For Immediate Release
January 27, 2010
Albuquerque, NM – Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman Javier Gonzales issued the following statement regarding President Obama's State of the Union address:
"The President's plans include supporting New Mexicans by reducing costs of higher education, tax breaks for small businesses and supporting community banks that will help working families. And while we still have a long road ahead of us, we have made significant progress in the last year. Under President Obama's leadership, great measures have been taken to strengthen our economy. We passed the Lilly Ledbetter Act, guaranteeing women equal pay for equal work. We have expanded health care to an additional four million children under the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). We passed the Recovery Act, which saved and created millions of jobs across the country and right here in New Mexico. And we have made tremendous progress towards passing meaningful health insurance reform - a fight that is not finished.
“The President offered a hand of bipartisanship to Congressional Republicans who, we hoped after a year of obstruction and hyper-partisanship, would have accepted it and pledged to work with Democrats to help turn our economy around. Unfortunately, the Republican Party’s response echoed the same old divisive attacks and offered no real vision or solutions.
“The President passionately told us tonight he “won’t quit” on the American people or the challenges we face. Inheriting the worst economy since the Great Depression, and one that was losing between 700,000 and 800,000 jobs a month, he reminded us that change is not only difficult but sometimes it doesn’t come quickly enough.”
"I'm confident that under the President's leadership, we will continue to move our economy forward and secure a better future for New Mexico families," said Gonzales.
With President Obama delivering his State of the Union Address tonight, we wanted to make sure you had our interpretation of this key moment based on a Democracy Corps and Center for American Progress national survey conducted right before the Massachusetts Senate election and a National Public Radio bipartisan poll conducted with Glen Bolger of Public Opinion Strategies right afterwards. We take these developments very seriously, but we also want to offer perspective and set out major steps that can produce a very different future.
The upset in Massachusetts was the culmination of yearlong trends that reached their boiling point even before these voters gave Ted Kennedy's Senate seat to a Republican. Voters are increasingly consumed by unemployment and want their leaders to address that priority, yet the leaders in Washington seem polarized and gridlocked, pushing a health care bill now defined by special deals rather than its benefits and the reforms that voters support.
As you will see, this is reflected in disillusionment with incumbents, Democrats, and the Democratic Congress, even as Republicans remain unreconstructed. There is a populist and conservative revolt against Wall Street and financial elites, Congress and government, centered among independents. Democrats and President Obama are seen as more interested in bailing out Wall Street than helping Main Street. Stir in demoralized Democrats and energized Republicans and you reach a boiling point.
The big question is whether this mood, all too reminiscent of 1994, will be controlling in November. Or will voters see a different kind of politics, priorities and progress over the next nine months?
Before Massachusetts, there was some evidence that key indicators and sentiment had stabilized since November and that, perhaps, the environment is at a low point for Democrats – bad timing for a special election. Despite the bleak mood, there is some evidence in both polls of an uptick in optimism about the economy.
Our analysis of these surveys suggests a number of things that Democrats can do to move America to a different place:
1. Pass health care and explain it anew.
2. Get the spotlight off of Congress.
3. Turn to jobs and focus relentlessly on bringing the economy and small business back.
4. Act on reforming Wall Street.
5. Take visible action to cut spending and reduce the deficit.
6. Get the economic narrative right.
7. Sharply define the Republicans and the real choice in the election.
“With Steve Pearce’s record of reckless fiscal leadership, including growth of the federal deficit by $2.3 trillion and support for the economic policies that got us into this mess in the first place, it’s no surprise Pearce and his Republicans friends are trying to change the subject,” said Andy Stone, Western Regional Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “But while New Mexico's families are working to dig out of this mess, they won't forget that Pearce and his pals are responsible."
Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Sues New Mexico Woman for $10,000 for Smoking in Her Own Backyard
For Immediate Release
January 25, 2010
Albuquerque, NM – After news broke that Pete Domenici Jr. is suing a New Mexico woman for $10,000 for smoking cigarettes in her own backyard, Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman Javier Gonzales is calling on the recently announced Republican candidate for Governor to disclose all of his clients.
While the press has covered some of Domenici Jr’s high-profile cases – such as his defense of the infamous “drunk nurse” and legal representation of a long list of special interest corporations that have polluted New Mexico’s environment – the public deserves to know the other individuals and corporations that he has represented.
“If Pete Domenici Jr. will sue a woman for smoking in her own backyard, represent a nurse who was drunk on the job and defend special interest corporations that pollute New Mexico’s environment, you have to wonder if there’s anyone this guy wouldn’t represent in court?,” said DPNM Chair Javier Gonzales. “Now that Pete Domenici Jr. isn’t simply another special interest lawyer, but also a candidate for Governor, the voters deserve to know which corporations he’s defending and what other frivolous lawsuits against New Mexicans he may be pursuing. He should disclose all of his past and present clients to the press and the public.”
On Saturday, an editorial in the Albuquerque Journal chastised Domenici Jr. for bringing a $10,000 lawsuit against a woman for smoking cigarettes in her own backyard. The Journal wrote: “The bigger question is whether the full power of the legal system should be used to settle minor irritations between neighbors and dictate how a person can legally enjoy the use of his own property. This is one dog fight that shouldn't waste much of the court's time.” [Editorial, Albuquerque Journal, 1/23/10]
For Immediate Release
January 21, 2010
Albuquerque, NM – Former Democratic National Committee Chairman, Howard Dean, will be visiting Albuquerque on February 9th. The former Vermont Governor will be attending various public events across the City.
“We are thrilled Governor Dean is going to be in town this week, exciting our Party’s base and spreading the Democratic Party’s positive vision on issues like the economy, health care and education”, said Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman Javier Gonzales. “Under Governor Dean’s leadership and his 50 state strategy, New Mexico was able to stay blue and help elect Barack Obama President – while building further majorities in both the House and Senate.”
A former Presidential candidate himself, in 2004, Governor Dean was elected Chairman of the DNC in 2006. “This is a pivotal state in our 50 state strategy, I look forward to working with Chairman Gonzales and the State Party to keep New Mexico blue – along with electing Lt. Governor Diane Denish as New Mexico’s first female Governor”, stated Dean.
A public schedule will be released prior to Dean’s visit which will include a rally at the University of New Mexico.
As you may have read, another Republican insider announced his candidacy for Governor over the weekend. Like most of the other Republican candidates for Governor, Domenici Jr. has no new ideas and no real record of fighting for New Mexico families.
The only thing that separates Domenici Jr. is his name – and a name doesn’t exactly qualify you to be Governor.
If the New Mexico Republican Party thought that Domenici Jr. would represent the infusion of energy they need, just watch the speech in which he announces his candidacy and decide for yourself. (You can watch his speech in three parts on our YouTube Channel: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3)
While the Republicans continue to fight amongst themselves, we’re proud to be united behind the only candidate in this race who has a record we can count on and a positive vision for the future – Diane Denish. But with all these Republicans nipping at her heals, she’ll need our help to finish strong.
If you haven’t done so already, please sign up to volunteer on her campaign.
For Immediate Release
January 17, 2010
Albuquerque, NM – Following today’s announcement by Pete Domenici Jr., Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman Javier Gonzales released the following statement and background facts:
“Since Republicans insiders have been unable to find a candidate for Governor with an actual record of fighting for New Mexico families, they’re settling for the biggest name they could find. The people of New Mexico won’t be fooled. It’s common for voters to ask candidates for office ‘what have you done for me lately?’ In this case, they’ll be asking ‘what have you done for me ever?’”
A few facts about the Republican Party’s latest would-be Governor:
Domenici Jr. Calls Himself An “Environmental Lawyer” – FACT: When In Fact He Represents The Special Interests That Pollute New Mexico’s Environment…
Domenici Jr. Represented Ryder Truck Rental Inc. Responsible For Largest Diesel Fuel Spill in Albuquerque City History. Attorney Pete Domenici Jr. brokered an agreement between Ryder Truck Rental Inc. and the state Environment Department over the cost of cleaning up what Steve Reuter, chief of the state's Underground Storage Tank Bureau called the largest diesel fuel spill ever in the city. [AP, 3/11/00]
Domenici Jr. Represented Man Who Sought Permission To Discharge Up To 8,000 Gallons Per Day Of Dairy Wastewater Less Than Two Miles From Caballo Lake. Attorney Pete Domenici Jr. represented a dairy applying for a permit to discharge up to 8,000 gallons of dairy wastewater a day just 30 feet from a flood plain. The Environment Secretary Ron Curry said he opposed the permit because “New Mexico has limited surface water and we must protect it.” [AP, 2/28/08]
Domenici Jr. Represented Valencia County Dairy Indicted On 14 Counts Of Polluting Water Of Irrigation Canals. When defending dairy farm owner Nick Van Tol, attorney Pete Domenici Jr. said there was no environmental harm involved in the charges that Van Tol illegally discharged pollution into the water. The farm owner was indicted on 14 counts of dumping pollution into irrigation canals. State Attorney General Tom Udall said he took the case seriously, “Pollution of ground water is obviously a serious issue for a state that has scarce ground water resources.” [Albuquerque Journal, 4/17/97]
Domenici Jr. Represented Agronics Inc. Which Did Not Have Mining Permit; Agronics Inc. Also Cited For Failing To Obtain Ground Water Discharge Plan. Agronics Inc., a mining company shut down for failure to obtain a permit was represented by attorney Pete Domenici Jr. According to the Environment Department the company also failed to obtain an approved ground water discharge plan despite the potential for ground water contamination. [Albuquerque Journal, 4/18/00]
And Other Bad Actors, Such as the Infamous “Drunk Nurse” …
Domenici Jr. Represented Nurse Who Admitted To Treating 5-Year Old While Intoxicated. Attorney Pete Domenici Jr. said his client, Ann Barnes, a nurse at Lovelace Pediatric Urgent Care Clinic was skilled, despite her alcoholism. Barnes claimed she was not responsible for the death of a 5-year-old in 2004, despite her intoxication. [Albuquerque Journal, 2/14/08]
For Immediate Release
January 15, 2010
Albuquerque, NM – In case you missed it, Susana Martinez, Republican gubernatorial candidate today released her year-end fundraising report. The report shows that she raised only $305,723.63 since announcing her candidacy in mid-July of 2009.
Alternatively, Lt. Governor Diane Denish, the Democratic nominee for Governor, recently reported raising over $750,000 in just the last quarter of 2009 - with over $2.5 million cash-on-hand, and the majority of contributions $100 or less.
Scott Forrester, Executive Director for the Democratic Party of New Mexico, had only one question: "Where's Allen Weh's report?"
See Article Below:
Las Cruces - Susana Martinez, Republican gubernatorial candidate today released her year-end fundraising report. The report shows that she raised $305,723.63 since announcing her candidacy in mid-July of 2009. In the latest reporting period, 85% of her contributions were $100 or less. Continue Reading . . .
For Immediate Release
January 7, 2010
Albuquerque, NM – In response to a story appearing in today's Albuquerque Journal regarding the potential entrance of Pete Dominici, Jr. into the Republican primary race for Governor, Scott Forrester, Executive Director of the Democratic Party of New Mexico issued the following statement:
“For Democrats, there is no question – we’re united behind Diane Denish because she is out there fighting for New Mexican families, helping small businesses create jobs and taking on the special interests. Given that the current Republican candidates for Governor haven’t given New Mexicans a reason to be excited or inspired, it’s not surprising to hear that party bosses are scrambling for alternatives.
"Political insiders may enjoy these games of ‘guess who’, but the people of New Mexico deserve a Governor who is unquestionably ready to lead and that’s Diane Denish.”
Just over a year ago, Democrats across the country were celebrating the historic win of Barack Obama and the sweeping victories of our Party in both Houses of Congress. Here in New Mexico, Democrats were elected to the highest levels of office throughout our great State.
When President Obama entered office, he inherited the worst economic crisis in a generation with a country teetering on the brink of another great depression. Now almost a year later, President Obama has taken the necessary steps to stabilize our economy, putting us on the road to recovery, rebuilding a new, stronger foundation for long-term growth.
Led by New Mexico’s Democratic Senators Bingaman and Udall, Congressmen Lujan, Heinrich, and Teague we stood up for working New Mexicans and helped to usher in some of the most notable achievements of President Obama's first year in office have included taking a public stance to prohibit torture, nominating Sonia Sotomayor to be the first Latina to serve on the Supreme Court, enacting the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act and ensuring the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.
Furthermore, on the economy, equal rights for all Americans, the environment, valuing scientific discovery and service, restoring out reputation around the world and setting special interests straight, President Obama is enacting an ambitious agenda that is changing the way things in Washington get done.
We have much to be proud of as Democrats -- our Party's accomplishments in 2009 have advanced our nation forward and fixing the shortcomings of the last administration, yet as we enter 2010, our Party must work to sustain our progress.
We ask that each of you re-new your commitments to electing Democrats to office throughout New Mexico who are willing to take a stand on issues which matter most to New Mexicans, please consider contributing $5,$10,$25, $50 or $100 for victory in 2010.
As Democrats, we must continue to fight for meaningful Health Care Reform for all Americans, working to keep our economy growing and creating jobs that will employ Americans and provide a living wage.
Here in New Mexico, Democrats must also continue the momentum from our historic 2008 election victories. We’re organizing in communities across New Mexico, reminding voters that we’ve come too far to start moving backwards now.
In 2010, we have the opportunity to return to three Democrats to the House of Representatives, elect New Mexico's first female Governor and re-elect Democrats as Treasurer, Auditor, Attorney General and Secretary of State.
In 2010, we need to work together to keep Democrats in office and give them the mandate necessary to continue President Obama's ambitious agenda and advance our State as well under the leadership of Diane Denish. As Lieutenant Governor, Diane's leadership has been marked by common sense and the courage to make tough decisions when it matters for New Mexicans. As Governor, she will bring her efficiency and true reform to Santa Fe and be a voice for all New Mexicans.
We are a party of ideas and action -- we know we are right on the issues that matter most to New Mexicans and that we have the courage to enact laws which benefit all New Mexicans.
Working together, we will achieve victory in 2010 and Keep New Mexico Blue.
The Democratic Party of New Mexico wishes you a very happy New Year and asks that you re-new your commitments to electing Democrats to office in 2010, by contributing $5, $10,$25,$50 or $100.
Sincerely,
Javier M. Gonzales
Chairman, DPNM
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