I am not one of the bloggers who will be jumping on the Bill Richardson attack wagon. Governor Richardson has been an exemplary leader for New Mexico and a loyal, hard working public servant. I am saddened that he will not be Commerce Secretary, but I am grateful that we get to keep the best Governor New Mexico has ever had.
Onward and upward Governor Richardson!
Monday, January 05, 2009
Friday, January 02, 2009
2008
This year has passed by so quickly for so many reasons, but was so action packed politically and personally. What began as a field of what, 33 or something? ended with the election of a brilliant, eloquent and young new President of the United States. Barack Obama will be inaugurated in about two and a half weeks and I am so excited. I worked for an opponent in the primary, Bill Richardson, but proudly supported Obama after Richardson withdrew, at the urging of my 10 year old daughter Amanda. Amanda turns 11 on inauguration day, and I would love to take her to DC for the event, but finances and time are conspiring against me. So I think I will throw a party for her and celebrate our new President from a distance.
New Mexico became one of the most hotly contested states in 2008. Senator Pete Domenici announced his retirement due to health reasons, though it has been said that his departure from the US Senate had more to do with the US Attorney Scandal than a degenerative brain disease, but the announcement shook up NM politics. Steve Pearce and Heather Wilson faced off for the republican nomination, Pearce edging out Wilson. Tom Udall initially faced opposition from Marty Chavez, but Tom's overwhelming popularity was so evident Marty withdrew and Tom coasted through primary season. I was privileged to work for the Udall campaign this fall, and no one runs a cleaner race than Tom. I know this is biased but Tom Udall is a pillar of integrity and proof that there are ethical and dedicated public servants in politics. Pearce tried to slap him around, but Tom's record and ability to make people feel so at ease contributed to a huge 22.1% margin of victory, no small achievement in New Mexico.
The Senate race created a total vacuum of representation in the US House, as all three of our congressional seats were vacated for the run, by Tom Udall in CD 3, Heather Wilson in CD 1, and Steve Pearce in CD 2. Former Albuquerque city council leader Martin Heinrich, a young, energetic candidate faced off against Sheriff Darren White in CD 1, defeating him handily, despite narrow polling. Harry Teague also won a decisive victory in CD 2 despite narrow polling as well, and Ben Ray Lujan faced little opposition in the north. So, NM went from 3 republicans and 2 democrats in congressional representation to all five being democrats.
NM Democratic Party Chairman Brian Colon deserves a lot of credit with his "Blue State 08" strategy, which mirrored the national 50 state strategy in leaving no county uncanvassed. Of course, I again confess bias where Chairman Colon is concerned, but in my 20 years of politics in New Mexico I have never seen a more powerful, persuasive and committed chair, nor one who inspires enthusiasm and activism the way Brian does. Well done Brian Colon, I know you will continue to lead our party and our state to a better future!
November's election did not end the political drama in NM. Governor Bill Richardson has been nominated to serve President Obama as Secretary of Commerce. Initially I was disappointed by this post, as Richardson seems suited perfectly to Secretary of State, but the more I learn about Commerce the more I see the fit. Richardson has been incredible for business and economic development in our state and his international diplomacy skills combined with business savvy will serve our nation well. His departure as governor is causing the deck chairs to reshuffle here. Lt. Governor Diane Denish will serve out the remainder of his term and while there are rumors of primary opposition in 2010 at this time it is rather hard to say. Should Diane strike a commanding profile and steward New Mexico through the current budget shortfalls I think she will not see a serious opponent until the general, but it will be challenging. Who takes Diane's seat at LTG remains to be seen, and that will surely generate another vacancy (any bets on Hector Balderas???)
One thing is certain, while 2008 was very exciting in NM politics, 2009 promises to be another thrill ride, through the 2010 midterm election. Good for wonks like me!
More blogging to come. I need coffee!
New Mexico became one of the most hotly contested states in 2008. Senator Pete Domenici announced his retirement due to health reasons, though it has been said that his departure from the US Senate had more to do with the US Attorney Scandal than a degenerative brain disease, but the announcement shook up NM politics. Steve Pearce and Heather Wilson faced off for the republican nomination, Pearce edging out Wilson. Tom Udall initially faced opposition from Marty Chavez, but Tom's overwhelming popularity was so evident Marty withdrew and Tom coasted through primary season. I was privileged to work for the Udall campaign this fall, and no one runs a cleaner race than Tom. I know this is biased but Tom Udall is a pillar of integrity and proof that there are ethical and dedicated public servants in politics. Pearce tried to slap him around, but Tom's record and ability to make people feel so at ease contributed to a huge 22.1% margin of victory, no small achievement in New Mexico.
The Senate race created a total vacuum of representation in the US House, as all three of our congressional seats were vacated for the run, by Tom Udall in CD 3, Heather Wilson in CD 1, and Steve Pearce in CD 2. Former Albuquerque city council leader Martin Heinrich, a young, energetic candidate faced off against Sheriff Darren White in CD 1, defeating him handily, despite narrow polling. Harry Teague also won a decisive victory in CD 2 despite narrow polling as well, and Ben Ray Lujan faced little opposition in the north. So, NM went from 3 republicans and 2 democrats in congressional representation to all five being democrats.
NM Democratic Party Chairman Brian Colon deserves a lot of credit with his "Blue State 08" strategy, which mirrored the national 50 state strategy in leaving no county uncanvassed. Of course, I again confess bias where Chairman Colon is concerned, but in my 20 years of politics in New Mexico I have never seen a more powerful, persuasive and committed chair, nor one who inspires enthusiasm and activism the way Brian does. Well done Brian Colon, I know you will continue to lead our party and our state to a better future!
November's election did not end the political drama in NM. Governor Bill Richardson has been nominated to serve President Obama as Secretary of Commerce. Initially I was disappointed by this post, as Richardson seems suited perfectly to Secretary of State, but the more I learn about Commerce the more I see the fit. Richardson has been incredible for business and economic development in our state and his international diplomacy skills combined with business savvy will serve our nation well. His departure as governor is causing the deck chairs to reshuffle here. Lt. Governor Diane Denish will serve out the remainder of his term and while there are rumors of primary opposition in 2010 at this time it is rather hard to say. Should Diane strike a commanding profile and steward New Mexico through the current budget shortfalls I think she will not see a serious opponent until the general, but it will be challenging. Who takes Diane's seat at LTG remains to be seen, and that will surely generate another vacancy (any bets on Hector Balderas???)
One thing is certain, while 2008 was very exciting in NM politics, 2009 promises to be another thrill ride, through the 2010 midterm election. Good for wonks like me!
More blogging to come. I need coffee!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Back again!
I admit it. I have been more than just a lazy blogger. I have taken slack to a new level. For a while I was prohibited from blogging by a work contract, then I was just too busy. Now I have not worked since a week past the election, so about a month, and nada. Post-election depression, si. Lack of enthusiasm for the written word, perhaps. Laziness, most certainly. I have been reading, finding new favorite blogs, enjoying old favorites. Now I feel I must start again or lose the ability to look at the world with a critical eye, or sense of humor.
But it is late. I am exhausted. Tomorrow will bring a new Liberaltruthsayer.
Stay tuned!
But it is late. I am exhausted. Tomorrow will bring a new Liberaltruthsayer.
Stay tuned!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The Republicans Call for a Bailout: McCain Does
I have been giggling away the afternoon over this latest news of McCain suspending his campaign.
What a maverick.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
I met Robert Redford!!!
Robert Redford was the special guest at a fundraiser for Tom Udall, my candidate for US Senate (and boss). I was fortunate enough to get to help with the event and got to meet Redford, whom I have always admired...but haven't we all???Michigan's Republican "Election Integrity" Voter Purge Scheme
I don't know why we should be surprised that republicans in hotly contested Michigan think that purging thousands of voters from the rolls is a dandy idea to help push Mittensippi into the red column in November. Nor does it surprise me that they want to do similar challenges to voters based on foreclosures in Ohio. I suspect that there are lawyers for the republican party attacking the registrations of voters all over the country based on foreclosures.
It strikes me as absurdly ironic, that this party that has been responsible for the meltdown of the mortgage industry and has so thoroughly trashed our economy would futher disenfranchise people. They took our jobs, they took our homes, they ruined our credit and now they are going to take our votes. This coming from a party whose leader doesn't know how many homes he has. Who thinks that if you earn less than $5 Million you are in the "middle class".
If you earn less than $5 million, and thereby are middle class, make no mistake about my words here...IF YOU VOTE FOR A REPUBLICAN YOU ARE AN IDIOT. If you condone this kind of electoral abuse...YOU ARE EVIL. If you believe it is ok to disenfranchise voters because they are poor and had their houses taken away...YOU ARE UNAMERICAN.
This election isn't about your religion. There are no doctors killing babies for fun, and there are no gays destroying your marriage. This is about rebuilding America's economy, restoring our international standing through diplomacy, and fixing the things that the past eight years of republican leadership have broken, like our infrastructure and our Constitution.
Things have gotten very bad. If we continue to allow republicans to ravage our economy and political sensibilities and disenfranchise our citizens economically and politically it is going to get a lot worse.
Vote Democrat November 4th.
It strikes me as absurdly ironic, that this party that has been responsible for the meltdown of the mortgage industry and has so thoroughly trashed our economy would futher disenfranchise people. They took our jobs, they took our homes, they ruined our credit and now they are going to take our votes. This coming from a party whose leader doesn't know how many homes he has. Who thinks that if you earn less than $5 Million you are in the "middle class".
If you earn less than $5 million, and thereby are middle class, make no mistake about my words here...IF YOU VOTE FOR A REPUBLICAN YOU ARE AN IDIOT. If you condone this kind of electoral abuse...YOU ARE EVIL. If you believe it is ok to disenfranchise voters because they are poor and had their houses taken away...YOU ARE UNAMERICAN.
This election isn't about your religion. There are no doctors killing babies for fun, and there are no gays destroying your marriage. This is about rebuilding America's economy, restoring our international standing through diplomacy, and fixing the things that the past eight years of republican leadership have broken, like our infrastructure and our Constitution.
Things have gotten very bad. If we continue to allow republicans to ravage our economy and political sensibilities and disenfranchise our citizens economically and politically it is going to get a lot worse.
Vote Democrat November 4th.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Denver Post Endorses Richardson for Running Mate
Granted, I wanted him at the top of the ticket, but I will be happy as long as he is a part of the ticket...
This from the Denver Post yesterday...
"When Barack Obama comes to Denver later this month to formally accept the Democratic Party's nomination for president, we hope he will have a son of the West — New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson — by his side as his running mate. Insiders suggest that Obama is mulling Richardson and Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh, among others, as potential vice presidential candidates.
"We think there's only one direction to go. The first test of a vice president is whether he or she is qualified to serve in the top job should the occasion arise. Richardson clearly leads all other Democratic contenders by that standard. His outstanding record makes him an ideal partner for Obama, not only on the campaign trail but at the vital job of shaping America's future...
The editor at The Denver Post closes his case for Richarsdon, saying, "Richardson's record not only qualifies him to assume the presidency, it makes him an ideal partner to the visionary and eloquent Obama in the task of running this country. And as a leading figure in a Rocky Mountain West that has emerged as a swing political region, Richardson could do more than any other possible running mate to carry the Democratic ticket to victory in November."
I couldn't agree more, Richardson adds so much to the ticket, and does nothing to detract. He is bright, witty, and personable, and would be the perfect running mate for Obama.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Public Financing
A lot is being made of Barack Obama's decision to not accept public financing for his presidential bid. John McCain is labelling him a flip-flopper (shocking). However, everyone seems to be missing a very important point.Barack Obama's campaign is entirely publicly funded.
Unlike McW, Barack is not taking PAC money, lobbyist money. His campaign is being entirely funded by the millions of people who enthusiastically support him. McCain just has nothing on this guy.
So let's put up a link for donations, shall we?
Go Barack!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The Nadir Campaign
In a stroke (perhaps a literal one) of genius today, Ralph Nader claimed "There’s only one thing different about Barack Obama when it comes to being a Democratic presidential candidate. He’s half African-American. Whether that will make any difference, I don’t know. I haven’t heard him have a strong crackdown on economic exploitation in the ghettos. Payday loans, predatory lending, asbestos, lead. What’s keeping him from doing that? Is it because he wants to talk white?” [Rocky Mountain News]Keep it up Ralph, you are killing your legacy and any hopes you may have had for relevance.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Ahhhh....It's a Profit Deal!
pResident Bush today demanded that Congress let the oil barons drill off of American shores to help offset the cost of fuel and solve our gas crisis.
Look, how many people are left that are so stupid to believe that the cost of gas, and our current "crisis" aren't simply manufactured for the benefit of Bush and his friends in the industry. These bastards have it made. From absurd price gouging and wild investor speculation ratcheting up profits to obscene levels, to the Vice President setting energy policy in closed door meetings with oil robber barons, to tax breaks and subsidies, there is no stopping them.
Last week it was revealed that Big Dick lied when he said that China was drilling off the coast of Florida, raising the spectre of Communism's tenticles stretching under our very coastline and taking our precious resources.
Could it be any clearer that this all part of a long con for the Republicans to get what they wanted from the beginning? They want the right to drill in ANWR, and are going to use fear to get it, from the fear of the big RED SCARE to the fear of $15/gallon gas.
If you vote republican in November, shame on you.
Look, how many people are left that are so stupid to believe that the cost of gas, and our current "crisis" aren't simply manufactured for the benefit of Bush and his friends in the industry. These bastards have it made. From absurd price gouging and wild investor speculation ratcheting up profits to obscene levels, to the Vice President setting energy policy in closed door meetings with oil robber barons, to tax breaks and subsidies, there is no stopping them.
Last week it was revealed that Big Dick lied when he said that China was drilling off the coast of Florida, raising the spectre of Communism's tenticles stretching under our very coastline and taking our precious resources.
Could it be any clearer that this all part of a long con for the Republicans to get what they wanted from the beginning? They want the right to drill in ANWR, and are going to use fear to get it, from the fear of the big RED SCARE to the fear of $15/gallon gas.
If you vote republican in November, shame on you.
John McCain's Creepy Performance as a Stalker
Thanks to Daily Kos diarist Gramarye for posting this puppy...
What is Wrong With Cindy McCain's Arm?
My grandparents passed away last year. I still get all their mail, which now has dwindled to shameless pleas for cash from Republicans. Yesterday they sent this picture of Icebat and Walnuts.It seemed to me to be a very familiar pose, so I went looking...
Apparently Barbie's Great-Grandma is indeed made entirely of plastic, and needs to be posed. I bet her knees make that funky popping sound that Barbie's do when you bend them.
Icebat creeps me out.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Why is Impeachement Off the Table, Speaker Pelosi?
This picture just has creepy all over it.
Speaker Pelosi, I was so excited about your ascension to leadership in the US House...until I discovered that you are totally unwilling to stand up to Bush. Listen, it is obstruction of justice NOT to pursue impeachement of this administration, and it is high time you did what we wanted you to do when you took power (this goes for all you congressional ninnies). Get us out of Iraq, get Bush and Cheney on a witness stand, and restore our faith in America, for crying out loud.
And keep your paws off the shaved ape.
Tim Russert is Gone
You know those emails, everyone gets them, especially women. "Get to know your friends!" Change the answers to the questions and send out to all your buddies. Well without fail there was always a question, "What is your favorite sport?" and my answer was always "the Sunday morning pundit shows." For me, the slogan said it all, "If it's Sunday, It's Meet the Press."Many liberals, certainly in the blogosphere, felt that Russert was too hard on Democrats. I saw it too, but I didn't disagree with the need to be. I have always said that you expect bullshit and pandering from the right, but you hold the democrats to a higher standard (and if they are bullshitting panderers best to root them out quickly).
From all accounts, Tim Russert was a guy you wanted to know. He was warm, likeable, and full of entusiasm and intellect. I am so sorry for his family, his friends, and for the rest of us who counted on Tim to cut through the crap and get to the heart of the matter. I am sorry for Tim, who won't get to see the outcome of this election that he cared so much about.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
