The meeting began with registration which saw 339 members of the SCC present their credentials at the Resort. The members came from 29 of New Mexico's 33 counties. Once the credentials report was delivered, and quorum was established, a series of highly motivating speeches were delivered by Democratic leaders from across the state.
Videos of speeches from Rep. Ben Ray Lujan; Hector Balderas; Victor Raigoza; Lt. Governor Diane Denish can be viewed on the DPNM's YouTube Channel.
Rep. Lujan gave an emotional speech of the need for health care reform in New Mexico and that he supported a strong public option which would be available to all people. Delegates were highly receptive of this speech and have the freshman legislator a resounding level of applause at the conclusion of his speech.
From there, State Auditor Balderas called for Democrats to be the leaders in the state for accountability and to ensure that we continued our work for the people of New Mexico.
Once these speeches were concluded, Lt. Governor Diane Denish addressed the members of the SCC and did so in a compelling way:
Her nomination was seconded by Vice Chair of the Bernalillo County Democratic Party, Victor Raigoza. Nominations were closed and Javier Gonzales was elected Party Chairman by acclamation.
In his acceptance speech, Chairman Gonzales called for a strong effort towards education in New Mexico; complete equality for all citizens and comprehensive health care reform, which would include a strong public option. His speech is roughly 15 minutes long, but it is well worth the time. A .pdf of the speech can be found here.
The meeting continued after Gonzales' acceptance speech with the unanimous passage of a resolution calling for a strong public option in any health care reform package adopted by Congress.
In all, it was a great day to be a Democrat in New Mexico.
With renewed energy and focus, we can -- and will -- achieve victory in 2010, keeping New Mexico Blue for many years to come!
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment