JOIN INDIVISIBLE SANTA FE AND TAKE ACTION
JOIN INDIVISIBLE SANTA FE AND TAKE ACTION
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Two weeks to go. Time for the full press!
Dear Phone Bank Volunteers and Potential Volunteers,
It has been an amazing week. We switched to Get Out The Vote calls on Saturday, Oct. 12. Since then, you have make 2,746 calls, That brings us to over 10,600 calls since the end of August! Mary Ann Cristello and Patricia Boies have upped their number of calls to over 800 each, Dottie McKissick has made 510, and Gayle Malaga, Kathy Bartlett, and Joan Sickler are each over 400. Sandy Schwartz is right behind at 389. Susan Kilkenny, Trish Hudson, John McClure, Lynn Udall, Kitty Barkley, Ellen Wittman, Judy Stevens, Desi Aragon, and Lucinda Vigil have all made over 200 calls. Thanks to each and every one of you who have called voters to support the Harris/Walz campaign and Democrats down the ballot.
There were two special events this week. First, Jane Fonda, Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez, and State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard spoke to about 100 of us on Wednesday afternoon. We made calls to New Mexicans who might want to travel to Arizona to knock doors for the Harris/Walz campaign. We also called voters in the battleground state of Georgia.
Saturday’s rain canceled the Freedom March and Rally so the participants came to our phone bank. We heard from Congresswoman Leger Fernandez, Pueblo of Tesuque Governor Milton Herrera, State Auditor Joseph Maestas, and County Clerk Katherine Clark, among others. We again made calls to recruit New Mexicans to travel to Arizona and we also called voters in Congressional District 2 to support Congressman Gabe Vasquez.
There are just two weeks and thousands of calls to go! Come by 1420 Cerrillos (bring your cell phone--a tablet or laptop is helpful) to get started and then feel free to make your calls from home. Every call helps.
Some information for your scripts:
1) Expanded Early Voting has started at sites throughout the County and continues through Saturday, Nov. 2.
2) The County Clerk suggests that absentee ballots no longer be mailed, but either placed in a ballot drop box any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week (security cameras are in place), or taken to a polling location.
NOTE: On the new GOTV and Absentee Ballot Chase links, be aware that the bold heading Early Voted does not mean someone has voted already unless there is a date in regular type below.
We look forward to seeing you!
Mary
Mary McCormick Freitas
505-490-3258
Training Schedule Snacks provided
1420 Cerrillos Rd
Tues 4 pm
Thurs 11 am
Sat 11 am
Can you believe it's already Labor Day? As we celebrate Labor Day, it’s a good time to reflect on the service of so many. Teachers, nurses, doctors, construction workers, grocery clerks, maintenance workers, housekeeping staff and more. We thank everyone who works hard every day of the year. Nothing happens without you. Happy Labor Day!
Let's Help Democrats Win in November! It's just 36 short days before the start of early voting. It's time to get to work. We know everyone is different and that many of us live busy lives. That's why we've created our Eldo Area Dems Action Center, so you can find a volunteer opportunity that's right for you. Local, national, texting, calling, and donating are all options available at the Action Center. Click on the pic of Kamala below and check it out!
Postcard Extravaganza! Two Precinct Captains, a record 45 people, and 1000 postcards later-- what a day! Big shout out to Precinct leaders Karla George Gustafson and Jennifer Wynne for hosting a fantastic postcard party. Big thank you to everyone who came out to write in community. We’re fired up and we’re not going back! Kudos always to Postcard Power leader Jeanne Brown for creating and organizing all those postcard packets! Want to write postcards? Postcard Power! Postage adds up, want to help us buy stamps? Eldo Dems Postage Fund
COMING UP SOON! Join us for an evening fundraiser for our state Representative Matthew McQueen. He's been an effective voice for our district and a solid advocate on environmental issues. His opponent is a MAGA candidate from Edgewood. Matthew needs our support to ensure victory in November. Please RSVP now for event details. Matthew McQueen Fundraiser
FOOD DEPOT 2024 CAMPAIGN
Fight hunger with your donation.
Eldorado Dems supports The Food Depot, Northern New Mexico’s food bank. They currently provide 700,000 meals each month to those in need. The Food Depot sponsors an annual fundraiser called Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N) and it ends September 23rd. During this time neighborhoods compete to raise the most money for hunger relief in Northern New Mexico. Last year Eldorado donations paid for 31,688 meals! Let's do even better this year. Click here to donate Food Depot Neighbor to Neighbor Campaign
OCTOBER 8 - SAVE THE DATE!
The first day of voting in Santa Fe County is Oct. 8. We're gathering at the Plaza at 10 a.m. to join our fellow Democrats county-wide as we march from Santa Fe Plaza to the County Clerk’s office to vote. Voting First Day takes your name out of the voting call, text, and canvass lists.Moreover, for all our volunteers working so hard to GOTV (Get-Out-The-Vote), it allows them to focus their efforts on less likely voters. Wear your Democratic campaign regalia but be ready to remove it when it's time to vote. No campaigning is allowed in polling places. Hope to see you there!
CAN'T VOLUNTEER RIGHT NOW?
You can still help. Please consider making a small donation to Eldorado Area Democrats to support our work in this busy election year. Your donation helps us buy stamps, print door hangers, signs and more! Donate.
Happy Friday, members, allies, and supporters!
We're back again to invite you to some important upcoming opportunities to fight to protect our communities.
First things first, we urgently need you to join us in giving public comment this afternoon at 1PM or Monday online or in person for the Water Quality Control Commission Hearing on the proposed fracking waste reuse rule. Though community members from across the state have overwhelmed the public comment periods voicing our opposition against the rule, industry has started bringing folks out the last two days, so we need a strong showing in opposition against the rule each day for the remainder of public comment. Talking points, times, and sign up below
Please join us for our Upcoming People's Climate Action Plan Town Hall this Thursday at 6:00PM for frito pies and to learn about the next step in the People's Climate Plan organizing. Learn more below.
It's been a busy week for YUCCA, not only have we been organizing our members to give public comment each day this week - we also successfully executed our most confrontational direct action on Wednesday at Chevron's greenwashed climate event at Casa Rodena Winery. See below for a report back and info.
We have a podcast! Our first episode featuring our Summer Fellows is live now so be sure to check it out, and follow the Yapping with YUCCA Podcast for more!
Lastly, our constitutional lawsuit to enforce New Mexico's pollution control clause is once again making national headlines, this time featured in a Teen Vogue and Grist magazine piece on Indigenous youth at the forefronts of climate lawsuits making their way through our country's legal systems. Scroll down to check it out!
CALL TO ACTION: URGENT PUBLIC COMMENT NEEDED KEEP TOXIC FRACKING WASTE IN THE OILFIELD!
STOP THE "PRODUCED WATER" REUSE RULE
THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS COMMENTED TO DATE!!!!
We are asking 5 of our members/supporters to give testimony against the current rule as drafted and calling instead for a rule.
In-person: NM STATE CAPITAL (411 South Capitol St.), Room 317
Virtual Comment Link: on Webex: Bit.ly/WQCC23-84-Hearing
Friday 1PM
Monday 9AM & 1PM
Speak: Sign up here to give a 3 minute public comment, in person or virtually, many times available
Please also officially sign up for your comment time by emailing Administrator Pamela Jones: pamela.jones@env.nm.gov
Write: Link for Written Comments to submit to Water Quality Control Commision
LINK TO HEARING In 2019, the Produced Water Act, spearheaded by the oil and gas industry, was passed, paving the way for produced water reuse with the creation of the New Mexico Produced Water Research Consortium opening the door for produced water treatment “pilot projects”. The proposed Wastewater Reuse Rule (WQCC 23-84) is the next step in this effort, aiming to set definitions and permitting processes for expanding disposal for produced water via reuse outside the oil field. However, the proposed rule has been met with significant opposition due to the lack of scientific standards and potential risks to public health and the environment from reuse.
Key Concerns:
Environmental and Health Risks: The proposed rule allows the reuse of fracking waste without adequate measures for radiation or toxicity, potentially exposing New Mexicans to hazardous substances such as PFAS, arsenic, and benzene.
Lack of Scientific Standards: The rule does not specify treatment standards, nor does it provide clear guidelines on ensuring the safety of reused water.
Seismic Activity: Disposal of fracking waste in injection wells has led to a significant increase in seismic activity, with over 2,400 earthquakes reported in 2022 alone.
Public and Worker Safety: There are no provisions in the rule for ensuring the safety of workers handling produced water or for the public in areas where reuse projects are conducted.
Radioactivity Concerns: Produced water can contain naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) such as radium-226 and radium-228. These substances can pose serious health risks to workers handling the waste, including increased risk of cancer due to prolonged exposure. There are currently no specific regulations addressing the safe handling and disposal of radioactive materials in produced water, leaving workers vulnerable to health hazards. Testimony by New Energy Economy expert Justin Noble on Tuesday during the evidentiary hearing includes examples from other states where workers in produced water “treatment” facilities have died due to exposure from handling produced water without adequate protections.
PEOPLE'S CLIMATE ACTION PLAN TOWN HALL
Join us in Santa Fe next Thursday to learn with us on climate action! We will have frito pies, art supplies and childcare for kiddos as well!
THURSDAY. AUGUST 15TH, 6PM-8PM @ EARTH CARE'S OFFICE WE SHARE WITH THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB AT ZONA DEL SOL ON THE CORNER OF JAGUAR & COUNTRY CLUB
PLEASE RSVP YUCCA BLOCKS ENTRY TO CHEVRON EVENT
On Wednesday, August 7th, YUCCA blockaded the entrances of Casa Rodena Winery in Los Ranchos - the host of “Agua es Critica” water series, which has been a greenwashing effort by the same company that is coming under fire by communities across the world for their horrible track record of human rights violations, environmental destruction, and pollution.
In 2024, as our coasts face torrential storms and wildfires rage from California to New Mexico, Chevron has reported over $4 BILLION DOLLARS IN PROFIT.
YUCCA has been producing a social media series titled Meet the Monster in which Chevron is the first corporate monster featured. Over the last two months we've been working to expose Chevron’s dirty laundry and track record across the world, including in Palestine where they have fossil fuel development interests.
SEE MEET THE MONSTER CHEVRON PART 1, PART 2, PART 3, PART 4
YAPPING WITH YUCCA: EPISODE ONE!
We're very excited to announce the launch of our newest multimedia project: the "Yapping with YUCCA" podcast! This new podcast will feature some of your favorite voices from the YUCCA team yapping about New Mexico state politics, the climate crisis, false solutions, and so much more! Check out our first episode featuring Summer Fellows Jazmin, Isaiah, Feleecia, and Yazh!
Listen On Spotify YUCCA's CONSTITUTIONAL LAWSUIT FEATURED ON GRIST MAGAZINE AND TEEN VOGUE!
View this email in your browser2024 General Elections Committee Recommendations
We invite you to choose candidates you would like to help. Donate money, time or both! Congratulations! As reported earlier, ten of our supported candidates won theirPrimary elections on June 4. Of them, six face no challengers inthe General Election.
6 of them face no challengers in the General Election, no action is required! Michele “Paulene” Abeyta (HD 68)
Anita Gonzales (HD70)
Rep. Susan Herrera (HD41)
Rep. Angelica Rubio (HD35)
Angel Charley (SD30)
Linda Trujillo (SD24)
4 of them have Republican opponents in the General Election, and 8 more are opposed by Republicans. These candidates can use your support. Gabby Begay (HD39)
Heather Berghmans (SD15)
Kathleen Cates (HD44)
Athena Christodoulou (SD21)
Victoria Estrada-Bustillo (31)
Rep. Yanira Gurrola (HD16)
Joseph Hernandez (HD4)
Tara Jaramillo (HD38)
Charlotte Little (HD68)
Cindy Nava (SD9)
Michele Sandoval (HD57)
Phillip Ramirez (SD12)
In our recommendations below, we will be clear about any of these suggested candidates for your support whose races appear tight at this writing as well as those that now appear less so. We will watch the races closely and alert you to any changes in that assessment. As in the Primary, we invite you to choose candidates whom you would like to help.
The races come in three flavors:PICK-UP Progressives who would aid in passing Roundhouse legislation more in keeping with our legislative goals.
PROTECT A few are progressive Democrats whose elections will “protect” seats that they currently hold from being challenged by extremist Republicans.PREVENT Another few may not meet our goals for progressivism, but the opponents are hard-right, even MAGA, Republicans whose elections we would want to “prevent” in either chamber of the NM legislature.
Make financial contributions as you are able. Now’s the time. The big publicity push in districts is now and every dollar helps a lot. Visit the candidates’ web sites to volunteer a little or a lot. Be guided by the instructions of the candidate’s campaign manager. In each case, find the candidate’s web site hot-linked to the candidate’s name. Also find the link to make donations at the end of each description.
Worry less.Do more.Your Elections Committee, Willie, Rich, and Paul August 13, 2024
Gabby Begay (HD39)Catron, Grant, Hidalgo Counties – PICK-UP.Begay is an experienced public-school teacher who is passionate about improving the state’s educational system. She is an Emerge graduate and currently serves on the NM Commission on the Status of Women as well as serving as President of the Cobre Consolidated School District Board of Education. Begay was chosen by her cohort peers as the 2024 NM Teach Plus Fellow of the Year and is a past member of the union AFSCME and current member of the National Education Association.Gabby is running against a well-funded, two-term Republican incumbent, Luis Terrazas. Rep. Terrazas voted against Paid Family and Medical Leave Act, capping payday lending rates, and reproductive rights.
In the Primary, 2,302 Democrats voted for Gabby. Gabby outpaced her Primary opponent 80% to 20% while Luis ran unopposed as a Republican incumbent.Gabby raised $31,429 of which $23,707 are carried forward to the General. Conservation Voters, Planned Parenthood and AFSCME were all donors.
Luis, again a Republican incumbent, raised $141,979 with $124,720 still available. The largest contribution was from himself, plus others from GOP Representative Gail Armstrong, Chevron Oil and other individuals.
To donate to Gabby Begay, go here.
Here is an upcoming fundraiser for Gabby Begay: Heather Berghmans (SD 15) - ABQ PROTECT a Democratic SeatThis race already has broad interest and participation. It is of particular interest to those of us who focus on gender justice.
Heather is an ABQ native and has worked as a policy analyst as well as a fundraiser for the NM Democratic State House Caucus. At 35 years old, she would be the youngest woman serving in the State Senate, but already has a long history working in the NM legislature under Speakers Egolf and Martinez.
Heather challenged incumbent Daniel Ivey Soto in the Primary. The Primary voters removed him from the NM Senate.
Heather’s opponent is Republican Craig Degenhardt whose only previous electoral race was for a community college board position where he lost to James Chavez 57% to 42%, a vote margin of 1,600 out of a total vote of 11,200.
To donate to Heather Berghmans go here.
Rep. Kathleen Cates (HD44)A PROTECTION & PREVENTION race in Corrales, Rio Rancho and NW ABQThe 2020 redistricting moved the boundaries of this district to include less of Rio Rancho which may indicate a marginal benefit for a Democrat.Rep. Cates flipped this seat from a Republican incumbent in 2022. She received 51% to former Rep. Republican Powdrell-Culbert’s 49%, a difference of only 297 votes. Keeping this seat is a worthy goal for us. Cates ran unopposed in the 2024 Dem Primary.
Moreover, Kathleen’s opponent is Ali Ennenga who has run for office many times. In previous cycles Ms Ennenga has been endorsed by the National Rifle Association and the Right to Life Committee of NM. Her FB page includes emphatic upset about Planned Parenthood endorsing public school board candidates as well as offense at mask requirements in schools during COVID.
In her first term, Rep. Cates sponsored bills that passed and have been signed into law such as two water project funding and prioritization bills, a workforce development and apprenticeship funding bill, and a NMFinance Authority affordable housing bill.
Rep. Cates writes: “ [As] a member of the New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Council [I] … advocate for underserved and marginalized people, such as women diagnosed with mental health and substance abuse problems; disabled people seeking job opportunities; and children with developmental disorders or who are considered “at-risk.”
To donate to Kathleen Cates, go here.
Athena Christodoulou (SD21)ABQ PICK-UPChristodoulou is a member of Indivisible Albuquerque.She is a retired Navy engineer veteran and has also worked as a technology entrepreneur and consultant. She served as the committee analyst for the NM House Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources committee during the 2023 legislative session, where she analyzed 40 different bills,
Her leadership and volunteer experience includes advocating for solar energy in all NM communities for years (she lives fossil fuel free herself, as a private citizen), and has also served as the political director for Adelante Progressive Caucus, including organizing members to make public comments in support of the Civil Rights Act, Paid Family and Medical Leave Act, and salary increases for teachers. She served as secretary and board member of the New Mexico Solar Energy Association, as a community solar coach for the Department of Energy and is currently the Vice Chair for the Environmental Justice caucus of the Democratic Party of New Mexico.In past elections, Athena has run to unseat two Republicans, Bill Rehm (HD31) in 2022 and Mark Moores (SD21) in 2020. Now she is running for an open Senate seat due to Mark Moores’ retirement.
Athena’s General Election opponent is Nicole Tobiassen who won the Republican Primary with 44% of the vote against two other contestants who split the remainder with 30.4% & 25.6% respectively. Nicole appears not to have run for public office previously.
Athena’s Primary opponent was Philip Snedeker. She received 76.1% while he received 23.9%. 2,827 voters supported her while 888 voters supported him.
To donate to Athena Christodoulou, go here.Vicky Estrada-Bustillo (HD31)ABQ PICK-UPVicky worked for the United States Forest Service for more than two decades. Before her retirement from civil service, she served as District Ranger for the Cibola National Forest, which borders the eastern boundary of District 31. In the years since, Vicky has become a tenacious neighborhood advocate and is a member of the NE Heights D8 Neighborhood Coalition and a regular participant with the Foothill and Northeast Community Policing Council.
As a lifelong leader and community facilitator, Vicky knows what it means to face down a challenge and to bring people together to overcome it. In her career with the Forest Service, Vicky worked tirelessly to unite groups with diverse needs and experiences to solve complex problems.
HD31 has been held by a Republican, Bill Rehm, who held the seat since 2006. He is now retiring. He won the 2022 race over Democrat, Athena Christodoulou who is now running for SD21 and appears in this report under that race.
Vicky is attempting to flip this House seat in our direction. Redistricting does not appear to have a major effect on the political traditions of this district. Vicky’s Republican opponent in 2024, Nicole Chavez, also ran against Rep. Pamelya Herndon in HD28 in 2022 and lost, Herndon: 52.3% to Chavez: 47.4%, 7,552 votes to 6,883, separated by 669 votes.
This will be a tight race with field work essential. Vicky is already knocking doors with enthusiastic volunteers. Join them. With Rep. Rehm’s legacy in the district, Republican money may very well get spent on Ms. Chavez’ account.
Donate to Vicky Estrada-Bustillo, go here.Rep. Yanira Gurrola (HD 16,)ABQ Westside - PROTECT This is a key incumbent protection seat. Yanira is an immigrant and engineer who has worked in education, first as a math teacher active in the teacher’s union, and now works as a national consultant in bilingual education.
Yanira won the Primary against Marcella Duarte 63.9% vs 36.1%, 1,639 votes to 925 votes. In her Primary, she raised $116,968 and has a balance of $20,344.
Yanira’s General Election opponent is Leland Bohannon who was unopposed in the Republican Primary. Mr. Bohannon raised in his Primary $8,156 and carried forward a balance of $674. Bohannon’s name appeared in the press as an ardent opponent of LGBQ+ rights. See this reference. From one perspective, this race appears not to be tight at all, and it may not be now.
Your committee will monitor it to learn if the Republican Party will spend heavily here to tighten this race and we will alert you quickly if that should happen.
To donate to Yanira Gurrola, go here.Joseph Hernandez (HD 4)-San Juan County- PROTECT Democratic open seatIndigenous Energy Organizer for Native American Environmental Voters Alliance (NAEVA), Joseph Hernandez grew up in Pueblo, Colorado in the Bessemer Community and graduated from Shiprock High School in 2006. Joseph worked as support staff for the Youth Opportunity Program with the Navajo Nation Office of Youth Development, Shiprock Agency. He was a field organizer for Anthony Allison’s campaign for the New Mexico House of Representatives as well as the former Committee President of Gadii’ahi-To’koi Chapter Community Land Use Planning Committee.
Joseph should be of particular interest to our subscribers who focus on environmental protection and alternative energy issues. He advocates on behalf of post-carbon economy and does so fully grounded in his Navajo community. This is an open seat as Representative Allison is retiring.
This is an article about Joseph.
In Joseph’s Primary, he won with 50.8% and 550 votes while his two opponents split 49.2% and 532 votes. Joseph raised $32,085 with a balance of $2,743 in the Primary.His General Election challenger is Lincoln Mark who was unopposed in the Republican Primary. He only received 624 votes. Mr. Mark raised $1,100 and carries forward a balance of -$63.
From one perspective, this race appears not to be tight at all, and it may not be now. Your committee will monitor it to learn if the Republican Party will spend heavily here to tighten this race and we will alert you quickly if that should happen.
To donate to Joseph Hernandez, go here.Rep. Tara Jaramillo (HD38)important PREVENTION raceDemocrats picked up this seat in 2022 thanks to Rep. Jaramillo’s defeat of the Republican heir-apparent to Rebecca Dow who had held it since 2017. Ms. Dow did not run in 2022, choosing instead to run for Governor. She lost in the Primary to Mark Ronchetti. Now Rebecca Dow is attempting to return to her long-time and former House seat, District 38.
Reboot subscribers may very well take different approaches to this race. Representative Jaramillo voted against PFMA and Clean Fuels. However, she sponsored reliable Democratic bills, particularly regarding public education where Rep. Dow had for years staked out a conservative reputation.
Support for Rep. Jaramillo is to deny Ms. Dow’s return to the chamber while advocates will still need to provide constructive feedback to the incumbent, if we are successful, on bills that we support.
To donate to Tara Jaramillo, go here.
Rep. Charlotte Little (HD68)Western ABQ, important Dem PROTECTION raceOur goal here is to protect this district and its Representative, a promising one-term member running for re-election for the first time. In her first term, Charlotte sponsored an act criminalizing “materially deceptive advertising” in political campaigns. She did so with colleagues Chasey and Duhigg – MLG signed it into law (HB182). Charlotte joined eighteen other sponsors of the new affirmative consent law that requires all post-secondary schools that receive public funds to adopt policies and programs designed to protect students from non-consensual sexual behavior (HB151) – again signed by the Governor.
Charlotte comes from San Felipe Pueblo. She is married to Joseph Little, an attorney and former judge. Charlotte writes that for fifteen years she has owned her own small business; served as a Tribal Administrator; and worked as an Administrative Officer for the United States Department of Health and Human Services. She has served New Mexicans through her work as Vice-Chair of New Mexico Voices for Children, President of Emerge New Mexico, and Chair of the San Felipe Pueblo Health Board.
Her priorities for continued service in the House are: Creating thousands of new jobs in clean industries like clean energy, film, eco-tourism, food, and cannabis.
Making sure all New Mexicans have access to high quality, affordable health care.
Ensuring we have safe neighborhoods that retain the quality of life we hold dear.Hiring the very best educators for our early education, K-12, and higher education programs.
Charlotte’s opponent is Nathan Brooks who appears not to have run for office in previous cycles. There were 1,221 votes cast in the Republican primary this year, of which Brooks received 716. He is an undergraduate at UNM.
To donate to Charlotte Little, go here.Cindy Nava (SD9) Sandoval County an open Democratic PROTECTION & PREVENTION seat. Cindy is one of a handful of former DACA recipients running for office around the country this year. She is the proud daughter of a construction worker and a housekeeper who moved Cindy to the US when she was young in search of a better education. Cindy was the first former DACA recipient appointed by the White House, where she served as Senior Policy Advisor to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. She's the former ED of Transform NM Education and has an extensive policy background working in the legislature in NM. Cindy has a proven track record and key lived experience on core Democratic issues such as housing, healthcare, and reproductive rights.
Cindy writes: “The day I received my U.S. Citizenship was one of the proudest days I can remember. I pledged that day that I would always work to ensure that others had the same opportunities and would do all I could for my community. So, it is with those dreams … that I am running for State Senate in District 9.”
Cindy’s opponent in the General Election is Audrey Trujillo who Ballotpedia reports is a member of the Coalition of America First Candidates which promotes Trump-aligned candidates in state and local races.
To donate to Cindy Nava, go here.
Phil Ramirez (SD12)Sandoval County, Important PREVENTION RaceOur objective in this race is to prevent Jay Block from becoming a NM Senator.
Phil ran unopposed in the 2024 Democratic Primary. He will be a strong voice for organized labor in our Senate. He says, “I am a project manager and a Union Refrigeration journeyman, working at my family business. Our small business is a signatory company with Local UA 412, and I am honored to contribute to the success of our local economy... I was appointed to the Construction Industry’s Commission in 2019. I am proud to have been voted in as the Vice Chairman for the industry in 2021” Phil is endorsed by AFT and AFSME as well.
Senate District 12 has been held by Democrat Jerry Ortiz y Pino since 2005. Senator Ortiz y Pino is retiring. He has been a staunch ally, overall, of progressive causes. So, the threat of a highly ideological Republican to this seat in particular needs to be taken seriously.
Phil’s opponent is Jay Block who has high name recognition, endorsed by Veterans for America First (a shadow MAGA ally), one of five gubernatorial candidates in 2022 Republican Primary along with Rebecca Dow (see above). Both were soundly defeated by Mark Ronchetti in the 2022 Primary.
Mr. Block was a Sandoval County Commissioner. According to a candidate survey that Mr. Block submitted to Ballotpedia in 2022, “Block's career experience includes working as a nuclear weapons consultant. He is affiliated with the DAV, VFW, NRA, and Association of Air Force Missileers.”
District 12 has changed its location with redistricting. It is now further north and includes parts of Rio Rancho.
To donate to Phil Ramirez, go here.
Michele Sandoval (HD57)Rio Rancho, PICK-UPMichele is running for this seat for the second time. In 2022 she ran against an incumbent Republican, Jason Harper, first elected in 2013. She lost to him with 48.2% of the vote to his 51.8%, a margin of only 428 votes and he a six-term incumbent to her first time run.
Now the seat is open with Mr. Harper’s retirement. Replacing Mr. Harper has been a frequent goal, but now that the seat is open, perhaps we have a rare chance.Michelle is running against Rio Rancho realtor Republican Catherine Cullen who appears to have served for two terms on the Rio Rancho Public School Board winning her first election in 2013.
As though someone is about to require us to buy electric vehicles, Ms. Cullen is quoted in the Rio Rancho Observer as saying, “I’m not someone who wants to have an electric car, but we should have choices, and oil and gas is such an important part of our state budget. I mean, so when they’re talking about going to EV (electric vehicles) and reducing our oil and gas (revenues), how are we going to supplement our budget?” she said. “You should be able to have choices. If I want to have an electric car, great.” (April 6, updated April 9, 2024)
In the Primary, Ms. Cullen raised $17,330 with 5 current House Republican members making the largest contributions. She has $7,485 remaining. Michele raised $20,496 with $17,537 still available.
This will be a close race with Republicans trying to keep a seat that has been theirs for a decade. It is a clear pick-up for us, with all our help.
To donate to Michele Sandoval, go here.
The Reboot Elections Committee thanks the following sources:Progress Now NM; NMmas; BallotPediaNM; NM Sect’y of State Financial Reports. We consult our own contacts within the two Democratic Caucuses, House and Senate, as well as campaign managers with whom we have successful electoral experience, public press, and campaign web sites.
The Reboot Our Democracy Elections Committee is Willie Orr, Rich Weiner, and Paul Dirdak August 13 2024
The phone bank team has made 8,821 calls as of last night! This is great work. Special thanks to Patricia Boies and Mary Ann Cristello who have made over 700 calls each! Dottie McKissick and Kathy Bartlett have made over 400 each! There are many more volunteers who have made hundreds of calls—but you don’t have to make hundreds of calls to make an impact. Every call helps.
We have made the switch to Get Out The Vote calls to Santa Fe County registered voters (mostly Democrats) who we believe plan to vote for Democrats but who might need encouragement and a plan to actually get to the polls. Our phone bankers have reached out to 949 voters in the first three days! We have over 5,000 calls to go.
In addition, we are calling people who requested an absentee ballot but have not returned it yet. The typical response for these voters is quite low, so we are giving them information about deadlines, boxes where they can drop their ballot off, and so on. At this point, there are about 6,000 of these calls to make.
So, we need you!
For extra inspiration, you may wish to join us tomorrow, Wednesday, at 1:45 at 1420 Cerrillos to make calls with Jane Fonda. She will be with us in person. Please bring your cell phone. A tablet or laptop would be helpful. I suggest headphones or earbuds to help combat the noise of what we hope will be a lively event. We will be making calls for a couple of hours to a variety of different lists, including to folks who have signed up to help the campaign, to voters in battleground states, and to our own County GOTV lists. You need to sign up via the link below:
https://events.democrats.org/event/720484/
We look forward to seeing you!
Mary
Mary McCormick Freitas
505-490-3258
Training Schedule Snacks provided
1420 Cerrillos Rd
Tues 4 pm
Thurs 11 am
Sat 11 am
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