Democracy for New Mexico

NM-03: Adams' Petition Challenge Against Wiviott Dimissed By NM First Judicial District Court Judge

First Judicial District Court Judge Daniel Sanchez today dismissed the petition challenge filed by Jon Adams against Don Wiviott, a candidate for the third congressional district.

“I’m not surprised by today’s outcome. I have been a champion of ballot access for candidates so that voters have a choice at the polls,” Wiviott stated. 

“I’m running for Congress so that I can fight for change in Washington—bring new energy and new ideas to begin repairing the damage that George W. Bush has caused over the past seven years. I will fight to be a leader in the tradition of Tom Udall: working as he has to end the war, protect the environment, provide affordable health care for all, and fight for the federal funds needed to ensure good schools, adequate water resources and economic development in all our communities.”

Here's my post reporting on the petition challenge by Jon Adams. To see all my previous coverage of the 2008 NM-03 race, visit the archive.

NM-03: New 'Wiviott in Depth' Video

Don Wiviott, a Dem running for Congress in NM-03, has just released a new extended video introduction (above) that gives him a chance to tell prospective voters a little more about himself, what he believes in and why he's running for the U.S. House seat in Northern New Mexico. About five and half minutes long, the video shows Wiviott on the road, talking to groups and explaining his take on the campaign and what's needed in Washington. It also features supporters talking about why they plan to vote for Don.

I like it, and I think this approach can be very useful in breaking through to voters by going around the kind of traditional media that doesn't cover local political news in much depth. Check it out and see what you think.

NM-03: Luján Open House Sunday

From Ben R. Luján for Congress:
The Ben R. Lujan for Congress Campaign is hosting an open house from 2 to 6 PM, Sunday, March 2. We hope you’ll join us, share your ideas and enjoy a bite to eat. Come talk with the candidate, see our new headquarters and learn about our campaign to bring New Mexico values to Washington!

• WHAT: Grand Opening of Ben R. Luján for Congress Campaign Headquarters
• WHERE: 1516 Paseo de Peralta, across from New Mexico Bank & Trust and next to Bulldog Gym
• WHEN: 2-6 PM, Sunday, March 2
• Click for Flyer

New Mexico Public Regulation Commissioner Ben R. Luján is running for the Democratic nomination for U.S. House District 3. Luján is a strong advocate for consumers’ rights and expanded access to health care and is a leading proponent of renewable-energy development. His PRC district includes much of Northern New Mexico and many of the counties in the congressional district. For more information please call 505.988.2442 or visit www.benrlujan.com.

For more on the 2008 Congressional race in NM-03, visit our archive.

NM-03: Wiviott First on the Air With Campaign Ads

How Do You Say This Man's Name?


Meet Don Wiviott

A Dem primary candidate in New Mexico's Third District, Don Wiviott is challenging the field by being first up with TV campaign ads. The TV spots are designed to introduce Don to those in the district who haven't yet had an opportunity to meet him in person. One of them uses a humorous approach centered on Wiviott's name. The ads also touch on some of his progressive campaign themes including ending the Iraq war, cleaning up the environment and improving health care and education.

“Don is running for Congress to make a difference in people's lives and to bring real change to Washington,” said Wiviott spokeswoman Caroline Buerkle. “We’re excited to take this next step in our campaign and to communicate with even more voters about how he will bring progressive leadership in the tradition of Tom Udall to Washington.”

Wiviott is out front in the fundraising department and it shows with this early ad purchase just weeks before the Dem Party's preprimary convention, set for March 15 at the Santa Ana Star Arena in Rio Rancho. The candidate has also been traveling the Third District to reach out to voters using a van, which you can see in one of the ads, that's powered by cooking oil from Santa Fe’s Flying Tortilla restaurant.

The other candidates in the NM-03 Dem primary are PRC member Ben R. Lujan, former Secretary of the NM Indian Affairs Department Benny Shendo Jr., Santa Fe County Commissioner Harry Montoya, Dixon attorney Rudy Martin and Santa Fe attorney Jon Adams.

To read our previous coverage of the 2008 NM-03 Congressional race, visit our archive.

NM-03: Fire Fighters Endorse Luján

In a statement, the Luján for Congress campaign announced their latest endorsement:

Earlier this week the New Mexico Professional Fire Fighters Association announced its endorsement of Public Regulation Commissioner Ben R. Luján for the Democratic nomination to New Mexico's U.S. House District 3.

"Ben Ray Luján is well known by the state's fire-fighting community. He has always fought for the fire fighters, often behind the scenes and in ways that have had long-lasting positive effects on our profession," said union president Emily Kane.

"As chairman of the Public Regulation Commission, Luján has helped fire fighters extensively by creating a fire-fighter grant program which allows the fire departments in our state to receive special funding for projects which expand their capability and service to the public. This money would not be available if he had not had the wisdom to create legislation bringing all the excess Fire Fund money into this program," Kane said.

"Commissioner Luján is a strong supporter of Presumptive Disability for fire fighters, which is an important issue federally. The Fire Fighters Fairness Act HR 1142 is being worked on in Washington DC right now," she said. "He is well-versed in healthcare issues and will champion positive reforms to improve our nation's healthcare, a very important area of concern for fire fighters as both consumers and providers of healthcare."

"These heroes risk their lives every day for our safety. I am honored and privileged from the bottom of my heart to have their endorsement," Commissioner Luján said.

Last week, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and all 18 unions of the New Mexico Building and Construction Trades Council endorsed Commissioner Luján. Luján is a New Mexico Public Regulation Commissioner and former PRC chairman. He has been a strong advocate for consumers' rights and better access to health care and a leading proponent of renewable-energy development.

NM-03: Oddities in Actions of Candidate Jon Adams?

What's going on with attorney Jon Adams, a Dem who's running for Congress in NM-03?

Last week, Adams filed a reportedly incomplete legal challenge that doesn't follow the rules of civil procedure in seeking to disqualify most of the petition signatures submitted by green builder Don Wiviott, another Dem in the race. Adams allegedly didn't serve a summons on Wiviott, didn't name a plaintiff and defendant on his complaint and failed to join an indespensible party (the Secretary of State) in the action -- all basic legal requirements for such a challenge.

The petition signatures in question have been checked and certified by Secretary of State Mary Herrera as fulfilling the state's petition requirements. In response to Adams' challenge, Wiviott's lawyer has filed a Motion to Dismiss.

Previously, Adams alleged that Wiviott stole one of his political slogans and that Harry Montoya, another candidate in the NM-03 Dem primary, had pilfered one of his positions:

Adams has previously lobbed accusations at Wiviott, a Santa Fe developer. In December, Adams alleged Wiviott was calling himself a "Udall Democrat"— a label Adams said he coined.

At the same time, Adams accused another opponent, Santa Fe County Commissioner Harry Montoya, of stealing his position that military veterans should be "honored" and have good health care and services. Montoya responded that it was to be expected that Democratic candidates might have similar positions.

A former assistant attorney general who served from 2002-2004 under AG Patricia Madrid, Adams has been quoted as saying, "I practice law out of my living room" in Santa Fe. Last year, Adams was actively pursuing a Congressional seat in NM-01, while listing an Albuquerque address. On the day current NM-03 Rep. Tom Udall announce he'd enter the race for the U.S. Senate, Adams suddenly rented an apartment in Santa Fe and said he'd be running for Congress in NM-03 instead.

According to an article in today's Albuquerque Journal North:

Adams alleges most of the 2,132 voter signatures on Wiviott's petitions are invalid, largely because they came from people whose addresses don't match those listed on voter registration rolls.

The Wiviott camp calls that nonsense. Past court rulings have found that mismatched addresses are not a sufficient justification to challenge a voter's signature, Wiviott's attorneys argued Tuesday in a motion to dismiss Adams' complaint.

The motion also argues that Adams failed to specify which signatures he was challenging and failed to name a plaintiff or defendant on the appropriate place on the suit.

"A person should not have to guess as to whether or not they are parties to a lawsuit, and therefore the complaint must name parties in the caption," the motion states.

"We are confident that we have sufficient signatures and we are following the process," Wiviott spokeswoman Caroline Buerkle said Wednesday.

Adams had been a supporter of Wiviott's legal challenge to a recent law requiring candidates to garner the support of at least 20% of the votes at party pre-primary conventions to get on the primary ballot. A bill passed during last month's NM Legislative Session did away with the 20% rule, helping long-shot candidates like Adams who can once again gather more signatures to get on the ballot if they don't meet the 20% requirement. Ironic, isn't it, that Adams is now engaged in trying to get Wiviott -- who fought to get all candidates fair access to the ballot -- disqualified from the ballot?

To see our previous coverage of the 2008 Congressional race in NM-03, visit our archive.

NM-03: IBEW, Builders Endorse Luján

From Ben R. Luján' for Congress:
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 611 on Thursday joined all 18 unions of the New Mexico Building and Construction Trades Council in endorsing Public Regulation Commissioner Ben R. Luján for New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District.

IBEW represents 2,600 electrical workers from across New Mexico. The Building and Construction Trades Council, which represents about 6,000 workers, is a collective of 18 union locals, and all 18 voted to endorse Luján.

"Commissioner Luján's labor record is impeccable. He has working American families in his heart and in his mind. That's what we look for when we choose a candidate - that working people are at the top of their list," said Antonio Cruz, political coordinator for Local 611.

"I am honored to have the support of organized labor," Commissioner Luján said. "Labor unions have a long history of standing up for hard-working families, and I have been proud to support them. There's no better partner in the fight for the middle class than organized labor."

"For all his accomplishments, his strong leadership, his democracy and his will to be a strong advocate for New Mexico, the affiliated Unions of the New Mexico Building and Construction Trades Council voted unanimously to endorse Ben Ray Luján for Congress in the 3rd Congressional District," NMBCTC president Jerry Romero said.

NMBCTC includes Asbestos Workers #76, Boilermakers #627, Bricklayers & Tile Setters #3, Electrical Workers #583, Electrical Workers #611, Elevator Constructors #131, Iron Workers #263, Iron Workers #495, Laborers #16, MWRC of Carpenters, Operating Engineers #953, Painters & Allied Trades #823, Plasterers & Cement Masons #254, Plumbers & Pipe Fitters #412, Roofers #123, Sheet Metal Workers #49, Sprinkler Fitters #669 and Teamsters #492. 

Ben R. Lujan is a New Mexico Public Regulation Commissioner and former PRC chairman. He has been a strong advocate for consumers' rights and better access to health care and a leading proponent of renewable-energy development. His PRC district includes much of Northern New Mexico and many of the counties in Congressional District 3.

To see our previous coverage of the 2008 NM-03 Congressional race, visit our archive.

Noon Today On Insight New Mexico Progressive Talk Radio

The next installment of airs on Albuquerque's Progressive Talk Radio 1350 AM from Noon to 1:00 PM today, Saturday, February 9. Cohosted by Heather Brewer and Javier Benavidez and produced by Suzanne Prescott, the weekly show covers the latest happenings at the Legislative Session and other local political news. You can call in live during the show with your questions and comments at 338- 4090. This week's show features:

• Gene Grant fresh from the recent edition of In Focus on KNME discusses 'Gene's terrible Superbowl adventure' and Roundhouse Activity this week. Gene couldn't make it, but Matt of will provide insight on the NM Caucus and other local politics today.
• Debbie O'Malley brings us up to date on the housing crisis in ABQ and New Mexico and what we can do about it
• Coco from Cocoposts is back again with us to tell why TIDDS is actually important
• If were lucky we'll also have Elias Barelas to tell us how he has survived another week in the NM legislature and what's happening with the bills he's involved with.

Don Wiviott Guest Blog: Good Jobs, A Healthier Planet & Freedom from Foreign Oil

This is a guest blog by Don Wiviott, Democratic candidate for Congress in New Mexico's Third District:

It’s time for action.

Gas costs over $3 a gallon and it’s climbing. Home heating prices are up 11% this year and prices continue to climb. The Middle East provides 17% of America’s oil and that percentage is growing. Global warming continues unabated. And, our shaky economy means too many New Mexicans are worried about their jobs.

It’s time to harness our potential both as a country and in northern New Mexico.

When it comes to wind, solar and geo-thermal power, rural New Mexico is to renewable energy what Saudi Arabia is to oil. We have the best scientists at Los Alamos to harness and develop the latest energy technologies. We can create jobs now by encouraging spin-off companies from the Lab and producing local energy through wind, solar, and locally grown crops. And we have hard working people who are looking for stable, good paying jobs with good benefits.

It’s time to be bold.

It’s time to slash welfare for big oil corporations and invest that money in the clean technologies of the future. By reducing big oil’s windfall subsidies, we’ll free up funds that can be used for tax credits and subsidized loans that will allow more New Mexicans to buy clean, environmentally sustainable technology. And some of those funds will also be invested in sustainable energy research, innovative new energy companies and clean energy production right here in New Mexico.

It’s time to lead.

When I talk about using clean energy to create jobs and opportunity, I’m not talking about an abstract, impossible challenge. I’m talking about successful, locally owned business.

I studied the causes and cures for global warming in college. I launched a successful business in Santa Fe that has energy efficiency at its core. And, last year I joined Governor Richardson to push legislation that promotes solar power.

As a businessman, I know that building a prosperous, clean energy economy is possible. I’ve created hundreds of jobs building environmentally sustainable communities. And with your help, I want to bring my fresh perspective and new ideas to Washington – a place that needs bold leadership, not more career politicians.

But I’m not waiting until I get to Washington to lead. As I did earlier this year when I filed a lawsuit to ensure that New Mexicans could have a choice on their primary ballot, right now I’m promoting sustainable energy development by touring the 3rd Congressional District in a van powered by cooking oil from Santa Fe’s Flying Tortilla. At a time when gas is three dollars a gallon, we’ve got a Dodge diesel that can run for virtually free on locally produced energy.

Our green van is cheap to operate and great for the environment. It's proof that even a large New Mexico car or truck can be clean, green and fun to drive. That’s why we’re out spreading the message that with a bold, new investment in the clean technologies of the future, we can both create good paying jobs in New Mexico and make clean, environmentally sustainable technologies available for hard working New Mexico families.

I’ll see you on the campaign trail!

This is a guest blog by NM-03 Democratic Congressional candidate, Don Wiviott. Click to visit his .

If you'd like to submit a post for consideration as a guest blog, contact me by clicking on the Email Me link on the upper left-hand corner of the page.

NM-03: Wiviott Kicks Off Tour on Easing Energy Squeeze for Families

Over the next few weeks, Don Wiviott,a  Democratic Congressional candidate in NM-03, plans an energy tour that will take him throughout the Third District. The tour kicks off today at a house party from 5:00 to 7:00 PM hosted by Jill Meyer at 512 Los Nidos, Estancia Primera, Santa Fe. All are invited to attend. He plans to travel the state on the tour in a new hybrid van (above) that is fueled by cooking oil from Santa Fe’s Flying Tortilla. Very cool.

With the price of gas hovering around three dollars and the cost of heating a home at an all time high, Third Congressional District candidate Don Wiviott said today that he would use his 30 years of experience working with energy to fight for solutions that help hardworking families get ahead.

At his event Monday, the candidate will announce that he will spend the next month touring the Third District to talk to voters about his ideas to end the energy crunch. He promised to draw on his decades of work in affordable housing and energy efficiency to help middle-class families across the Third District.

In his campaign, Wiviott said he’s heard from families across the district who are paying more for energy and in need of relief. Money these families once had for groceries or a night out is now going down the tank. In Congress, the candidate pledged to offer the new leadership Washington needs on this issue. Instead of energy plans that benefit special interests, Wiviott pledged to fight for relief for the working Americans who really need it.

“It’s no coincidence that as the price of gas has gone up, the popularity of Washington has gone down,” said Wiviott. “The Washington answer to families pinched at the pump is to line the pockets of big oil and gas. Its solution to our addiction to foreign oil is to keep consuming 21 million barrels a day. The politicians don’t get what’s happening in America, but as someone with 30 years of real experience in energy issues, I do.” 

Wiviott continued, “While politicians are out talking about solving energy challenges, I've been right here in new Mexico getting it done. Not by giving speeches, but by giving families the real solutions they need. In the last 10 years, I’ve built hundreds of middle- class homes that are energy efficient, environmentally friendly and save families money.”

Wiviott explained that his business builds homes that are good for the environment and better for the budget, because they are built with energy efficiency and recycling in mind. His homes, which are marketed to middle-class families, use technologies that save families money on their utility bills every month. Wiviott said Washington should do more to give Americans access to such technologies.

“Our projects show that with a little leadership, you can make a real difference,” said Wiviott.

At his kick-off event in Santa Fe, Wiviott will stress that energy efficiency is not just something for rich or urban Americans. In fact, rural New Mexico might have the most to gain from a smarter energy policy.

“When it comes to wind, solar and geo-thermal power, rural New Mexico has more energy than Saudi Arabia has oil,” said Wiviott. “We should use this energy as a catalyst to create jobs and opportunity where none exists today. “Imagine this rural energy economy. Instead of exporting our kids, we’ll be able to export clean energy to other regions of the United States. Instead of depending – and spending on oil from tyrants in the Middle East, we’ll be reliant on our neighbors and keeping our energy dollars here at home.”

Over the next few weeks, Wiviott plans an energy tour will take him throughout CD-03. He plans to travel the state on the tour in a new hybrid van that is fueled by cooking oil from Santa Fe’s Flying Tortilla.

Wiviott said, “When I talk about using energy to create jobs and opportunity for families, I’m not talking about an abstract, impossible challenge. I’m talking about a cause I’ve been working towards for the last thirty years. In Washington, I plan to be a vocal proponent for a comprehensive energy plan and all that it will bring, savings for families, new jobs for workers, new strategies to halt global warming and freedom from Middle Eastern oil.”

To read our previous coverage of the 2008 Congressional race in NM-03, visit our archive.