National GOP Committeman's Personal Insight.

Pat Rogers
I asked NM Republican Pat Rogers, who was in Washington, D.C. for the RNC meeting last week, to shares his viewpoint on the selection of a new RNC Chair and his experience as a National Committeeman from New Mexico.

Here are his thoughts on the new Chairman Michael Steele.

GUEST BLOG:

Michael Steele was elected Chairman of the Republican National Committee on January 30, 2009. The former Lt. Governor of Maryland is presently the head of GOPAC, a conservative political action committee formed originally by Speaker
Newt Gingrich. The RNC Chairman's race was contentious with six well-qualified candidates in an election that took six ballots and many hours.

Michael Steele is a committed conservative with a message and a style that will attract voters to the Republican banner in New Mexico and in all fifty states. He is a frequent guest on FOX, CNN and other outlets. His Republican National Convention speech "Drill, Baby, Drill" introduced him to a new set of supporters. His most recent visit to New Mexico was in mid-January where he hosted a "meet and greet" at Calibers, a local shooting range. The New Mexico crowd was enthusiastic and energized by his take-charge message of freedom and fiscal and personal responsibility.

Michael grew up in Washington DC and graduated from Georgetown University Law Center (naturally all sophisticated readers will immediately recognize GULC as the premier law school in the nation) and he spent several years studying at a monastery. Michael Steele is seriously pro-freedom, pro-life and a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. He and his wife raised a family in Maryland where he was very active in grassroots/local politics before his Lt. Governor term and his (unsuccessful ) 2006 US Senate race in Maryland.

Michael Steele asked me to represent him at the six vote counts and that was quite an honor. Nothing in my New Mexico experience, however, prepared me for an election process in which the Secretary of State, ACORN, the Attorney General or Democrats did not try to change the rules for partisan advantage, file lawsuits , stuff the registration lists or locate ballot boxes and votes after the election.

While Michael Steele's election was something to celebrate, two other votes were not as successful. New Mexico's National Committeewoman, Rosie Tripp lost a very close
race for the RNC Secretary position. Rosie's campaign skills and the energy she brought to any event was something to see. As the Chairman of the Socorro County Commission, and with her years of RNC and New Mexico public service,
she was able to put up a great battle for the office.

The other vote I lost (approximately 167-1 or so) was my attempt to oppose secret ballots. I am not convinced of the need for secret ballots in the RNC elections, but a slightly larger number of RNC members do not (presently) share my concerns. As we moved through the fourth and fifth ballots, I was sensing some support for my position.

The New Mexico activists overwhelmingly supported Michael Steele. He will move the nation, New Mexico and the Republican party forward. We are lucky to have him at the helm. The Republican National Committee and the New Mexico Republican Party are prepared to offer effective leadership in the difficult times we are facing.

Photo Credit: MG Bralley

Domenici Says Pearce Will Represent New Mexico Values

This morning, retiring six-term Senator Pete Domenici endorsed Republican Senate Candidate Steve Pearce at a Victory 2008 Rally in Albuquerque.

In this SPEECH Domenici told the crowd of about 150 GOP VIP's and volunteers it will take hard work for Pearce to win the election this fall because Democrats have more money, but he says, "Pearce represents the values of New Mexico."

Domenici , who's spent the last 36 years in Washington, believes Pearce will have a strong voice and never back down on raising taxes, the 2nd Amendment, and will never authorize partial birth abortions.

He's says if Udall is elected in November he believes the U.S. Senate "will veer dramatically left."

The six-term Republican showed the crowd differences in voting records and policy stands between himself and Pearce and Tom Udall. Domenici also warned Pearce's supporters he believe's Udall is too closely aligned to environmental extremists.

Domenici told A.P. Reporter Heather Clark, in this RESPONSE he wasn't surprised she asked him if the public would believe he was genuine with today's endorsement, because he'd decided late in the primary to endorse Heather Wilson.

Wilson, who just returned from Northern Africa, says in this SPEECH, that Udall should never serve in the Senate because he doesn't understand the mission of the labs and is weak on national security.

Wilson was introduced by Republican National Committeeman-Elect Pat Rogers. He told the crowd if McCain wins Wilson will likely have a cabinet level role or high ranking national security post.

Finally, Pearce got a chance to thank the crowd for their support.

In this SPEECH, Pearce says he'll fight to open up offshore drilling and pledged to never raise taxes.

The Senator is in New Mexico while Congress is adjourned. This is his public schedule for the remainder of the week.

On Friday at 10 a.m., Domenici will join Albuquerque-region business leaders and representatives to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Sandia Science and Technology Park. International Programs Building, Sandia Science and Technology Park, 1066 Research Road SE.

And in Espanola on Friday night at 7pm, Senator Domenici will deliver remarks at the 12th anniversary dinner celebration for the LANL Foundation, proceeds for which will be used to endow a scholarship in his name.

On Saturday at 3pm, he’ll attend a tribute at the National alliance for Mental Illness. The (NAMI) ceremony is recognizing notable contributions to mental health awareness. The honorees include Domenici and his family for their commitment to improving the lives of Americans with mental illness. Central New Mexico Community College, Smith Brasher Hall, 717 University Blvd, SE.

Photos by MG Bralley

Access to Information Key to Open Government Act

On Friday, New Mexico Attorney General and Attorney Pat Rogers addressed a crowd of lawyers at the Radisson Hotel in Albuquerque in conjunction with Medical Education Services and the Professional Development Network. King talked about the impact of technology on the legal requirements for public records and New Mexico's Open Meetings Act (OMA).

King gave a comprehensive overview of the ACT and IRPA including a discussion of current cases and complaints and how the OMA affects public bodies in conducting business. Afterward both King and Rogers talked to blog contributor Mark Bralley.

Pat Rogers

In this AUDIO INTERVIEW Rogers told Bralley having access to information in a timely and accurate manner is an important aspect of open government.

In this AUDIO INTERVIEW King talks about the OMA and his compliance guide.

King also talked about why he filed an immediate appeal to Thursday's Environmental Protection Agency's decision to issue an air permit for a 1,500-megawatt coal plant (Desert Rock) that Sithe Global Power and the Navajo nation plan to build south of Farmington in northwest New Mexico.

Gary King

King told Bralley legislative candidates need to comply with a state law prohibiting legislative candidates from raising money from now until after the special session. King says he'll send them a reminder and if they don't comply he'll investigate complaints.

1-19-34.1. Legislative session fundraising prohibition.

A. It is unlawful during the prohibited period for a state legislator or a candidate for state legislator, or any agent on behalf of either, to knowingly solicit a contribution for a political purpose. For purposes of this subsection, "prohibited period" means that period beginning January 1 prior to any regular session of the legislature or, in the case of a special session, after the proclamation has been issued, and ending on adjournment of the regular or special session.

B. It is unlawful during the prohibited period for the governor, or any agent on his behalf, to knowingly solicit a contribution for a political purpose. For purposes of this subsection, "prohibited period" means that period beginning January 1 prior to any regular session of the legislature or, in the case of a special session, after the proclamation has been issued, and ending on the twentieth day following the adjournment of the regular or special session.

Audio and Photos from MG Bralley