DPNM Remembers Cesar Chavez

31 March 2010
For Immediate Release

Albuquerque, NM – Today the Democratic Party of New Mexico, along with citizens across the state, celebrate the life, legacy, and accomplishments of César E. Chávez.

César Chávez represents the timeless vision of non-violent social change; he fought perilously for equal justice, civil rights, and consumer and environmental awareness. Chávez is undoubtedly one of the most influential figures of the 20th Century.

Throughout his life, Chávez led several successful strikes and boycotts, eventually leading to the 1975 California Agricultural Labor Relations Act, protecting farm workers in California and meaningfully impacting the lives of America's workers across the country. For his tireless work of behalf of America's working classes, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Freedom in 1994 from President Clinton, the highest civilian honor an American can receive.

In 2008, then-Senator Barack Obama commemorated the birth of César Chávez by calling for a national holiday, stating that “it is time to recognize the contributions of this American icon to the ongoing efforts to perfect our Union.” Although to date no such holiday exists, Americans remain committed to bring about the vision that César Chávez fought tirelessly for and to recognize the achievements he accomplished.

Born on March 31, 1927 on a farm near Yuma, Arizona, Chávez had first-hand knowledge of the struggle for equality and justice for all Americans. In honor of César Chávez, we must continue to fight and defend these two fundamental freedoms.

The Democratic Party of New Mexico will continue its’ fight to protect the principles and ideals César E. Chávez left behind.

Sincerely,

Javier M. Gonzales
Chairman, Democratic Party of New Mexico

Photos from the Pre-primary Convention

We've loaded our photos from the DPNM Pre-primary Nominating Convention to our Flickr Account!

To view the photos, follow this link!

The photo set includes great shots of our Democratic Candidates for office in New Mexico.

DPNM Rules that Campos will appear on Primary Ballot

Albuquerque, NM- The Democratic Party of New Mexico today announced that after thorough review of the rules of the party and the State of New Mexico Election Handbook, Representative Campos received 20% of the votes cast in the Lt. Governor convention vote. The ruling of the Chair was further supported by a unanimous vote of the DPNM Judicial Committee, 10-0, in favor of recommending the ruling of the Chairman. Representatives from the Rael, Colon and Ortiz y Pino campaigns all stated after the decision that they respected the ruling and would seek no further challenge.

Please see the Major Fractions Rule:

1-1-20. Major fractions

In any place in the Election Code [1-1-1 NMSA 1978] requiring counting or computation of numbers, any fraction or decimal greater than one-half of a whole number shall be counted as a whole number. [p. 10, Election Handbook of the State of New Mexico]

Joe Campos received 19.69%, which in accordance to the rule is rounded to 20%.

"This is exactly why the Democratic Party of New Mexico waits three days before certifying, so everyone can thoroughly review the rules and make the right call," said former Chairman and DPNM pro-bono legal counsel John Wertheim. “In this case, the law is clear, and we’re pleased that the other candidates voiced their support and respect for Chairman Gonzales’ ruling.”

"I am very pleased with success and record participation at the pre-primary convention. We are the party of inclusion and look forward to supporting all of our Democratic candidates," said Democratic Party Chairman Javier Gonzales.

DPNM action on the convention is complete. The vote will be certified and the three names submitted to the Secretary of State for inclusion on the primary ballot are as follows: Brian Colon, Lawrence Rael and Jose Campos.

The below, final vote tally will be certified today.

Lt. Governor

Ortiz y Pino: 323 votes 18.87%

Jose Campos: 337 votes 19.69%

Brian Colon: 591 votes 34.54%

Linda Lopez: 81 votes 4.73%

Lawrence Rael: 379 votes 22.15%

Howard Dean to Visit Albuquerque Feb. 9: Updated Schedule

The Democratic Party of New Mexico and I are proud to announce that former Democratic National Committee Chairman, Howard Dean, will be visiting Albuquerque on February 9, 2010. The former Vermont Governor will be attending various public events across the city and you are invited! We hope that you can join us in energizing the DPNM for an exciting 2010 election year.

Please join Howard Dean and I at one of the following events:

2:30-3:30pm: Rally on UNM campus hosted by the DPNM, UNM College Democrats, Young Democrats and Democracy for New Mexico. The event is free to the public and will be held in the UNM Student Union Theater. Space is limited.

4:15-5:00pm: Private fundraising event hosted by Democracy for New Mexico at Cosmo Tapas on Central and Washington Aves. $25/ticket at-the-door.

5:00-6:00pm: Public fundraising event hosted by Democracy for New Mexico at Cosmo Tapas. $10/ticket at-the-door.

6:30-8:00pm: Private Reception at Rio Chama in Santa Fe. $250/guest; call Sisy Garcia at 505-830-3650 to reserve tickets.

All event proceeds will benefit the Democratic Party of New Mexico. For more information on these events, please call the DPNM Headquarters at 505-830-3650.

Please pass this information on to friends and supporters who would like to attend any of these events! We look forward to seeing you there!

Sincerely,

Javier M. Gonzales
Chairman, Democratic Party of New Mexico

DPNM Tribute to Governor Bruce King

For those of you who were not with us for the 20th Annual Legislative Dinner, this is the video which was produced to honor the memory and legacy of New Mexico Governor Bruce King.

A giant among us, Governor King's service to State was honored further by the establishment of the "Governor Bruce King Public Service Award" which was given to Rep. Rhonda S. King and Sen. Howie C. Morales.

The video is narrated by DPNM Chairman Javier Gonzales.

DPNM Chairman Applauds President Obama's First State of the Union Address

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:

"Tonight, New Mexicans looked to the President to lay out a bold vision to help our families, create jobs and end the partisanship that has dominated Washington - and the President has succeeded on each count.

"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.

DPNM Chair Highlights 2009; Opportunities in 2010

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

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

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 Announces State Central Committee Meeting

With the resignation of Brian Colon, Vice Chair Annadelle Sanchez has called a meeting of the New Mexico State Central Committee membership.

It has been scheduled for September 12, 2009 at 2:30pm. It will be held at Isleta Casino and Resort.

During this meeting, trainings will be held for Democratic Party members and the Central Committee membership will elect a new Chair for the Party.

Questions regarding this event can be directed at the DPNM Headquarters @ 505.830.3650.

DPNM Executive Director Calls for Answers

Wilson Needs To Answer Some Questions

Albuquerque, NM - As former U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson considers mounting a bid for the governor's office, New Mexicans deserve the truth about her role in the politically motivated firing of U.S. Attorney David Iglesias.

In Congressional testimony to the House Judiciary Committee, George Bush confidante Karl Rove described Wilson's role in the firing as an advocate for removing Iglesias from his post. Wilson contradicted him.

"Who is telling the truth, Karl Rove or Heather Wilson?," said Josh Geise, executive director of the Democratic Party of New Mexico. "This issue goes to the heart of public integrity - a U.S. Attorney was fired for political reasons. Even Karl Rove says she had something to do with it - why can't she own up to her role?"

Numerous questions remain for Wilson to clear up, Geise said. Those questions include:

- Do you believe Karl Rove perjured himself when he said you "pushed the White House to fire New Mexico's then-U.S. attorney, David Iglesias, before the Nov. 2006 election because he wasn't moving fast enough on a corruption case involving New Mexico Democrats"? [Politico, Aug. 12, 2009]

- How many times did you communicate with Karl Rove about Iglesias over email, in letters or verbally? How many times did you communicate with any White House staff about Iglesias? Did any of your staff communicate with White House staff about the firing?

- Karl Rove's attorney says you spoke to Rove before the 2006 election about Iglesias. You have denied this. Why would Rove's attorney make inaccurate statements about an important date in the timeline? Doesn't Karl Rove have an acute sense of when elections take place?

- Did you see Karl Rove when he visited New Mexico in September 2006, when he called Harriet Miers in the White House and was "agitated" about Iglesias? Were you with him when he made that phone call? Did you or any of your aides meet with him and discuss Iglesias?

- You have said publicly that the FBI requested your help in an investigation about Patrcia Madrid. What help did you provide to the FBI as they investigated your political opponent?

- What was the value of weighing in on this investigation if the goal was not to influence the investigation and ultimately help your campaign?

- Are there any circumstances in which it's appropriate for elected officials to complain about the pace of political investigations of their opponents by the U.S. Attorney's office? Shouldn't elected officials be held to a high standard of avoiding such conflicts of interest?

David Montoya Appointed as Senior Advisor to DPNM Chairman

The following message was released from Party Chair BRIAN S. COLÓN

Albuquerque, NM - Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman Brian S. Colón issued the following statement on his appointment of David Montoya as a Senior Advisor to the DPNM Chairman:

"Today I am announcing the appointment of David Montoya to the newly created position of Senior Advisor to the Chairman and Director of Party Strategy. In this capacity David will advise the next Chairperson on party and communications issues. As the Chairman of the Sandoval County Democratic Party, David understands the crucial role played by our county parties and can ensure that the State Party is supporting the work of the County Parties in the most effective manner. I know David is committed to the progressive causes at the very core of our party, and I know that no one will work harder than David towards the goal of electing Democrats in every corner of our state."

Change is in the Air . . .

As many informed Democrats (and those New Mexicans who follow politics) know, our elected party, Chair Brian Colon, is slated to resign as Democratic Party Chair. Although other blogs had stated that this announcement would happen today (Wednesday), Chairman Colon confirmed that he would make his announcement on Friday (August 7) and it would be effective the following day. He is considering seeking higher elected office with the Party as a candidate for Lieutenant Governor.

So what does that mean for our Party? According to our governing rules, the Vice Chair of the Democratic Party of New Mexico, Annadelle Sanchez, is required to call a special meeting to seek and elect a replacement Chair to fill the vacancy left by Colon. Our governing rules grant Vice Chair Sanchez the power to call the special meeting, but she does not automatically assume the Chair once vacated by Colon.

It is the intention of the DPNM to have the special meeting coincide with our fall State Central Committee meeting which is normally held in either September or October. This overlap of meetings is crucial for the Party as it will most certainly increase the participation and input from all corners of our state and will ensure that a quorum is reached to conduct Party business.

The special meeting will occur first so that the newly elected Chair of the Party can then conduct the fall session of the State Central Committee.

But this does not answer the question that everyone is asking: Who will (can) replace Brian Colon? While there are several viable names being floated within the party, one thing that is certain is that the new Party chair will be male. According to the governing rules of the State Party, the Chair and Vice Chair must be filled in a way which is equitable to both genders -- i.e. if the Vice Chair is a female, the Chair must be a male and vice versa. During the conference call held this morning among the Democratic County Chairs, Vice Chair Annadelle Sanchez firmly stated that she would not be seeking the Chairmanship of the Party, thus leaving the position only open to males.

As this develops and we have a clearer picture of who enters the foray wishing to replace Brian Colon, we will certainly keep you updated.