Super Saturday: 100 Days Until The Election

It's a Super Saturday for campaigns statewide. Both Republicans and Democrats are working the phones and canvassing the streets mobilizing volunteers and trying to convince undecided voters.

Republican Party Executive Director and Communications Deputy Scott Darnell spoke with us at noon. He says he's excited that 60 volunteers from Arizona are spending the weekend working here.

BREAKING NEWS

In one of his final AUDIO INTERVIEWS, before he heads to Harvard University and the John F. Kenney School of Government, to earn a masters degree in public policy, Darnell (after months of urging by yours truly) finally admits (on tape) that he'll definitely be jumping on the New England Patriots bandwagon. Darnell also says he believes the outcome of many elections hinges on independent voters.

Of course you'll get one more chance to see Darnell on The Line, with Gene Grant, Jim Scarantino and Margaret Montoya, which is airs on the KNME's public affairs program New Mexico InFocus. I was honored to be included on the panel for Scott's last show which was taped on Thursday. Darnell's final segment airs on KNME on Friday, August 1st at 7pm.

Darnell Photo credit: MG Bralley

NM Dems Closing the "God Gap" - Part Deux

For years Republicans appealed to people of faith with their Moral Majority and faith-based programs. President Bush even promised to be a compassionate conservative.

Now Democrats want to broaden their appeal to churches and Christian groups.

770 KKOB's Morning Show Host Bob Clark talked with me about Clyburn's visit and the impact it may have on this fall's election.

Listen to AUDIO from the segment here.

Like President Carter, who promised "Never To Lie," Democrats say they "walk the walk, not just talk the talk." They believe their moral convictions are more in tune with the beliefs of Christians, especially regarding important issues on poverty, health care, the environment and the war.

Last week God's House church, in Albuquerque, hosted a prayer breakfast for Martin Heinrich. The keynote speaker was U.S. House Majority Whip James Clyburn.

You can read about the origins of the God Gap in this 2007 Time Magazine article.

From Publisher's Weekly:
Senior Time editor Amy Sullivan says trying to understand American politics without looking at religion would be like trying to understand the politics of the Middle East without paying attention to oil. Her fresh look at the God gap reveals the chasm's depths and offers a bridge across. Sullivan, an evangelical, discusses party process as the Catholic and white evangelical vote for Democrats declined sharply in the 1980s. The story of this shift is as fascinating as it is timely. Starting in the 1960s, she traces the Second Vatican Council's impact on Catholics and the rise of Jerry Falwell's Moral Majority, and the effects of these changes upon politics. Sullivan focuses with special sharpness on John Kerry, a case study in how to mishandle religion during a political race and challenges the conventional wisdom that the right was religious and the left wanted religion scrubbed from the public square. Evangelical and political conservatives may be related, but they are not synonymous, says Sullivan; Clinton, after all, is a genuine Southern evangelical. Sullivan's account argues persuasively and optimistically that politically liberal and theologically orthodox evangelicals can be brought back to the Democratic Party.

Heinrich Blames Bush for Job Losses in New Mexico

On Friday, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the unemployment rate in New Mexico just went up for the third straight month. In fact, 1000 jobs were lost in June alone.

We caught up with Congressional Candidate Martin Heinrich (D) and U.S. House Majority Whip James Clyburn at a Faith & Politics prayer breakfast at God’s House Church.

Heinrich blames the job losses on the current administration. He says George Bush's economic policies are responsible for the failing economic conditions.

Heinrich told us in this AUDIO INTERVIEW that he wants to get serious about developing the energy economy because he believes jobs in the solar power industry, like the one's at Mesa Del Sol's Schott Solar, will create new jobs for New Mexicans. He also says if elected he’ll look at trade policies.

Speaking of energy, I asked him where he gets his energy for the long days of campaigning, and he told me his kids are an incredible source of renewable energy.

Heinrich’s guest at the breakfast was Congressman James Clyburn -South Carolina (D). Clyburn said he's "committed to engaging the faith community in an effort to establish a broad coalition to address issues in New Mexico."

Clyburn also told us in this AUDIO INTERVIEW that President George Bush’s compassionate conservatism and faith based programs didn’t work.

Clyburn says progressives don’t want to just show compassion, they want to demonstrate it with their works.

The senior congressman said he’s concerned about the loss of jobs here, and nationwide. He says he wants to expand his innovative STEM program, look at ways to stimulate job creation, and he says the country can’t drill its way out of the current energy crisis.

The powerful former Black Congressional Caucus Chairman, says a permit has been granted to Duke Power, in his home state of South Carolina, to construct a new nuclear power plant. It will be the first in 40 years. He believes New Mexico residents are nuclear tolerant and should consider a power plant in its energy mix.

NM Politics Writer Heath Haussamen reports on State Auditor Hector Baldera's reaction to the unemployment numbers on his blog, NM Politics.Net Balderas touted Barack Obama's economic plan on Friday morning.

White Takes Aim at High Gas Prices.

Escalating gas prices have candidates in both parties proposing their own long- term energy plans. Republican Congressional Candidate Darren White says he agrees alternative solutions need to be well funded and developed, so America can ween itself off foreign oil, but he says we need a short term plan today.

White told us in this AUDIO INTERVIEW that the country, which uses two million barrels a day, needs to end its addiction to oil.

"Washington has failed us again," White said. "While working families have been forced to make tough choices, filling up the gas tank or cutting back at the grocery store, politicians, of both parties, are failing to solve the problem."

On Wednesday afternoon, White unveiled seven energy provisions he's backing.

Criticizing his own party, White said, "We can't adopt the partisan Republican version that resists all regulation of oil companies and speculators and doesn't invest in alternative sources." White also said, "Now is not the time for partisanship or extreme ideology. Now is the time to do what is right."

He says his plan's provisions will ease "the pain at the pump that New Mexicans are facing everyday."

Last week Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich talked to us about the impact of rising gas prices. Udall's told us here that "the country can't drill it's way out of the problem," and Martin Heinrich told us here he'd like to see an Apollo-type program initiated to alternative sources to reduce the country's energy dependence."

Supporters, and driver's filling up their tanks, were encouraged to sign their names to a "Its Gas Prices Stupid!" banner that will be sent to Congress. White hopes it reminds Washington lawmakers that price is the number one issue on their minds. The campaign's website also has an online petition for New Mexicans to sign here.

Key provisions in the first-time Federal candidate's energy program include finding the next generation of energy sources, expanding the use of clean energy sources, including nuclear power, increasing the production of American-made energy, brining modern oil refineries on line to increase supply, encouraging conservation, and increasing fuel efficiency standards.

Meanwhile,

White took a few extra moment's to tell us in this AUDIO INTERVIEW that he hasn't seen the civil rights violation lawsuit by retired four-time Indy 500 Car Winner Al Unser Sr in which he's named as a defendent.

White, in the AUDIO INTERVIEW, agreed there were missteps made in the UNM Lobo Coach Steve Alford fund raiser invitation for last night's event. White says his campaign has cleared the matter up...

Photos Courtesy of White Campaign

McCain: I Will Inspire A Generation

Arizona Senator John McCain spent a little more than 71 minutes talking with 475 guests at his Town Hall Meeting in Albuquerque.

Here's a link to the full AUDIO transcript.

Before the Town Hall meeting, the all but certain nominee, hosted a breakfast round table for local leaders and minority business owners at the Barelas Coffee Shop.

Before the breakfast I spoke with 9-year-old Zeke Gonzales about why he's supporting McCain.

You have to listen to Zeke articulate his views on the 2008 Presidential race in this STORY.

McCain talked about the war, national security, gas prices, offshore drilling, the economy, and Los Alamos Lab's key role in the his Lexington Project, affordable college tuition. taxes, small business, health care, the GI and Farm Bill, Earmarks, Supreme Court decisions and choices, border security, and the differences he has with Sen. Barack Obama.

He also told the crowd what he's looking for in a running mate and introduced U.S. Senate Candidate Steve Pearce, who spoke for less than a minute.

Photo: MG Bralley

No Speeches. No Soundbites. Just Straight Talk!

Sometimes reporter’s head to work knowing there’s going to be a great story ahead of them that day. I knew today was going to be special. Last Friday, after morning reporting chores, and a few beat calls, I received a call from my boss, 770KKOB News Director Pat Allen. He said Sen. John McCain’s campaign staff had invited one representative from the station to ride with the candidate from the airport to the Hilton hotel on the infamous Straight Talk Express.

After a weekend of studying every national issue, I arrived at Cutter Aviation south of the Sunport just before 3pm. Two hours later McCain’s charter jet arrived during a light rainfall. After we settled into the back of the bus, McCain told me he brought the rain with him. Jeff Jones at the ABQ Journal suggested it might translate into some votes.

Here’s the AUDIO of our 24-minute interview.

On Tuesday we'll have more audio from a special trip with the McCain campaign and sound from the sold out Town Hall meeting so check back with us here.

During the ride to his hotel, Senator McCain told the group of five invited journalist he thinks voters in New Mexico will support him this fall.

“We’re neighboring states,” the Arizona Senator said. “I understand the issues and the challenges. Senator Barack Obama has no experience and no judgment on these issues.”

McCain told me he’d like to have Barack Obama accept an invitation to have joint Town Hall Meetings similar to the one he’s hosting at the Hotel Albuquerque on Tuesday morning.

With 17 percent of New Mexico living below the poverty line I asked him what he’d do for rural New Mexicans who have been hit hard with job layoffs and gas prices.

“Jobs, Jobs, Jobs,” McCain confidently replied. “I also think they deserve a Gasoline Tax Holiday.”

McCain also talked about the estate tax and says he plans to extend President Bush's tax cuts, which would keep the top tax rate for long-term capital gains at 15 percent for most people. The cuts are set to expire at the end of 2010. More in the Seattle Times.

“If you want someone to raise your taxes, I'm not your candidate,” chuckled McCain.

The 72-year old politician also told us, on our short trip north on I-25, that energy independence needs to be a national mission. He says he’ll expand the national labs, including Sandia and Los Alamos, mission. He says he’ll invest in them for pure research and development.

“There’s a lot of talent out there. We need to invest in it,” McCain noted.

The candidate also says gas prices will drop when the country announces it will start drilling off our shores. Earlier in the day President George Bush dropped the ban on drilling. Perhaps McCain’s theory will be tested soon.

McCain says Americans send 700 Billion to countries that “don't like us very much." He say, "it’s a complete transfer of wealth."

McCain told us near the end of the interview that he believes New Mexico will be a battleground state, and that his record and knowledge of border state issues should help him win the five electoral votes up for grabs here.

McCain differentiated himself from Barack Obama with a list of policy and issue difference.

McCain say's he’s Pro-Life and "Obama favors partial birth abortions" which he says Hispanic families don't agree with. He also says his support of small businesses, and the military should carry him to the White House.

He also says he’s a Federalist and supports New Mexico’s right to create a medical Marijuana program despite his belief that it’s a gateway drug. Yet in his home doctors are not prescribing Marijuana due a the Supreme Court ruling citing a federal ban. Currently, 12 states have legalized Medical Marijuana use, according to NORMAL, the National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws. They include: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.

McCain who flew to Albuquerque from a the National La Raza Convention in San Diego, told us “Americans want the border secured first, but he believes a comprehensive immigration reform bill can be passed soon. He say’s the country needs to rely on governors like Bill Richardson to secure the border. McCain believes the Federal Government needs to provide more high tech equipment to assist Border Control Guards.

McCain also says while he stayed out of the primary he was looking forward to visiting with Rep. Heather Wilson at a private fundraising dinner.

“I admire her very much, even if she did go to the Air Force Academy,” said the Naval Veteran.

McCain says he thinks this week’s New Yorker was tasteless and offensive. See it here.

And he says Sen. Obama’s weekend Op-ed in the New York Times doesn"t match his record in the Senate.

“He opposed the surge,” McCain says of Obama. “Now he's saying we have to access the situation. He's refused to acknowledge the surge has worked. He's been to Iraq once and never asked for a meeting with General Petraus. How does he know if the surge worked or not if he hasn't talked to the commander. I'll be glad to see what he says after his visit to Iraq.”

To learn more about what McCain said about preserving New Mexico's "pristine wilderness" visit Heath Haussamen's blog.

Local photos: MG Bralley

UDALL: Middle Class Getting Hammered by High Gas Prices

Senate Candidate Tom Udall Hosts a Round Table

on High Gas Prices

Our lives are busy and everyone's on the move. But, going to work, running errands, and taking the kids to their little league games is getting expensive. The price of gas is now more than $4 a gallon, up 22 percent in a year. Everyone is feeling the pain at the pump.

U.S Senate Candidate Tom Udall got an earful from some of his constituents who are feeling the pain on Friday. Udall hosted a round-table discussion in Albuquerque at the Ever-Ready Oil Company.

Udall says "voters see record prices and record profits, and he's says they're upset."

In the short term, Udall doesn't believe there are any easy answers and "no silver bullets." Udall wants a comprehensive energy plan because the country, he says "can't drill it's way out of the problem."

Udall recommend new, clean, refineries be brought on line. He says New Mexico is doing it's part because it's one of ten state's that export energy, but he'd like to see the state take the lead in solar energy development.

Both candidates for president and all the local candidates in New Mexico know the price of gas is going to weigh heavily on voter's minds this fall when they head to the polls.

During lunch in the ERO parking lot, Udall met with eight voters at a round-table on gas prices. Udall told the group he wanted to listen to different perspectives. He heard from the owner of Ever-Ready Oil company, full time mom and real estate appraiser Jennifer Gonzales, commuter Dorthy Cole, Meals on Wheels Volunteer Gloria Hawk, President of NM State Assn of Letter Carrier Richard "Smiley" Martinez, Branch 989 Letter Carrier President Susie Romero, and Teacher's Union Political Director Sarah Adleson.

Each of them shared stories of pain at the pump. Everyone understands there is no short-term solution, but each said they don't understand the cause for the steep increases.

Gonzales, who has two young children, says she doesn't want her kids to sacrifice their activities, but told Udall she can't keep running laps around the city.

Meals on Wheels Hawk is concerned about the 12 percent increase in food costs. She said the program may lose volunteers, who have remained loyal, once gas climbs over $4.

The group's letter carriers shocked the crowd when they reported each penny increase in gas costs the U.S. government $8 million dollars. Smiley said the post office can't raise postage without an "act of congress," so it isn't hiring people and routes are being split.

Romero told Udall the postal service simply can't absorb the increasing gas prices and her mail is often delivered late because of the route splits.

Adelson says the teacher's union is concerned about keeping school buses running during the school year.

Udall told reporters in this AUDIO PRESS CONFERENCE that "middle class families are getting hammered" by high gas prices and said John McCain's Gas Tax Holiday is a gimmick that will only save an average driver one tank of gas. Udall said, "that's not the kind of relief they're looking for."


He said New Mexico should prepare to become the Saudia Arabia of Solar. He says Germany is already taking the lead. He recognized France gets 80 percent of their energy from nuclear power and blamed industry in the U.S. for not building more power plants. He told reporters speculation needs to be curbed and price gouging investigated by congress.

When pressed about hedge-fund investing Udall said, "I don’t have a problem with capitalism. What I have a problem with is the people who are getting in to the market, and driving up the price, and in many instances don’t belong in the market. The Airlines are in the market because they’re buying gasoline. That’s a legitimate example. These speculators that are in the market with paper dollars. I don’t think it’s the proper kind of speculation."

Udall claimed at least $1 a gallon of gas, or a third of the cost of a barrel, is based purely on speculators.

U.S. Senate Candidate Steve Pearce, in this INTERVIEW with Eye Witness News 4, agrees the American economy, is based on affordable gas, but says speculators are only acting on human behavior. He's concerned if congress says no to new drilling prices will be driven up even higher.

Photo credits: MG Bralley - Visit his blog and read his "Big Bad Wolf" story, and view even more amazing photos shot around UNM's campus.

AG: E.P.A. Putting Cart Before Horse in Desert Rock Permitting

Attorney General Gary King

The Attorney General's Office and the New Mexico Environment Department today filed a joint motion to intervene in a federal lawsuit between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and proponents of the proposed Desert Rock power plant on Navajo Nation trust land in the Four Corners area.

"New Mexico can not afford to sit idly by as attempts are being made to skirt the legal requirements for a new coal-fired power plant to be built in the state," says Attorney General Gary King.

The EPA indicated it will issue a decision on the plant's air permit by July 31 as part of a proposed settlement of a lawsuit Desert Rock developers brought against the agency for delaying action on the Clean Air Act permit for the plant. New Mexico seeks to intervene because the July 31 deadline would mean that the EPA would act on the permit before it completes important and obligatory environmental reviews.

For example, if the EPA acts by July 31, it would do so in violation of the Endangered Species Act. That Act unequivocally requires that any EPA decision on a Desert Rock permit be guided by a completed formal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the impacts of Desert Rock on endangered species. That formal consultation—which takes several months—has not even begun.

An unidentified protestor, photographed by Mark Bralley, listens to testimony during a NM House committee meeting in Santa Fe during at the State Capitol on February 28, 2007.

"This permitting process is truly putting the cart before the horse. We believe there a number of regulatory issues that need to be addressed by the EPA before it can make a decision on this permit," says Attorney General King.

Sonny Weahkee has protested the plant on the Navajo Nation. He is Laurie's Weahkee's brother; both Weahkees are organizers at SAGE Council, a grassroots organizing group. Laurie Weahkee is also a Super Delegate to the Democratic Convention in Denver.

State Environment Department experts have been working closely with AG's Office attorneys to formulate an action plan to identify and address environmental and legal concerns presented by the proposed power plant. Both agencies agree that important environmental issues have yet to be addressed by the EPA in the Desert Rock permitting process. New Mexico therefore must have a seat at the table in this litigation to ensure that the EPA's permitting process includes adequate protection of the environment and the health of citizens of New Mexico.

"The effects on fish and other wildlife under the Endangered Species Act must be considered; carbon dioxide pollutant levels must be determined; compliance with new federal standards for ozone pollution must be met; and the maximum achievable control technology (MACT) standards for hazardous air pollutants have yet to be addressed by the EPA."

In a letter last month to the EPA, AG King and Governor Bill Richardson warned that fast-tracking the permit for Desert Rock without the required analysis could worsen air quality and adversely affect the health of those in the region.

Photo Credits: MG Bralley

Heinrich All Smiles After New Poll Shows Him Surging.

Martin Heinrich appeared relaxed and confident as he greeted me with a smile and a handshake Wednesday afternoon. I soon learned why he was so cheerful during this lunchtime AUDIO INTERVIEW at his campaign headquarters.

Greenburg Quinlan Rosner Research, a Washington-based group, also used by Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish’s gubernatorial campaign, published their polling results showing Heinrich surging.

The poll shows Heinrich leading Republican candidate Darren White by three percentage points, 47-44, well within the 4.4 percentage points margin of error. The findings are based on a survey of 518 voters and was conducted June 29^th to July 2^nd. If accurate, Heinrich’s small lead is remarkable! Last fall a Washington, D.C. Newspaper labeled White as “untouchable” when a poll by Roll Call showed White with a 17 percentage point lead, 51-33.

Already a leading fundraiser on Act Blue Heinrich hopes to parlay the latest poll results into additional donations for his campaign’s war chest. He told me he spent more than $850,000 in the primary and expects to spend double that this fall.

Barbara Wold at Democracy for New Mexico reported that “Heinrich actually raised almost $100,000 in the campaign's one-and-a-half week end of quarter push that started with a $35,000 goal -- showing the strong support he's getting from the grassroots-netroots. Since his campaign fundraising began on ActBlue's website, supporters have donated a total of $305,781 to Heinrich there.

Wold writes:

Heinrich will need every penny as the general election cycle heats up. Heinrich's opponent, Darren White, has already received about $300,000 from a George Bush fundraiser in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, and another sizeable take at this past weekend's fundraiser hosted by outgoing NM-01 Rep. Heather Wilson. Because this is one of the premier races in the nation and the GOP would love to hang onto the seat, expect money to gush in from all the usual Republican suspects.

This weekend, Heinrich is one of a few dozen candidates who has been invited to attend the 2008 Speaker's Issues Conference hosted by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Northern California. Barbara Armijo at the NM Independent reports the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is organizing the conference. Many Democratic heavy hitters are expected to participate.

During his brief AUDIO INTERVIEW, Heinrich told me he’s passionate about the issues and that his experience on the Albuquerque City Council taught him how to work with people he disagrees with to reach bi-partisan solutions.

Photo Credits: MG Bralley

County Clerk Pledges Free, Fair and Accurate Elections During Fall Vote!

Political analysts predict high voter turnout at the polls this fall, so we decided to talk with Bernalillo County Clerk Maggie Toulouse Oliver about what she’s doing to prepare her office for the general election November 4^th.

We caught up with her on the campaign trail. In this AUDIO INTERVIEW she said her job takes priority over her campaign.

Toulouse-Oliver was appointed by Bernalillo County Commissioners in 2007 to fill the unexpired term of Mary Herrera after she was elected New Mexico Secretary of State. Prior to her appointment, Toulouse Oliver worked for more than a decade as a campaign consultant and political activist.

“Democracy is the cornerstone of our society,” said Toulouse-Oliver. “I personally think I have not only the skills and background, but the personal commitment to ensuring free, fair and accurate elections.”

A Democrat, Toulouse-Oliver collected almost 70 percent of the primary vote and easily defeated Ambrose Chavez. She’ll face Republican Richard Lloyd Abraham in the general election.

“I’m raising money, and I’m getting out to events, and talking to people about what I want to do with the office,” said Toulouse-Oliver as she raised money at a small house party/fundraiser.

The clerk says she has three goals for Election 08

1. Ensure efficient elections with technology and revamped phone systems.
2. Recruit, and train 2,300 paid poll workers.
3. Improve voter education by letting them know in advance where they vote.

Toulouse-Oliver says she has a good relationship with the Secretary of State and has renewed confidence in electronic voting machines after reviewing results from a Pew Center funded “Making Voting Work” audit.

The clerk says recommendations from the study, with UNM, have been reviewed and the actual audit results and analysis will be made public in a few weeks.

“According to state law a machine's accuracy needs to be found with 1.5 percentage points, so if the machine count to hand count is within that margin it’s considered to be an accurate machine,” Toulouse said. “If it’s not some sort of corrective action has to be taken.”

The clerk tells us she understands the audit’s results show all the results are within that margin of error.

Some 25 percent of the 2006 votes cast in two statewide offices, Governor and State Land Commission, were audited. Only 2 percent of the vote will have to be audited after the 2008 election.

“We learned a lot and shared the results with the Secretary of State.”

The clerk will be busy because in the first six months of 2008 there have been a little more 52,000 new voter registration filed statewide. Democrats lead with 27,207 registrations, while 12,926 registered as Republicans and 11,805 registered independent of any political party. Several hundred more registered as members of other political parties.

“I’m going to be out this summer visiting neighborhood associations, and civic organization meetings, all over the place trying to recruit poll workers,” said Toulouse-Oliver. “I’m also meeting with a variety of stakeholder groups to ensure they are getting their people and parties, union organizations, and other activist groups who care about elections and the outcomes of elections.”

Toulouse-Oliver says if you don’t mind working a long shift you should consider volunteering. Election poll workers are compensated for their time, but need to be patient working with the public. More information about being a poll worker is posted on the Bernalillo County Clerk's website here.

The clerk says she’ll take advantage of a new state law and begin counting absentee vote five days before the actual election

“Our ability to do that will improve our ability to get the results up swiftly,” said Toulouse-Oliver.

In past elections counting provisional and absentee ballots led to long delays in posting election results.

We’re confident with her leadership skills, voter education program, and technical planning the general election should go without a hitch. At least we can hope for a miracle.

Photo Credit: MG Bralley