Democracy for New Mexico

The Bad Guys Win (for Now): AG King & SOS Herrera Side with Shannon Robinson on NMYO; Shannon's Tirade on Senate Floor

No surprise here. Secretary of State Mary Herrera (right) decided to accept Attorney General Gary King's advice about changing New Mexico Youth Organized's legal status. Herrera evidently made her decision based on King's secretive determination, using undisclosed criteria, that the non-profit NMYO had crossed some undefined political line with its mailings about the voting records and campaign donors of certain lawmakers months before the June 3rd primary election.

Letter from the Secretary of State
Herrera issued her letter yesterday instructing Keegan King, the Director of New Mexico Youth Organized, to comply with the reporting requirements of a political committee rather than a nonprofit. You can read her letter here. Note that Herrera couldn't even get the letter's salutation right -- starting the letter with "Dear Mr. Keegan." The brief letter reveals no details about why the decision was made or the criteria used to make it. It simply says NMYO "appears" to be acting like a political committee, and gives the nonprofit ten days to explain and correct its alleged "violation" and complete and file documents that were attached to the original letter.

Herrera doesn't even bother to name or describe what she calls the "apparent violation," perhaps because she really doesn't know what it is. What we know is that defeated status quo insider Shannon Robinson complained to the AG back in May about NMYO. We know that the AG's office quickly jumped in response and sent Herrera an inaccurate, horribly researched letter two weeks before the primary. I'm sure that Robinson probably thought that would help him in the election. It had become quite clear that he was way behind.

We know that the AG's office then asked the SOS to ignore the letter and that there was a odd lull after that. We know that AG King finally did directly advise Herrera in a private meeting last Friday. And that today she jumped, without explanation or definition of the "violation" committed by NMYO. Nobody from the SOS's office or the AG's office has to date met or spoken with anyone representing NMYO or the Center for Civic Policy (its parent organization) about the matter.

Response by the Center for Civic Policy
Eli Il Yong Lee, Executive Director of the Center for Civic Policy, the parent group of New Mexico Youth Organized, issued this statement yesterday in response to the SOS's letter:

"The Center for Civic Policy and New Mexico Youth Organized strongly disagree with the decision made public today by Secretary of State Mary Herrera and Attorney General Gary King. We will pursue all legal remedies at our disposal.

With our educational mailings, we upheld our responsibility to make sure New Mexicans knew what actions have been taken on issues important to them by their elected officials. Any effort to restrict this legal activity would muzzle New Mexico nonprofits from doing the very important job of keeping public officials accountable. Public information is just that…public. Any attempt to hide this kind of information is not in the interests of the people of New Mexico. It is surprising that any public official would actually advocate for this irresponsible course of action."

If It Swims Like a Fish ...
So, is Mary Herrera caving under the same status quo political pressure that may be steering Attorney General Gary King on this matter? Nobody knows, but this whole thing sure looks fishy. And if it swims like a fish and blows bubbles like a fish, it probably IS fishy, right?

Don't forget that the press release issued by AG King to explain how he came to his legal position said, "If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it’s probably a duck. And I think we know a duck when we see one." Imagine an attorney general in any other state making a similarly vacuous and unprofessional statement to the press about a decision that could impact the majority of nonprofits operating in the state.

Super Heroes to the Rescue in the Windmill Tilt
I've been a Democrat all my life. It pains me that two of the top Democratic elected officials in the state seem to be acting without a logical, legal explanation or any semblance of fairness in furthering Shannon Robinson's Quixotic quest. It's hard for me to believe they take the paranoid Robinson seriously when he blames his thorough drubbing at the polls on some nefarious plot.

Everybody knew Robinson was probably finished when he was called out repeatedly by the Albuquerque Journal for steering legislative appropriations to the rugby team he coaches. He was caught in the act abusing public funds. He had no convincing explanation. Voters noticed.

Continue reading "The Bad Guys Win (for Now): AG King & SOS Herrera Side with Shannon Robinson on NMYO; Shannon's Tirade on Senate Floor"

So What Did Obama Do in Albuquerque Today?

Despite having a cold, Barack Obama reportedly was seen exercising at the downtown Health & Wellness gym early today. Later in the morning, Obama talked to a group of forty-some women invited to a roundtable discussion about pay equity and the economy at the Main Library in downtown Albuquerque. Click to read about the discussion and see a video clip. And here's some photos and more on the story.

Obama also appeared at a jam-packed townhall meeting at the Rio Grande High School gym in Albuquerque's South Valley this afternoon, and then took questions from the crowd. With audience members urging Obama and pointing to a person in the audience, the very first question was from (the infamous) Dallas Timmons, an Albuquerque Dem Party Ward Chair that many of you know from Meetup and the activism scene. Great job, Dallas, putting in a plug for our hard-working Bernalillo County Party folks, and in confronting Obama about his perceived fades on Iraq and FISA. You can see the exchange in the video above. The clip seems to be all over the internet now. Dallas, can I have your autograph?

As to Obama's answer, it's probably true that BushCo has messed up so badly that at least some of the troops coming out of Iraq will have to be sent to Afghanistan. I do take issue with his "exclusivity" argument about FISA. Many top legal scholars who have studied the bill that passed have determined that the so-called "exclusivity" of the bill in requiring oversight over the use of surveillence is not what it seems, or what Obama claims it is. You can read about the controversy here (if you can deal with some legalese). I think Obama handled the challenge well, however, seeming to take it in stride and complimenting Dallas on her "feistiness."

During his speech, Obama made a point to reassure Dems that he won't take the attacks of the GOP and its third-party groups lying down:

Continue reading "So What Did Obama Do in Albuquerque Today?"

Hillary Stumps for Obama in Espanola; Sign Up for Camp Obama NM Hispanic Leadership Training

Hillary Clinton appeared yesterday on the campaign stump for Barack Obama at the gym at Northern New Mexico College in Espanola before a crowd estimated at more than 800 enthusiastic partisans. Gov. Bill Richardson, who created a media maelstrom of sorts when he endorsed Obama despite his long-time ties with the Clintons, gave a brief speech and then introduced Hillary and gave her a bear hug to signal that the time is now for Democratic unity.

Other Dem candidates in attendance included U.S. Senate candidate Tom Udall, Sen. Jeff Bingaman, Lt. Gov. Diane Denish and NM-03 Congressional candidate Ben Ray Lujan. Clinton won a number of heavily Hispanic Northern New Mexico counties in our presidential caucus, and Hillary's appearance was designed to convince her supporters up North to vote for Obama this November.

According to the Santa Fe New Mexican

"I know that many of you here today voted for me, you worked for me. And I will never forget what you did for me, ever," Clinton told the crowd at the Northern New Mexico College gym. "But I want you to know if you voted for me, you have far more in common with Sen. Obama than you do with Sen. McCain. ... I hope you all will join in this historic endeavor. Everyone who supported me, I hope you work as hard for Sen. Obama as you worked for me."

Continue reading "Hillary Stumps for Obama in Espanola; Sign Up for Camp Obama NM Hispanic Leadership Training"

Part 1: Video of Tom Udall's Saturday Events at Page One, Montgomery Park

Tom Udall answers our questions yesterday about where the $2-3 billion a week is going in Iraq and how we can avoid a financial collapse in the U.S.

U.S. Senate candidate Tom Udall was in the Albuquerque area yesterday on his tour around New Mexico, and his campaign hosted three events and participated in a fourth. There were excellent turnouts at all four events and it's evident that Dems are pumped this year and ready to work hard to turn the state Blue. DFNM attended two of the events. Here's Part 1 of our report. We'll have more tomorrow as we have a bunch of good videos and photos.

Udall talks about trying to keep the campaign positive

Udall's day started out at 11 AM at a neighborhood meeting at Page One Bookstore in Albuquerque, the state's largest independent bookstore, where he gave a short speech and took questions from the audience.

Longer 7.5 minute clip of Udall talking about his vote against the Iraq invasion, the concerns of voters and energy policy

On Iraq, Udall had this to say, in part:

This Iraq war vote will go down in history as one of our major foreign policy blunders in the country. I really believe that.

Continue reading "Part 1: Video of Tom Udall's Saturday Events at Page One, Montgomery Park"

(Updated) Thursday: 3 NM Stops for Howard Dean and Register for Change

Dean for Prez rally, Santa Fe Plaza, June 3, 2003

It's been more than five years now since many of us got more active in politics than we ever dreamed we would. The involvement of many of us dates back to Howard Dean's 2003 presidential campaign. Because The Doctor (Is In) is visiting New Mexico later this week, I thought some of the old Deaniacs out there might enjoy seeing a few photos from that era. If it wasn''t for Howard, much of what we're involved with today would never have become a reality.

I know, you've been bored because there hasn't been much happening of late in New Mexico in the way of political dramas and events. Wait, that was just a bad dream I had last night -- nothing could be farther from the truth.

We've go the exciting campaigns of Barack Obama, Ben Ray Lujan, Martin Heinrich, Harry Teague, Tom Udall and a flock of legislative candidates going full throttle, and the convening of the oddly timed and confusing Special Legislative Session in Santa Fe. There are the controversies being fed by desperate backlash against highly respected nonprofits and progressive candidate victories, and an abundance of events organized by a diverse bunch of groups like the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund and Wellstone Action-- not to mention the countdown to the Democratic National Convention in Denver. Political junkies, activists and this blogger have barely had a chance to take a deep breath. And the pace can only accelerate as we move closer to November 4th.

Dean walks with supporters to Prez debate at Popejoy, September 2003

So I almost hate to tell you that there are three more fabulous events set for next week in New Mexico. DNC Chair (and grassroots hero) Howard Dean will be visiting Albquerque, Santa Fe and Santo Domingo Pueblo with the DNC's Register for Change Tour bus:

Dean & Register for Change, Thursday, August 21:

Santa Fe, NM: 10:15 AM, Casa Solano Shopping Center Parking Lot, Alameda Street & St Francis

CANCELLED: Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM: 1:00 PM. New location being sought.

Albuquerque, NM: 3:15 PM, Albuquerque Campaign for Change Office Parking Lot, 3523 Central Avenue

West Side Dean Meetup group and Ken Harper and their Dean Van

Continue reading "(Updated) Thursday: 3 NM Stops for Howard Dean and Register for Change"

Details On Obama Visit to Albuquerque on Monday, Tix Available Saturday & Sunday

Campaign for Change New Mexico has announced that Obama will return to New Mexico on Monday, August 18th, to hold two events in Albuquerque. In the morning, he will have an invitation only discussion on the economy with local residents. In the afternoon, Obama will hold a public town hall meeting at Rio Grande High School. Tickets are required.

MONDAY, AUGUST 18
TOWN HALL MEETING WITH BARACK OBAMA
Rio Grande High School
Main Gymnasium
2300 Arenal Road, SW
Albuquerque NM 87105
Doors Open: 10:45 AM, Program Begins: 1:00 PM

This event is free and open to the public; however, tickets are REQUIRED. Tickets are limited and will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Members of the public can sign up online to receive a free ticket via email at https://www.barackobama.com or they can pick up free tickets on Saturday and Sunday at the locations listed below. (Specific page on Obama website for signing up for the town hall is https://my.barackobama.com/page/content/nmhome.)

Continue reading "Details On Obama Visit to Albuquerque on Monday, Tix Available Saturday & Sunday"

Saturday: Teague to Tour Southern Dona Ana County

From the Harry Teague for Congress campaign:
Harry Teague, the Dem nominee in NM-02, will tour Southern Doña Ana County on Saturday. Teague will make stops in Sunland Park, La Union and Anthony, New Mexico.

"I look forward to again visiting and listening to voters in Southern Doña Ana County about important issues facing families in New Mexico," said Teague. "I want to bring change to Washington. The first step in accomplishing that is listening to what working families in New Mexico want."

At 1:00 PM Teague will tour the Women's Intercultural Center in Anthony; at 1:30 PM he'll meet voters at Ernesto's Restaurant in Anthony; at 5:00 PM he'll attend a coffee with Mayor Martin Resendiz in Sunland Park; at 6:00 PM he'll attend a coffee at the home of Saul and Maria Salinas in Sunland Park; and at 6:45 PM he'll visit with voters at La Union Station in La Union. For more information contact the campaign at Las Cruces at 575.993.5197 or in Hobbs in 575.397.2008.

NM-Sen: Udall Agrees to 3 TV Debates (Plus Meet the Press)

From the Udall for Senate campaign:
Congressman Tom Udall today announced that he has accepted three invitations for statewide televised debates. Udall has committed to the following media outlets and organizations to participate in the following three debates:

October 15th, KOB-4
October 18th, KRQE-13 and AARP
October 26th, KOAT-7 and The Albuquerque Journal

On July 21st, Udall challenged his opponent, Steve Pearce, to participate in three statewide televised debates to help New Mexicans decide who to vote for in this historic election.

Continue reading "NM-Sen: Udall Agrees to 3 TV Debates (Plus Meet the Press)"

Hillary and Barack to Visit New Mexico

Sunday: Hillary Clinton will campaign at a public event in Española Sunday for Obama:

August 17, Doors Open 2:00 PM
Gym at Northern New Mexico College
921 Paseo de Oñate, Española, NM
First come, first served, no bags

Afterwards, Gov. Bill Richardson will host private fundraisers in Albuquerque and Santa Fe to help Hillary with her campaign debt. I'm sure all our U.S. House, U.S. Senate, State House and State Senate candidates are thrilled. I know I am. Let's pull more money out of the state, why don't we!

As for Barack, his campaign has announced he'll be visiting New Mexico on Monday, but no other details are yet available. I hope he does a big public event somewhere in a more rural part of the state, not in Albuquerque or Santa Fe. We're already for Obama -- he needs to reach out to other areas that gave strong support to Hillary in the primary.

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ABQ McCain Staffers Trash 'Happy Birthday Social Security' Cake

Politico has the story and so does . But where are the pictures and videos? Isn't it time for someone at the Dem Party and all the campaigns, third-party groups and unions to start carrying around a very reasonably priced Flip Video, or at least a cheap digital camera, to record debacles like this? Come on folks, your local blowgowsfeer bloggers can't be everywhere, cameras at the ready. Think how many events are going on daily now, and then think how much synchronicitous action will be going on post-Labor Day. We need help in documenting the scene. Help! A video of the McCain staffers getting all chanty and destructive would be valuable indeed. Why don't we have one?