GOP Survey shows Pearce with lead

Former Republican Congressman Steve Pearce, who has outraised freshman incumbent Rep. Harry Teague, in the last two quarters, is now touting polling data which shows him with a slight lead in this year's 2nd Congressional District race.

The Tarrance Group poll, commissioned by Pearce, surveyed 401 likely voters between February 16-18, shows Pearce with a 4 percent lead in the 2010 election -- clearly inside the poll's 4.9 percent margin of error.

However, the good news for Teague, according to National Journal's Hotline On Call blog, is that he continued to outperform the Democrat generic ballot, meaning that some voters who are turned off by the Democrat brand still feel some connection to the Southern New Mexico incumbent.

The bad news is that he's still way below 50%, and the rest of those votes will be hard to make up -- even in a district that has more Democrat voters registered.

Pearce is listed as a "Young Gun" on this NRCC list.

Pearce out raises Teague in fourth quarter

Updated with corrected numbers.

Republican 2nd Congressional District candidate Steve Pearce out raised Democratic incumbent Harry Teague once again in the fourth quarter of 2009, but Teague still leads in overall fundraising during the election cycle.

That’s according to fourth-quarter fundraising reports that have been filed with the Federal Election Commission.

Pearce raised $252,463 and spent $142,368.43 during the reporting period, according to his report. He ended 2009 with $569,607.37, and has raised $760,308.06 overall for his bid to unseat Teague.

During the fourth quarter, $45,750 of the money he raised came from political action committees.

Teague raised $157,119.81 during the reporting period – with $76,400 of it coming from PACs – plus he had another $29,800 transferred to his campaign account from other authorized committees, so his total receipts added up to $188,511.27. He spent $57,660.80, according to his report. To date in the election cycle, he’s raised $1.077 million, and he ended 2009 with $885,635.91 on hand.

The committee transfers noted in Teague's year end report reflects money raised during a joint fundraiser with Rep. Martin Heinrich, which included a trip to Albuquerque by Vice President Joe Biden.

Note: This report was updated to accurately report the committee transfer money.

DC Falls in Love with New Mexico Politicans

While freshman U.S. Representative Martin Heinrich is topping The Hill's 50 Most Beautiful People list two other New Mexican's have been selected as "Top Young Guns" by the NRCC.

Today in Washington, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) included two New Mexico Republicans— former Congressman Steve Pearce (CD2) and Albuquerque lawyer and businessman Jon Barela (CD1)—among the first 13 candidates in its New Young Guns program.

According to the NRCC, candidates included in the new program “must demonstrate a base of support, develop a media messaging plan for the race and show they are capable of raising enough money to get their message out.”

But they'll need silver bullets to unseat the freshman representatives in New Mexico's 1st and 2nd congressional districts in next year's congressional races.

Matt Reichbach over at NMFBIHOP reports:

Just four of the 24 Republican challengers in the NRCC's Young Guns program in 2008 successfully won office.

Pearce Announces Congressional Candidacy

Updated to include audio from telephone interview.

Former U.S. Representative Steve Pearce, who lost his bid to replace Sen. Pete Domenici last fall, wants his 2nd Congressional District Seat back. Today he announced he'll run for the Republican Party nomination and try to unseat first-term Representative Harry Teague.

Pearce wasn't expected to make a final decision until after July 20th, but made the decision to campaign over the 4th of July Holiday.

Pearce told 770KKOB News Director Pat Allen, in this telephone interview, that he considered running for Governor, "but at the end of the day most of the issues I've worked on are national."



Last week political blogger Joe Monahan said despite Teague's vote for the Cap and Trade bill it will be a tough battle for Pearce to regain his seat.

Even if Teague's energy vote does hurt him some with voters in the SE portion of the district, there is still a major problem with the GOP Teague death wish. It's called Dona Ana County.

From the campaign - news release .


Hobbs, NM -- For the past half year, I have stood by and hoped for the best for our state and country. I had hoped Harry Teague would look out for the hard working people of New Mexico.

Sadly while I hoped for the best, Harry Teague embraced a reckless set of policies that directly jeopardize our economy and threatens future generations.

He went to Washington and quickly voted for massive amounts of wasteful spending, loading up on pork barrel projects and radically increasing the size of government.

Now Harry Teague chose to vote for the job-killing cap and trade bill. If this bill becomes law, it will devastate jobs in New Mexico and further cripple the American economy.


Harry Teague’s cap and trade bill will:

* Hit families with as much as $1500 a year in higher energy costs.
* Destroy jobs in New Mexico’s energy sector.
*Will cost New Mexico over $200 million in higher electricity bills, but lower costs in California and New York.

Harry Teague put his allegiance to the liberal leadership of Nancy Pelosi ahead of the working families of New Mexico.

I can not let this happen to the people of New Mexico. So today, I am signing paperwork to run for the Second Congressional District. This district needs a Congressman who will fight for jobs for New Mexico families. Harry Teague won’t. I will.

Arnold-Jones Prepares to Announce 2010 Exploratory Committee for Governor

After giving former U.S. Representative Heather Wilson plenty of time to decide on a 2010 gubernatorial bid, Republican State Representative Janice Arnold-Jones' patience has apparently run out. Our sources tell us she's preparing paperwork for the Secretary of State's office, and plans to announce her own exploratory committee for governor in 2010 some time next week.

Arnold-Jones and Wilson reportedly met for lunch at the Cooperage, in Albuquerque on Thursday, to discuss their political plans, but after Wilson told Arnold-Jones she still hadn't made a final decision, the four-term representative decided to move forward next week.

The decision comes on the same day the Democratic Governor's Association released a poll which shows Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish with a 22 point lead over possible republican candidates Wilson and former U.S. Senate Candidate Steve Pearce.

Arnold-Jones, who has represented Albuquerque's North East heights in House District 24 would have to give up her seat if she won her party's nomination.

Arnold-Jones could be making the move now because two other republicans are already touring the state collecting commitments and money. Former Party Chairman Allen Weh announced his exploratory committee on May 5th, and Greg Zanetti has all but announced his candidacy.

She has a long legislative record, and earlier this year was the first legislator to webcast from the roundhouse during a Taxation and Revenue Committee meeting.

Arnold-Jones, who graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1970, attended a GOPAC meeting in Washington, D.C. last week and met with key Republican leaders to determine what level of support she will have at the RNC.

Political blogger Heath Haussamen hosted a non-scientific poll on his blog the last week of May. He asked readers to vote on who they would support in a Republican primary race for Governor. The results were split, but Arnold-Jones came in third with 12 percent of the votes.

Of 438 voters, 123, or 28 percent, said the GOP should nominate Allen Weh, while 120, or 27 percent, said the party should pick Heather Wilson. Some 54 voters, or 12 percent, picked Janice Arnold-Jones, while 46, or 11 percent, picked Steve Pearce. Another 45, or 10 percent, picked Greg Zanetti, while 42, or 10 percent, said the GOP should nominate “someone else,” and eight, or 2 percent, said they don’t know.

Arnold-Jones was criticized earlier this week by Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White, who lost his 1st congressional bid to Democrat Martin Heinrich last fall, for voting to repeal the death penalty.

Photo credit: MG Bralley

Stars of the 2008 Elections Recognized in New Mexico.

Democratic Party Chairman Brian Colon,
Bernalillo County Clerk Maggie Toulouse-Oliver,
and young voters,and bloggers like Matthew Reichbach
are celebrating election day success.

As you may have noticed, I didn't post anything on the day after the election. It took half a day to recover from my 18-hour shift on Tuesday.

In the meantime, I've been sorting thru audio and will post some great interviews with NM Attorney General Gary King, State Auditor Hector Balderas, Lt. Governor Diane Denish, and Analyst Joe Monahan in the next few days.

I'm preparing my thoughts and will be a panelist this week on KNME's New Mexico In Focus. The group will be discussing election results in New Mexico, the impact of race and the election of the country's first African American as president, possible cabinet/ambassador positions for key leaders in New Mexico, and what the election results mean for Obama. Will the big wins give Democrats the political clout they need to stir things up in Washington? Plus will update all the down ballot races, and discuss the relatively clean election in our state. Please plan to watch the show on Friday night at 7pm on channel 5.

I've also been thinking about the stars of the election. Certainly NM Democratic Party Chairman Brian Colon, who was nearly eaten alive after the problems with the Super Tuesday Caucus, deserves credit for huge election victories across the state. It appears the legislature will pick up three new Democratic senators, and perhaps four new Democratic Representatives. Colon gets our top star for the state going blue, from top to bottom. He also gets our Top Star for upgrading our credentials in Denver and promising us a ticket to the inauguration in Washington this January.

Maggie Toulouse-Oliver, and the NM State Senate, gets our props for their contribution to Election 2008. The vote count delay jinx has finally been lifted. New Mexico will not be the last state to count their votes. The legislature authorized county clerks to start counting absentee ballots five days early, and early voting machines the morning of the election. While some close races still require provisional ballots to be counted, the results were posted early. Toulouse-Oliver told me early in the cycle she wanted to run "free, fair and accurate" elections. She met those expectations and gets another one of our stars awarded to her.

We would be remiss for not awarding a triple gold star to freelance photographer Mark Bralley. He made our blog look great with current and fresh pictures. Heck he's responsible for this blog's creation. His encouragement and advice was both welcomed and cursed.

We also tip our hats to Joe Monahan. We, like thousands of others, read Joe's blog first thing every morning. He's the king of the hill, and was the first to understand the implications, downline, of six-term Senator Pete Domenici resignation. Joe's been like a big brother always willing to share advice, especially when trying to chase down answers to our questions from candidates unwilling to even take questions at their own news conferences.

We also want to award stars, to all those young energized voters, campaign staffers, volunteers and bloggers (like LP at NMFBIHOP, Barbara and Mary Ellen at Democracy for New Mexico, and the entire staff at the NM Independent) who worked so hard during the election. They also get one of our stars. UPDATED: Plus all the bloggers on my recommended links section to the right.

At the end of the election cycle, we also want to say "thank you" to all the candidates who gave us access, including Sen. John McCain, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin (albeit for :32 seconds), both U.S. Senate candidates, Tom Udall and Steve Pearce, all the congressional candidates, and each of their media handlers. We know most of you staffers will be leaving the state, seeking new jobs (on the Hill), and we just wanted to take this opportunity to say, what we heard so often during the campaign, "thank you...move along."

Tune back to our blog posts on Friday, and over the weekend, for great audio interviews, and make sure to watch KNME this weekend for my appearance with Gene, Marco, Jim, Margaret and David.


Photo Credits: MG Bralley

Uh Oh. Here we go again: Problems with Absentee Ballots.

Updated - Sunday 3:35pm

Steve Pearce's U.S. Senate campaign is upset and is calling for the removal of Michael Jimenez as the Director of Board of Elections in Dona Ana County.

Between 3,000 to 5,000 Dona Ana County voters who were supposed to have gotten their absentee ballots within 24 hours of making the request instead had them mailed to them at the last minute Friday night. Elections officials admitted to not observing state law when it came to getting the absentee ballots out in time. The problem was discovered when the wife of a candidate in Dona Ana County asked why some of their constituents had not gotten their absentee ballots yet, just days before the election.

"This is beyond unacceptable," said Congressman Steve Pearce. "Thousands of New Mexicans will not be able to vote as a result of this action. It should be investigated and those responsible must be held accountable."

"The director of the Bureau of Elections [Dona Ana County] should lose his job and we should install someone who can oversee this election fairly and competently," he added.

"None of it passes the smell test and New Mexicans are tired of it," said Pearce. "If they're not trying to install officials with serious conflicts of interest, they are doing what they can to suppress votes. It's shameful and there should be a broad investigation into these kinds of tactics."

Another Polly (the birdcage) Ad for Tom Udall

Congressman Tom Udall's Senate Campaign today released its second Polly ad, this one featuring Polly Bush Economics and highlighting Steve Pearces support for Bush's failed economic policies. The first Polly ad featured Polly Big Oil parroting Pearces talking points on Big Oils behalf.

U.S. SENATE DEBATE POLL

Who Won the U.S. Senate Debate Wednesday Night?
	TOM UDALL (D)
	STEVE PEARCE (R)
pollcode.com free polls

Senate candidates Republican Steve Pearce and Democrat Tom Udall sparred over their votes on the nation's financial troubles in their first debate in Albuquerque last night. Pearce criticized Udall for voting for a $200 billion bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, while Udall said Pearce failed to support expanded unemployment benefits and a new economic stimulus package. For debate analysis check out Joe Monahan here. And, KOB TV 4 has video highlights of the debate here.

Udall Reports Strong Fundraising Thru September

Congressman Tom Udall’s campaign for United States Senate today filed a finance report showing he raised almost $1.8 million from July 1 through September 30 and entered the final month of the campaign with nearly $2 million cash-on-hand. Udall, who has consistently raised more contributions than his opponent, garnered 75 percent of his contributions, or 6,255 individual donations, in amounts of $100 or less.

“Tom Udall’s commitment to always do what’s right for New Mexico and our nation resonates strongly throughout our state thanks to his broad base of supporters,” said Udall Campaign Manager Amanda Cooper. “Their consistent and generous support has ensured that Tom Udall will finish this campaign strongly and continue fighting to make our economy work for the middle class again, to create new, renewable energy jobs of the future here at home and take care of our veterans when they come home.”

Throughout the campaign, Udall has maintained a steady effort to win supporters in every region of New Mexico. He has held a strong statewide advertising presence, already rotating 13 TV ads and debuting 15 regionally focused radio ads today. Udall has helped open over 11 offices statewide where volunteers and supporters invest countless hours, including going door-to-door on his behalf.

"At a time when our nation faces very significant challenges during a period of great economic uncertainty, Tom Udall has the judgment and integrity to do what’s right for the people of New Mexico. In the Senate, we can count on Tom to always stand up for our best interests,” concluded Cooper.

In previous reporting periods during the primary election, Udall outraised both of his potential GOP opponents combined and has outraised his opponent, Steve Pearce in the general election contest.

Photo Credit: MG Bralley

STEVE PEARCE ACCUSED OF FLIP FLOPPING!

UPDATE - 5:14PM NBC has cancelled the Udall - Pearce Debate on Sunday to focus on the economic crisis. Heath Haussaman has the details here.

This afternoon, Democrats are responding to U.S. Senate candidate Steve Pearce's full page ad in the Los Alamos Monitor today, and an afternoon news conference, attacking Tom Udall's congressional voting record.

Pearce has accused Udall of supporting a $400 million dollar budget cut at the Los Alamos National Labs, but Democratic staffers are upset. They say Pearce "has conveniently forgotten his dismal record of voting against Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories.

Dems say Pearce has continually voted against funding "for the very labs he now wants to protect."

They claim Pearce voted four times "to cripple the Department of Energy Budget."

Pearce's primary opponent, Rep. Heather Wilson, also made Pearce's record an issue, telling supporters that Pearce voted to cut $1.3 billion from DOE.

Wilson says it was "an 8 percent cut in the operating budget for a department that ensures the nuclear weapons stockpile is safe, secure and reliable."

During her unsuccessful bid, Wilson also told the Los Alamos Monitor "that just doesn't make any sense ... New Mexico needs a senator who will fight for the contributions the national labs and bases make to the nation's security ... The work you do here is too critical to our country."

Pearce To Hold "Urgent" News Conference on LANL and Economy

Steve Pearce place a full page ad in the Los Alamos Monitor today. His staff says the strategic media buy is aimed at reminding voters of cuts in LANL's budget.

In June of 2007 a House Appropriations Committee cut more than $400 million out of the budget of Los Alamos National Laboratory. Tom Udall supported the cuts and Steve Pearce opposed them. Today, Tom Udall wants New Mexico voters to forget that he supported the cut to roughly 40% of the entire budget and put thousands of jobs at risk in the region. But they haven't forgotten and neither has Steve Pearce.

Pearce told voters that Udall's budet cuts that could have irreparably damaged northern New Mexico's economy and made the world less safe:

Tom Udall voted to cut Los Alamos National Laboratory by $400 million," states the ad. "That means jobs lost, real estate values in decline, a falling standard of living for Espanola, Santa Fe and Los Alamos and America's strategic nuclear deterrent put in jeopardy.

Click here to see the ad

Before traveling to Farmington on Thursday (today), Pearce campaign staff notified us he's holding an urgent press availability at 7-Bar Aviation in Albuquerque at 1:45 pm to discuss the ad and set the record straight on which candidate is truly fighting for LANL's future.

Pearce, who sits on the House Financial Services Committee, said he would also discuss the financial crisis with reporters.

Photo credit: MG Bralley

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

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Ed Tinsley

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

Download this show

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Ben Ray Lujan

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

Download this show

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Dan East

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

Download this show

---

Carol Miller

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

Download this show

Senate Passes Sweetened $700B Bailout. Will Udall & Pearce Reconsider Earlier Votes?

Tom Udall, Photo by MG Bralley
A bailout for the financial industry has cleared the Senate. Now its backers, including Pete Domenici, hope Representatives, including Tom Udall and Steve Pearce, get it passed in the House by Friday.

770KKOB News Director Pat Allen talked to Rep. Tom Udall ahead of the Senate vote. Udalls says there has to be protection for taxpayers and he'll vote for a measure that fixes the root causes of the economic crisis including more upping FDIC insurance to $250,000 for each bank account.



After the bill passed, U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman released this statement:

My decision to vote for this plan is not to say that it represents what I see as the ideal solution. In particular, we should be doing more for Americans who are struggling to keep their homes.

We cannot afford to sit by idly and let this economic crisis take a further toll on the economy. But we also must be realistic about the limitations of this legislation: It is a band-aid intended to stop the bleeding. It will not address the inadequate regulatory framework that enabled this crisis, and Congress must commit to enacting comprehensive reforms that will ensure we never again find ourselves in such a precarious position.

Before the vote, Domenici’s office announced his mental health parity legislation had been added to the bailout bill.

It “was a decision made by the leadership, in consultation with other senators,” Domenici spokesman Chris Gallegos said, adding that, “Domenici supports the Senate package to be voted on today.”

Gallegos said the adding of the mental health legislation doesn’t mean a lot of extras are being slipped into the financial bailout bill. He said the legislation that will be voted on tonight includes the economic bailout proposal, a range of tax relief proposals and the mental health parity legislation.

In the final vote, 40 Democrats, 33 Republicans and independent Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut voted "yes." Nine Democrats, 15 Republicans and independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont voted "no." Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama cast "aye" votes.

The rescue package would allow the government to spend billions of dollars to buy bad mortgage-related securities and other devalued assets held by troubled financial institutions.

The legislation has extra tax breaks and other sweeteners for holdouts in the House. Even as the Senate voted, House leaders were hunting for the 12 votes they would need to turn around Monday's defeat.

CREWS Claims Proven False by House Ethics Committee

UPDATE:

Staffers working on Steve Pearce's U.S. Senate campaign are responding to the allegations made Wednesday by the Center for Responsible Ethics In Washington. We reviewed the report and agree that CREW should replace the R in their name to R-I-D-I-C-U-L-O-U-S instead of Responsible. The center's claims have proven false and are only being used now to stop the gains Pearce is making in his U.S. Senate race against Democrat Tom Udall.

The allegations by CREW were proven demonstrably false last year. We have letters from both the House Ethics Committee and the BLM clearing us of those baseless allegations.

It's clear CREW is out of step and making partisan reports to undermine the campaign of Republicans who are all gaining momentum.

See for your self here!

Steve Pearce Endorsed by National Veterans Group.

The Chairman of the National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition was proud to endorse Steve Pearce for U.S. Senate this month, noting the congressman's dedication to veterans, the war in Iraq and national security.

Chairman John J. Molloy, who like Pearce is a Vietnam War veteran, said the coalition chooses to endorse candidates who have a record of supporting veterans and members of the armed forces, securing our nation's borders, preventing illegal immigration and achieving energy independence.

"We're very satisfied with what he has done," Molloy said. "These are American issues and not Republican or Democrat issues."

Molloy said the coalition also based its endorsements upon the ratings given by the Center For Security Policy. The CSP's 2005 - 2006 National Security Scorecard rated Steve Pearce 88 points out of 100 based upon his voting record of supporting national security issues. In contrast Tom Udall was give a 12 point rating.

Molloy, who is also a survivor of the Sept. 11, 2001 and Feb. 26, 1993 attacks on the World Trade Center, said now more than ever America needs those who are willing to stand up and do what is right to keep the nation safe and secure. On 9/11 Molloy's firm was located in Tower Two and he lost 95 friends and co-workers during the attacks.

'This is what we are all trying to do, we're all trying to protect our country," he said.

In response Steve Pearce said "Securing of our nation is something that every veteran feels they can never stop doing, even when the war is over.

"Receiving this endorsement from my brothers and sisters-in-arms is a privilege that I will never take for granted. They will always have my support."

The coalition represents more than 80 veterans organizations and veterans advocacy groups, made up of about 250,000 veterans and their family members totaling more than 2 million voters nationwide.

STEVE PEARCE ON CREW's LIST!

This story was updated here.

For the second year in a row, the ethics watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) has named Congressman and United States Senate candidate Steve Pearce as one of the 20 most corrupt members of Congress. CREW's 4th annual report, released today, said Pearce's inclusion on the list is a result of his "trading legislative assistance for campaign contributions," among other questionable ethics violations.

"CREW's report confirms that Steve Pearce is and always has been in Big Oil's pocket," said Democratic Party of New Mexico Executive Director Josh Geise. "As a Congressman Steve Pearce has consistently put the interests of Big Oil companies ahead of those of average New Mexicans, and as a Senator there's no reason to think he would act any differently."

Steve Pearce has been an unabashed advocate for opening Otero Mesa to more drilling while at the same time taking tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from some of Otero Mesa's largest lease holders, according to the report.



Read the full report here .

Melanie Sloan, executive director of CREW, said today, "With soaring gas prices, a housing market in crisis, rising unemployment, and a nation at war, elected officials should be prioritizing their constituents' needs over their own self-interests. Unfortunately, the members of Congress listed in CREW's Most Corrupt report have decided that their personal needs are paramount to those they represent. This report holds them accountable for those choices."

Meanwhile the State Democratic Party of New Mexico says a lobbyist who use to work for The National Restaurant Association, while congressional candidate Ed Tinsley, was the president of the group.

The National Restaurant Association contributed more than $120,000 to 9 politicians under investigation or indicted for corruption. At least one of these contributions was given after one of these politicians was under investigation and while Tinsley served a Chairman of the association.

"If Ed Tinsley felt comfortable knowingly giving political contributions to corrupt elected officials, it makes you wonder what kind of ethical standards this Washington lobbyist would have if elected to Congress," said Josh Geise, Executive Director of the Democratic Party of New Mexico. "It's time for the people of Southern New Mexico to have a Congressman that represents them, not the special interests."

For at least part of that time, he served as the Vice-Chair of the National Restaurant Association Political Action Committee and the Chairman of the association. From 1998-2008 the PAC disbursed contributions to Congressman Tom Delay, Congressman Bob Ney, Congressman Don Young and Senator Conrad Burns - all indicted or convicted in connection to the Jack Abramoff scandal. The PAC also gave to Congressman Rick Renzi, Congressman "Duke" Cunningham, Congressman John Doolittle, Congressman Ken Calvert and Senator Ted Stevens - all convicted, indicted or under investigation for bribery, corrupt land deals or other crimes.

The Restraunant Association also made a contribution to Tom Delay on February 13, 2006, after he had been indicted by a grand jury in Texas in 2005 for violating campaign finance laws and after he gave up his position as Majority Leader in January of 2006. At that time, Tinsley was heavily involved with the National Restaurant Association - he had already testified before Congress on their behalf on at least two occasions and from 2004 to 2005 he served at the Treasurer of the organization.

Photo credit: MG Bralley

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

U.S. Senate Candidate Steve Pearce Back on the Trail, or at least on the Parade Route!

Governor Bill Richardson loves the NM State Fair. Heck he set a world record, shaking hands, there several years ago.

This morning, a slew of 2008 candidates shook a few hands themselves before and after the 70th Annual State Fair Parade that ran East bound on Central, between Louisiana and Eubank.

We just talked with Steve Pearce after he finished waving to his supporters along the parade route. He tells us he that he used to show his pigs at the fair. Today he plans to visit the livestock auctions. He doesn't know what he'll bid on yet. Pearce warned us the auctions get expensive real quick.

Pearce, who's father died last weekend, says he'll attend the McCain-Palin rally tonight at the ABQ Convention center. He says the Alaska Governor was a good pick. He believes she has the vision and courage to be a great new leader from outside Washington.

Photo Credit: MG Bralley

U.S. Chamber Endorses Steve Pearce for Senate

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today announced its endorsement Congressman Steve Pearce for Senate in New Mexico, praising his record of supporting the state’s businesses and workers.

"In the Senate, Steve Pearce will continue to be a champion for the people of New Mexico and an invaluable leader on important business issues," said Bill Miller, the U.S. Chamber's senior vice president and political director. "If elected, Pearce will continue to look out for businesses of all sizes."

A strong proponent of fiscal responsibility, Congressman Pearce helped spur business growth and job creation in the region by advocating for tax reform and energy exploration.

"On issues ranging from lowering taxes to reducing energy costs, New Mexico’s businesses and workers have no better friend in Washington than Steve Pearce," said Miller.

The U.S. Chamber plans to play a big role in the upcoming national elections, endorsing candidates who have demonstrated support for business priorities and will work to advance a pro-growth agenda in Congress. In 2006, 222 of the 277 Chamber endorsed candidates were elected.

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