors.

Everyone that contributes online between now and the end of the quarter will be entered into a drawing to go hiking with me on one of my favorite trails in the district. So, please, contribute today and let's send a message to Darren White that cozying up to George Bush isn't the kind of leadership New Mexicans are looking for!

FILL THE BALLOON! CONTRIBUTE $25, $50, $100 OR MORE TODAY!

Let me be blunt. We spent a lot of money uniting the Democratic Party with a strong win on June 3rd. I need your help to refill our tank so that we can be ready to fight the George Bush-funded smears that we all know are coming.

By the way, both Robert Novak and Chris Cillizza predicted last week that Heinrich has an excellent chance for victory in November. Cillizza rates the race as #9 in his top picks for a change to Dem:

9. New Mexico's 1st (Open seat, R): As expected, Bernalillo County Sheriff (R) and former Albuquerque City Councilman Martin Heinrich (D) won their respective party primaries on June 3. White's chances were struck something of a blow, however, when Rep. Heather Wilson (R), who has held the 1st District since 1998, lost in the Senate primary. That means White won't have the advantage of Wilson driving turnout in her political base come the fall. Still, this is a race to watch as it features two quality candidates in a district that is as evenly split along partisan lines as any in the country. (Previous ranking: 10)

True Blue New Mexico was launched last Monday by this blog and New Mexico FBIHOP, and both of us featured personal messages by True Blue New Mexico candidates during the past week. Please give what you can to get the campaigns off to a rousing start now that the general election has kicked off in earnest.

I also wanted to give a shout-out to Avelino Maestas at Live From Silver City for designing our smashing True Blue New Mexico logo, and putting up with a slew of emails as we planned the launch. Thanks, Ave!

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Novak Pessimistic About GOP Chances in New Mexico

National political curmudgeon Robert Novak, a venomously right-wing Republican, presents a decidedly pessimistic picture for GOP candidates in federal races this year in New Mexico. He reports that Pearce has big odds to beat in the U.S. Senate race:

New Mexico: The retirement of Sen. Pete Domenici (R) because of degenerative brain disease looks likely to give another Senate seat to Democrats ... Udall has a huge cash advantage, stemming from his uncontested primary and an energized nationwide fundraising Democratic base. As of May 14, Udall had raised $3.2 million and had $2.9 million on hand. Pearce had raised $1.9 million, but he spent almost all of it on his competitive primary.

Udall is a well-known and well-liked politician who taps perfectly into the environmentalist zeitgeist of the state. His liberal base is large and energetic while Pearce's conservative base is much smaller. Bush hangs like a rain cloud over the GOP here, and McCain might not bring any coattails.

It's believable then when one New Mexico Republican tells us of a poll showing Udall up by 31 points.

Pearce will distance himself from the White House and work hard for Wilson's moderate backers, and Republicans will beat up Udall to knock him down a peg. Still, it's hard to see how Pearce wins without a major scandal that brings down Udall. Likely Democratic Takeover.

Novak is also downbeat about GOP chances to retain the U.S. House seats currently being held by Rep. Heather Wilson (NM-01) and Rep. Steve Pearce (NM-02):

Considering only the candidates, White has the edge [in NM-01], but the political landscape seriously favors Heinrich. Bush's name and the GOP brand are dirt in New Mexico. Tom Udall is likely to dominate the Senate race. In Albuquerque at least, Obama enthusiasm could drive up Democratic turnout, while luke-warmness about McCain could suppress GOP turnout. Domenici won't be able to help White, while Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D) could be on hand to boost all of the Democratic candidates.

Because we expect a strong Democratic tide, White's strengths look likely to be wiped out by a Democratic surge.
...
[NM-02] is the "Republican district" in New Mexico, but it could be represented by a Democrat next year. In 2004, Bush took 58 percent of this district, which covers the Southern half of the state, but the GOP might have nominated the wrong candidate [in Ed Tinsley].

Making things even worse for Darren White and Ed Tinsley, Martin Heinrich and Harry Teague will get lots of help from the Democratic Congressional Campagin Committee. Both of them were recently added to the DCC'Cs powerful Red to Blue program.

As for NM-03, Novak gives Ben Ray Lujan the nod, saying that "Republicans nominated contractor Dan East (R), who doesn't have much of a chance. Likely Democratic Retention."

Just more reasons we think there'll be a True Blue New Mexico come November, IF everyone chips in a few bucks right now to help make it happen.

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NM-01: Physicians Host Fundraiser for Heinrich

An Evening for Physicians
with Martin Heinrich,
Democratic Candidate for Congress

Saturday, June 28
723-B Silver, SW
(Beneath Downtown Flying Star Cafe, corner 8th & Silver)

5:00 – Drinks and Hors d'oevres
5:30-6:30 – A dialogue with Martin Heinrich about health care
Family and friends welcome. 

Martin Heinrich would like to hear from us about health care reform needs. Here's our opportunity to make our views known, and to support a congressional candidate who believes in universal health care.

Hosted By:  Dora Wang, M.D., Jon Abrams, M.D., Michael Bogenschutz, M.D., Ellen Cosgrove, M.D., Eve Espey, M.D., Jeffrey Fahl, M.D., Steve Jenkusky, M.D., Kevin Rexroad, M.D., Mark Ricciardi, M.D., Helene Silverblatt, M.D., Mark Unverzagt, M.D., Gerardo Villarreal, M.D.

RSVP useful but not required to:  DoraLWang@aol.com
Contributions will go toward Martin Heinrich's campaign for congress.
Any amount helps, even $5, $25, or $100.   
$2,300 maximum allowable contribution.

Approved by Martin Heinrich for Congress, Inc., Treasurer, David Duhigg.

Martin Heinrich is a True Blue New Mexico candidate. Please give what you can to support his campaign.

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True Blue New Mexico: Martin Heinrich on the Case for Change

Yesterday New Mexico FBIHOP and the DFNM blog launched True Blue New Mexico 2.0 with a post explaining what we're up to. Today we each have a special guest post by NM-01 Congressional candidate Martin Heinrich giving us his take on what's at stake this year:

I’d like to thank Democracy for New Mexico and New Mexico FBIHOP for this opportunity. The contribution that these and other blogs across the Land of Enchantment make is a testament to the strength of our American democracy.

Over at New Mexico FBIHOP, I talk about why this is a race that we can win and here, I’m going to focus on why we must win.

This year, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

The Earth is heating up. Gas prices are out of control. Wages are stagnant. Millions lack health care. And, we’re stuck in an endless war.

After two terms of the failed policies of George Bush and Dick Cheney, it’s time for real change.

On the Albuquerque City Council, I took on the tough fights and delivered for working families. I fought for an increase in the minimum wage not because it was easy – but, because it was the right thing to do. We brought people together across party lines to give hard working New Mexicans a raise.

In Congress, I’ll take on the tough issues.

I’ll work to end the war in Iraq, bring our troops home and invest the $300 million a day that we’re spending over there turning America’s economy around and helping middle class families here.

I’ll work to break America’s oil addiction and create jobs by investing in the clean technologies of the future. And, I’ll work to make sure that all Americans have access to high quality, affordable health care.

My opponent, George Bush’s Bernalillo County Campaign Chair, is an acolyte of the President. He supported banning people who refused to sign a loyalty oath from seeing the American President speak. He said that under George Bush, the "economy is strong and getting stronger." It’s no wonder that President Bush came to Albuquerque to raise of $300,000 to help elect Sheriff White.

Sheriff White is an out of touch George Bush Republican and out of step with mainstream New Mexico values.

We have a lot of work to do between now and June 30th. That’s the last day of the second quarter and we know that Darren White raised hundreds of thousands of dollars thanks to his friend and ally President Bush. It’s up to us to close the gap and fight back. This is our opportunity to turn New Mexico’s First Congressional District – a district that voted for Al Gore and John Kerry – blue.

Together, we can change Washington.

- Martin

P.S. Make sure to follow on my campaign blog, www.martinheinrich.com/blog!

We'll have a post by one of our True Blue New Mexico candidates every day this week. Be sure to check back, and be sure to click here and give what you can. If everyone reading this post would donate even a dollar per candidate, our totals would quickly add up -- and our candidates would have more of what they need to get out in front early, and stay there.

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Pitch In to Create a True Blue New Mexico

New Mexico FBIHOP and the Democracy for New Mexico blog are re-launching the True Blue New Mexico campaign today -- this time with the Democratic candidates for all the federal races.

You can donate at the True Blue New Mexico ActBlue fundraising page, where you'll find the full slate of Democratic candidates New Mexicans can vote for come November.

This year, voters around New Mexico and across the country have voted for change in record numbers, and not just for presidential candidate Barack Obama but for more local races as well. Progressive candidates already shocked incumbents in state Senate and House primaries earlier this month.

This Is Our Moment
In 2008, New Mexicans have a chance for a true change -- a golden opportunity to make a True Blue New Mexico. There are more Democrats than Republicans registered in the state, and Democrats control both the state Senate and House. Yet in federal offices, Republicans hold a 3-2 advantage, including a 2-1 advantage in the House. This year, that can change -- and change dramatically.

When Sen. Pete Domenici decided to retire due to medical problems, it created a scramble for his seat that eventually enveloped the entire House delegation. All three representatives decided to run for the Senate seat. Candidates for their now-open House seats popped up everywhere.

After the dust settled, Democrats were left with five great candidates for federal office: Sen. Barack Obama in the Presidential race, Rep. Tom Udall in the Senate race, Martin Heinrich in the 1st Congressional District, Harry Teague in the 2nd Congressional District and Ben Ray Lujan in the 3rd Congressional District.

Watch for Candidate Guest Posts This Week
Throughout week, these candidates (except Obama) will be letting you know on both Democracy for New Mexico and New Mexico FBIHOP why they deserve your vote and your donations. Tuesday, Martin Heinrich will write on both blogs, followed by Harry Teague on Wednesday, Ben Ray Lujan on Thursday and culminating with Tom Udall on Friday.

Why Now?
But why now? The simple answer is EMILY -- Early Money is Like Yeast, and as the old saying goes, it helps to raise the dough. Please donate now. Every early dollar helps. Money donated on October 20th, just a couple weeks before the election, is not as valuable as money sent now. Money sent now can be used to hire staffers, it can be used to raise more money -- it is incredibly valuable to candidates.

Some of these candidates will be in extremely close races -- but with your help, they can make a True Blue New Mexico for years to come.

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NM-01: Heinrich Celebrates Victory and Unity (with Photos, Video)

Rebecca Vigil-Giron introduces and urges support for Martin Heinrich

Click to view the entire photo album of this event at Flickr.

Martin Heinrich hosted a festive, high-energy celebration last night at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque. He welcomed his long-time supporters and reached out to those who may have backed other Dems in the June 3, 2008 Dem primary in NM-01. It was a victory party and a unity rally all rolled into one, and it was packed with Democrats excited about our prospects in November. True Blue energy was in the air.

Heinrich addresses the crowd, and Micah joins him

The event was co-hosted by primary rival Rebecca Vigil-Giron, and prominent Dems Clara Apodaca, Richard Romero, John Kelly and others. The festivities brought out a large and diverse crowd of Dems, from campaign staffers, to volunteers, to grassroots activists to officeholders and well-known voices within the Party.

We HAVE TO WIN this race ...

Martin welcomed people on the patio and then moved inside for more conversation and the speeches. In a very gracious move, Vigil-Giron introduced Heinrich at the event and gave a rousing speech urging everyone in the First District to come together and work for a win, no matter their background or which candidate they had supported in the primary. Whole lotta unitin' goin' on.

Martin welcomes crowd on patio

Both the speeches and the discussions among the crowd stressed the must-win nature of this race. In a year when Dems have top-notch candidates from Obama for Prez on down the ticket -- and the GOP brand is considered toxic by a majority of Americans -- this is our chance to take back this seat once and for all. IF we work hard at it. IF we unite and work together.

Rebecca Vigil-Giron and Martin Heinrich

Heinrich stressed that our work has only just begun, despite a long, tough primary contest, and that it will be an uphill battle to defeat Darren White come November. But win we must with so much at stake right this minute in terms of peace, security, health care, education, energy, the environment, restoring our Constitutional rights and so much more.

All eyes on Heinrich

We need the kind of change that only Dems can bring. We need the people-powered change that a Martin Heinrich win can bring in the First District. We need wins at every level, in each and every race we can manage it. We need to pitch in and stay active and talk to friends and neighbors and raise money and donate money and make phone calls and knock on doors and really win this time. Really win this time. Really win this time.

Martin's son Micah joins him during speech

The Congressional contest in New Mexico's First District is seen as one of the premier races in the country. We have a really good chance to take a seat long held by Republicans and turn it BLUE this Fall. We have a strong candidate. We have psyched up Dems. We have the eyes of the nation upon us. We have the hopes of future generations hanging in the balance.

It's up to us to make it happen. Are you ready? Click.

See more photos of this event at Flickr. All photos and video by M.E. Broderick.

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NM-01: Come to Martin Heinrich's Victory Party This Thursday

From Martin Heinrich for Congress: It's been one week since Martin's big primary win and now that we're all rested - it's time to party!

You're cordially invited to join The Honorable Rebecca Vigil-Giron, First Lady Clara Apodaca, The Honorable Richard Romero, John Kelly and others for a Primary Victory Party with the Democratic Nominee for New Mexico's First Congressional District, Martin Heinrich!

What? Primary Victory Party
When? Thursday, June 12, 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Where? The National Hispanic Cultural Center, The Salon Ortega & Courtyard, 1701 4th Street SW, Albuquerque
RSVP Online!

The Democratic Party is united around Martin Heinrich and we're ready to win. Yesterday, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced that Martin Heinrich is a 'Red to Blue' candidate. This means that this campaign is one of the most important races in the country and Democrats must do everything possible to make sure we win it. And, in a further demonstration of the national importance of this race, The Guardian - a prominent British newspaper - recently profiled Martin.

It's clear that all eyes will once again be on New Mexico's First Congressional District. And, this is our best chance ever to turn this seat from red to blue. So, please, come to our victory party and contribute $25, so that together, we can change Congress.

Thanks so much for your continued support.

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NM-01: Heinrich One of 12 Named to DCCC Red to Blue Open Seat Program

Heinrich Family

Excellent news. And it couldn't happen to a more deserving candidate. NM-01 Congressional candidate Martin Heinrich will receive welcome support for his campaign from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). Chairman Chris Van Hollen announced in a release today that Heinrich will immediately be added to the DCCC's Red to Blue program for open seats following his decisive victory in Tuesday’s Democratic primary.

Congressional candidates earn a spot in the competitive program by surpassing demanding fundraising goals and by skillfully showing voters that they stand for change and will represent new priorities when elected to Congress. Heinrich is one of only 12 candidates in the Red to Blue program for open seats. Click to see the full list of candidates and donate via ActBlue.

“Martin Heinrich is a strong and principled leader committed to change. Martin has a proven record of raising the minimum wage, creating good jobs, cracking down on crime and protecting New Mexico’s environment,” said Chairman Chris Van Hollen. “The Red to Blue Program will give Martin the financial and structural edge to be even more competitive.”

The Red to Blue program highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country and offers them financial, communications, and strategic support. The program introduces Democratic supporters to new, competitive candidates in order to help expand the fundraising base for these campaigns.

Red to Blue was a proven success in the 2004 and 2006 cycles. In 2004, the Red to Blue program raised nearly $7.5 million for 27 campaigns across the country with an average of more than $250,000 per campaign. In 2006, the Red to Blue program raised nearly $22.6 million for 56 campaigns. Red to Blue was also responsible for solidifying the structure of dozens of campaigns and making a real difference for Democrats across America.

Martin Heinrich will face Repub Darren White in November's NM-01 Congessional election. To see our previous coverage of the NM-01 race, visit our archive. Heinrich won New Mexico's June 3rd primary with about 43% of the vote in a four-way contest.

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NM-01: Heinrich to Take On White

Julie and Martin Heinrich savor last night's win

I'm pumped that Martin Heinrich won decisively in the Dem Congressional primary in New Mexico's First District yesterday, garnering 44% of the vote in a four-way race. Heinrich defeated two competitors with strong name recognition in the state, with Rebecca Vigil-Giron and Michelle Lujan Grisham getting about 23% each. Robert Pidcock trailed badly with only 8%, despite floating generous loans to his campaign to run TV ads in the final days before the election.

Now it's on to the general election, where Martin will face Bush-clone Darren White for the seat. This race, viewed as one of the premier Congressional contests in the nation, is gonna be a barnburner. Are  you ready to pitch in and make sure NM-01 turns Blue?

We do have some serious momentum on our side. As in races in other parts of the country, more Democrats voted in the NM-01 primary than Republicans -- even though the Republicans had a competitive U.S. Senate primary. A grand total of 49,516 Democrats cast their ballots in the First Congressional District race, while only 44,299 Republicans did the same. And if we do what we all know we need to do between now and the general election, we can do much better than that in turning out motivated Dems in November.

Heinrich (R) at podium at Pre-Primary Convention in March

In an email, Heinrich had this to say about his victory:

I couldn't have done it without you and Julie and I are truly humbled by your support.

... I want to take this opportunity to thank Rebecca Vigil-Giron and Michelle Lujan Grisham for a hard fought race. They are both good Democrats who are committed to bringing an end to the war in Iraq, providing health care to all Americans and rebuilding our economy. When it comes to our core values, we have much in common.

I'm proud to say that we ran a positive race focused on the issues that matter to New Mexico's families.

Last night was a great night to be a Democrat. Nationally and locally, our party is coming together. We're united and ready to defeat Republicans like Darren White, who represent the failed policies of George Bush and Dick Cheney.

If you haven't yet gotten involved in Martin's campaign, now's the time to make the plunge. If you were involved in his primary race, it's time to celebrate, take a deep breath, and dive right back into the work at hand. Visit Heinrich's website, consider donating some bucks and renew your pledge to volunteer some time to help get rid of the vestiges of the Bush agenda in NM-01 once and for all.

We've said BYE-BYE (go ahead, click) to Heather Wilson, and now we need to make sure Darren White doesn't take her place. It's a time for cleansing ....

DFA-Democracy for New Mexico has endorsed Martin Heinrich for Congress.

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2008 New Mexico Primary Winners; Upset Victories for Griego, Keller, Chavez

Martin Heinrich wins NM-01 in 4-way race. Ben Ray Lujan handily wins NM-03. Still too close to call in NM-02 between McCamley and Teague, though Teague is in the lead and has claimed victory. McCamley hasn't conceded. There are a bunch of Dona Ana County precincts still outstanding, where McCamley draws his greatest support. Problems have been reported with getting these votes transported and counted so things are at a standstill. I think McCamley can still pull it out, IF he gets big numbers from those outstanding precincts. Go, Bill!

Griego, Chavez, Keller: Incumbent Topplers

But what can only be called upset victories by three Dem primary legislative race challengers in Albuquerque have really made my day (and night). They're a wonder to behold, beautiful to absorb, shocking to realize. Eric Griego, Tim Keller and Eleanor Chavez victorious over entrenched, status quo incumbents! Griego whomped Paul Taylor in SD 17. Keller positively crushed Shannon Robinson in SD 15. Chavez won by a smaller, but still very healthy margin, in HD 13. And because they won in heavily Dem districts, the three intrepid change agents have effectively won seats in the NM Legislature.

Stunning. All three ran terrific campaigns. All three will bring truly progressive values to Santa Fe. All three represent victories for the people over the special interests. DFA-Democracy for New Mexico endorsed all three, as did many other folks in the grassroots, progressive and union communities. This is a BIG win for the forces of clean government and reform.

Update: Check out this post by Marjorie at m-pyre about Eleanor Chavez and Silva's hit piece on her during the campaign. Nice shots of Eleanor in her youth with Cesar Chavez and with her campaign manager, Tomas Garduno.

Results available at NM Secretary of State and at KRQE-13 News and many other places. At 10:40 PM, here are some select results, winners in red:

NM-01 Dem Congressional Race
Martin Heinrich 44%
Rebecca Vigil-Giron 25%
Michelle Lujan Grisham 23%
Robert Pidcock 8%

NM-02 Dem Congessional Race
Bill McCamley 42%
Harry Teague 52%
Teague claiming victory but McCamley says too close to call

NM-03 Dem Congressional Race
Don Wiviott 27%
Ben Ray Lujan Jr. 41%
Benny Shendo Jr. 16%
Harry Montoya 11%
Jon Adams 3%
Rudy Martin 2%

Dem U.S. Senate Race: Tom Udall unopposed

Repub U.S. Senate Race
Heather Wilson 49%
Steve Pearce 51%

Dem NM State House District 13
Eleanor Chavez 54%
Dan Silva (incumbent) 46%

Dem NM State Senate District 15
Eric Griego 63%
James C. Taylor (incumbent) 37%

Dem NM State Senate District 17
Tim Keller 66%
Shannon Robinson (incumbent) 34%

Bernalillo County Clerk
Maggie Toulouse Oliver 70%
Ambrose Chavez 30%

More results:

NM-02 GOP Congressional Race
Aubrey Dunn 20%
C. Earl Greer 10%
Edward R. Tinsley 31%
Monty Newman 21%
Greg Sowards 18%

Dem NM State Senate District 11
Linda Lopez 53%
Michael Padilla 47%

Tough race for John Blair against Eichenberg, who's much better known in Dem circles, even though Blair got the Albuquerque Journal's endorsement and campaigned very hard. Mr. Blair, you must run again for something soon. We need you in office.

Dem NM State Senate District 15
John Blair 40%
Tim Eichenberg 60%

Buh bye, Dan!

GOP NM House District 57
Dan Foley (incumbent) 46%
Dennis Kintigh 54%

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