DPNM Chair Praises Senate Health Care Vote

For Immediate Release
December 24, 2009

Washington, DC – Today, in an historic Christmas Eve vote, the Senate voted to pass the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The bill passed with unanimous support from Democrats despite weeks of Republican stall tactics and attempts to keep the bill from coming to a vote. In response, Democratic Party of New Mexico Chair Javier Gonzales released the following statement:

“Today’s vote marks an historic moment in the decades-long struggle to pass comprehensive health reform. This is the most significant development in domestic policy since Social Security was created – it is the largest expansion of coverage since Medicare and the greatest deficit reduction package passed in the last decade.

“The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will end decades of unfair insurance industry practices that have hurt New Mexicans, provide quality, affordable options for the uninsured and will reduce costs for families, businesses and the country as a whole. It will expand coverage to more than 30 million Americans while reducing the deficit by more than $130 billion in the next 10 years.

“This bill is a clear victory for New Mexicans. It will deliver on the promises President Obama has made since the health care debate began – reducing costs, providing quality, affordable choices for the uninsured and providing stability and security for those who already have coverage.

"I commend Senator Bingaman and Udall's leadership on this historic moment for Americans and New Mexicans. With their hard work 125,000 additional New Mexicans will have medicare coverage and 230,000 will be able to get eligibility credits, stopping insurers from refusing coverage due to pre-existing conditions, and granting permanent reauthorization for IHS to fulfill the nation's treaty obligations to provide health care to more than 1.9 million members of tribes nationwide."

“While the legislation received unanimous support from Democrats, it passed without a single Republican vote. Sadly, the Republican Party have shown once again they will stop at nothing to see the President fail. As we approach the 2010 elections, Republicans will need to explain to voters why they have chosen to side with the health insurance executives over New Mexican families.

“So today we thank President Obama and Senators Bingaman and Udall for their strong leadership on this issue and continue to offer our support as they move closer than ever to making comprehensive health insurance reform a reality for New Mexicans.”

DPNM Holiday Donation Drive for Troops

Almost everyone knows a member of our Armed Services, either active duty or retired. Members of our military are often sent to the most dangerous of locations -- and often over the holidays.

All of us have a father, mother, brother, sister, family member or friend who is serving our Country this holiday season.

It is important for us all to remember that the stresses of serving overseas and being away from loved ones are magnified during the holiday season.

To this end, the Democratic Party of New Mexico is sponsoring a "Care Package Collection" with Blue Star Mothers of New Mexico to collect items for personalized care packages for our New Mexico troops serving overseas.

Items to be included range from protein bars to trail mix to personal care items such as lotion and sunscreen. We are also collecting monetary contributions to help defray the costs of shipping the packages overseas. (A complete list of items can be found here.)

We will be accepting donations through Saturday, December 19th both in our party headquarters and at various campaign offices throughout the Albuquerque area.

For more information on how you can help this cause, please contact Marisa at the DPNM by calling 505-830-3650 or e-mailing info@nmdemocrats.org

On behalf of New Mexico's Troops, thank you for your help and support!

Our New Mexico

Lt. Governor Diane Denish released the following video today after previewing it at a Albuquerque North Valley Ward meeting on Saturday:

Lt. Governor Denish's leadership and vision for New Mexico in the next century is one in which all of us will benefit.

Denish Opposes Food Tax

The following op-ed by Lt. Gov. Diane Denish ran in today’s New Mexico Independent

Food Tax Would Hurt New Mexico Families

Lt. Gov. Diane Denish
http://www.nmpolitics.net/index/2009/12/food-tax-would-hurt-new-mexico-families/

For many New Mexico families, budgets are tighter this holiday season than last – which means fewer gifts under the tree. But for other families, simply getting by is a struggle. During these difficult times, a broad-based tax on food to fix the budget shortfall is a bad idea and I will not support it, plain and simple.

Our state is facing serious budget challenges, no doubt about it. But we must not balance the budget on the backs of regular, hard-working New Mexico families. And when nearly one in four New Mexico children go to bed hungry, making it more difficult for their parents to buy basic food is simply unconscionable.

So when the Legislature convenes next month, where should lawmakers look to close the budget gap?

First and foremost, before anyone starts debating tax increases, legislators must do everything possible to make sure government is leaner and more efficient. They must not ask for more tax dollars until they can show that the tax dollars already coming in are being spent as efficiently as possible. I’ve proposed several areas where reform is needed, including overhauling the capital outlay system and ending the practice of double-dipping. Others have proposed additional reform ideas that require thoughtful consideration.

Once all possible reforms are debated and implemented, legislators should look to see who is gaming the system at the expense of the taxpayers. Right now, a loophole exists in New Mexico law that allows big, out-of-state corporations to get special breaks at the expense of New Mexico families and businesses. Haven’t we seen enough of these kinds of special breaks on Wall Street? We certainly want to create incentives for employers to create jobs, but New Mexicans are sick of these loopholes for the big guys – that’s a big part of what got our nation into this economic mess in the first place.

These are just a few ideas for reducing the state’s budget shortfall and I’m open to other good ideas as well.

But before legislators convene in January, they should send a clear message to New Mexicans that the food tax is off the table. We simply can not, in good conscience, support higher taxes on basic necessities at a time when so many families are struggling to get by.

I urge New Mexicans to contact their legislators and encourage them to oppose this costly, harmful tax increase.

Denish in New Mexico’s lieutenant governor and a Democratic candidate for governor.

Mayor Chavez to Address Climate Change Body

Albuquerque, N.M. – Former Albuquerque Mayor Martin J. Chavez will participate in a panel on climate change as part of the larger United Nations climate change summit. Specifically, Chavez's panel will discuss "Leadership and Innovation by US Cities and Local Governments" as it relates to the reduction of Green House Gasses.

Mayor Chavez is a member of the Board of Directors of the North American International Committee of Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) and a member of the International Committee of the ICLEI and will be meeting with White House staff to discuss green policy while in Denmark. The ICLEI is an international group which is instrumental in advising and assisting local governments in reducing carbon emissions.

Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman, Javier Gonzales released the following statement:

"Mayor Chavez's invitation to address the United Nations' summit on climate change is a great honor for the City of Albuquerque and State at-large.

"During his tenure as Mayor, Martin was the leader in the charge for making Albuquerque a more sustainable, greener city. His experience and expertise will serve as a model for other cities to emulate.

"I offer my personal congratulations on behalf of the Democratic Party of New Mexico to Mayor Chavez and thank him for being a strong advocate on behalf of environmental issues."

You can follow the Mayor's trip by visiting his Facebook page or by following him on Twitter @MartyChavez.

Republican Candidates Skip Conservative Forum

Albuquerque, NM- Tonight, the Rio Grande Foundation, a right-wing "think tank", is hosting a forum for Republican gubernatorial candidates. However, of the four Republican candidates, only Rep. Janice Arnold-Jones and Doug Turner are reportedly attending the event. Candidates Allen Weh and Susana Martinez are reportedly skipping this opportunity to share their views with Republican primary voters.

Scott Forrester, the Executive Director of the Democratic Party of New Mexico, released the following statement:

"Allen Weh and Susana Martinez are more than happy to let the Rio Grande Foundation do their political dirty work, but when that organization gives them an opportunity to share their views in front of a sympathetic audience, they refuse to participate. Either Weh and Martinez don't want folks to
know where they stand on key issues, they themselves don't know where they stand, or they know this forum will expose how unprepared they are to hold the state's highest office. Instead of taking this easy opportunity to show an ideologically friendly audience whether they have any ideas of their own, Weh and Martinez appear content to continue hiding behind baseless, negative press releases. To this point, Weh and Martinez have done nothing but throw rocks from the bleachers, and New Mexicans deserve better."

Steve Pearce: Placeholder

Albuquerque, NM - Saturday, Steve Pearce said the following to a group in Alamogordo, "[I] ran for the Senate seat because it's where small states, such as New Mexico, have power. In the House, we have three seats. There are more than 400 seats in the House. California has more than 50, Texas more than 30 and New York more than 30. Our voice is nothing."

Scott Forrester, Executive Director of the Democratic Party of New Mexico, issued the following statement:

“Why is Steve Pearce running for an office he believes has no voice? The constituents of New Mexico’s 2nd congressional district deserve someone who is committed to fighting for their values and interests. They don't need an opportunistic, do-nothing politician who is using the office as a political placeholder while he waits for the right time to run for the U.S. Senate.

“In six years, Pearce's accomplishments on issues which matter to New Mexicans -- like supporting working families and our veterans -- were scarce. Perhaps it is because he always treated this Congressional seat as a stepping stone instead of it as a platform to fight for the people of southern New Mexico.

"Southern New Mexicans don't need someone who believes their district has no voice in Congress. We need someone who puts his constituents first, someone who fights for our values, fights for southern New Mexico jobs, believes in funding for veterans and that someone is Congressman Harry Teague. Harry has delivered on the issues that matter and he won't abandon his district or his constituents for a convenient political opportunity.

"Steve Pearce didn't use his voice in Congress to help the people of southern New Mexico when he had one, why should they think another term in the House would be any different?

"New Mexico deserves better than that -- New Mexico deserves Harry Teague."

December 1 is World AIDS Day

Today is World AIDS Day.

AIDS is an affliction which impacts the lives of over 33 million people across the globe. Established in 1988 by the World Health Organization, World AIDS Day seeks not only to educate those unfamiliar with the epidemic but to focus positive action-oriented attention.

In America alone, over 1,000,000 people are living with AIDS.

In New Mexico, the number of people living with AIDS is over 2,700.

In a proclamation from President Obama, he notes that while the global AIDS number of people living with AIDS is high,

" . . . the death rate is slowly declining due, in part, to our Nation's global effort through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program. However, HIV remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Women and children around the world are particularly vulnerable due to gender inequalities, gaps in access to services, and increases in sexual violence. While the statistics are distressing, new medications and scientific advancements give us reason for hope."

This news is encouraging, but there is a long road still ahead.

President Obama also calls for us to take part in appropriate activities which remember those lost to this disease as well as activities which comfort those who are living with AIDS.

In New Mexico, New Mexico AIDS Services provides education, support and community outreach to at-risk communities throughout our State.

They offer a variety of community-based health classes and even specialized education for women.

Like many other organizations which exist in our community, New Mexico AIDS Services relies heavily on donor support.

No matter how you choose to spend the day, the DPNM encourages you to remember those around you who may be living with AIDS or those in your life who have lost the fight against AIDS.

Will NM GOP Candidates Accept a Palin Endorsement?

Albuquerque, NM – As noted by New Mexico reporter Steve Terrell, Sarah Palin wil be in Roswell on December 1 to promote her new book, Going Rogue.

But will she pledge her support --solicited or otherwise-- for a Republican candidate for Governor while she’s in town?

According to Terrell's article, three of four NM GOP candidates for Governor have stated they would not be present at her book signing, simultaneously avoiding the all-important question: Would they accept a Palin endorsement?

“Some Republican candidates for governor have said they wouldn't actively seek a Palin endorsement, but they have also not ruled out accepting one,” said Josh Geise, Executive Director of the Democratic Party of New Mexico. "Now is the time for candidates to explicitely state whether they would accept a Palin endorsement or their reasons for not accepting it.

"New Mexicans deserve candidates who are willing to go on the record with their beliefs, but none of the Republicans seem willing to do so."

Former US Senator Weighs in on NM Governor's Race

**** This opinion column originally ran on Nov. 28 in the ABQ Journal

Way Too Early for All This GOP Mud-Slinging

By Fred Harris, ABQ Journal

I've been around politics for many years. I know how elections are won and I know how the game is played.

But I also know, and firmly believe in my heart, that there should be honor in the political process. After all, the winner of the coming governor's race will be referred to as "The Honorable" for the next four years.

Unfortunately, from the Republican candidates for governor, we've seen very little of that.

None of the four candidates running for the Republican nomination is well-known. None has ever held statewide office and they're all just now beginning to introduce themselves to New Mexicans.

However, instead of introductions founded on ideas and solutions for our state, the Republican candidates are introducing themselves by publicly tearing someone else down. That someone, of course, is the front-runner, Democratic Lt. Gov. Diane Denish.

New Mexicans won't go to the polls for another year. But already, the Republicans are attacking Denish with the malice and recklessness that we usually don't see until the weeks right before an election.

As a voter, I simply don't have the appetite for an entire year of this.

Take two weeks ago for example. Denish announced several key reform ideas to save New Mexico taxpayers money, including overhauling the capital outlay system and eliminating double-dippers. These are solid, much-needed reforms that I believe must be implemented, but at the very least, they're worthy of public debate and discussion.

Yet, the Republican candidates didn't offer their opinions. They didn't even offer constructive criticism. Instead, on the day that Denish proposed these reforms, the Republicans just found another reason to irresponsibly attack her character.

The Republicans don't only attack Denish when she makes a statement herself, but they attack her for virtually anything that may appear in the news on a given day. If a state bureaucrat gets into trouble, the Republicans point their guns at Denish. When Gov. Bill Richardson makes an announcement, they unleash a flurry of press releases attacking Diane. When the Lobos lose another football game, the Republicans blame Diane. (Well, that hasn't actually happened yet, but wait.)

I'm a little bit old school. I keep resisting being on Facebook and I don't "tweet." But if I did, my in-boxes would be filled every day with Republican attacks. Is this really the best way to use these new technologies?

I've known Diane Denish for many years. While her positions on the issues are fair-game, there is nobody in New Mexico who has served our state with more honor and distinction.

So to my Republican friends in the race, I say this: Elevate the level of discourse, please. Tell us where you stand on the issues. Tell us how you would balance the state budget or how you would strengthen the education system or create new jobs.

But if the Republicans think Diane Denish is going to sit quietly and take this, then they don't know Diane Denish.

Fred Harris is a UNM Professor Emeritus of Political Science. The former U.S. Senator from Oklahoma sought the 1976 Democratic presidential nomination.

GOP Spinning Health Care -- Again

With every legislative hurdle that Health Care reform clears, its chances of passing becomes more likely.

Even hardened opponents to health care reform admit that Democrats achieving 60 votes to bring the bill to the Senate floor for debate increases the bill's eventual success:

"Any senator (who) votes for this bill has to know that there's a 97 percent chance that this bill ends up passing" -- Sen. Kyl (R-AZ)

We aren't sure where that number comes from, but we'll take those odds. Kyl, by the way, is the minority whip in the Senate, so his words are pretty telling of Republican fortunes.

So, as usual, Republicans have resorted to doing what they do best -- trying to scare and mislead the public.

The latest attempt to do so has been the rather outrageous claim that the health care reform bills amount to a stack of paper which is longer than "War and Peace." While the bill is large, you would have to combine both the House and Senate versions of health care reform to get near the length of Tolstoy's tome.

So instead of spinning the issue beyond recognition, lets break down the number of what health care reform will mean to New Mexico:

• 434,000 uninsured New Mexicans would get insurance coverage through reform,
• 249,000 residents would be eligible for tax credits to purchase coverage,
• 292,000 seniors would receive preventative care services,
• 22,700 businesses would be eligible for tax credits to help make insurance more affordable

These numbers are nothing to scoff at -- in fact, they represent just a small portion of the way in which health care reform will benefit our citizens. Read more ways which health care reform benefits New Mexico.

Once again, the GOP is only trying to divert attention from the fact that they continue to offer no real solutions to our country's biggest challenges.

Dobbs for President?

Earlier this month, Lou Dobbs made international headlines when he left the airwaves of CNN after more than 25 years with the cable network.

He had been under increasing pressure to do so based on his perceived anti-immigration views and statements. Now, Dobbs is taking to the airwaves to share his feelings post-CNN.

Describing himself as "liberated and emancipated" since leaving the network (and while he is entitled to his own opinion -- however wrong it may be) his positioning towards elected office should raise our collective eyebrows.

In the same interview with WTOP, Dobbs said a presidential run in 2012 is "not crazy":

Again, we disagree with Dobbs on this point.

Among the reasons why Lou Dobbs would fail to make a good president are that he has given credence to the "birther" movement, calling into question President Obama's leadership; repeatedly asserted that Mexicans were trying to "take over" the Southwest (New Mexico included) and that illegal immigration is the single biggest threat to the American middle class.

Were Dobbs to enter the GOP-fray for the 2012 nomination, you could expect him to be among the far-right of the party on this issue -- such as renegade Maricopa Sheriff Joe Arpaio or Tom Tancredo.

Personalities like Dobbs attempt to make immigration to the United States an 'us vs. them' issue, an over simplification which does not give credence to the multitude of aspects implicit to this debate.

Perhaps with Dobbs absent from the airwaves (for now) we have have a logical debate which helps to do what is just for all involved.

This Weekend's Showdown: Health Care Reform

After a dramatic lead-up to passing Health Care Reform in the US House of Representatives, it is now the US Senate's turn to do the same.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has no easy feat on his hands. Whipping support among his fellow party members -- some of whom are in tough re-election scenarios -- is about as easy as herding cats. (Luckily for New Mexicans, our two Senators are behind the reform efforts.)

With the Democratic Party providing little in the way of a litmus test for candidates, our proverbial "big tent" houses lots of folks from a diverse set of backgrounds.

So as Reid soldiers on towards reform in the Senate, we are happy to hear this morning that Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) -- a fairly conservative Senator from an even more conservative state -- has indicated his support for bringing the issue of health care reform to the Senate floor.

This leaves two Senators -- Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and Mary Landrieu -- the focus of Reid's efforts to bring the bill to debate. Recent polling has shown that voters in Kansas, Louisiana, and Arkansas overwhelmingly support both bringing the bill to the floor for debate as well as eventually voting on the bill.

We don't understand the harm of debating the bill and given the positive score from the Congressional Budget Office, there is even less of a reason for delaying debate on this bill -- which includes a public option.

The longer the delay to debate, the higher the chances of hacks like Glenn Beck can mislead and misinform the American public. In his latest rant, Beck compares the health care reform bills to the unmitigated downfall of America as we know it(!):

Arianna Huffington (while on MSNBC) accurately calls Beck's outbursts "fear-mongering." The Anti-Defamation League concurs.

While we New Mexicans are notorious for resisting the influence of others -- recently noted by Vice President Joe Biden on a stop in Albuquerque -- it is hard to stay immune to such pernicious speech.

With visits to New Mexico from RNC Chairman Michael Steele and an upcoming visit by Sarah Palin, as much as we try to resist, folks like Beck & Co. will be trying harder than ever to leverage their influence in the upcoming elections -- it is up to us to call them out on it.

Today is "Feed America Day"

As we noted yesterday through a release from the Democratic Party of New Mexico's Chairman, Javier Gonzales, the state party is fully supporting and encouraging all New Mexicans to donate what they can to their friends and neighbors across the state.

Links to charitable organizations can be found below:

Road Runner Food Bank -- Albuquerque
The Food Depot -- Santa Fe
ECHO, Inc. -- Farmington
The Community Pantry -- Gallup
Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico -- Las Cruces
Food Bank of Eastern New Mexico -- Clovis
The Salvation Army Southeastern New Mexico Food Bank -- Hobbs

While we are encouraged by the outpouring of support we have witnessed already due to this event, we are troubled that one of the proposals being considered to narrow the budget gap is a gross receipts food tax.

According to the report, before the food tax was repealed in 2004, average New Mexican families were paying $225 per year on food tax alone. With the economy already challenging us on a daily basis and many New Mexicans out of work, taxing essentials such as food would put even more strain on budgets.

The news of this proposal comes on the heels of a report which states that taxes in New Mexico are already regressive -- meaning that the poorest New Mexicans are taxed disproportionally to their income.

Taking food off the table is never a good choice, and while we're not opposed to tightening our belts, it shouldn't be because we can't afford to purchase food.

Do Your Part for "Feed America Day"

November 18, 2009

The United States' Senate has unamimously designated Thursday, November 19 -- one week before Thanksgiving -- as national "Feed America Day." Our own Senator Tom Udall was among the co-sponsors of this bill. The bill encourages Americans to give up two meals tomorrow, opting instead to donate goods to area food banks. Democrats are encouraged to donate food between November 19 through Tuesday, November 24. We will be accepting donations at the Democratic Party of New Mexico.

On behalf of myself and the Democratic Party of New Mexico, I want to thank Senator Udall for his sponsorhip of the bi-partisan Feed America Day resolution in the United States Senate. With food insecurity impacting nearly 14% of New Mexicans, Senator Udall's efforts to bring light to this issue are both timely and compassionate.

New Mexicans can participate in Feed America Day by dropping off food goods at any of the following locations:

Road Runner Food Bank -- Albuquerque
The Food Depot -- Santa Fe
ECHO, Inc. -- Farmington
The Community Pantry -- Gallup
Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico -- Las Cruces
Food Bank of Eastern New Mexico -- Clovis
The Salvation Army Southeastern New Mexico Food Bank -- Hobbs

The Democratic Party of New Mexico, located at 1301 San Pedro NE in Albuquerque, is also accepting donations of food goods on November 19th.

As we begin to plan for the upcoming holiday season, I am asking all New Mexicans to give what they can in order to help their friends and neighbors across the State.

I thank you in advance for participating in this initiative.

Sincerely,



Javier M. Gonzales, Chairman
Democratic Party of New Mexico

Palin to Visit New Mexico

In case you missed the big news, New Mexico is due to receive a visit from failed Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

Lucky us.

As Steve Terrell noted on his blog and in a related news article, the former Governor of Alaska is cutting wide swaths across this great country promoting her "new" book -- although advance copies have been available for some time -- despite her polarizing opinions.

So who among us are the lucky recipients of a visit? The residents of Albuquerque? Las Cruces? Perhaps Rio Rancho?

Nope.

Instead, the residents of Roswell, NM will have the honor of hosting Gov. Palin at the local Hastings book store.

Palin's book tour has been noted as one which shuns the traditional stops on a book tour such as New York, San Francisco and Chicago, opting for smaller locals -- and perhaps those with a more conservative ideology.

Mr. Terrell also notes that at least two of the NM GOP candidates (Martinez and Turner) will not seek Palin's endorsement while she is in New Mexico. (Candidates Arnold-Jones and Weh did not comment.) We'll see however if any of the candidates eventually jump to the right and seek out an endorsement . . .

In addition to her book tour, Palin has been hitting the media circuit hard these days -- appearing on Oprah, Hannity and giving interviews with Newsmax and The Weekly Standard.

You can read her comments for yourself, but her appearance on Hannity was particularly disturbing:

In the interview, Palin advocates profiling "radical" Muslims -- an opinion which she reiterates to The Weekly Standard:

"I say profile away."

Perhaps she is making such statements in order to boost the lagging price of her book, but we're pretty sure she really buys into the crazy things she says.

We're just hoping Mr. Terrell's blog is right and Palin at least stays long enough for us get some good material for jokes.

New Mexico Expands Medical Marijuana Availability

In this morning's Albuquerque Journal, an editorial column was published which called for the disclosure of the names and locations of New Mexico's four new medical marijuana producers.

The program recently expanded from one state-sanctioned producer to five after the original producer ran out of supplies.

While we aren't weighing-in on whether or not medicinal marijuana producers should be required to disclose information such as salaries, names and locations (although two of the five producers are now public knowledge.) we do have to applaud the Journal for recognizing that the availability of medicinal marijuana is a "worthy effort".

Originally signed into law by Governor Richardson in 2007, the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act has provided legal prescriptions for any 15 approved conditions which range from post traumatic stress disorder to AIDS to epilepsy.

The program currently has 755 patients, with 204 licensed to produce their own cannabis for personal use.

In an interview originally published by New Mexico Independent, Department of Health Secretary Alfredo Vigil stated that marijuana is a "medicine like any other medicine." This is a statement which is in contrast with marijuana's Schedule One drug status -- meaning that it is still illegal on a Federal level.

But while New Mexico's program has been criticized for being too slow to develop, Vigil defends the program as a trail-blazer. This claim is also echoed in an article published today on the Huffington Post.

Slow or not, New Mexico's medical marijuana program is providing a valuable service to citizens who have yet to benefit from other forms of treatment, and most importantly, Secretary Vigil's staff have the right motivation -- alleviating human suffering through superior patient care.

Michael Steele: As Seen on TV

As we noted earlier today, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele will be in New Mexico to attend what we imagine will be a pretty fancy dinner at the Hotel Albuquerque in Old Town.

(New Mexicans should not be remiss and forget that today is Friday, November 13th, but we're not superstitious.)

Along with our questioning if the NM GOP really knows what it is getting into with Steele's appearance, we should take a look at some of Steele's 'Greatest Hits' -- and believe us when we say that we couldn't make this stuff up -- Michael Steele is the gift that just keeps on giving:

From his early days as the newly-elected RNC Chairman (start watching around 1.30):

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Elephant in the Room
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Crisis

So the beginning of Steele's tenure seems promising -- the RNC is adapting its image -- oh, wait, not so fast -- Steele's most recent comments seem to indicate that Republicans are afraid of African-Americans -- a comment that Jon Stewart was more than happy to take on:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Is Blackface Ever OK?
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Crisis

You can read the full interview Steele gave by clicking here. (It also has links to some of Chairman Steele's previous I-can't-believe-he-just-said-that comments.)

We think it is pretty unfortunate that in the wake of NY-23 and the schism which is beginning to form between hardened far-right Republicans and those who are more moderate that the NM GOP would entertain such a polarizing figure.

But if the NM GOP feels the need to have Steele's blessing -- even as they suffer from crushing state-wide defeats in 2008 -- we certainly hope someone is recording the event tonight, because Michael Steele is guaranteed Made-for-TV.

Remembering Governor Bruce King

Albuquerque, N.M. – Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman Javier Gonzales released the following statement upon the news of Former Governor Bruce King’s passing:

“The Democratic Party of New Mexico is saddened at the news of the passing of former Governor Bruce King. During his long tenure of service to New Mexico, spanning from the 1950s through the 1990s, Governor King served as a Santa Fe County Commissioner, Speaker of the House of Representatives and has the distinction of being the first person to serve the State as Governor for three separate four-year terms.

“As Chairman of the Democratic Party of New Mexico – an office which Governor King also held – I am personally humbled to have the opportunity to continue advancing the ideals and goals that he fought for his entire life.

“Governor King’s service has been widely credited as a driving force of modernization within the State of New Mexico, and his legacy of service to the Democratic Party is only overshadowed by his love of New Mexico and his service to its citizens.

“Whether Democrat, Republican or Independent, today is a day of mourning for all New Mexicans. We remember Governor King and his family in our thoughts and prayers.”

DPNM Names New Executive Director

Albuquerque, N.M. – Today, Javier Gonzales, Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman, named Scott Forrester as the party's next Executive Director.

"I look forward to working with Scott and continuing the fight for change New Mexicans voted for last year,” Gonzales said. “As the Republicans continue to be the party of the past, Democrats have offered real solutions to bring jobs to this state, bring affordable health care for all, and reform our education system. I want to thank Josh Geise for his dedication and commitment to the Democratic Party. He has been a friend and asset to the Party, and I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors."

Forrester is an Albuquerque native who attended St. Pius X High School. He worked for John Kerry in Colorado, Hillary Clinton for President, and for four years under Mayor Martin J. Chavez as an Executive Assistant and eventually became Chief of Staff.

Forrester released the following statement after the announcement:

"I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the Democratic Party of New Mexico. As a native New Mexican, I believe deeply in the Democratic values of our State, and I look forward to working to continue the progress Democrats have brought to New Mexico. I will work enthusiastically to ensure Democrats are elected throughout New Mexico.

“Democrats across New Mexico are proudly united behind Diane Denish’s candidacy for Governor. She is the only candidate in the race who will bring true reform to government, strengthen our education system, and bring 21^st century jobs to New Mexico.

“With the Governor’s office, three congressional seats, statewide elected offices, state legislative seats and many local races, 2010 promises to be an exciting year for Democrats!

“I am honored and look forward to working with Chairman Javier Gonzales in fighting for our Democratic ideals and principles. We look forward to visiting every county in New Mexico to listen to the concerns of voters and ensure that their voices are heard."

Forrester will take over for Geise effective December 1, 2009.

DPNM Chairman Releases Veterans' Day Statement

Albuquerque, N.M. – Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman Javier Gonzales released the following statement for Veterans’ Day:

“New Mexicans have a proud history of serving their country as members of the United States’ Armed Forces. The Democratic Party of New Mexico remembers and honors all New Mexicans who have served, are serving or have paid the ultimate price to our great Nation.”

“Ranking 15^th in the country for the percentage civilian veterans, New Mexico has a rich history of service. Whether on Cannon, Holloman or Kirtland Air Force Bases, White Sands Missile Range – or elsewhere – we continue our legacy of military service in the modern era.”

“On this federal holiday, we turn our attention to our Veterans and thank their self-less service. The Democratic Party of New Mexico will continue to work for policies and legislation which provide support for our returning service-members and their families.”

Now, All Eyes Will Turn to the Senate

In case you missed it (but we're not sure how you could have) here is a short clip of the House of Representatives passing HR 3962 or the Affordable Health Care for America Act.

The historic vote was taken Saturday night and fulfills the Democratic Party's promise of quality, affordable health care to the American people.

The Act provides stability and security for Americans who have insurance; quality affordable options for those who don't; brings down the cost of health care for families, businesses and government -- while strengthening the financial health of Medicare.

The legislation is fully paid for and will bring down the long-term federal deficit.

One step closer towards comprehensive health care in America, the United States Senate now must follow suit.

Already, the Senate has aligned many parts of their bill to match the House version -- including providing unprecedented security and stability for Americans with insurance and is also fully paid for, reducing our long-term deficit.

Here in New Mexico, Senator Bingaman and Senator Udall have both indicated their support for health care reform which includes a public option.

GOP Reeks of Desperation over Health Care Reform

The fight for meaningful Health Care Reform has been set in motion for what could be its final weekend.

House Speaker Pelosi has stated that the Democratic-controlled House is "very close" to reaching the 218 votes needed to pass Health Care Reform which includes a public option and protections for patients with pre-existing conditions.

Pelosi's work became a little easier as newly-elected NY-23 Congressman Bill Owens has indicated support for the House bill.

The GOP offered an alternative bill, which among other things, does not stop insurers from dropping clients due to pre-existing conditions; only cuts the deficit by 68 billion dollars, 36 billion dollars less than the Democratic plan; would actually cause the number of un-insured Americans to rise to 52 million by 2019; and does not prevent insurers from denying you coverage due to pre-existing conditions. It has been widely panned as ineffective.

On the heels of endorsements from the AARP and the American Medical Association, President Obama is expected to give a "full-throated endorsement" to the bill sometime today.

Meanwhile . . .

As Democrats were working constructively to garner support for their House bill, Republicans were making a "Hail Mary" play.

In an act of seeming desperation, a now-familiar "Tea Bagger" rally was organized by Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann on the steps of the US Capitol. (The rally, reportedly, was not sanctioned by the GOP House leadership.) Participants spent their time chanting "Kill the Bill" and listening to GOP politicians who sought to get their face on television, if only to babel on about how much "freedom" the Democratic House bill would deprive American citizens. (Many of these same Congress-people who initially criticized Bachmann's efforts made the time to show up, anyhow.)

Take a look:

As Republicans were falling over themselves to bash the Democrats' plan, they resorted to the only thing they know how to do when faced with certain ideological defeat -- fear-mongering from behind the protection of the American flag.

The American public supports the public option; the American Medical Association supports the public option and the AARP supports the public option -- so why do Republicans still defiantly oppose the public option?

Because it wasn't their idea and they can't take credit for it.

Desperately searching for a new brand image for the GOP, Congressional Republicans have clung to their "patriotism" in an effort to prove that they are more American than the Democratic Party. But in their fervor to prove their American ideals and love of all things related to freedom, they certainly made a few gaffes:

By embracing such fanatic activities as likening the Democratic plan for Health Care Reform to Nazism and appearing at a rally where pictures of victims of the Holocaust are shown, Republican members of Congress are doing two distinct things: one, they are giving credence to such wild claims and, more saddening, they are divorcing themselves from the real human emotion which is inherent in events like the Holocaust.

As human beings we should be compassionate to those in need -- for example, by ensuring that all Americans have access to quality health care, not working to actively derail the process. Democrats are working towards this currently, the Republicans are not.

Like many other Hail Mary plays, the Republicans' final play on preventing health care reform is one which has been made in desperation with little chance of success.

Denish Allegations: "Patently False"

The Democratic Party of New Mexico has been actively involved in defending Lt. Governor Diane Denish against baseless attacks on her leadership as Lt. Governor of New Mexico and her campaign for Governor.

Most recently, Lt. Governor Denish was accused of using tax payer money for sending our Christmas cards. Such attacks are not only reckless, but have created an atmosphere which is becoming increasingly negative in the lead-up to the elections of 2010.

Lt. Governor Denish herself has refuted these attacks:

It is no coincidence that these lies are being spread by a writer who is closely associated with the conservative Rio Grade Foundation.

In the wake of these allegations, it comes as no surprise that several Republican candidates for Governor were quick to accept the accusations as fact. Their desperation to find any fault with the Lt. Governor is apparent -- no GOP candidates have the support, finances, name recognition, ideas and most importantly the track record as does Lt. Governor Denish.

But being caught lying is one way to get your names in the headlines . . .

Denish Offers Solutions; GOP Only Attacks

Albuquerque, N.M. -- Yesterday, Lt. Governor Diane Denish outlined her ideas to make New Mexico's government leaner and more efficient. Meanwhile, on the same day, her Republican opponents continued their onslaught of baseless character attacks.

Lt. Gov. Denish's innovative proposals offered smart reform ideas that, if implemented, would save the state millions of dollars.

“A recurring theme is starting in this campaign. Lt. Governor Denish offers a substantive idea, and the Republican candidates offer nothing but baseless character attacks. Just yesterday, Lt. Gov. Denish put forward some smart ideas to make government leaner and more efficient,” said Josh Geise, executive director of the Democratic Party of New Mexico. “But instead of putting forward any thoughtful solutions of their own, the Republican candidates threw mud. We have yet to hear a single idea from a Republican candidate on how the state should address the budget shortfall created by this national economic crisis. New Mexicans deserve an honest campaign on the issues and will reject the politics of character assassination.”

Lt. Gov. Denish’s reform package called for overhauling the capital outlay process, ending the practice of “double-dipping," and improving technology systems.

View the Lt. Governor's proposals by visiting this site: http://www.ltgovernor.state.nm.us/

Republican Leadership?

Albuquerque, NM - Democratic Party of New Mexico executive director Josh Geise issued the following statement after continued unfounded attacks from Republican gubernatorial candidates:

“New Mexicans are facing a serious budget crisis, not unlike the rest of America. Yet again, the Republican Party and their candidates for Governor are tossing negative attacks from the sidelines, instead of offering real solutions.

“Lt. Governor Denish has been a leader in pushing for real reforms and efficiencies to help solve this crisis. At some point will the Republicans looking to lead our state offer anything more than attacks? New Mexican’s have rejected the policies of the Republicans for years because they continue to offer zero solutions to the problems facing our state.”

NY-23: A sign of things to come?

***This is a post from the Democratic National Committee's Blog.

When moderate Republican Dede Scozzafava dropped out of the special election in NY-23 on Saturday – then endorsed Democratic candidate Bill Owens on Sunday – she laid bare a serious problem for the Republican Party, regardless of who wins the special election tomorrow.

The Republican Party is increasingly dominated by its radical right wing, which harbors extreme views on everything from tax policy and health care, to social issues and foreign policy.

Right wing groups spent more than $1 million against Scozzafava, while the national Republican Party spent $1 million on her behalf – to no avail. Her decision to drop out of the race – just four days before the election – is yet another indication that there is no room for moderate Republicans in today’s GOP.

From the Washington Post, “In NY: No Room for GOP Moderates”

The Republican civil war in New York’s 23rd congressional district has been resolved in favor of the right-wing: The abrupt withdrawal on Halloween of assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava, the Republican nominee and a moderate, leaves the third party Conservative, standing alone for Tuesday’s election.

Conservatives -- who had been bashing Scozzafava as if she were some sort of socialist -- were elated that Doug Hoffman, the Conservative Party candidate, could now get full Republican Party support. Their war on moderates claimed its first scalp, and a very important one.

From the Politico, “Conservatives take aim at leaders, Crist, other races”:

...Right now, the power, the energy, the momentum — and the results — are on the side of the conservative activists…

Make no mistake: There is a huge divide between the public rants of this activist wing and the private angst of party leaders in D.C.

Numerous GOP officials have told POLITICO they worry that the party has been hijacked by a noisy and powerful minority that will keep the GOP in a noisy and not-so-powerful minority for a long time…

From Politics Daily, “Palin's GOP Brand: Exclusionary and Short-Sighted, but Who Will Stop It?”:

…There's a direct line between Palin, the most famous Republican to endorse conservative third-party congressional candidate Doug Hoffman in Tuesday's special election in New York, and moderate Republican assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava's stunning decision Saturday to suspend her campaign.

Hoffman could well win, giving short-term succor to the GOP and Palin's exclusionary, storm-the-barricades brand of Republicanism. And who knows when and where this will stop -- or where it will lead? It has all the elements of a runaway train, and very few Republicans are willing to step in front of it…

Despite the protestations of elected Republicans who say that they understand the diversity needed to win elections and majorities, and that this is an isolated case, you have to wonder what will happen to aspiring Republican moderates of the future -- or if there will even be any…

Doug Turner Announces Bid for Governor?

On Wednesday, Doug Turner announced his candidacy for Governor in Albuquerque – well, kind of. After Turner forgot to actually announce his candidacy, his personal public relations team reminded him why he was there. And even then, it took Turner four tries to get it right and tell his audience that he was actually running for Governor.

We’re fairly sure that the voters in New Mexico want an authentic candidate with real passion, not a public relations operative that needs four-takes and nearly three minutes to sell anyone on the fact that he really has the drive to be Governor. If this video proves anything, it’s that Doug Turner’s campaign will be nothing more than a public relations spectacle. But considering that’s the only experience he has, I guess we shouldn’t be surprised. It’s not time for flashy prepackaged candidates; it’s time for a candidate with the experience and vision to lead New Mexico.

Wilson Opts Out in 2010

Albuquerque, NM - Democratic Party of New Mexico Executive Director, Josh Geise, issued the following statement on Heather Wilson's announcement that she is not running for office in 2010:

"Heather Wilson, sensing the strength of Lt. Governor Diane Denish, today decided she would not seek the Governor’s office. The Republican Party, decimated after the 2008 election, is left with a nothing more than a handful of second-tier candidates for the state’s top office.

"Regardless of who emerges from the Republican primary, the lack of experience in their entire slate of Republican candidates should deeply concern New Mexicans. Now is not the time for on-the-job training. We need a proven leader to help New Mexico families’ weather these tough times, and none of the Republicans running come close to meeting that challenge."

***Some of Wilson's comments on her dropping out of the Gubernatorial Race can be found here via New Mexico Independent.

With Wilson out of the race, at least one Republican is rushing to fill the vacuum created by her absence -- and certainly pandering for her endorsement.

GOP Brand is a Mess!

One of today's posts from MSNBC's "First Read" was a short commentary on the Republican Party's brand image.

MSNBC reports that the Republicans are a mess, and that their brand is suffering.

According to a Wall Street Journal/NBC News Poll, only 25% of respondents had a positive opinion of the party -- compared to 42% for Democrats.

That score represents the lowest polling number in the poll's history -- even lower than the scores earned during the administration of former President George W. Bush.

(MSNBC asks the pointed question: Can the party still scapegoat Bush if their numbers are even lower now than during the last eight years.)

Similar scores are reported when respondents are asked about the handling of Health Care Reform. Only 23% approve of GOP handling while 43% support President Obama's efforts.

In perhaps a forecast of the 2010 mid-term elections, 46% of respondents would prefer to see a Democratic Congress and only 38% would choose one led by the GOP. (Last month, the scores were 43% to 40%, respectively.)

The poll also shows Sarah Palin's popularity dropping to only 27% -- but hey, that's still better than the Republican Party.

Doug Turner: Good Luck with the Transformation

Albuquerque, NM - Democratic Party of New Mexico Executive Director, Josh Geise, issued the following statement on Doug Turner’s announcement that he is running for Governor:

"We wish Doug Turner luck as he begins his transformation from a political operative and special interest lobbyist to a candidate for public office.

However, while Turner may have an impressive track record helping politicians and special interests get ahead, New Mexicans deserve a Governor with an impressive record of helping families get ahead.
New Mexico families need a Governor who is prepared to make our state a leader in the 21^st century economy and, needless to say, that’s not Doug Turner."

Opposition Fundraising to Martin Heinrich is "Pedestrian"

The Republican Party's Congressional Campaign Committee this summer continued a "Young Guns" program which sought to identify/promote potential challengers to incumbent Democratic members of Congress. It consists of two levels for classifying candidates: "On the Radar" and "Contender."

A left over program from the 2008 campaign cycle -- Darren White was another rejected New Mexico Young Gun -- this year's rising Republican star was Jon Barela.

Seeking to unseat Rep. Martin Heinrich, Barela has been ghost-like in the district -- believe us, we're in CD-1 and we've yet to see anything. Not that we're complaining . . .

Barela's fundraising was noted as "pedestrian" after the 3rd quarter figures were released earlier this month. Barela has less than a quarter of Heinrich's total cash-on-hand and Heinrich out-raised Barela in the third quarter.

We're not surprised that CD-1 is sending such a strong message -- the district is trending Democratic after long years of Republican control.

Help to keep Rep. Heinrich's common-sense approach to New Mexico in place and let's work to keep Jon Barela "Off the Radar."

Special Statement from Democrats in NM Legislature

This post is originally from Democracy for New Mexico. If you don't read it already, you should visit the site:

Weary Senate Democrats came together today to bring the special session to an end by passing two important bills – the House Appropriations and Finance Committee Substitutes for House Bills 17 and 33 (HB 17), and the House Appropriations and Finance Committee Substitute for House Bill 6 (HB 6). HB 17 was passed by the Senate with 5 amendments, requiring the House to consider the amendments. The House concurred with four of the amendments, and asked the Senate to recede from a fifth amendment. Once the Senate receded, the stage was set for both bodies to end the session by adjourning “sine die.” Both the Senate and House adjourned at approximately 7 PM.

As passed by the House and Senate, HB 17 – along with Senate Bills SB 10 and SB 13 – would give flexibility to school districts in making budget adjustments to accommodate education cuts that, after offsets enacted by the legislature would reduce total education funding by less than 1 percent. Under HB 17, recurring General Fund expenditures would be offset by nonrecurring General Funds and federal stimulus education funds. HB 17 also funds an emergency school relief fund using $3 million in nonrecurring funds to try and keep small rural schools harmless. An additional $29 million would be transferred from the Public School Capital Outlay Fund to cover public school insurance payments.

In explaining the details of HB 17, Senator John Arthur Smith(D-Hidalgo, Luna & Sierra-35), Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, noted on the Senate Floor that because the requirement in the Governor’s Proclamation to hold Education as harmless as possible, deeper cuts had to be made in general government operations, including a reduction of approximately 7.6 percent for executive agencies. Cuts in the General Fund for Developmental Disabilities program and most of the cuts in Medicaid will be offset with federal stimulus funds. Some smaller agencies, like the State Police, were exempted from the larger cuts. The Governor was also asked to reduce salaries for 102 exempt positions.

HB 6 authorizes a transfer of $225 million from the Operating Reserve to the General Fund. The transfer would take care of the deficit for the past fiscal year and leave a smaller amount to help cover shortfalls for the current fiscal year. HB 6 also authorizes the Governor to transfer up to $115 million from the Tax Stabilization Reserve to the General Fund in the event existing funds cannot satisfy appropriations from the General Fund.

Passage of HB 17 and HB 6, taken in conjunction with passage of HB 3 (which ‘sweeps’ about $100 million of unused state funds into the General Fund), and Senate Bill 13 (which give public schools the flexibility to adjust class loads, staffing patterns and other programmatic matters) has allowed the Senate and the legislature as a whole to complete its painful work of coming up with the best possible solution to the immediate financial crisis within the limitations imposed by the Governor.

“When you have huge needs and disappearing monies to fund them, everyone ends up feeling the pain of the corrections that need to be made to sort out those needs and make the difficult decisions to fund some more than others in order to minimize the damage that will follow from those decisions. When the legislature returns this January, we will have to continue to look for other solutions to the continuing erosion of our state revenues,” said Senator Michael S. Sanchez (D-Valencia-29), Senate Majority Leader.

“This is certainly not a perfect response to our budget crisis, but under the circumstances – the Governor’s limitations and the uncertainty of how much we will ultimately need to deal with this situation when we come back for the regular session in January – this is at least something that will get us through the next several months,” said Senator John Arthur Smith (D-Hidalgo, Luna & Sierra-35), Chair of the Senate Finance Committee.

“I want to thank my fellow legislators for coming up with immediate solutions for our budget woes that will at least enable us to get to the regular legislative session in January and continue this difficult work of funding our essential government and education services,” said Senator Carlos R. Cisneros (D-Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Santa Fe and Taos), Vice-Chair of the Senate Finance Committee.

“The Senate has worked countless hours during this compressed timeframe to preserve education and save state government employees’ salaries in every way we could conceive. I appreciate the contributions made by all the parties to our discussions and debates, and am thankful that we could come together with solutions that meet the needs of these difficult economic times,” said Senator Howie C. Morales (D-Catron, Grant & Socorro-28).

“We’ve worked hard over these past seven days to come to an agreement that treats everyone affected by the state budget as fairly as possible, while at the same time saving Medicaid and minimizing the cuts to education,” said Senator George K. Munoz (D-Cibola & McKinley-4).

“My mission coming into this special session was to minimize cuts to education and Medicaid. With all the provisions we’ve worked hard to pass, keeping education cuts to less than 1 percent provides protection for our students and teachers. We also further supported education by eliminating delays in funding for the Education Retirement Board program,” said Senator John M. Sapien (D-Sandoval-9).

He pointed out that he was glad to have been able to help stave off an effort to delay providing this funding until a future fiscal year: “In the long run, this will save the state money because the funding we provide now will be leveraged upward whenever the market recovers, making each dollar used to fund the program now worth much, much more in the future.”