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…