Tuesday, March 15, 2011

The Do-Nothing Legislature of 2011

With only a few more days left in the legislative session, the New Mexico legislature has severely failed New Mexicans by passing only a "Feed Bill" thus far. In a session where serious laws are to be created, the time was simply squandered to make good on promises made to New Mexicans in the last election. Licenses to illegals? Still happening. Voter registration reform. Don't hold your breath.

Very disappointed in the least productive legislature in a long time.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Roundhouse Action; Senate Waters down Bill

It's Wednesday, and things are progressing in New Mexico politics as the 50th New Mexico Legislature slowly comes to a close.

Legislation to prevent illegal immigrants has been watered down to nothing, Janice Arnold-Jones is pondering a Congressional run, and March Madness is about to begin. Hold on, it's going to be an interesting month.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Heather Wilson Enters Senate Race & Other Tidbits

Today, Heather Wilson, former Congresswoman from New Mexico's First Congressional District made it official. She is a candidate for the Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Jeff Bingaman. There is no doubt Heather is up to the task of representing New Mexico from the world's most exclusive club, but the question is can she win?

I was in the crowd today to see what's what during her historical announcement. I couldn't help but notice the staffers from Congressman Martin Heinrich's office. Perhaps they aren't saying what everyone is thinking - Heinrich is thinking about a run. I'm going to bet that he will take the bait and go all in over the coming months.

Other Democrats are licking their wounds from the previous election and are debating whether they should take a crack at one of our great nation's political prizes: a US Senate seat. It will be interesting to see who will jump into the game.

Enough with the Senate race for now - there will be plenty to cover in the next 609 days until the action comes to a close. I noticed a new blog - another liberal one. "The Chorizo Report" is chock full of left-wing anecdotes poking fun at Governor Susana Martinez, as well as issues that face the state. Today, the blog came with a clever "Fandango" commercial spoof, teasing people on the Gov's Economic development council. There was even a "lifelike" Jon Barela (former Republican Congressional candidate) paper sack doll featured.

I wish there were more blogs like nmdefamationsuit.com. They are sort of like Southpark, they have no particular victim or political agenda, they go after anyone. That's true satire, not just what is convenient for political purposes.

I would like to thank the several hundred folks that have been reading so far - we are ready to start going big time in coming days, where we will increase posts and provide coverage of the 2012 races. Look for my comments on Heath Haussamen's nmpolitics.net. Heath is a great journalist who understands NM Politics.

Please post comments, or email me with suggestions. I hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy posting.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

I'm Back!

Ok! It's been about three years, but I am back. I have been pretty busy starting a family, new job, moving back home and doing everything possible to get started on the rat race called life. As you can notice, I have moved to the northern parts of the state. I'm glad and proud to call Northern New Mexico as my home, it is a truly enchanting place. In the next coming months and years, I hope you readers look to this blog as an are to find a different take on political ideas in New Mexico. Ideas that I hope will take our state forward, and promote ideas that will advance our status on all levels.

With that - this is what you have been (or have missed in the last four years) following...

1. Barack Obama is our new President.

2. Susana Martinez is our new Governor.

3. Pete Domenici has been replaced by Tom Udall.

4. Steve Pearce has returned as the Congressman from New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District.


Over the past years, I have been pretty involved in several election cycles, on both state and federal levels. I have had some victories, and a couple disappointments, but I am very proud on how we have advanced on a state level. I agree with Governor Martinez's initiatives, and I hope she will move them quickly through the legislature.

In the past days, our senior Senator has expressed his desire to retire I am very happy with his decision, and it will be very fun to see how everything will progress in the coming months.

Keep reading this blog to get updates. I promise I will keep it updated, and you informed. Please email me if you have any questions at jamram007@gmail.com, or find me on Facebook.

Saturday, May 3, 2008

El Primero De Mayo

This is the first blog in May! Since there is just about one month till the New Mexico Primary, I thought I would highlight some of the political happenings across the state.

The beginning of May has brought an array of political signs all across the City of The Crosses for the second congressional district. The senate race only has local representative Pearce with signs everywhere. Where is Heather? Has she totally abandoned this part of the state; let alone her candidacy? Only time will tell.

Governor Bill Richardson has recently been spotted in local anti-DWI ads airing across the Land of Enchantment. Reverting back to his presidential "interview" spoof ads, he is using the same tactic to thwart drunken driving across the state. Good to see him spending more time around these parts.

And what about the Northern part of out beautiful state? State Senator Joe Carraro has recently introduced ads touting his state legislature experience against Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White. Where are these ads going? It looks like another spat inside the State GOP party. (Heather and Steve move aside...)

That is all for this week. I will continue to try to keep posting daily! Keep me posted on any tips!

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

I'm Back! Here we go!

After a short hiatus, I thought I would return to my blog after receiving a few emails. People are actually reading! So not to disappoint, I will try to keep you updated on a daily basis. With that being said, there is much going on in La Politica scene across the Land of Enchantment!

Congressman Steve Pearce and Congresswoman Heather Wilson are locked in a battle of epic proportion. Recently, Pearce released a new campaign ad branding Wilson as a "liberal." I was not aware that she was, but compared to Pearce, this may be so. All I know is that this election is beginning to look like the Democratic presidential race: Both democratic candidates engaged in a long, drawn out battle, while the Republican makes significant gains in national polls.

Congressman Tom Udall is already the obvious front runner in this race. He has a ton of cash, statewide name recognition and no primary opponent. If this keeps up between the Wilsonites and the Pearceonians; the Udallistas will have much to celebrate in November (along with the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee).

As I have said before much is at stake in this race, but most importantly the security of federal jobs in the state. Udall and Pearce have shaky records of defending such jobs, and a win by either could prove devastating for the thousands with federal jobs in our state.

Recently, congressional candidate Harry Teague has loaned his campaign $475K to fuel his run to Washington. Dona Ana County Commissioner Bill McCamley countered with a check for $47.50, enough for a tank of gas. Kudos Bill, that's the spirit that will get you past Teague in this primary. Just make sure you remind them that a majority of Teague's money came from the pockets bled dry by the gas pump.

That's all for today. Let me know how you feel! Post a comment.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Heather and Steve in Trouble?

Yesterday, Rasmussen Reports released new polling information on our statewide Senate race. According to the new poll numbers, Congressman Tom Udall has opened up a significant lead against both Republican candidates for the general election.

The report has Udall beating Congressman Steve Pearce by fourteen points and Congresswoman Heather Wilson by twenty. These numbers should be alarming to both camps, due to the fact they are currently locked in a heated battle for the Republican nomination. That election is less than two months away.

This was not the only good news that the Udallites has had this week. According to emails sent to close supporters of the Northern representative, he has raised about $1.3 million during the first quarter of '08. This is money that will be put to the side to battle whatever Republican comes his way in November.

The question is can Udall be beaten? Right now the situation looks grim, because of nationwide anti-republican feelings as well as Udall's swelling bank account. Republicans would be wise to tread lightly during the primary, so the candidate that does win will come out swinging; they will need it. Plus it would be wise for Republicans to lobby Sen. Pete Domenici to get out on the campaign trail. He is still widely popular, and could bring some badly needed support and exposure to both candidates seeking to replace him.

Moving on to the news of the Roundhouse, Gov. Billl Richardson has been flirting with the idea of a special session come May. Some may call the timing of such a session crazy, especially all the legislators up for re-election. But now it looks like the State Senate may be willing to compromise with Big Bill. Some Senators are calling for a special session in the fall, which may help Richardson's chances at passing his universal healthcare package. Richardson will probably get his way, after all he has nothing to loose.

Thanks for reading. If you have and comments or questions let me know.