Among other things, this blog seeks to update, inform and explain the happenings and events which impact Democrats in New Mexico. Visit here often to stay on the inside of State and National politics and how it plays a role in what we do.
Showing posts with label Javier Gonzales. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Javier Gonzales. Show all posts
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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]
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.
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.
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.”
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:
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.
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:
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
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.”
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 21st 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.
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 15th 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.”
***The following speech is in three parts and is from CD-3 Rep. Ben Ray Lujan. He was guest speaker to the Executive Committee of the Democratic Party of New Mexico at their strategy meeting last weekend in Las Vegas.
The Representative spoke on topics from health care reform, energy and the future of New Mexico in the 2010 elections.
In the first video, the Representative is introduced by Chairwoman Paula Garcia of Mora County as well as State Party Chairman Javier Gonzales.
UPDATED: A PREVIOUS VERSION OF THIS RELEASE CONTAINED FUNDRAISING INFORMATION THAT INCLUDED SOME IN-KIND DONATIONS. THE RELEASE HAS BEEN UPDATED TO ONLY INCLUDE CASH CONTRIBUTIONS AND LOANS.
Albuquerque, NM – Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman Javier Gonzales issued the following statement on today’s fundraising reports:
“Lt. Gov. Diane Denish raised more money last period than all of her Republican opponents – combined. The reason for that is simple: New Mexicans know that Lt. Gov. Denish will make our state a leader in the 21st Century economy, while the Republicans would move us backward. While Diane Denish has experience, the organization and the grassroots support it takes to win statewide, it’s quite clear that none of the Republican candidates are ready for primetime.”
A re-cap of the fundraising numbers available:
Diane Denish raised last period: $931,300.11 Cash-on-hand: $2,197,018.97
Allen Weh raised last period: 494,893.22 (including a loan of $250,000)
Cash-on-hand: $372, 164.30 Susanna Martinez raised last period: $141,265 Cash-on-hand: $130,658 Doug Turner raised last period: $255,852.35 (including a loan to self of $243,552.35)
Cash-on-hand: $211,100.00
Janice Arnold-Jones raised this period: $20,945
Cash-on-hand: $8,286.78
Total raised by all GOP candidates: $912,955.57 Total cash-on-hand by all GOP candidates: $722,209.08
Governor Richardson has called for a special legislative session on October 17th which will seek to address a state deficit of some 433 million dollars. (Although some have estimated that the deficit is more like 550 million dollars.)
The special session has been designated to cover budget issues only, and legislators are burdened with the task of making difficult decisions on where to trim excess from State expenditures.
There are competing groups who would like to see taxes increased so that vital funds are not stripped from either services provided to the needy or education, but Governor Richardson has stated that he opposes new taxes. The tax cuts of 2003 are cited by the Governor as cuts which attract higher-paying jobs to our State.
Public Schools account for about 40% of our State's budget. (Some say it accounts for up to 60%.) The Governor has indicated that he intends to spare schools from being forced to make cuts:
No matter what happens during the special session, the Democratic Party of New Mexico wants our children to have the best education possible.
Javier Gonzales, DPNM Chair stated in his acceptance speech during the DPNM's State Central Committee meeting that:
"As Democrats, we must stand united behind Gov. Richardson and Lt.
Gov. Denish and ask that our Democratic elected officials in the legislature do what we
know is right for our children and fight any efforts to reduce spending on education."
We know these our tough times for everyone, but New Mexicans must strive to keep the highest standards of education available for our children and young adults.
The Democratic Party of New Mexico supports access to superior education for all and the continued strengthening of public education.
We urge all Democrats to make their views on the importance of quality education known to their elected representatives before the special session on October 17th.
As many of you know -- or have read elsewhere -- this past Saturday saw State Central Committee members of the Democratic Party of New Mexico assemble at the Isleta Resort and Casino to conduct business of the party. (Special thanks to Democracy for New Mexico for a great post on this subject yesterday.)
The meeting began with registration which saw 339 members of the SCC present their credentials at the Resort. The members came from 29 of New Mexico's 33 counties. Once the credentials report was delivered, and quorum was established, a series of highly motivating speeches were delivered by Democratic leaders from across the state.
Videos of speeches from Rep. Ben Ray Lujan; Hector Balderas; Victor Raigoza; Lt. Governor Diane Denish can be viewed on the DPNM's YouTube Channel.
Rep. Lujan gave an emotional speech of the need for health care reform in New Mexico and that he supported a strong public option which would be available to all people. Delegates were highly receptive of this speech and have the freshman legislator a resounding level of applause at the conclusion of his speech.
From there, State Auditor Balderas called for Democrats to be the leaders in the state for accountability and to ensure that we continued our work for the people of New Mexico.
Once these speeches were concluded, Lt. Governor Diane Denish addressed the members of the SCC and did so in a compelling way:
Her nomination was seconded by Vice Chair of the Bernalillo County Democratic Party, Victor Raigoza. Nominations were closed and Javier Gonzales was elected Party Chairman by acclamation.
In his acceptance speech, Chairman Gonzales called for a strong effort towards education in New Mexico; complete equality for all citizens and comprehensive health care reform, which would include a strong public option. His speech is roughly 15 minutes long, but it is well worth the time. A .pdf of the speech can be found here.
The meeting continued after Gonzales' acceptance speech with the unanimous passage of a resolution calling for a strong public option in any health care reform package adopted by Congress.
In all, it was a great day to be a Democrat in New Mexico.
With renewed energy and focus, we can -- and will -- achieve victory in 2010, keeping New Mexico Blue for many years to come!
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