2010 Hispanic voter trends and stats

An analysis of new Census Bureau voting data from November 2010 shows that Hispanic turnout conformed to the pattern of recent midterm elections.

Before the 2010 election some commentators argued that the failure to address immigration would increase Hispanic turnout, others argued it would cause them to stay home. The new data shows that neither of these predictions were correct. The analysis is available at the Center for Immigration Studies.

Among the findings:

• Prior to the 2010 election, the Center for Immigration Studies projected that Hispanics would comprise 6.8 percent of the national electorate in congressional elections. The new Census Bureau data match this projection, with Hispanics comprising 6.9 percent of the vote.
• The projection was correct because it was based on the assumption that Hispanic turnout would follow past patterns and that they would be neither especially animated nor especially disengaged in 2010.
• The 31.2 percent of Hispanic citizens who voted in 2010 is very similar to the 32.2 percent who voted in the 2006 mid-term election and the 31.2 percent who voted in the 2002 mid-term election. All of these values fall within the margin of error of +/- 1.7 percentage points and indicate that 2010 was not unusual.
• In addition to the 6.9 percent of voters who identified as Hispanic in the 2010 election, 77.5 percent of voters identified as non-Hispanic white, 11.5 percent as non-Hispanic black, and 2.4 percent as non- Hispanic Asian.
• Hispanics are a much smaller share of voters than they are of the general population. In November 2010, Hispanics were 16.3 percent of the total U.S. population, 14.1 percent of the adult population, 10.1 percent of the adult citizen population, and 6.9 percent of those who voted.
• The size of the Hispanic vote varied significantly by state. In 2010, Hispanics were less than 5 percent of the vote in 39 states plus the District of Columbia, and more than 10 percent of the vote in only five states (New Mexico, California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida).
• Polling of Hispanics indicates that immigration is not one of their top issues. Like other voters, education, jobs, healthcare, and the federal deficit all rank above immigration in importance.
• This does not mean immigration is unimportant to Hispanics. It does mean it was not an issue that was important enough in 2010 to have a discernable impact on their overall turnout.
• Only 27 percent of Hispanic voters in the 2010 election were immigrants themselves (naturalized U.S. citizens) and just 14.9 percent lived in the same household as a non-citizen. The lack of direct personal experience with immigration may explain why the issue does not rank higher in importance to Hispanic voters.
• CNN's national exit polls showed that in 2010, 60 percent of Hispanics voted for Democrats and 38 percent voted for Republicans. This compares to 69 percent and 30 percent in the last mid-term election in 2006. If the failure to address immigration played a role in Hispanic voting, it seems to have helped Republicans.
• However, the increase in the Republican share of the Hispanic vote in 2010 is almost certainly related to general voter dissatisfaction with the economy and the Democrats, and it parallels gains that Republicans made among many demographic groups.

Methods and Data

The data for this analysis come from the public use file of the Voting and Registration Supplement of the Current Population Survey (CPS) collected by Census Bureau, which contains about 100,000 adults. The Voting and Registration supplement is conducted in November every other year after Election Day. The public-use file of this data was recently released. Among other questions, the survey asks individuals if they are registered and if they voted. The Hispanic and race questions are separate. Hispanics are individuals in the CPS who self-identify as Hispanic or Latino, which means that they or their ancestors came from a country that derives its language and culture from Spain.

The Center for Immigration Studies is an independent research institute that examines the impact of immigration on the United States.

Gov. Gary Johnson's documents reveal puzzling trail

Updated: 6pm

Just days before former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson is expected to formally announce his bid for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination, we’ve found a complex web of non-profit registrations, and only one quarterly financial report, for his 16-month-old Our America Initiative.

Johnson, who chairs the political advocacy group announced he was forming it in December 2009, but it was not registered as a Non-Profit Corporation in California until March the next year. The only financial disclosure we could find for the IRS exempt 501(c)(4) is this 4th Quarter (2010) filing in Utah.

Attorney Maureen Otis, from Stafford, Texas filed the financial report with the Utah Department of Commerce's Consumer Protection Division as required this February for the group's Treasurer Chet Goodwin, who lists his office in Salt Lake City. No financial reports were located at the California Secretary of State's office for the entire period.

The PAC reported raising a little more than $205,000 in three months from October 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010. At the end of the quarter less than $2,500 cash was on hand. That’s the amount left after deducting $170,000 in overhead expenses. The report indicated $37,000 was spent on fundraising commissions and $606 for other expenses.

Our America Initiative donors do not have to be revealed and were not.

The PAC. is being managed by Ronald Nielson's NSON Opinion Strategy, a research and management group for political entities. NSON is also based in Salt Lake City. Nielsen was sued by the IRS two months ago for tax liabilities un-related to the Our America Initiative.

Two of Our America's officers, who are listed on IRS Form 1024 (embedded below) are from Albuquerque, including President Kelly Ward and Secretary Harold Field. The officers are not compensated for their roles on Johnson's board, expect the group does pay Goodwin for his accounting work.

It remains unclear if donations, which were reported in the single financial report included all donations received for the preceding 12 months. We wanted to know if the total was lumped into one quarter or if the PAC. did not start receiving donations until October 2010.

When we contacted Gov. Johnson, he directed us to Nielson saying, “check with Ron. He’s a real honest guy,” but Nielson declined to return phone calls or respond to emails. Multiple calls and emails to Goodwin and Otis were not answered.

The group will have to file another quarterly report in Utah later this month, and once Johnson launches his presidential campaign on Monday in New Hampshire he will be required to file financial reports with the Federal Election Commission.

We checked the FEC site this morning, and the Friends of Gary Johnson, a non-party/non qualified group registered in Ruckersville, Virginia reported $0 in donations.

You can read the group’s by-laws in the Unified Registration Statement, which is embedded here.

Unified Registration Statement filed in Utah
Our America Initiative

IRS 1024 form found online at the California Attorney General's Office
Our America Initiative 1024 Application

Heinrich hopeful ahead of budget deadline

As the U.S. House of Representatives try to strike a short-term budget deal to prevent a government shutdown the magic number being discussed in the nation's capitol today isn’t billions or trillions, but just two.

In just two days the continuing resolution that is funding the government expires unless the two parties come to an agreement by mid-night this Friday.

After launching his 2012 U.S. Senate campaign in Albuquerque on Saturday, Rep. Martin Heinrich is back in Washington monitoring behind-the-scene negotiations.

On Tuesday, the congressman called us and said he’s hopeful something will be hammered out before the deadline.

“This is one of those situations where the American people expect us to act like adults and sit down and find some middle ground,” Heinrich said. “We have to be willing to support some level of compromise and that's true of both sides."

Heinrich said the Republican leadership faces a huge challenge, because their entire freshman class wants to send a message about government spending and the federal deficit by shutting down the government.

"I just don't think we can afford to be shuttering the doors at the VA and all the jobs that would go on hold during that period. I think we all need to step up and come to some sort of agreement and find some middle ground,” Heinrich said.

Reaching a compromise could be difficult for Heinrich and other Democrats who believe Republican priorities are focused on cutting the wrong things.

“The problem is that everyone agrees that there needs to be cuts within the federal budget," Heinrich said. "But, you can't expect to balance the entire federal budget on the backs on teachers and firefighters. So, we need to meet where we can in terms of overall numbers, and then figure what are priorities are within those limits.”

Heinrich said he will not agree to maintaining tax breaks for corporation that outsource jobs overseas and protect tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires. He said that undercuts the people who provide really basic services.

He also expressed concerned over House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan’s 2012 Pathway to Prosperity plan.

“It really ends medicare as we know it. It gets rid of the current medicare program and replaces it with a voucher program,” Heinrich said. “I can tell you in the many, many town hall meetings, visits to senior citizens over the years, that's a proposal I've never heard come out of the mouth's of any seniors. That's a proposal that's going to meet with a lot of resistance from the American people.”

Heinrich isn't worried about an imminent financial market collapse like former Gov. Gary Johnson, who told us last month last month in Taos, that unless the government cuts spending by $1.6 trillion and fixes government entitlement programs the global economy could fail.

“What we have to look at is how far we can cut spending and still maintain economic growth,” Heinrich said. “The most powerful thing we can do right now, not only to reduce the deficit, but more importantly, to keep recovering from this recession, is to make sure that the economy continues to grow throughout 2011 and 2012. So we have a very fine line we have to walk of bringing down spending and making sure we live within our means, but also not pulling the rug out of this recovering economy.”

Heinrich’s priorities

The second-term congressman said there are wasteful programs he can live without, but insists he is willing to make compromises. Still, he expresses concern some of the cuts Republicans are proposing "are a threat to the countries national security."

In February, Heinrich and members of the House Strategic Forces Subcommittee sent this letter to Chairman Ryan expressing their concern over the potentially dire consequences that the Committee's planned 2011 budget allocation would have on the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).

He’s concerned a “one-size” budget would jeopardize the state’s national laboratories.

“One of the things we've really been fighting for is the NNSA. At a time when we're asking NNSA to step up and make sure we implement the new START treat and make sure our nuclear deterrent is safe, secure and reliable,” Heinrich said. “We can't have a 17 percent cut at Los Alamos and an 11 percent cut at Sandia National Labs. And, those are numbers that Rep. (Steve) Pearce, and other Republicans, actually voted for. Their not responsible in today's national security climate, and hopefully will make sure that we have some progress in the midst of all this.”

While, Heinrich is in favor of reducing government spending he worries that cuts to the national labs could hit the state’s economy hard.

"Impeding the work being done at our national labs won't grow our economy and certainly won't create jobs."

Earlier this year Heinrich tried to save Pell Grant Scholarships from the chopping block. Those are the the single largest source of federal grant aid for post-secondary education and Heinrich knows many unemployed New Mexicans are headed back to school, including veterans returning from the Middle East, to prepare for new jobs.




The former city councilor also told us cutting National Public Radio funding is “highly partisan legislation.”

“It has nothing to do with fiscal responsibility and everything to do with politics. Instead of focusing on creating jobs or reducing the deficit,” Heinrich said. “The House Republicans have wasted time trying to de-fund one of the most widely-used and independent journalistic institutions in America.”

Federal workers, who will be locked out if a budget settlement isn’t reached by the deadline also face wage increase freezes.

The budget outline unveiled Tuesday by House Republicans seeks to freeze federal salary schedules through 2015, reduces the federal workforce by 10 percent and requires employees to pay more toward their retirement benefits.

Video: Heinrich talks about 2012 U.S. Senate campaign

After announcing his 2012 U.S. Senate campaign on-line Saturday morning, New Mexico Congressman Martin Heinrich, wearing black boots and black jeans, met with reporters for less than ten minutes at the National Hispanic Cultural Center to talk about the biggest campaign of his life and his first state-wide race.

Now he plans to spend the next 12 months, traveling the state, trying to convince Democratic primary voters he's a "good guy" and the right candidate to replace retiring five-term U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, who announced his retirement earlier this year.



The second-term representative is the second Democrat to announce a bid for the Senate seat. In February, State Auditor Hector Balderas told us in an exclusive video that he's seriously considering his own bid. State Treasurer James Lewis, and former Lt. Governor Diane Denish have also said they are considering entering the primary race. Albuquerque community activist Andres Valdez was the first Democrat to announce.

Republican Heather Wilson formally entered the race last month. And, Lt. Gov. John Sanchez is expected to announce a decision in April. Second Congressional District Rep. Steve Pearce has not ruled out a campaign of his own.Republicans Greg Sowards and William S. English, who are not well known yet, have also entered the Republican primary race.

Heinrich said he has not determined a campaign budget, and wouldn't speculate on how much money would be needed to win both a primary and general election race, but analysts say both he and Wilson have a money advantage, because they can roll over any federal campaign donations they already have in their accounts.

The congressman's staffers said Heinrich was expected to return to Washington on Tuesday as the war of words over the federal budget notches up, and as negotiations, between Democrats and Republicans, continue. A budget must be passed by Friday or the government will come to a halt.

Heinrich, who will vacate his House seat, told reporters constituent services will not be impacted by his 2012 campaign.

SOS staffer placed on leave for "offensive" actions

At least one staffer in Secretary of State Dianna Duran's office has been placed on leave after offensive material was found on the office website and sent in a package to Political Action Committees around the state.

The material, which appeared on a sample spreadsheet that was posted yesterday and found today, was apparently being tested on-line. Remarks included in the spreadsheet are being described as racist and included the names of two African-American legislators.

“I was shocked and disappointed to learn that a state employee apparently posted what can be interpreted as racially offensive language in a sample finance report,” Duran said. “I find these actions deeply offensive and I immediately ordered the materials removed and I initiated an investigation."

The name of the staffer was not released to the media.

“It is critical that New Mexicans have faith that the Office of the Secretary of State will protect the rights of all New Mexicans equally and that I will not tolerate any form of racism or bigotry in this office," Duran said.

"Violations of this policy will result in swift and decisive action.”

A news release we received said that Secretary Duran has placed calls to both Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton and Rep. Jane Powdrell-Culbert, whose names were referenced in the inappropriate posting, to address any concerns they may have.

Sen. Eric Griego considers 2012 Congressional Campaign

Former Albuquerque City Councilor and current NM Sen. Eric Griego tells us he's considering a 2012 congressional campaign, but is waiting for current Rep. Martin Heinrich to make a final decision on his own 2012 U.S. Senate campaign.

Bingaman: No ideal time to step aside

Sen. Jeff Bingaman quietly told Majority Leader Harry Reid Thursday night that he would be retiring at the end of the 112th congress. Today, he made it official, telling reporters there is "no ideal time to step aside."

"After 30 years I think I've given this my best effort and I think this is a good time for me to make the decision...a lot of factors go into a decision like that," the Silver City native and former New Mexico Attorney General said.

Bingaman plans to live in Santa Fe when he retires, and is sure he'll be "doing something," but hasn't decided what that will be yet.

Audio link for Bingaman's retirement announcement here




Staying engaged

Bingaman's wife said the decision to quit was entirely his own.

"I was no impetus whatsoever.I did not have a dog in the fight. I really didn't," Anne Bingaman, a retired attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice. "It was up to him 100 percent. I don't go near the senate. I have nothing to do with it."

She doesn't think the couple will spend their golden years cruising around the world, although some travel is likely.

"I don't expect Jeff not to be actively engaged in something. He's not the type," Bingaman said. "You know it's two years off. I'm sure things will happen and he'll get a clear fix on what the options are and what he might want to do. It's one of these things you can talk to anybody about this. He really doesn't know. I do know he'll do something."

Both she and the Sen. said they had no doubt that he could be re-elected.

Thoughtful approach

Bingaman's former state director Terry Brunner, who now heads up the U.S. Agriculture Department in New Mexico, said New Mexicans are recalling the Senator's long service record in New Mexico.

"We're really thinking about everything that Jeff accomplished in the senate, and just the long term of service he had, and what he was able to get done and the thoughtful and considerate way he approached," Brunner said.

Brunner said he was a little surprised that Bingaman opted out of a 2012 campaign, especially since his poll numbers have been positive.

Filling big shoes

"New Mexico is a small state. It's important to have the best voice we can, the strongest, the loudest vote in the senate," Brunner said. "We're going to be lacking in seniority, but I think, hopefully, we can get some good people to fill the shoes --who will take up the banner and fight for New Mexicans up in D.C."

Brunner wants Bingaman's replacement to understand the needs of the state's diverse population.

"I think they need somebody who understands New Mexico -- who get's what we're all about. Somebody who can understand how to work best in the senate to get things accomplished for our small state.

Jeff's always been an independent guy and does what he thinks is best and I knew that he'd make the right decision for himself and that's what this is about," Brunner told us. "He's had a long career in the senate and he's been very effective and I think he has time for another act in his life here and something else he can do contribute to New Mexico."

Bingaman, sensing the seat he held for three decades will be competitive, told reporters he thinks the Democrats will keep his seat.

Off to the races.

In his own words

Today I am announcing that I will not run next year for election for a sixth term in the United States Senate next year in 2012. Representing the people of New Mexico in the Senate is a great honor, and a great responsibility which I have enjoyed for over 28 years.

At the end of this Congress, I will have been in public service for thirty-four years—four as New Mexico’s Attorney General, and thirty in the United States Senate. The end of this Congress is the right time for me to step aside and allow someone else to serve.

It is not easy to get elected to the Senate, and it is not easy to decide to leave the Senate. There is important work that remains to be done. That is true today, and it will be the case at the end of this Congress. It will be true at the end of every future Congress as well. The simple truth is, there is no ideal time to step aside.

I am proud of my service in the Senate, and the work of my staff in New Mexico and Washington who have shared in the trust given by the people of New Mexico. My family, and that fine staff, have made my service possible. We will continue to serve the people of New Mexico through the remainder of this Congress which has just begun.

When I started in the Senate in 1983, and Anne, John and I moved to Washington, we never considered it a permanent move. We have always considered New Mexico our home, and have cherished the time we have been able to spend here over the last three decades. At the end of this term, we will come home to New Mexico to live, and to pursue other challenges.


President's statement:

"From his time in the Army, to his service as New Mexico’s Attorney General and Senior Senator, Jeff Bingaman has served this country and the people of New Mexico for more than three decades. He has been a tireless advocate for preserving America’s natural resources and promoting a clean energy future. Jeff has gained the respect of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle, in New Mexico and in Washington, and his voice on the floor of the Senate will be missed. Michelle and I offer Jeff our best wishes and deepest appreciation for his lifetime of service.”

Defense attorney says it's too early to reinstate the death penalty

A prominent defense attorney, who has represented several murder clients facing the death penalty, including convicted sheriff killer Michael Paul Astorga, doesn’t want to see a repeal of New Mexico’s 2009 death penalty repeal.

Gary Mitchell told me this afternoon it’s too early to consider reversing course.

“We haven’t given it time to work,” Mitchell said. “We have a new governor, who never sought the death penalty when she was as a prosecutor, and now she wants to repeal the repeal. I don’t agree with that.”

But Roswell Republican Rep. Dennis Kintigh, isn't persuaded and today he proposed a ballot initiative measure which will put the issue in the public's hands.

Just last week, Gov. Susana Martinez called on the legislature to reinstate the death penalty, stating that “some crimes deserve the ultimate punishment."

Mitchell claims Martinez’ request is politically motivated and that she's “obligated to certain conservative right-wing groups who helped her get elected.”

Martinez made restoring the death penalty a prominent campaign issue last year, and on Tuesday she reiterated her pledge when she told legislators she believed juries should have the option to impose death.

“When a monster rapes and murders a child or a criminal kills a police officer, the death penalty should be an option for the jury,” Martinez said.

Rep. Dennis Kintigh
Before introducing today's legislation, Rep. Dennis Kintigh, R-Roswell told KOB TV he favors letting voters decide the issue and plans to sponsor a constitutional amendment.

"There's a lot of good people on both sides of the issue," Kintigh told the television station. "It's a fundamental issue of how we deal with this in society and I believe the best way to deal with these kinds of issues is to let the voters decide, give it to the voters."

Larry Larranaga

But other lawmakers don’t believe this is the year to consider the issue.

"We have very pressing issues during this legislative session," Rep. Larry Larranaga, R-Albuquerque said. "There's the budget, education reform, we've got job creation, we have the economy to look at."

The state only has two men currently on death row, and only executed one man since 1960. In 2001 Terry Clark received a legal injection after being convicted of raping and murdering a child.

When lawmakers dropped the death penalty two years ago they decided to replace it with life in prison without the possibility of parole, but allowed some then death qualified cases like Astoraga’s to continue. He was convicted last year, but the death sentence hearing has delayed while the state’s supreme court reviews petitions by Mitchell.

States Face Shortage of Key Lethal Injection Drug

While it may not become an issue in New Mexico, some states are running out of sodium thiopental, which is used to put prisoners to sleep before other drugs stop breathing and shut down the heart.

That’s because the drug’s manufacturer, Hospira Inc., decided to stop making the drug at its plant in Italy after that country decide to prohibit its export to countries who use it for capitol punishment.

Mitchell said case law would allow the state to change it’s form of executions without additional hearings, but the constitutionality of executions is still the priority.

He said some of the drugs currently used in lethal injections have caused inmates to suffer from painful deaths.

“It’s the main reason executions are not public nor video taped,” Mitchell said. “The gruesome nature of executions offend our human decency.”

Sodium Thiopental is used by 34 of the 35 states that use lethal injection to carry out the death penalty. The scarcity of sodium thiopental has led to execution delays in in at least two states, California and Oklahoma.

Michelle Lyons, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice told the New York Times they have enough for two scheduled executions in Texas. Texas' supply is expected to expire in March.

“There currently are four executions scheduled in Texas — two in February, one in May and one in July,” said Michelle Lyons, director of public information at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. At this time, we have enough sodium thiopental on hand to carry out the two executions scheduled in February.”

Last week's story in the NY Times reported an average of 55 executions have taken place annually over the last 10 years, with 46 last year and 52 in 2009, virtually all of them by lethal injection.

Errol Chavez succumbs to cancer

Last year’s Republican candidate for state auditor Errol Chavez has died. He had been diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer just a few weeks before the 2010 election.

Chavez, who was raised in Española, talked to me for an hour after then GOP Chairman Harvey Yates announced his candidacy last January and said wanted “to save the money the state is losing by going after people who are corrupt.”

Balderas beat Chavez by more than 60,000 votes.

The former DEA agent, who originally planned to run for public land commissioner, worked 31 years for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), where he managed money laundering investigations; directed the administration’s policy implementation in Europe, Latin America and the United States; and supervised several hundred agents in various assignments.

After retiring from DEA, Chavez became the executive director of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), a federal drug-prohibition enforcement program. In this position, Chavez was responsible for administering and auditing $11 million of federal funds directed to law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in New Mexico.

Chavez served as president of both the Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association and the International Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association, an international law enforcement organization with 12,000 members.

Senator Ingle, who asked for a moment of silence to remember Chavez in Santa Fe this morning, said the state of New Mexico “appreciated Chavez’ willingness to serve the public his entire life. He said the state and the country is grateful to Errol Chavez”

Funeral services are still pending.

Cargo urges Martinez to visit Hollywood

As lawmakers prepare to consider what do to with the state’s film incentives, the man who started the first governor's film commission in the world, former Gov. David Cargo, is weighing in on the debate.

He’s urging Gov. Susana Martinez to be more empathic toward the state’s film industry.

Cargo suggests her decision to lower incentives from 25 percent to 15 percent is an “attack” on the industry, and he suggested the new governor plan a trip to Hollywood.

“She needs to go out there and talk to the people in the industry and reassure them that they can film in New Mexico and make a profit,” said Cargo.

He said Hollywood executives want assurances the state is open for business and not political attacks on their industry.

“She ought to be talking about the advantages that the motion picture industry brings to New Mexico, how affirmative it is, how much we gain out of it, all of the wonderful things they’ve really done it. It’s a way of assuring them," said Cargo.

He recommends Martinez learn how to approach movie and television producers.

“She’s explaining this in a campaign mode," said Cargo. "You’re not running against the motion picture companies. You’re running a state, and you’ve got to be involved, not in politics, but in government,” said Cargo.

He disagrees with those making the argument that producers will take their business to states that offer the highest incentives.

“They go were they can film and do it most effectively and they’ve got the most cooperation and they’re welcomed. You see it’s the welcome mat that brings them in," said Cargo. "You bring in more people by empathizing with them and understanding what their problems are and working with them.”

During a news conference a day before Martinez' State of the State address Martinez outlined her legislative priorities and told reporters she plans on sticking with her budget plan which includes the incentive reduction.

She contends the incentive amount needs to be reduced to help balance the budget deficit. Martinez has said her priority is to make sure money is not taken away families and children in the state.

Meanwhile, Cargo gave former Gov. Bill Richardson a B grade for his work luring films to New Mexico, but criticized that administrations heavy reliance on subsidies.

Cargo, who never asked then California Gov. Ronald Reagan to send films to New Mexico, believes Martinez will be more successful going straight to the heart of the industry in Los Angeles.

That’s where Cargo spent his time. In fact, in 1971 he made a cameo appearance in Bunny O'Hare, which starred Bette Davis and Ernest Borgnine, as well as parts in 11 other films.

A dedicated promoter of the New Mexico film industry, Cargo, a Republican, was beloved by liberal Democrats in Hollywood, actually becoming personal friends with those behind the camera as well as the stars facing it.

“I had a vision for what we were going to do in filmed entertainment,” said Cargo. “I had a plan. I had a way of working it out. And it worked out rather well -- extraordinarily well.”

Former Lt. Gov. Diane Denish had high praise for Cargo's vision for the film industry.

"Dave Cargo was a visionary governor," said Denish. "He was one of the first New Mexico governors to see the value of the film and television industry to our state's economy."

After his term as governor Cargo shared that vision with his successor Gov. Bruce King. Later he took King, and First Lady Alice King, to visit with some of the producers and studio executives he had already established relationship with in Southern California.

During the trip, they visited Lawrence Welk’s studio During taping of a show, King danced with Albuquerque native Cissy King, while Mr. Welk danced with Alice.

Time to govern

Cargo, who was only 37 when he was elected governor in 1967, also told us he was disappointed in Martinez’ first State of the State speech, calling it "too political."

“She’s got to make the transition from being in campaign mode to being governor. She had a lot of things that were good. But, she’s talking about things that are exciting partisan feelings and that’s not going to get her through the legislature,” said Cargo. “She’s got to get after things that she can agree with them on. She’s got to work with them. She can’t antagonize them.”

Cargo, who celebrated his 82nd birthday last week, wrote an autobiography titled Lonesome Dave several years ago.

Tea Partiers want government spending cut

Between 200 and 300 hundred Tea Party supporters rallied in the shaded area of the Roundhouse Tuesday morning just hours before the start of the 2011 legislative session.

Former State Rep. Janice Arnold-Jones, who only hours before turned her seat over to freshman Rep. Conrad James, R-Albuquerque, greeted the rambunctious crowd and introduced former Gov. Gary Johnson, the rally's keynote speaker.

Arnold-Jones got cheers and applause when she mentioned Johnson's 750 vetoes and her distrust of former Gov. Bill Richardson's administration.

Braving the wind and cold, Johnson told the crowd both political parties are responsible for the state's current economic mess. He said "this level of spending cannot be sustained."

He also said it was time to consider eliminating the State Treasurer's office, claiming a few people could do the job.

In the rotunda, current Treasurer James Lewis responded to the suggestion, "Gary is Gary."

Johnson also weighed in on the House Speaker's race, telling SF New Mexican Reporter Steve Terrell he thinks it would be "a good change" if Rep. Joseph Cervantes was elected to the leadership post.

But, Heath Haussamen, New Mexico Politics.net's publisher, is reporting that pressure from many of Tea Party supporters, like Tina Carson, who attended the outdoor rally, want Republicans to unite behind a conservative candidate rather than vote for "the lesser of two evils." Haussamen writes a division in the GOP could hurt Cervantes' chances to oust Rep. Lujan, who has had the job since 2001.

Several noteable Republican VIP's were spotted in the rally crowd including, Tom Mullins who was last year's GOP candidate for congress in Congressional District 3, and Adam Kokesh, who lost to Mullins in the primary election. Albuquerque City Councilor Dan Lewis, who launched his congressional exploratory committee two weeks ago, and may run against Rep. Martin Heinrich, also braved the chilly weather to attend the rally.

Standing Room only

Every seat in the public gallery of the House chamber is reserved (with yellow stickies) and members of the public who didn't have an invitation and chair, are upset. In fact, they're being forced into a standing room area behind a waist high wall.

One woman from Santa Fe said she noticed them roping off the gallery yesterday and is disappointed that no seat were reserved for the public.

While you might not have a seat in the gallery you can view today's roll call vote and Gov. Susana Martinez' first State of the State online. Several media outlets will be streaming it.

UPDATE:

House GOP Caucus communications director Larry Behrens tells us he's not sure why all the gallery seats were reserved. So far, the Santa Fe fire marshal is allowing people to crowd the space behind the wall, but there does not appear to be much room left.

Rep. Lujan says father is optimistic

While Rep. Joseph Cervantes, D-Las Cruces scrambles to pick up votes to oust current NM House Speaker Rep. Ben Luján, D-Nambe, at the start of tomorrow’s 2011 Legislative Session, Lujan’s son, U.S. Rep. Ben R. Lujan says he’s optimistic that his father will retain the leadership post.

Following Albuquerque’s Martin Luther King Rally on Civic Plaza on Saturday, Luján Jr. told us he’ll be in the Roundhouse on Tuesday supporting his father.

“He’s been a tireless advocate for our kids, he’s been a tireless advocate for New Mexicans and education,” Luján Jr. said.

While the congressman would not make any predictions he urged legislators to come together especially from a “caucus perspective to do what is right for New Mexico.” He said he has not been rallying votes for his father.

“We’ll see what happens. I certainly hope that the Democrats can stick together. We’ll see ultimately what their decision is.” Luján Jr. said. “ In the end, this is a discussion about the future of the state.”

He hopes “we can have that debate without being disagreeable,” hoping the party comes together before what is expected to be a busy session in Santa Fe.

Luján Jr. says there they Democrats have fundamental disagreements with the Martinez’ administration during “difficult economic times.”

Political journalist Heath Haussamen has been reporting extensively on the two-man contest since November. He reported Andy Nuñez, D-Hatch, has already said he plans to nominate Cervantes, who has been seeking votes from members of both parties.

And adds:

Luján has also been asking Republicans and Democrats alike for support. Sources say the race remains up in the air and within a couple of votes. There will be heavy, behind-the-scenes politicking between now and Tuesday at noon.

Bregman Advocates Democrats' Core Values

Albuquerque businessman and attorney Sam Bregman, who announced his candidacy for chairman of the state Democratic Party this week, sat down with us on Friday afternoon for an exclusive video interview.

Bregman talked about the party’s platform and core values, political fundraising, his ability to attract strong candidates, and about his plans to recapture eight house seats lost in 2010.

Holding no punches, Bregman said new Gov. Susana Martinez “scares” him and he plans to hold her feet to the fire especially when she “assaults the middle class.”

“We now have a Republican who I think is going to assault the middle class time and time again,” Bregman said near the end of our interview. “We’ve already seen her dismantle environmental regulations. Shame on her for that. There are so many different levels that the state chair needs to hold this Republican governor’s feet to the fire when it comes to her rhetoric and when it comes to her actions.”

As Martinez ramps up her new administration, Bregman said his party will have to develop a coordinated strategy to help Sen. Jeff Bingman win re-election in two years, regain the executive branch in four years and win back those eight new republican house seats in 2012.

While Bregman didn’t blame election defeats in 2010 completely on current Chairman Javier Gonzales he did say he thinks the party's leadership needs to change before the next election.

“If we do the same thing, with the same state chair over the next two years, we’re going to get the same results,” Bregman said. “ We’ve got to come back a lot stronger in 2012. That’s something I plan on doing by working with folks in these contested races.”

Bregman said the Dems are prepared to stand up for the middle class and he’s prepare to carry that mission forward.

“We have to stand up for the working class when it comes to education, when it comes to jobs, when it comes to protecting social security and medicare,” Bregman said.

In fact, Bregman says he supports the party’s platform in it’s entirety.

“That’s the job of the state chair,” Bregman said. “The rank and file determine what the platform is going to be. It’s the job of the chairman to advocate for it -- to give it a voice.”

Bregman said both of the state U.S. Senators are his friends, but doesn’t think the men will get involved in the campaign for chairman in New Mexico.

“I’m really looking for the rank and file Democrats,” Bregman said. “If I have their support I know we’ll get our story out, and we’re going to have some effective, strong leadership.”

Bregman said the Democrats can make gains if they’re successful talking about what direction the state and country are going.

“The Democrats are right on every issue just about when it comes to the general public. Unfortunately we haven’t been getting our story out,” Bregman said. “In 2012 we need to come back stronger than ever. If I get the chance as state chairman I’m going to make sure that story is heard.”

A muddy campaign

Chairman Javier Gonzales
Chairman Gonzales, who replaced Brian Colon after he announced his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor on our blog in August 2009, told the Albuquerque Journal he wants the campaign to be positive, and urged other candidates not to "throw stones."

But, we received a copy of an email sent out by a DPNM staffer on Monday that could be perceived by some as a negative campaign tactic.

Director of Party Affair’s John Dyrcz urged supporters, in that email, to write letters critical of Bregman to political gossip columnist Joe Monahan.

I am sure you are aware of the Monahan article mentioning Sam Bregmen as a possible challenger to Javier. We're working on getting some folks to write in to Joe questioning Mr. Bregmen's qualifications.

The email included a link to a story in the New Mexico Independent that included a picture of Bregman defending Meyner and Company executive Bruce Mallot in a State Investment Council whistleblower lawsuit.

One day later Monahan published several of the critical comments from Gonzales’ staff and supporters.

I have a major concern with his candidacy in that (Bregman) represented former State Treasurer Robert Vigil. While I understand everyone is entitled to fair representation, I don't want the Republicans using his representation of Robert Vigil on corruption charges and others to say that it is the same old story in the Democratic Party with the leader of the Party defending those in pay-to-play scandals. I believe that every time he would speak on behalf of the Party that the Republicans would raise that issue. It is time Democrats put those stories to rest and we move forward and work on ensuring that the new Administration does not dismantle programs that are important to working families....

And Monahan reader Scott Tillman "piled on" Bregman with this:

Didn't Bregman represent Marc Correra, the guy that made millions off state investments in the form of finder's fees, and is under investigation with all the pay to play allegations? It just seems that with Sam as chair of the Democratic Party, the Richardson scandals that plagued Denish would hang over the Party even longer. The party needs to move forward, and not backward, in this humble dems opinion.

Bregman calls those criticisms “silly”.

“I’m a lawyer doing my job,” Bregman said.”For someone to be that shortsighted is really silly.”

But Gonzales isn’t the only one going negative.

Bregman said he's heard that Gonzales has taken stipends and insists he would never take a $3 thousand dollar a month stipend. Instead, he said he’d make sure the $36 thousand was used in competitive races across the state.

State party officials told us this afternoon that Chairman Gonzales never received any stipends. And, Federal Election Commission and Secretary of state reports confirmed their statement.

Other’s have been vocal and criticized Gonzales’ leadership as an NMSU regent and for his involvement in a proposed Santa Fe movie studio.

The race will be decided on April 30 in Albuquerque. The party has not picked a venue for their two-day state central meeting, but said it’s reviewing bids from three casinos, Isleta, Sandia, and Santa Ana, and one from the Albuquerque Convention Center.

UPDATE:

Heath Haussamen reported on NMPolitics.net that Letitia Montoya, who most recently worked on the losing campaign of former Secretary of State Mary Herrera, is also seeking the chair position.

We plan to interview both Gonzales and Montoya and post the video here in the next few weeks.

Disclosure:
Bregman represented us when we were a plaintiff in a civil case several years ago in Bernalillo County.

Poll: Denish leads GOP field in 2010 election

Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish leads all five Republican gubernatorial candidates in a new poll released by Public Policy Polling -- although it appears Pete Domenici Jr is within striking distance.

Denish leads Domenici by five percentage points, 45-40, but holds much wider margins against the rest of the Republican field.

“Even in this hostile political climate, Diane Denish holds a lead against all of her potential opponents," Denish campaign Communications Director Chris Cervini said in a news release. "That’s because New Mexicans view her as an independent voice and a champion for middle-class families and their jobs."

But, considering the poll's 3.1 percent margin of error a possible Denish-Domenici race is essentially a dead heat. Of course that race isn't even finalized. While Denish is running unchallenged, Domenici still needs to collect a minimum of 20 percent of his party's pre-primary delegates and win the June 1st primary.

Denish polls 18 percentage points higher than Allen Weh, 48-30 percent, and by 14 percentage points over state Rep. Janice Arnold Jones, 47-33. She also holds a 14 percentage point lead over Dona Ana County District Attorney Susana Martinez, 46-32 percent, and the a similar 14 percentage point leader over Albuquerque Public Relations agency owner Doug Turner, 46-32 percent.

“Diane has developed a unique relationship with the people of New Mexico, and as Governor she’ll bring about a new way of doing business to Santa Fe. New Mexicans are looking forward – not backward – and Diane has the new ideas that will get our economy moving and help families make ends meet,” Cervini said.

Denish’s advantage comes in spite of significantly reduced popularity for Governor Bill Richardson. Only 28 percent of voters in the state approve of the job he’s doing with 63 percent disapproving. His 22 percent approval with independents and 7 percent with Republicans is not unusual for a Democratic official these days, but he’s even in negative territory within hisown party at a 42/47 spread.

"Given Obama and Richardson’s low levels of popularity Diane Denish is doing pretty well,” said Dean Debnam, President of Public Policy Polling. “But a contest with Domenici certainly looks like it could be competitive.”

Denish is easily the best known of the Gubernatorial candidates with 75 percent of voters holding an opinion about her. They break down positively by a 41/34 margin. A plurality of voters has no opinion about each of the Republicans. Domenici is viewed favorably by 27 percent, followed by 17 percent for Martinez, 12 percent for Weh and Turner, and 8 percent for Arnold-Jones.Although Barack Obama’s approval has slipped into negative territory at 45/48, both of the state’s Democratic Senators have solid 48/36 approval spreads.

PPP, a Democratic polling firm, surveyed 990 New Mexico voters from February 18th to 20th. The survey’s margin of error is +/-3.1 percent. Other factors, such as refusal to be interviewed and weighting, may introduce additional error that is more difficult to quantify.

Turner and Arnold-Jones smoked marijuana

A week after Pete Domenici Jr. admitted to “recreational” marijuana and cocaine use decades ago, two more Republican gubernatorial candidates, Doug Turnerand Janice Arnold-Jones, say they also tried marijuana years ago.

“I tried marijuana between high school and college,” Turner said in an e-mail sent via his campaign spokesman, Stephen Dinkel. Turner said he has never used any other illegal drug.

Arnold-Jones, who is on a fundraising trip in New Jersey, told NMPolitics.net today that she tried a marijuana cigarette once, with her boyfriend, in 1972 while she was attending UNM, but said she “didn’t like it.” She also said she bought a pack of cigarettes 30 years ago, but after smoking just nine, decided she didn’t like them either

Republicans Allen Weh and Susana Martinez told NMPolitics.net, through their spokespeople, that they have never smoked marijuana or used any other illegal drug.

Diane Denish, the Democratic candidate for governor, was traveling and did not respond to a question about whether she’s ever tried illegal drugs in time for this posting.

Domenici Jr accuses Weh of 'dishonesty'

Republican gubernatorial candidate Pete Domenici Jr is accusing primary opponent Allen Weh of being "intellectually dishonest" after Weh distributed a news release to local bloggers - including ours -- using comments Domenici made about his chances of winning the general election this Fall.

“For him to have ripped out of context an innocent sentence was a half truth and reflects the same type of dishonesty we are trying to rid Santa Fe of,” Domenici said during a three-way call with NMPolitics.net Publisher Heath Haussamen and us.

"His excerpt from the 770KKOB interview ended with my statement about how hard it will be for Republicans to win without the best candidate. The rest of my statement concluded with, I'm saying I can win, and I'm concerned with the perception that I'm hearing (from Allen Weh) that says any of them (the Republicans running) can beat Denish. I don't agree with that," Domenici clarified.

Here’s the original transcript of what Weh provided:

Villanucci: Are you the best person to win the general?

Domenici: The general is going to be an extremely difficult election. The perception out there that somehow any of the five candidates can and should win the general, I disagree with strongly.

Villanucci: Who can’t win?

Domenici: I don’t know if I want to say particular names of who can’t win.

Villanucci: You obviously have a feeling on that. You said that not all of you can win, so somebody can’t, and you think you can. So, who can’t?

Domenici: Actually, I would even include myself in the group that

can’t.

But a review of the full audio transcripts revealed the Domenici went on to say:

“Actually, I would even include myself in the group that can’t. I don’t think this is a sure thing by any stretch of the imagination. It is going to be extremely tough. So I, that’s why I don’t want to go in the negative. I’m saying I can win and I’m concerned with the perception I’m hearing that says any of these five can win. I don’t agree with that.”

Domenici goes even further in a news release distributed after the telephone call, and claims it is Allen Weh who "cannot win."

"He has alienated too many Republicans and voters across the board,” Domenici said in the news release.

All four Republican candidates will try to pick up pre-primary convention delegates at nearly a dozen county meetings this weekend. Domenici said he'll attend at least two - in Bernalillo and Sandoval Counties.

Updated: Domenici says general election will be "tough""

Updated:

A second and more thorough review of Domenici's statement to a local talk show host reveals he actually thinks he can win, he simply says "it's not a sure thing."

I don’t think this is a sure thing by any stretch of the imagination. It is going to be extremely tough. So I, that’s why I don’t want to go in the negative. I’m saying I can win and I’m concerned with the perception I’m hearing that says any of these five can win. I don’t agree with that.”

Political newcomer Pete Domenici Jr, who admitted to smoking marijuana and using cocaine in the 1970s and 1980's, also told 770KKOB radio talk show host Jim Villanucci on Tuesday that the 2010 general election is going to be "difficult" for any of the five Republican gubernatorial candidates to win.

In fact, Domenici, who considers himself a front runner in this June's primary, went further and said he might not be able to win the general election himself.

Today, Albuquerque Businessman Allen Weh, who is also running for Governor, sent us the audio and a news release stating that he is much more confident in the party's chances this Fall.

“In November, voters will be looking for a leader who can put New Mexicans back to work and get our economy moving in the right direction,” Weh said. “Unlike my opponent, I believe the next governor of New Mexico will be a Republican.”

The following is a transcript, provided by the Weh camp, from Wednesday’s radio interview:

Jim Villanucci: Are you the best person to win the general?

Pete Domenici Jr: The general is going to be an extremely difficult election. The perception out there that somehow any of the five candidates can and should win the general, I disagree with strongly.

Jim Villanucci: Who can't win?

Pete Domenici Jr: I don't know if I want to say particular names of who can't win.

Jim Villanucci: You obviously have a feeling on that. You said that not all of you can win, so somebody can't, and you think you can. So, who can't?

Pete Domenici Jr: Actually, I would even include myself in the group that can't.