DPNM Chairman's Remarks on Memorial Day

31 May 2010
For Immediate Release

Albuquerque, NM – Today the Democratic Party of New Mexico, along with citizens across the state, remember the sacrifice of our Nation's Armed Services:

"Today, as we join with our families and friends at gatherings, matanzas, and barbecues, it is important to remember why. We honor and give praise to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country and our families: the men and women who have died in military service while protecting our freedom and the United States of America.

At 1pm MST, a national monument of remembrance will take take place -- flags will be flown at half staff -- and we will all give thanks to those who have fallen in order to protect our great Nation and preserve it's people's rights towards the pursuit of happiness and the American dream."

Sincerely,

Javier M. Gonzales
Chairman, Democratic Party of New Mexico

Swift Boat Funder Bank-Rolls Susana Martinez with $450K

Swift Boat money makes up over 60% of Martinez’s total; candidate officially abandons campaign based on ethics

Albuquerque, NM - After taking $450,000 from Texas multi-millionaire Robert Perry, the chief financer of the disgraced Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, Susana Martinez has made it clear that her pledges to bring ethics reforms are nothing more than empty campaign rhetoric. Her actions speak louder than her words.

According to the most recent finance report, the $450,000 Perry and his wife gave Susana Martinez accounts for more than 60% of her contributions this period. The Swift Boat Veterans for Truth are widely known for funding the shameless ads that recklessly challenged John Kerry’s patriotism during the 2004 presidential election.

“Susana Martinez talks a big game about ethics, but actions speak louder than words. By taking $450,000, the largest donation in state history from the people responsible for the dirtiest campaign ploy in years, Martinez is announcing that ethics reform will no longer be part of her campaign platform,” said DPNM Chairman Javier Gonzales. “Susana Martinez’s campaign strategy is simple: first saddle up to powerful oil companies, then to Sarah Palin, and now to the Swift Boaters. Meanwhile, New Mexico families are left completely behind.”

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All Democrats Invited to Primary Watching Party, June 1

Denish Proudly Accepts Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce Budget Bulldog Award

Denish opposed food tax and gross-receipts tax increases; proposes plan to save taxpayers $450 million over five years

(ALBUQUERQUE) -- Diane Denish today accepted a 2010 Budget Bulldog Award from the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce. The awards are given annually to public officials who fight for fiscal responsibility.

During the most recent Legislative session, Denish opposed the food tax and the increase in the gross-receipts tax, saying that government must first look to tighten its belt before ever considering new taxes. Denish also recently announced a comprehensive government reform plan that would save taxpayers $450 million over the next five years.

"I am honored to receive this award," Denish said. "Increasing taxes on middle-class families during these difficult times is just plain wrong. I believe as New Mexicans are being forced to do more with less, government should do the same."

Denish: Spearheading Government Reform

June 1 Primary Night Party Invitation!

South Valley Rally for Diane Denish

DPNM Primary Night Watching Party: June 1

Dear Supporter,

Please join Diane Denish for Governor and the Democratic Party of New Mexico at the Downtown Albuquerque Doubletree Hotel for a Primary Night Watching Party.

The event will begin at 6PM on June 1st and last until the races have been called for our candidates. We will be providing light refreshments and hope that you'll be able to join other loyal Party supporters for this fun event! Click here to view the Invitation!

Our office has been making every effort to get the word out on this event -- so please feel free to forward this e-mail to other Democrats who would like to attend this event.

For Democrats traveling to Albuquerque, please remember to make your hotel reservations at the Doubletree Hotel by calling 505-247-7078 and mentioning that you are with the Democratic Party of New Mexico. Rooms are $89 per night plus applicable taxes. Free parking is available at the Wells-Fargo Bank lot after 5pm.

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the DPNM Headquarters at 505-830-3650 or by e-mail at info@nmdemocrats.org.

Sincerely,


Javier M. Gonzales
Chairman, DPNM

Early Voting Begins Today!

Click here to find your early voting site!

Diane Denish Airs First TV Ad

60-second Ad Focuses on Diane's Roots, Commitment to NM Families and Plan to Reform State Government

(ALBUQUERQUE) -- Diane Denish today began airing the first television ad in her campaign to be elected governor of New Mexico. The 60-second ad will begin airing Wednesday morning on major broadcast stations and cable.

"New Mexico families trust Diane Denish because they know that she’s on their side. Simply put, Diane just gets it – and New Mexicans know that," said Oren Shur, Denish's campaign manager. "Diane is the only candidate in the race for governor who's offering New Mexico families real ideas to get our economy moving and cut waste in government. Anyone who has worked with Diane knows that she’ll be a different kind of Governor – and during these tough times, that’s what we need."

This first ad focuses on Diane's small-town roots and her commitment to the people of New Mexico. Click here to watch the ad.

Congressman Steve Pearce: A Legendary Record of Failures on Healthcare

Albuquerque, NM- Steve Pearce’s record as a “healthcare advocate” while opposing expansions in coverage every chance he got during his six years in Washington is astounding.

“As Congressman Pearce continues his anti-healthcare campaign, it’s worth taking a moment to highlight just a few of the things Congressman Steve Pearce has already done to limit access to healthcare and increase the cost of health insurance for New Mexicans,” said DPNM Spokesman James Hallinan.

Congressman Steve Pearce NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO (X2) To Healthcare for Veterans

Congressman Pearce Voted Against Funding for Veterans’ Programs At Least 14 Times. Since going to Washington, Pearce has voted against federal funding for veterans’ programs,including health care, at least 14 times. [Vote #1171, 12/17/07; Vote #1050, 11/6/07; Vote #325, 6/28/05; Vote 224, 5/26/05; Vote #149, 4/28/05; Vote #87, 3/17/05; Vote #82, 3/17/05; Vote #71, 3/15/05; Vote 478, 9/29/04; Vote #301, 6/24/04; Vote #567, 10/21/03; Vote #450, 7/25/03; Vote #82, 3/21/03; Vote #17, 1/29/03]

Congressman Steve Pearce On Healthcare for Children

Congressman Pearce Called Bipartisan Children’s Health Bill “Another Lie Being Perpetrated on the American People.” In a January 2008 meeting with the Daily Times editorial board, Pearce said, “I was the only one of the delegation opposed to the S-CHIP bill because it was another lie being perpetrated on the American people. [Daily Times Editorial Board Meeting,1/10/08]

Congressman Steve Pearce on Healthcare for Women

Congressman Pearce Voted Against Protecting Health Coverage For Breast Cancer Treatment. In 2005, Pearce voted against a provision that would prohibit plans from allowing reductions in breast cancer coverage as well as coverage for childbirth and prenatal care. [HR 525, Vote #425, 7/26/05]

Congressman Steve Pearce on Rural Healthcare

Congressman Pearce Voted Four Times Against Rural Health Care Needs. In 2003, Pearce voted over and over again against a motion to include critical health care provisions for rural communities. Those provisions included guaranteed prescription drug coverage through a Medicare fallback option in areas where private drug plans are not available and increased funding to rural hospitals. The motion was repeatedly rejected by slim margins. [HR 1, Vote #510, 9/23/03; HR 1, Vote #522, 9/25/03; HR 1, Vote #524, 9/30/03; HR 1, Vote #528, 10/1/03]

Congressman Pearce on Lowering the Cost of Prescription Drugs

Congressman Pearce Voted Against Lower Drug Prices, Allowing Drug Re-importation, And More Coverage For Low-Income Seniors. In 2003, Pearce voted against allowing HHS to negotiate lower drug prices; ease requirements for importation of drugs from Canada; and allow Medicaid to supplement Medicare coverage for the low-income elderly and disabled. The House rejected this motion 211-222. [HR 1, Vote #668, 11/22/03]

Congressman Pearce on Lowering the Cost of Prescription Drugs for Seniors

Congressman Pearce Defended Medicare “Doughnut Hole,” Saying Plenty of Seniors Can Afford It. At an April 2004 town hall meeting, Pearce defended the “doughnut hole” in the Medicare prescription drug plan, in which seniors would have to cover the cost of medicine between $2,250 and $5,100. Pearce said plenty of seniors could afford the cost. [Las Cruces Sun-New, 4/7/04]

Congressman Steve Pearce on Healthcare and Small Business

Congressman Pearce Voted Against Health Coverage For Small Businesses. In 2004, Pearce voted against legislation that would have established an expansion of health care for small businesses modeled after the coverage received by federal employees and Members of Congress. In addition, the substitute would have given small businesses discounts on insurance premiums and would have preserved state mandates on care. The measure failed 193-224. [Vote #172, 5/13/04]

“With his sudden interest in healthcare, maybe Congressman Pearce will finally be up front with New Mexicans about how dangerous his failed record is to them,” said James Hallinan, DPNM spokesman.

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Video from Pre-Primary Convention 2010

Barela's Not Such a "Young Gun": Heinrich Polling at 55%

From Joe Monahan's Blog: http://www.joemonahansnewmexico.blogspot.com/

HEINRICH VS. BARELA

Rep. Heinrich

How vulnerable is ABQ Dem Congressman Martin Heinrich in his first race for re-election? Not very, if you believe his latest poll. It shows Heinrich trouncing Republican challengerJon Barela 55% to 38%. The poll, conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner research, which we have found to be pretty straight shooting over the years, says Heinrich's job approval is also at 55%. The survey was taken among "500 likely general election voters" April 28 to May 2. You can read the polling memo here.

This is the first poll of the cycle that we've seen that puts Heinrich over the magic 50% re-elect mark. It comes at an important time. Respected DC political handicappers Charlie Cook and Stu Rothenberg are now saying Heinrich's district is "lean Democrat" not "likely Democrat." That's an important distinction, especially for fund-raising. But this poll calls into question the claims that Heinrich's seat is in serious play for the GOP.

While the R's argue that Barela will do well with Hispanics in the district, the Heinrich survey shows him beating Barela 68% to 24% with Hispanics. Among Anglos, Heinrich wins over Barela 48% to 44%.

If this poll has it right, Heinrich has lost hardly any traction since he scored a 56% win in 2008 over Republican Darren White to claim the seat held by the R's for 40 years.

A February Public Policy Polling survey had Heinrich beating Barela 45% to 36%.

No incumbent congressman has ever been defeated in the history of the ABQ district. Democrats outnumber R's in the district 197,000 to 133,000. Analysts here say the district has taken on a more liberal hue, demonstrated by the Obama and Heinrich landslides. Also, in 2006, Republican Rep. Heather Wilson, an accomplished campaigner, barely kept the district from swinging to the Dems. Given this backdrop Heinrich polling at 55% is not extraordinary.

Barela's best hope is for a low turnout election in which the Democratic base is unexcited about Heinrich and an extremely sour national mood penetrates the ABQ district. But with no evidence of that yet, the betting money remains heavily on Heinrich.

Arizona Law Skirts Liberties

By Javier Gonzales
Chairman, Democratic Party of N.M.
By now we've all heard that Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed a bill into law requiring police to question the immigration status of everyday, law-abiding citizens under the guise of so-called "reasonable suspicion."
Police in Arizona may now ask citizens on the street for documents such as a passport or birth certificate to prove their citizenship. Angry citizens, advocacy groups and even the president of the United States have expressed criticism of the law, and I have no doubt that a string of costly legal challenges and lawsuits will ensue at the cost of the taxpayers.
This new law may be aimed at preventing illegal immigration, but it will affect legal American citizens from all 50 states. According to a report by the Associated Press, one Arizona resident, Arodi Berrelleza, a U.S. citizen and high school student from Phoenix, recently asked: "What if people are U.S. citizens? They're going to be asking them if they have papers because of the color of their skin."
It is clear that the United States needs comprehensive immigration reform, but not through laws that open the door to infringement of American civil liberties. Intimidation, harassment and racial profiling are not the ingredients for successful immigration reform in our nation.
Furthermore, families such as my own, who have lived in northern New Mexico for upwards of 400 years, may now be approached and potentially arrested on the street while visiting Arizona, if proof of citizenship cannot be produced.
On a personal level, that is frightening. On a political level, it's immoral.
Proponents of this law may argue this is simply a way to punish illegal immigrants who are already participating in illegal activities, such as gang activity or dealing drugs. Such logic makes little sense, when law enforcement officials currently arrest citizens and illegal immigrants, alike, for these crimes. This law only puts further strain on our law enforcement officials in solving crimes already taking place.
Allowing police officers to ask for a person's "papers" as they try to determine their immigration status infringes on all Americans' civil liberties. This is a very dangerous precedent and begs the question: What's next?
As chairman of the Democratic Party of New Mexico, I would be remiss to not mention all five Republican candidates for governor have come out in support of this bill. This is not surprising, considering it's so popular among Republicans — 77 percent of Republicans support the bill — and they each need every vote they can get leading up to June's primary.
Democrats are optimistic that once this bill is challenged and struck down, the dialogue for real immigration reform will begin.
Lt. Gov. Diane Denish recently said, "our immigration laws are broken, and we must do more to secure our borders, but racial profiling is wrong — and the Arizona law goes too far."
Denish is the only candidate for governor who is starting this dialogue in a meaningful way, and she will ensure that results are achieved working with New Mexico's congressional delegation — whom have all come out against this bill.
Immigration reform is a conversation we need to have in New Mexico, but not at the expense of our most basic civil liberties.

Early In-person Absentee Voting Begins Today!

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Weh & Rove's E-mail Love Affair: Reader Submissions

Today is the Big Day!

Today, Allen Weh’s e-mail buddy, the Republican Architect of Bush’s failed policies, Karl Rove, will be in town to help fill the bank accounts of the Republican Party of New Mexico.

As you recall, back in 2005, Allen Weh was the Chairman of the Republican Party of New Mexico. As you may also recall, Weh led the tireless and unrelenting fight to remove U.S. Attorney, David Iglesias, from office, because Iglesias refused to raise politically motivated voter fraud cases.

“To be perfectly candid, he was ‘missing in action’ during the last election,” said Allen Weh in an e-mail to Rove. In response, Karl Rove ordered an aide to discuss with the White House Counsel's office, the possibility of replacing Mr. Iglesias, who was eventually fired.

The pair must still be good e-mail buddies, because Rove is coming to town just before the primary, and Weh needs all the help he can get. Who knows, Weh might even be asking Karl Rove for advice daily, on his current campaign to become the New Mexico Republican nominee for Governor.

We asked our DPNM readers for submissions of what they though Weh and Rove would be e-mailing each other about as they planned for Rove's time in New Mexico, and readers, you didn't disappoint us!

Here is a selection of the many e-mail responses we received to our query:

1. "How do we support bank CEO's getting billion dollar bonuses instead of meager millions?" -- David, Santa Fe

2. Weh to Rove: "How did you avoid jail for this long?" -- John, Santa Fe

3. Weh to Rove: "We should have put our money in off-shore accounts like our friends in the banking industry did -- then we would even more money!" -- Carol, Las Cruces

4. Rove to Weh: "These campaigns are hard work!" Weh to Rove: "Don't worry -- I'll run government like a business, I only work 2 hours a week at mine!" -- Sara, Albuquerque

And our personal favorite . . .

"Wish we could be there [to protest] -- KICK HIS [BUTT]!" -- Sophia & Nick, Truth or Consequences