For Immediate Release                               Contact: Scott Forrester

August 2, 2011                                              505 -934-5681

Albuquerque, NM -   Last week, the NM GOP launched an e-mail newsletter under the banner "Leaders Lead." We're used to seeing a healthy dose of hypocrisy from our friends across the aisle, but this really takes the cake.  

Let's take a moment to review just what type of leadership we're getting from Republicans in New Mexico:

Republican Gov. Susana Martinez has gone 213 days since she was sworn in, and we have yet to see a single proposal for job creation.  After the Department of Labor released dismal numbers on our continued job loss (more than 4,000 fewer jobs from May to June, including 1,500 construction jobs), she even had the audacity to send her Party Chairman to spin us that New Mexico's economy is booming! 

Republican SOS Dianna Duran is in hot water for accusing 64,000 New Mexicans of voter fraud. First came the big announcement that she'd uncovered the massive voter fraud that Republicans have been shouting about (and failing to prove) for years. Later, she tried to walk that back, claiming - in direct conflict with her own public statements - she never accused anyone of breaking the law! But when she refused to release the records to public scrutiny we realized the only thing she uncovered was her own political motives. Not exactly a "Profile in Courage."

Republican Mayor RJ  Berry has just gone into hiding, dodging the media and the constituents to whom he is supposed to be accountable. Why? Because instead of fighting for the people of Albuquerque he's been fighting to protect his ethically challenged political crony Darren White, who arrived on the scene of his wife's accident - where news reports have revealed she was driving under the influence - and after intimidating the investigating officers he took her from the scene. RJ had his chance to step up and show real leadership, and instead he was nowhere to be found.

And he's not the only one dodging the tough questions that true leaders have to answer:

When Republican U.S. Senate candidate Heather Wilson was asked by KRQE where she stands on the debt ceiling, they got no answers, saying "former Congresswoman Heather Wilson didn't want any part of our story." (Senate candidates react to debt impasse)

Republican Lt. Gov. John Sanchez, also refused to tell the people of New Mexico where he stands - which came as a surprise to no one. According to KRQE, "A spokesman for Lt. Gov. John Sanchez said he'd send us a statement. He never did." (Senate candidates react to debt impasse)

So much for "Leaders Leading..." It is truly incredible - not to mention a slap in the face - that a candidate asking to be our voice in Washington on major issues would refuse to tell us how they would handle those very issues, but it's happening every day with Republicans in New Mexico. If that's their definition of leadership, they can keep it. You can see the full email from the GOP below.

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Leaders Lead

RPNM E-Update
Week of July 24th, 2011

Dear Friend,

Good day to you from the Republican Party of New Mexico.

I want to start off this note by thanking Congressman Steve Pearce for his support of the Cut, Cap and Balance legislation that passed the US House this week. Please consider writing a letter to the editor thanking the Congressman for his leadership or contact the Congressman via facebook,twitter, or email for his support of a plan to return our country to fiscal sanity.
 
RNC Chairman Reince Priebus has become fond of the phrase “leaders lead” and Representative Pearce is part of that group of House Republicans that has, of late, given that phrase meaning. The House GOP is the only group to pass a plan that will cut spending while continuing to fund the commitments America has already made.
 
While Democrats in the Senate and President Obama sit on their hands and present nothing, Republican leaders are leading. I encourage you to show your support of Congressman Pearce commitment to take the bull by the horns and work to solve America’s spending problem. 

Here at RPNM we are making cosmetic changes to improve our online communications and outreach. I wanted to take a minute and make you aware of what we are working on. First, we have started the weekly e-update – which you are reading now -- and so far the feedback has been very positive. In response to your requests for more engagement online we have updated the format of our newsletter to include additional social media tools and other means of digital correspondence. Please let us know what you think of the changes.
 
As you will find on the right of this email – we have a presence onfacebook, twitter, tumblr (blog), and youtube. We hope you will fan, friend or follow us on the online tools you use so we can provide you the latest news and updates.

Upcoming Event:
Today, Sunday July 24^th, the Bernalillo GOP is sponsoring a picnic to meet prospective candidates and current legislators. The event is to be held at Onate Park (On Chelwood two blocks south of Menaul) from 2 pm to 4 pm. Free hot dogs, refreshments and activities for kids of all ages. Hope you can drop by this afternoon!
 
Headlines Of The Week: 
Below are a few articles from the past week that I don’t want you to miss.

• National: Poll: President Obama Is At An All Time Low On Economic Job Approval
• New Mexico: The Republican National Committee is Running Ads In New Mexico - ICYMI: Highlights From Conference Call With RNC Political Director Rick Wiley & Bryan Watkins
• RPNM: Democrat Senator Calls Three Out Of Four New Mexicans “Ludicrous”

 
I leave you with this thought, as reported by ABC’s The Note this week:“We have a battle on our hands,” a top New Mexico Democrat said.  “We have a new Republican, Hispanic governor [Susanna Martinez] who’s going to spend as much as she can to make sure Obama can’t get re-elected.” 
 
We are working tirelessly to win this battleground state and we are making an all hands on deck push to turn New Mexico red in 2012. Join us in the fight for a better future for our state and our families. Please considercontributing today to allow RPNM to have the resources to support candidates who understand free enterprise, fight for economic growth and demand that government like within its means just as New Mexico families do.

Best regards,

Monty Newman
Chairman, Republican Party of New Mexico

For Immediate Release                       Contact: Scott Forrester

Senate Moves to Debate Call for Shared Sacrifice While Heather Wilson and John Sanchez Stay on the Sidelines

For Immediate Release                       Contact: Scott Forrester

July 7, 2011                                        505-934-5681

Albuquerque, NM  - A bipartisan group of Senators voted to move forward with a debate on a resolution that would call for millionaires and billionaires to pay their fair share of taxes but Heather Wilson and John Sanchez are sitting on the sidelines, leaving New Mexicans wondering whose side they are on.  Democrats are calling for Heather Wilson and John Sanchez to finally stand up for middle class families in New Mexico, not just millionaires.  Below is a statement from Democratic Party Chairman Javier Gonzales: 

“At virtually every opportunity they’ve had, Republicans have rushed to protect tax breaks for millionaires and their special interest backers,” said Javier Gonzales, Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman.  “Republican priorities couldn't be more misguided and Heather Wilson and John Sanchez's silence is deafening.” 

Earlier today, the Senate voted 74-22 to begin debate on the resolution which states that an agreement on raising the debt ceiling should require those making over $1 million to make a more “meaningful contribution to the deficit-reduction effort.”

“Heather Wilson and John Sanchez are quietly telling New Mexicans who they will fight for in the Senate and it’s not New Mexico's middle class families.”

BACKGROUND:

Today, in a bipartisan statement the Senate passed a measure to take up resolution from that calls for those people earning $1 million a year or more to pay their fair share in an effort to reduce the federal budget deficit. The procedural vote was necessary because Republicans would not allow the bill, which they say is meaningless, to come to the floor by unanimous consent. [The Hill, 7/06/11; Vote 106,7/07/11]

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Susana Martinez Still Batting .000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Scott Forrester

June 22, 2011 505-934-5681

Albuquerque - Today the New Mexico Supreme Court voted 5-0 that Susana Martinez illegally vetoed a bill by changing the amount of money that Legislators approved for a housing project. Below is a statement from Javier Gonzales, Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman, on Susana Martinez's simple lack of ability to following the law and continued broken promises:

"At a time when New Mexicans are searching for solutions to the jobs and education crisis, Susana Martinez has once again proven to New Mexicans that her priorities are not in sync with their own. Her cavalier approach to governing New Mexico has led the Supreme Court to overturn her decisions 3 times in 6 months. She continues her .000 average with following the law.”

"This latest decision is an embarrassment to her office. She needs to get on with the business of governing New Mexico according to the law of our State -- not what she thinks the law should be. Susana Martinez ran her campaign on "Bold Change," yet New Mexicans continue to scratch their heads in search of that change. Between the broken promises with back door meetings with oil lobbyist to draw up environmental law, hypocritical misuse of the state plane, or nice cushy appointments for her largest donors, Susana is showing a reckless record of following the law."

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Martinez Turns a Deaf Ear to New Mexico's Uninsured

Albuquerque, NM - Earlier this week, Governor Susana Martinez signed a letter with other Republican governors calling for the repeal of Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. 

 

If it wasn’t already clear, it is now. When Governor Susana Martinez called for the repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, she made it painfully obvious she is no friend to New Mexicans who can’t afford to see a doctor when they get sick.

 

Javier Gonzales, Chairman of the Democratic Party of New Mexico, released the following statement:

 

"Healthcare reform is a great start to fixing some pretty ugly flaws in a broken healthcare system, including the rising healthcare costs and falling access to health insurance affect us all: families, small businesses, seniors and children."

 

"By signing on to this blatantly partisan letter signed only by Republican Governors, Susana makes it clear she thinks we were better off when a child receiving life-saving cancer treatment could be cut off at anytime or a child with pre-existing conditions were being denied coverage in ever-increasing numbers.  In these tough economic times New Mexicans are searching for solutions to our problems not backward thinking that got us into this mess."

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Albuquerque - During the 2010 election, Susana Martinez took $15,000 from Clayton Williams, Jr. That's the same Clayton Williams who, during his own campaign for Governor, compared rape to bad weather, stating, “As long as it’s inevitable, you might as well lie back and enjoy it.” [AP, 6/14/08] 

Under pressure from multiple groups including the Democratic Party of New Mexico, Martinez donated the money to charity.

Current Bernalillo County Commissioner Michael Wiener - whose inappropriate sexual comments to elected county officials and county employees have been making headlines recently, is also a contributor to Susana's campaign, giving $700 last year.  Gov. Martinez needs to return the campaign contribution immediately and use her influence as Governor to demand Commissioner Wiener's resignation.

"If it was the right thing to do in on the campaign trail in 2010 then it is still the right thing to do now that you are Governor," said DPNM Chairman Javier M. Gonzales. “The time has come for Governor Martinez to  return the donations of Commissioner Michael Wiener. Trivializing rape is never acceptable and Governor Martinez needs to join us in taking a clear stand against this type of behavior, especially by elected officials. How many times is the Commissioner going to get away with just an apology?”

For Immediate Release Contact: Scott Forrester

May 24, 2011 505 934 5681

The following is a statement from Javier Gonzales, Chairman of the Democratic Party of New Mexico, on Lt. Guv John Sanchez's Entrance into the U.S. Senate Race:

"John Sanchez's entry into this field is a weak and desperate attempt by the Republican Party to placate the Tea party's extreme right wing agenda. The biggest question now is which one will be the first to support Paul Ryan and Speaker John Boehner's plan to end Medicare for New Mexico's Senior Citizens and balance the budget on the backs of working class New Mexicans. New Mexicans will not forget Heather WIlson's ethical lapses or John Sanchez's use of undocumented workers at his roofing company. Neither John Sanchez nor Heather Wilson are the right choice to fill Jeff Bingaman's shoes," said Chairman Javier Gonzales. "The race to the right between Heather Wilson and John Sanchez has begun and New Mexican's will have none of it. When the time comes New Mexico will overwhelmingly reject a Tea Party Senator."

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Martinez Administration Violates Three State Regulations on State Plane Usage

For Immediate Release Contact: Scott Forrester

May 13, 2011 505 934 5681

Albuquerque, NM - Larry Barker has uncovered yet another broken promise from the Martinez administration, this time a violation of the state's policy governing the use of the State Airplane. This is the same Martinez who promised New Mexicans to "Sell the Jet" and make better use of the other State Airplanes. Below is a statement from Democratic Party of New Mexico Executive Director Scott Forrester.

"Susana Martinez ran her campaign on selling the state aircraft and making better use of the state planes and yet two months into office we find out that she violated three state regulations on the state aircraft, not one, but three," said Executive Director Scott Forrester. "Susana has shown that following the law is not her specialty; rebuked twice by the Supreme Court, over steps veto authority, now violates three state regulations on state aircraft usage. This is truly hypocritical of the Governor and she beginning to show a reckless record of broken promises."

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Larry Barker story:

State plane fiasco: Oops not again? http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/larry_barker/secret-mission%3A-state-plane-...

Candidate Martinez on state plane usage:

Martinez Accused Denish Of Being Above Plane Rules. According to Martinez’s Ad, “Diane Denish, rules for us are below her. Denish told schools to cut energy use 10%. But use the state’s Luxury jet as an air taxi for her family and friends. Wasting 367,000 in tax money. And breaking state regulations 39 times. Claimed state rules don’t apply to Richardson and Denish. Schools cut budgets, while Diane Denish wasted tax money flying a luxury jet. Diane Denish above the rules. More of the same.” [Martinez Jet Commercial, 8/27/10]

Martinez Attacked Denish For Plane And Christmas Cards. Announcer: As jobs were lost, Richardson-Denish wasted millions. Abused the state jet. Denish even spent Federal stimulus funds on campaign Christmas cards. We need change. Susana Martinez. SM: Over 80% of all jobs are created by small businesses and that’s why my plan focuses on them. By ending corruption and eliminating wasteful spending, we can phase out job-killing taxes to help all small businesses grow. If we have the courage to make bold changes, we will turn New Mexico around. [Martinez Jobs Commercial, 7/22/10]

Martinez Released Attack Ad On Denish For Using The State Plane. According to Joe Monahan, “While the DGA was making Susana out to be a bonus baby, she was doing some attacking of her own and again relying on the symbol of the state’s gravy days--the state jet. Here’s her latest ad hitting Di for being a jet setter. Anti-jet sentiment is obviously playing well in the polls and focus groups for Martinez. She’s been reheating those leftovers all summer. For some in a populist mood the use, or abuse of the state jet, nicely sums up their anger.” [Blog, Joe Monahan, 8/30/10]

Martinez Called Denish’s Increased Use Of Government Airplane During Historic Deficits “Unacceptable.” According to an official press release, “Susana Martinez, Republican gubernatorial candidate today issued the following statement in response to news reports of Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish’s increased use of government airplanes: ‘As New Mexico experiences a historic budget deficit that has left the state bankrupt, Diane Denish has actually increased her use of government airplanes to travel across the state. Quite frankly, this is unacceptable. On the very same day the Richardson/Denish Administration proposed new tax increases on New Mexico businesses and families, we learn that the lieutenant governor continues to benefit from the perks of power at the expense of taxpayers. We have grown weary of elected officials who tax too much, spend too much and deliver too little to the people they are elected to serve. This November, that will change, and as governor, I will clean up the Roundhouse and end the waste, fraud and abuse that has been swept under the rug for far too long.’” [Susana Martinez Press Release, 1/20/10]

(ALBUQUERQUE) -- The following is a statement from DPNM Chairman Javier Gonzales on President Obama's immigration announcement:

"This is yet another example of President Obama demonstrating strong leadership by taking on an important issue that other leaders have frankly been too timid to take on. The President understands that solving the immigration crisis requires not only a comprehensive approach that includes increased border security but also a recognition that there are millions of immigrants in the United States contributing to our economy."

Check out some of the highlights from the speech:

Fixing America’s Broken Immigration System and Protecting Americans at the Gas Station

·         As President Obama said, immigration reform is an economic necessity – that’s why so many businesses and leaders from both ends of the ideological spectrum are calling for reform.

·         President Obama believes we have to reform our immigration system so that we as a country live up to our values and our heritage as a country of immigrants and a country of laws.

·         We have to fix our current system.  Millions of people are living in the shadows and are vulnerable to businesses that avoid taxes, pay less than the minimum wage, or take risks with their employees’ health and safety.  In addition, businesses that follow the rules and Americans that correctly ask for the minimum wage or overtime or a safe place to work are at an unfair disadvantage under the current system.

·         Reforming our current system will do away with a huge underground economy that takes advantage of a cheap source of labor while pushing down wages for everyone else – in the end, reform will strengthen the middle class.

·         In the recent past, the biggest obstacles to reform were questions about border security.  During the last two years, President Obama has answered those concerns by increasing border security more than many believed was possible.  He has dedicated unprecedented resources to America’s borders, put in place smarter and more strategic interior and worksite enforcement standards, and improved America’s legal immigration system.

·         Those efforts have yielded real results.  There are twice as many border patrol agents today as in 2004.  And this Administration has deployed unmanned aerial vehicles to patrol the border from Texas to California.

·         For the first time, America is screening 100 percent of southbound rail shipments – seizing guns and money that are headed south even while going after drugs headed north.

·         Although there is no single, easy answer for addressing increased gas prices in the short term, there are things we can do to guarantee that Americans aren’t victims of escalating gas prices in the long term.

·         One of those things is ending $4 billion in unnecessary tax breaks for oil and gas companies and instead investing that revenue in shrinking the deficit as well as in clean energy research and development that will create jobs and end America’s reliance on foreign oil.

·         America has to make smart investments in a more energy independent economy.  Those investments will make our economy stronger, create 21^st century industries and jobs, and reduce America’s reliance on an always changing oil market. 

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