Lujan Jr raises $112k in fourth quarter, Kokesh cash strapped

This weekend, U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Lujan reported that he raised $112,000 in the fourth quarter -- smashing the fundraising effort of at least one of the two Republican primary candidates vying for the 3rd Congressional District in the 2010 election.

Tea Party activist and war protestor Adam Kokesh reported he collected just over $38k in the final quarter -- October 1 to December 31.

Farmington Republican Tom Mullins' report was not available online Sunday morning.

Lujan has $285,000 cash on hand and has raised $520,000 in the current election cycle -- with more than half, $289,000, from Political Action Committees. Lujan reported that he's returned over $11,000 in contributions. He spent spent $39,000 in the fourth quarter.

Lujan reported raising $79,000 in the third quarter of 2009.

Kokesh is cash strapped

Kokesh's Federal Elections Commission report shows he has raised a total of $142,000, but in the year end report filed this weekend he reports spending nearly $65,000 in the final quarter and has -- according to the federal report -- only $4,800 cash on hand.

He's planning an on-line fundraising campaign on Monday to raise money in conjunction with his birthday.

Colon Set to Resign Democratic Party Chairmanship

Updated: Wednesday 8/5/09 2:30 pm


Brian Colon and Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish share a minute July 25th

at a Bernalillo County Democrat Pancake Breakfast. (Photo Credit: Mary Ellen Broderick)

Word came this weekend that 39-year-old New Mexico Democratic Party Chairman Brian Colón, who led the party to sweeping election victories in 2008, will resign his position by the end of this week clearing the way for him to run for Lieutenant Governor. The announcement could come as early as Wednesday during a regularly scheduled telephone conference call with all 33 county chairs. Update: Colon's announcement will be made on Saturday August 8th.

The scramble to fill his state leadership post began last week, soon after Barbara Wold at Democracy for New Mexico reported that Colón had all but made up his mind to enter the 2010 race.

First Vice Chair Annadelle Sanchez will become the interim chair and will call for a special election within 60 days as required by state party rules. Sanchez, who has been involved in politics since she was 5 years old, has worked 36 years for National Education Association of New Mexico as the director of Political Affairs.

While it's still unclear where the state central committee will meet to select Colón's replacement several names are already floating to the surface.

Sandoval County Chair David Montoya, who was encouraged to run for the county position by Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish, has emerged as one of the front runners, along with Javier Gonzales.

Montoya could prove valuable to Denish (a Democrat with long ties to Southern New Mexico), he is also longtime supporter of House Speaker Ben Lujan, and was a big fundraiser for freshman U.S. Representative Ben Ray Lujan, Jr. We've learned Speaker Lujan has already begun making phone calls urging committee members to support Montoya.

Update: This morning we learned that Gonzales, a New Mexico State University Regent, is also seriously considering jumping into the chairman's race. As a Former Santa Fe County commissioner, Javier M. Gonzales was elected the youngest President of the National Association of Counties and was the first Hispanic to serve in that organization's 66-year history.

Both Montoya and Gonzales have worked for the state's senior U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman, so it is likely Bingaman will stay out of the fray.

Two other names have been mentioned as possible successors to Colón, including Martin Suazo, a popular Las Vegas, New Mexico democrat, and Victor Raigoza.

Suazo is the San Miguel County Chairman and First Vice Chairman of the 3rd Congressional District another Northern New Mexico Hispanic would also be able to help both gubernatorial and lieutenant governor nominees.

Raigoza, who currently services the party as the 1st vice chair in Bernalillo County is a rising star, but sources in the Party say they don't believe he has the name recognition needed across the state yet. As an investment advisor at Edwards Jones, Raigoza has proven his ability to raise money for the party, but must still overcome his narrow loss to Republican John Ryan in District 10 state senate seat last year.

Robert Aragon, who was recently removed from his position as a ward chair after backing Republican Congressional Candidate Jon Barela will not be running. Instead, a source tells us Aragon, who retained his position on the state central committee, has a coalition of centrist/conservative democrats, which includes ABQ Mayor Martin Chavez supporters, who will throw their support behind Montoya.

Governor Bill Richardson will retain his role as the titular head of the state's Democratic Party through December 2010, but Denish, who has been building a broad based level of support across the state with community activists, will have a voice in selecting the new chair as she raises money and prepares to run for a new office on the 4th floor of the Round House in Santa Fe. Denish will clearly want a person in the chairmanship that can build coalitions and raise money for her statewide campaign. But Richardson, always a power player in selecting leaders for state party positions, may be tempted to influence the state central committee.

Colón, who was re-elected to a second term as chairman this past April, will enter a crowded field for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor. State Senators Linda Lopez and Gerald Ortiz y Pinó have already begun campaiging along with Santa Fe County Sheriff Greg Solano. State Senator Tim Eichenberg and Mid Region Council of Government Executive Direct Lawrence Rael are still considering running for the office. Rael has even started raising money and was on Denish's short list of candidates to be Lieutenant Governor when Governor Richardson appeared to be headed to the U.S. Commerce Department. Last week, former naval officer Matthew Padilla announced he was planning to seek the post. Candidates will have to get 20% of the vote at a pre-primary nominating convention to be put on the ballot.

As Colón prepares for his new journey the question about State Auditor Hector Baledera’s plans for 2010 seem to becoming clearer. The word is he'll announce his own relection plans for State Auditor before Colón announces his plans.

Update: 12:14pm - As expected, Balderas announced his intentions to seek re-election this morning. Democracy for New Mexico has the story.

Bingaman Hosts Democratic Delegation.

Photo: by Senate photographer John Klemmer

Senator Jeff Bingaman greeted Ben Ray Lujan, Martin Heinrich, Tom Udall and Harry Teague in Washington on Wednesday. The Rep-elects are in Washington for freshman orientation.

While all the Dems above seem to smiling and having a great meeting, Republicans, back home, are still nursing their wounds from an election day beat down.

And rumors are swirling as the Republicans try to figure out how to bounce back.

Joe Monahan inaccurately reported Sheriff Darren White was considering a run for ABQ Mayor next fall.

NOT TRUE JOE.

White told us tonight, "No Way!" He would not say what he was going to do in two years, but said he's happy being Bernalillo County Sheriff now.

NO WEH.

Earlier this week, we posted a letter to the ABQ Journal from Farmington Doctor Allen McCulloch, who has openly criticized current GOP Chairman Allen Weh, and acurately reported he's considering putting his name into the hat to become the chairman of the NM Republican Party. He'll host a get together in ABQ on Friday night to get the ball rolling.

Now we're learning, from a NMFBIHOP report, that Steve Pearce, who lost his Senate Bid to Tom Udall, may also be considering a run for party chairman, but that's less likely if he ultimately want to run for Governor in 2010.

A Hat Full of Names

We've learned that Pete Dinelli, who worked for then Attorney General Jeff Bingaman for three years, is definitely putting his name into consideration to become the U.S. Attorney in New Mexico. Dinelli may have the inside track with the Senior Senator. How much influence will Governor Bill Richardson and Jr. Senator Tom Udall have on Bingaman's final recommendation?

Dinelli's pursuit of the U.S. Attorney's post could be a sign that Mayor Marty Chavez is nearing a decision to run for a third term.

Dinelli was said to be waiting for his boss to make a move before deciding whether or not to enter the city-wide contest himself.

Does Emanuel's Pick Signify Change ?

A Democratic aide reports Illinois Representative and former member of the Clinton administration, Rahm Emanuel has accepted a position as Barack Obama's Chief of Staff.

We talked to Rep. Emanuel this summer during a campaign stop in New Mexico for newly elected congressmen Martin Heinrich, Harry Teague and Ben Ray Lujan.

Listen to our interview with Emanuel here.



For more coverage on Emanuel's summer visit check out LP's coverage on FBIHOP.

After leaving the Clinton White House, Emanuel was an investment banker on Wall Street and later was elected to the House of Representatives from a heavily Democratic Chicago district. He quickly rose to become the fourth-ranking Democrat in the House.

Lujan Not Letting Up Despite Huge Lead!

Democrat Ben Ray Lujan, Jr., who has a 28 percent lead in public opinion polls, according to this ABQ JOURNAL report, says the way he sees it, "things are looking good."

We spoke to him about his plans for the next few days, and what his three top priorities will be as a new congressman in Washington in January. Lujan said if he prevails on Tuesday he'll focus on creating jobs in the alternative energy sector, healthcare access for all Americans, and veterans benefits.

Listen to the complete audio interview here:



After our interview we received this letter from Ben Ray:

The polls show that our lead is widening. I've met with thousands of voters in the last few days in trips to Roy, Clovis, Gallup, Las Vegas, Springer, Clayton and Santa Fe. And we've gotten a great response at every stop.

But now is not the time to become complacent. We need to keep working hard, knocking on doors and making phone calls to remind people to vote. This election is too important not to finish strong and give it everything we have in the next 30 hours.

On Wednesday, we want to wake up and say that we talked to as many voters as we could, knocked on as many doors as possible and gave 100 percent to send a strong team to Washington who will get our country back on track. Too much depends on this election and too many families are struggling because of the failed policies of the last eight years.

Over the last eleven months, I have met with New Mexicans from Clovis to
Farmington and from San Felipe Pueblo to Questa. Their hopes are my hopes, their dreams are my dreams. I'm running to stand up for the single mother in Taos who works two jobs to put food on the table. I'm running for the students who have to turn away the opportunity to attend college because they can't afford the high cost of tuition. I'm running for the small business owner who is struggling to make payroll.

Lujan plans to watch the results and celebrate with volunteer at an Election Night Watch Party at the Hotel Santa Fe beginning at 7:00 pm.

Photo Credit: MG Bralley (check out his latest post here).

Note: If you look carefully in Lujan's eyes, you can see this blogger intently listening to the candidate.

Governor Says Obama has Momentum...But No Predictions.

Photo from Democracy for New Mexico
Visit their Flickr Photostream here.

Governor Bill Richardson, joined by Congressional District 3 Candidate Ben Ray Lujan, Jr. has voted. He cast his ballot early on Thursday, and is encouraging everyone to vote early.

We just returned from one voting site. The line was almost 90 minutes.

Imagine what it will be on election day, especially with analysts predicting a 75 to 80 percent voter turnout in 2008.

Last Saturday, at the Obama Rally, the Governor hinted he may be shaving his beard by the end of the year. Maybe he's getting ready to apply for a job in Washington, D.C.

Meanwhile, Richardson says no one should take this election for granted. He does believes Sen. Barack Obama has the momentum needed to win New Mexico and several key battleground states.

Hear our brief interview with him here.



New Mexicans can take part in Early Vote now through this Saturday, November 1, at county clerk offices and satellite locations throughout the state. Voters can request to Vote By Mail from now until October 30th. New Mexicans can fill out a Vote By Mail application request or find their local Early Vote locations and hours by coming into any Campaign for Change office across the state, by visiting their county clerk's office or by visiting www.voteforchange.com.

VICTORY IN PLAIN SIGHT

Also today, Richardson announced the Universal Network Television series, In Plain Sight, starring Mary McCormack and Fred Weller, will return to New Mexico to film for a second season. The series airs on the USA Network.

In Plain Sight tells the story of a federal marshal, played by McCormack, who oversees a community of Witness Protection Program members. Other cast members include Leslie Ann Warren, Nicole Hiltz, Todd Williams, Cristian de la Fuente and Paul Ben-Victor.

The production will consist of 16 episodes and will be shot in and around Albuquerque from October 2008 through May 4, 2009. They expect to hire approximately 75 local New Mexico crew members.

Since Governor Richardson took office, over 100 feature films and television series have shot in the state, adding over $2 billion dollars to New Mexico’s economy.

New Mexico Voter Guide Podcasts with Peter St. Cyr Debuts on 770KKOB.

Ahead of the 2008 General Election, I interviewed all seven candidates for the U.S. House and both U.S. Senate Candidates.

Each interview was limited to five questions, dealing with the U.S. Economy & Gas Prices, The War in Iraq, Health Care in the U.S., Education and the No Child Left Behind Act, and I also asked each why they wanted to represent New Mexico in Washington, D.C.

To hear the interviews with Tom Udall, Steve Pearce, Ben Ray Lujan, Dan East, Carol Miller, Ed Tinsley, Harry Teague, Martin Heinrich and Darren White visit the 770KKOB on-line Voter Guide here.

Or download from here:

Tom Udall

US Senate (D)
Time: 6:54 • File Size: 1:19M

Download this show

Steve Pearce

US Senate (R)
Time: 6:31 • File Size: 1:12M

Download this show

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Darren White

US House District 1 (R)
Time: 5:44 • File Size: 1M

Download this show

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Martin Heinrich

US House District 1 (D)
Time: 4:38 • File Size: 815k

Download this show

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Harry Teague

US House District 2 (D)
Time: 5:01 • File Size: 883k

Download this show

---

Ed Tinsley

US House District 2 (R)
Time: 7:42 • File Size: 1:10M

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Ben Ray Lujan

US House District 3 (D)
Time: 5:42 • File Size: 1M

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Dan East

US House District 3 (R)
Time: 5:54 • File Size: 1M

Download this show

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Carol Miller

US House District 3 (I)
Time: 5:42 • File Size: 1M

Download this show

Obama Rallies Hispanic Voters in Northern New Mexico

Governor Richardson and Barack Obama in Espanola
Photo by Mark Bralley

The 2008 presidential race took a scenic swing through Central and Northern New Mexico on Thursday.

After spending the night in Albuquerque on Wednesday, Democrat Barack Obama met with Native American Tribal Leaders in the morning, ate lunch at a locally owned and operated restaurant in the Town of Bernalillo, and then meandered north, past Santa Fe, to greet anxious supporters in Espanola at a "Change We Need" rally. Most supporters waited for more than three hours under a late, but still hot, summer sun to see their candidate for the first time in person.

AFP reporter shields his computer
with an umbrella and waits for Obama.

Just before 2 pm, Obama casually strolled onto the main stage, at the Plaza de Espanola, more than 90 minutes late.

Once comfortably settled in front of his teleprompter, Obama didn’t waste any time talking about today's hot button issue, the growing financial crisis and turmoil in the economy.

"We are in the midst of the most serious financial crisis in a generation. Perhaps the worst since the Great Depression," Obama said. "Everywhere you look, the economic news is troubling. Just this morning, we learned that the Fed had to act with central banks around the world to maintain the functioning of our financial system. But for so many Americans, it isn’t really news at all."

Obama claimed, "600,000 workers have lost their jobs since January. Home values are falling. Your paycheck doesn’t go as far as it used to. It’s never been harder to save or retire; to buy gas or groceries; and if you put it on a credit card, they’ve probably raised your rates,"

"In so many cities and towns across America, it feels as if the dream that so many generations have fought for is slowly slipping away," Obama said.

He also pledged to end the war in Iraq, and vowed he will make sure veterans are honored when they return from their service in the Middle East.

To hear Obama's address click the pink audio play arrow.



Obama was introduced by Governor Bill Richardson.



But it was Espanola Mayor Joe Maestas, who may have gotten the biggest laugh from the crowd, when he thanked them for visiting.

Onlookers without tickets!

“You just doubled the size of Espanola,” Maestas told the large crowd, estimated by the campaign to be around 10,500 people.

Not all of those who came to see Obama were inside the plaza. The campaign said they only printed 7500 tickets, but democrats who wanted to see their candidate found plenty of space, with a view, along side streets.

Obama praised Governor Bill Richardson and Congressional Candidate Ben Ray Lujan, Jr.

"Governor Richardson is one of the finest public servants of his generation," said Obama, who may believe will pick Richardson for a cabinet post if elected in November.

The New Mexico Independent reported:

Gov. Bill Richardson was clearly at ease in front of the friendly audience, joked with the large crowd about the perceived voting irregularities in Rio Arriba County, saying Rio Arriba can guarantee 102 percent of the vote for Obama after November’s election.

Obama put a smile on the face of northern Dem congressional contender Ben Ray Lujan at the start of his 35 minute speech.

Obama Calls Lujan “a hot shot."

Lujan, one of five local speakers at the Rally, said, "We need a leader who will get our country back on track, put our families first, your family first, that leader is Barack Obama. Later Obama recognized Lujan, who faces Republican Dan East, as an "up-and-coming" leader.

Si Se Puedo

Most the battleground states (Florida, Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico) have large Hispanic populations, and Obama's trip to Espanola was aimed at shoring up their vote.

"I’m not taking a single Hispanic vote for granted in this campaign. We’re meeting with Hispanic leaders, and reaching out to Hispanic organizations, and holding Hispanic voter registration drives across America. And if you help me organize and get people to the polls to cast their votes on November 4th, then I promise you – we will win New Mexico, we will win this election, and we will change America together, " said Obama.

Salon Magazine writer Mike Madden, who attended the rally, wrote:

In the most closely contested state in the nation, it will all come down to who is better organized -- and whether Obama can get Hispanic voters to the polls.

Obama asked the Hispanic community here "to start actually voting your numbers. Start flexing your muscles. Right here in New Mexico, you'll be the difference maker. Don't stay home -- just remind yourself, si se puede. Yes we can."

During the speech, the Illinois Senator ignored one issue close to Hispanic voters, Abortion. But, earlier in the week, Obama responded to a question on abortion and Hispanic voters with the Reno Gazette-Journal.

Meanwhile, on Friday, Obama, who’s been talking with former Fed Chairman Paul Volcker, and his economic advisers says he’ll convene a meeting with his top economic advisors to discuss the passage of a Homeowner and Financial Support Act. Obama says that would establish a more stable and permanent solution than the daily improvisations that have characterized policy-making over the last year.

Obama believes his policies will provide additional capital and liquidity to the financial markets. He pledge to help families to re-structure their mortgages on more affordable terms so they can stay in their homes.

“We’ve made a good start but we need to do much, much more. We cannot forget that there are many homeowners who are in crisis through no fault of their own, and a solution that does not have them at its core is no solution at all.” that does not have them at its core is no solution at all.

NM Republican Party Chairman Allen Weh didn't waste anytime critizing Obama following the event.

His [Obama's] solution for the economy is to raise taxes on everyone, subsidize non productive parts, and torpedo a fragile economy making it worse. Obama’s never had to cover a pay roll, never had to make any executive decisions, and wants New Mexican’s to believe he’s the guy to solve our economic problems. He doesn’t have near the experience to handle the job he’s asking Americans to give him, and more and more people now understand that.

But Obama assured the crowd that if their annual income is below $250,000 their taxes would not increase "a dime."

After leaving the rally, Obama attended a private fundraiser in the North Valley. According to FBIHOP New Mexico the candidate raised another $1.7 million for his war-chest. Last month Obama raised reported over $66 million dollars, and supporters donated another $9 million at a fundraiser with Barbara Streisand earlier this week in California.

It was Obama’s 5th trip New Mexico which has been considered a battle ground state, but two new polls now show Obama-Biden with a healthy (outside the margin of error) lead in the state.

UPDATE: For more photos and videos check out Democracy for New Mexico and two flickr sets here and here.

Sunshine...Daydreams & Pay As You Go.

Everyone knew the political campaigns would heat up after Labor Day in New Mexico. Now They have.

On Wednesday night, U.S. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (Maryland -D) attended a Ben Ray Lujan Jr. fundraiser at State Fair Commissioner Nerissa Whittington's home. We learned at least 60 people contributed some $52,500 dollars to the campaign.

The DNCCC has not anted up much money for Lujan's race this year. They believe they will easily win the district, forcing Lujan to come down to the Duke City to raise money for TV ads.

Meanwhile, during the lunch hour on Wednesday, Hoyer was in the state's capital. He attended a private fundraiser for Martin Heinrich despite the CD-1 District only have a few precincts in Santa Fe County.

It must have been a good lunch because reporters were kept waiting in the blazing afternoon sun for 45 minutes outside the East Gates of Sandia National labs until Hoyer and Heinrich arrived to talk ironically about Solar Energy. Most reporters were offered an umbrella and a bottle of cold water before they boiled or melted.

After the news conference finally began, Hoyer said Heinrich's choice to take him to visit Sandia National Labs is evidence the young democrat will make continued funding for the labs a top priority if he's elected in November and heads to Washington, D.C.

Hoyer believes Heinrich, who has a mechanical engineering degree, will be in a good position to get funding because he understands many of the technical operations underway there.

In this brief Q&A with reporters (we were only allowed five minutes of questions after waiting 3/4 of an hour for them to arrive) Hoyer defended his two earlier votes to cut the lab's budget. He says it was based on the budget shortfalls caused by the Bush administration squandering a $5.6 trillion dollar surplus in the last eight years. he told us he believes the democrats here will win all three congressional seats in November.



Hoyer earlier told reporters that safe nuclear technology needs to be part of any comprehensive energy program.



Martin Heinrich told reporter the technology developed inside at Sandia and Los Alamos spurs venture capital investment that impacts not only the state and the region, but the entire country.



Republican candidate Darren White’s staff was quick to remind reporters that Hoyer voted to slash the national labs budget twice in 2007.

“Heinrich is proving once again that mingling with Washington’s elite is more important than dealing with the issues that face New Mexico working families. Hoyer voted repeatedly to cut crucial funding to New Mexico’s national labs, Sandia and Los Alamos, which would have cut 3,000 jobs,” remarked New Mexico Republican Party communications director Shira Rawlinson. “It’s ironic Heinrich picked Sandia Labs to appear with Hoyer since that is the exact place Congressional Democrats chose to cut over $400 million in funding that would have devastated New Mexico’s economy and damaged our ability to contribute to the national defense.”

On Thursday, Rep. Chris Van Holland will campaign with Heinrich and attend a forum with doctor's at UNM's Children Hospital. And Michelle Obama will be in Santa Fe and at UNM. On Saturday, John McCain, and perhaps his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will be in ABQ for a voter rally.

FAIR AND BALANCED? The Proof Is In The Audio.

Some blogs, okay most blogs are pretty one- sided. We'll stay fair and balanced. Today we're bringing you audio from two national leaders representing both parties.

They were in the state consulting congressional campaigns, and doing what they do best...asking you for your money.

Our little on-line note pad is meant to be an extension of our on air reporting. It allows folks to hear extended interviews rather than quick sound bites.

Okay its time to earn your trust and prove we're the most balanced political blog in the state. Our text is pretty vanilla, but at least you'll get a chance to hear the candidates and their supporters, or in this case, their handlers directly.

Last Thursday, Illinois Congressman Rahm Emanuel, who successfully managed congressional races for the Democrats in 2006 as Chairman of the DNCCC, campaigned in New Mexico for Martin Heinrich, Harry Teague, and Ben Ray Lujan.

He believes American's appetite for change in Washington will give Democrats key wins. He says, "the problems Bush has dug are pretty deep."

Rahm joined Heinrich at Highland Park to talk about the need for more Federal money to support community policing. In this SHORT SPEECH Rahm told the crowd we're investing more money in Iraq police officers than are own city police forces.

For more coverage on the event check out Matthew Reichbach's coverage on FBIHOP.

In this AUDIO INTERVIEW Rahm told me he's optimistic about gaining an even larger majority in the U.S. House after the November vote. Rahm says that Democrats expect to pick up all three open seats in New Mexico.

But 2008 RNCC Chairman Tom Cole - Oklahoma (the lone native American in Congress) isn't so sure about that prediction.

"Rahm," he told me "shouldn't be so confident."

Cole says he isn't tossing in the towel just yet.

On Monday, he campaigned with Darren White and later in the evening attended a fundraising event, with about 70 people, at long-time State Republican power player Mickey Barnett's house.

A source in the crowd told me Cole definitely energized the crowd. My insider tells me supporters are ready to go canvassing door-to-door for White.

I also learned White is staying home and won't attend the Republican National Convention the first week in September. White says he'd rather work the campaign trail here, making phone calls and attending grass roots events, and asking people to support his candidacy.

In this AUDIO INTERVIEW Cole says, "We've got a great candidate in Darren White." Cole admits it will be a close, hard fought election. He reaffirmed an earlier statement that he made to other candidates that they should run against the Bush administration and even other Republicans because Washington has become in his words, "dysfunctional."

Cole also talked to us about taxes, energy, unemployment and immigration during the interview.

Later he briefed us, in this 2nd AUDIO INTERVIEW, on his weekend trip to South Eastern New Mexico to visit Ed Tinsley in the 2nd Congressional District.