Crescit Eundo

Albuquerque- "It grows as it goes" is the translation of our state's latin motto. That's what we're doing here at the New Mexico Politico. I started this as a personal blog over ten years ago. Politics has always been a passion and I relished the opportunity to have a platform to share my thoughts and ideas on New Mexico politics and culture. This blog directly lead me to the crazy campaign world of grassroots organizing and activism, which has preoccupied me since 2008. The mechanics of elections taught me a lot about the process, mostly the egos involved in the pursuit of power. This experience made me an operative, candidate, delegate and general agitator. While trench fighting is fun, it is brutal and will wear you down. It distracted me from what I originally set out to do; observe, write, speak and influence from a genuinely independent perspective. I am the son of entrepreneurs, pioneers, Irish Union soldiers, Spanish conquistadors, Mexican merchants, Tigua farmers, and Apache warriors... I am of this land and the amalgamation of cultures that makes New Mexico so unique. It is from this truth that propells me to revamp and improve this from a personal blog to a media and lifestyle site covering culture and influence in the Land of Enchantment. Fresh voices and perspectives will be featured along with special coverage of topics that, by design, are usually overlooked or ignored by news media, pundits and politicians. I invite you to join us as we grow and go at the new nmpolitico.com 

Perception is Truth in Politics

Albuquerque - The rouge dinosaurs are gathering this weekend to celebrate their self-righteousness while electing delegates to the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. They will also pick another saltine elite to represent their country club as a Republican national committeeman and committeewoman.

I was organizing for liberty four years ago at the same convention. A small contingency of liberty minded GOP activists defied the establishment by accruing enough coalition support to be elected delegates and alternate delegates to the 2012 national convention. I represented New Mexico liberty minded Republicans as an alternate delegate to the coronation of Mitt Romney in Tampa Bay. The experience was an education but it was largely a futile exertion of energy and resources; Liberty is not welcome in the party of cronyism, war, and android crew cuts. I will not be attending this year's bridge club mainly because I am now a registered DTS, Independent voter with no plan of ever returning to brunch on the red Titanic.

It was curious to read of the New Mexico GOP's negligence of Sandia Pueblo's press policy barring media (especially lowly bloggers) from covering Saturday's Quadrennial Convention. This may be a genuine error on Chairwoman Debbie Weh Maestas and her team but the perception of this blunder doesn't help her party's image after they already tried to charge media a fee to cover this event. Perception is truth in politics, that's at least what a number of establishment types kept reminding me during my time in the small tent. Andy Lyman reports the state party has remedied the issue,

"The Republican Party of New Mexico announced on Wednesday that members of the press will, indeed, be able to cover the party’s statewide Quadrennial Convention."

You can imagine this media timeline has been anything but gracious for the NM GOP, the party of the people for the people, right?

Open New Mexico Primaries

Albuquerque - Modern political parties have atrophied in scope of their ability to effectively influence and represent current constituencies. This is reflected in the trend of voters here in New Mexico and nationwide ending their associations to the ruling political duopoly and embracing political independence,  the first step in reclaiming their individual sovereignty. 

Are you aware of the current disenfranchisement of 272,301 New Mexico taxpayers registered as independents or minor party who are barred from participating in publicly funded primary elections? Heath Haussamen of NMPolitics.Net opines and offers a pretty straight forward solution for the duopoly masters in Santa Fe to consider,

"I don’t have a strong opinion on whether New Mexico’s primaries should be open to all voters. But if we’re going to continue with closed primaries, I believe the parties, not taxpayers, should foot the bill. The primaries should either be paid for with public money and open to all voters, or they should be closed party processes funded exclusively by Democrats and Republicans."

Read his full commentary with linked sources on the number of registered independent voters and minor party members here. Heath for the most part attempts to keep things balanced so the consistency and fairness of his proposed resolution should be agreeable to most parties. No pun intended. 

Ben Swann: Saudi Arabia Terrified of Release of "28 Pages" in 9/11...

I remember Ben Swann of KFOX TV in El Paso covering sports mostly. He's done good for himself, I think he picked up a bit of the borderland's dialect though. And yeah, the Saudis aren't our friends.

NDAA 2017: Military Industrial Complex Wins, People Lose

Episode 945 | THE LINE: Candidate Residency Debate

Ron Paul on voting Libertarian if Trump is GOP Nominee: Certainly!

This Week's Poll: Open Primaries for New Mexico?

Albuquerque - Should the New Mexico Legislature and Governor approve open primary elections? What seemed to be a dead issue in the last few legislative sessions has recently appeared to be a popular opinion item for politicos statewide. Democratic Party of New Mexico state chairman Sam Bregman has noted early support for an open primary system on account of being more inclusive to all voters. The Democrat's counterpart Republican party chairman John Billingsley does not support a change citing concerns over open primaries "diluting party principles." Albuquerque state representatives Bill O'Neill and Emily Kane are sponsoring legislation that will end the exclusion of registered Independents, Decline-to-state and other minor party members from future New Mexico primary elections. The usual suspects have weighed in from both sides but Governor Martinez's indication that she would support such legislation last week caught many by surprise, including Chairman Billingsley I am sure. Taxpayers who are eligible to vote but not registered with either the Democratic or Republican parties are continuously excluded from elections that they have paid for.

Weigh in on this important discussion on the upper right column right here at the New Mexico Politico or send me your comments for publication. I will include the results next week with our view.

Brushfire in New Mexico

Torch of Liberty

Alamogordo - Modern (especially well financed) political campaigns usually invest more resources on spreading a candidate's message and name 'ID' by utilizing conventional broadcast media and viral internet mediums like Facebook, Vine, YouTube, Podcasts and Twitter. In a state where the physical size of congressional districts are larger than most New England states one can easily understand why it is a necessity for campaigns to utilize mass broadcast methods to touch voters. It is rare for statewide candidates to campaign out of a handbook from eras past where visits to favored local coffee shops, hardware stores or (New) Mexican restaurants often present opportunities to meet the real influencers of elections in this 121, 298.15 square miles we call New Mexico. 

 Our capital city Santa Fe is nicknamed the 'City Different', this can also describe our Land of Enchantment. This is the West, voters require more than just a mailer, television commercial or persistent presence on the internet... they want to meet a candidate face to face and leave with a confident handshake. Successful grassroots efforts connect with voters at a sobering, personal level.

 A political movement that effectively articulates what the masses are thinking is a powerful one. Young people are disenchanted with the process because the elaborate complexity of the system is oppressing any viable opportunity for future economic prosperity, the 'game' is rigged. Our Communities and families are increasingly mandated orders by a technocratic social engineer in Washington D.C. while our privacy rights are being violated every day on the pretense of national security. The Constitution that protects our natural rights and liberties is defecated on in the same name of bi-partisanship.

David Clements

Congressional approval ratings are tanking like the Titanic in the north Atlantic, only 9% of Americans approve of their supposed leadership. The once guilded candidate of hope, President Obama has the lowest approval ratings of his career at 40%, Americans have lost confidence in his leadership. Main street is tired of Wall Street and K Street running the show, the environment for a grassroots velvet revolution is fertile in this country. Regular individuals like you and I are concerned about the economic future of our families, communities, and country.

Too often are the people payed lip service by opportunist career minded political swine who only represent the highest bidder and the economic elite who directly benefit from the expansive leviathan of federal prowess. Because of this sentiment we're seeing grassroots candidates like David Clements earning enthusiastic support in every part of New Mexico because the people are demanding a leader that understands their concerns and the root of our nation's political and economic problems.

Coffee houses and campaign events across the state are filling to capacity to learn more about the little known attorney from Dona Ana county and his message of liberty and the restoration of individual sovereignty to all New Mexicans. Embers of Freedom are igniting 'brushfires' in the hearts and minds of a concerned few that will spread to all of New Mexico. The political establishment is on alert and has made concerted efforts to thwart Clements and the liberty movement from speaking the truth.  Freedom can be restricted but cannot be contained.

Our Founders were keen on this over two hundred years ago, perhaps Samuel Adams says it best "It does not take a majority to prevail... but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men." Keep an eye on U.S. Senate candidate David Clements but more so on the grassroots movement catapulting him to the front. A wildfire of liberty grounded in the principles of our U.S. Constitution is the only movement that can restore our country as the 'shining city on the hill' that it once was.

'The Cop Should've Been Arrested': Judge Napolitano Analyzes Wild New Mexico Traffic Stop

Judge Andrew Napolitano

Fox News - Judge Andrew Napolitano stopped by Fox and Friends this morning to analyze the wild New Mexico traffic stop that has made national headlines. In the shocking dash cam video, a policeman can be seen firing at a fleeing minivan that contained a mother and her five children. Prior to the shots being fired, the woman and her teenage son had argued and scuffled with the arresting officer, who had originally pulled the woman over for speeding.

Napolitano said the question for prosecutors is going to be whether to pursue charges against the mother and boy or the police officers. He stated emphatically that the police officer who fired at the minivan had no right to use deadly force. "The law is that the police can't use deadly force unless deadly force has been used on them," said Napolitano, adding that clearly the teenage boy committed a felony by attempting to hit the policeman.

"The woman was unarmed, the boy was unarmed. The police had no right to shoot," he said. Brian Kilmeade asked whether the police, in the heat of the moment, may have had a suspicion that there were guns in the car. "The 'what ifs' do not justify the use of deadly force. The police would have to know, not have a hunch but know, that there was a weapon in the car that could have been used on them," said Napolitano.  

He said the policeman who bashed in the minivan's window should also face charges. "[That] is a criminal act for which he should be prosecuted. He should have been arrested on the spot by his fellow cops. ... You're going to spray glass in the face of children for reasons that you can't explain!" he said. Watch the discussion video here. 

Republican silence broken on ABQ abortion initiative

Las Cruces - I'm pro-choice... when it comes to answering our state's official question "Red or Green?" Any savy New Mexico Politico should know to always answer 'Christmas' and if they don't, they must have recently moved to our Land of Enchantment. 

I believe life begins at conception and ends at natural death. The Roman Catholicism of my childhood, a belief in Natural Law and the non-aggression principle propel me to be wholly pro-life. I'm against abortion and the death penalty, there are no grey areas in 'Life' for this politico. When it comes to the abortion debate most republican operatives and pro-life politicians are shying away from providing substantive commentary on the subject. I see this as a direct correlation to the perception that when Republicans or any social conservative discusses the abortion debate they carelessly open themselves to relentless left wing attacks in the media with sensationalists headlines like, "candidate X hates women." Preposterous bovine excremant that the emotional left loves to use in lieu of the facts.


The Albuquerque Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Ordinance has provided an excellent opportunity to serve as a rallying point for the state's pro-life Republicans to broadcast their message but all there has been is silence. Don't believe me? Has Governor Martinez opened up at length on the subject? Where's Congressman Pearce's op-ed? Pearce is one of the strongest pro-life Republicans in the United States House of Representatives and one of the Governors most memorable campaign zingers to conservative crowds is that she "believes babies should be born!"

The eyes of the nation are on Albuquerque this week. 'Burquenos' will have the opportunity to vote on the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Ordinance on Tuesday November 19th. The ordinance seeks to end the gruesome practice of late-term abortion procedures within Albuquerque's city limits. Recent polling data has indicated that the ballot measure may fail, this could be the reason why so many pro-life Republicans are distancing themselves from the controversy. 

David, Roland, Erin Clements

There is one pro-life Republican who's not shying away from offering his take on the ballot initiative. U.S. Senate candidate David Clements has penned a substantive op-ed that shifts the paradigm and debate, not only challenging Democrats but Republicans too. Clements asks pro-life advocates nationwide to reassess their strategy for battling late term abortion in supporting local initiatives like Albuquerque's. While the Albuquerque Journal disagrees with local ballot initiatives, Clements applauds it and believes the same Founders who authored the U.S. Constitution would applaud it too. 

Clements is challenging Senator Tom Udall in the 2014 mid-term election. Udall has a 100% rating from the pro-abortion group NARAL. Udall's wife, Jill Cooper Udall co-hosted an October fundraiser with Texas abortionist Dr. Curtis Boyd to finance the media buys of abortion rights groups.

   Removing Washington Politics From the ABQ Abortion Debate by NewMexicoPolitico

Another New Mexico Law enFORCEment Embarrasement

Las Cruces - Like any region, New Mexico has some good and bad things of notoriety. Our green and red chile offer the basic ingredients for a humble yet savory and distinct cuisine. Our natural beauty and cultural treasury makes the land of enchantment a destination for many wayward travelers, artists, naturalists, adventurers, writers, and glory seeking explorers. Natives to the state are independent and equally humble in their demeanor, their hospitality and creativity add to the cultural beauty that makes us so attractive to Yankees and foreigners alike. Unfortunately our politics can publicly be corrupt but easily dismissed by the wide swath of apathetic voters who are too busy trying to edge out a living or averting the perpetual economic depression with alcohol and drugs. There's yin and yang, good and bad. 

I respect law enforcement and appreciate those who protect and serve our communities everyday of the year. New Mexico has a long respectable legacy of peace officers and many in the profession are heroes. There are unfortunately some bad apples in the barrel and national headlines have taken notice. 

Law enforcement in southwestern New Mexico has infamously been ridiculed for the unconstitutional anal probing of a citizen who rolled past a stop sign with out braking and was under suspicion of holding drugs in his derriere. The most recent folly in our police state includes officers using deadly force against an unarmed family visiting New Mexico for our cultural and historical entities. While the action of the adult mother was irresponsible and she should not have evaded the officer, the violence used by the officers clearly demonstrates the brutality encouraged and used by some within the state's law enforcement culture. When will this behavior no longer be tolerated by law enforcement administrators and authorities, will our Governor speak up against these continuing embarrassments? Citizens must demand a review of the ethics, protocol and police culture that seems to encourage  and tolerate this 'bad cop' behavior. We deserve better, this is America not NAZI Germany.



 

 

Former Abortionist Tells It Like It Is

Albuquerque - The national debate on late term abortions has become more prevalent in recent months because of the upcoming late term abortion ban that the City of Albuquerque will be voting on Tuesday November 19th. Regardless of one's opinion on the subject every voter in Albuquerque should consider what Dr. Anthony Levatino, a former abortionist, has to say about the reality of late term abortion procedures.

Clements Unites Conservative and Liberty Grassroots

Mesilla - Tea Party patriots, Libertarian party members, business owners, Constitutional Conservatives, young liberty activists, Students for Ron Paul, and even disenchanted blue dog Democrats gathered Tuesday evening at Andeles, a popular Mexican restaurant off of New Mexico Highway 28, to learn more about the candidacy of DARP Chairman David Clements young bid for the United States Senate. The campaign had made a limited attempt to publicize the event to the pan-conservative grassroots in Dona Ana county. Clements was not expecting too many people to attend mainly because the high political apathy that many of the county's conservatives seem to espouse, if 20 concerned citizens showed up it would be considered a success. 

Citizens began to trickle into the event 45 minutes before the publicized start time. Chips, salsa, iced teas and coffees accompanied passionate conversations while Clement's nominating petitions were signed. The many factions that attended this liberty meetup mirrored the microcosm of the Republican party nationwide. Minutes after he began his introduction and mission, people were still slipping through the door, I counted 51 people in the seats akwardly surrounding the candidate. Some in attendance were clearly there to serve as the Devil's Advocate but his answers clearly resonated with the room because of the amount of applause he received from the majority in attendance. Young, old, Hispanics, whites, conservatives, and libertarians were all energized by the constitutionally principled and concise message Clement's made. His style is genuine and humble, something voters are starved for and his background in law enforcement as a prosecutor provides pan-conservatism an advocate who can eloquently combat the progressive tyranny found in Washington D.C. 

At the conclusion of the event many pledged support by writing checks to help fund his campaign and those who could not donate signed up as volunteers to help spread the message of Liberty that David cares so much about. This isn't the first time pan-conservatism has organized behind Clements, he was elected DARP chairman in a similar fashion. If he can unite a dysfunctional field of grassroots supporters in Dona Ana county, Clements can do so in every county throughout New Mexico. The state's establishment Republicans who are more comfortable with a compromised status qou and the robotic foot soldiers of the Democratic party better take note, there's a strong southern wind in Liberty's sails with David Clements at the helm.

Veterans Day in Las Cruces

Las Cruces Garrison Flag

Las Cruces - U.S. Senate candidate David Clements attended various Veterans Day memorial services on Monday November 11th to honor those who've served our Republic in supporting and defending the Constitution of United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. David began his day flanked by supporters and veterans for the raising of the Garrison flag at Las Cruces' Veterans Memorial Park.  After the short service David was joined for coffee by Las Cruces vets to discuss their concerns and issues. Among them is healthcare including mental health, chronic homelessness, employment and the rising suicide rates among our young veterans returning from duty in the Middle East. David then attended Mesilla's Veterans Memorial Service with his son Roland where a crowd of 40-50 vets and their families gathered. 

Veterans for Clements in Mesilla

At the conclusion of the Mesilla memorial, David met officers from the local Disabled American Veterans chapter, elected dignitaries and new campaign supporters. New Mexico has a proud heritage of military service and continuing support for the mission of our national defense. When asked about his role as a U.S. Senator in representing vets, Clements stated that "The brave men and women of our military swore an oath to defend and support our Constitution and many have paid the ultimate sacrifice while in service to our Republic. It is one of my highest prerogatives to advocate for our veterans and their issues as they come home. They have given so much, it is now my duty to fight for them and their families here in New Mexico and our nation's Capitol"

This Week's Poll: Republican Issues

Albuquerque - A recent CBS News poll indicates Republicans are losing the 'blame game' with 44% of Americans assigning responsibility to them for the federal government shutdown. President Obama and Congressional Democrats were viewed as the responsible party by 35% of Americans. While some Republicans are alarmed by this and are seeking opportunities to tuck tail and run towards Democratic appeasement, others are standing firm on principle and asking tough questions for Democrat and Republican leadership to answer. We arrived at the currently bleak economic condition via bipartisan collaboration with our representatives blindly following leadership's misguided band-aid solutions and political horse trades. This week I ask politicos what are the best issues for Republicans to advocate for in the lead up to the election in a little more than a year away. You may vote for multiple answers, I will share the results on New Mexico Politico Radio and Podcast this Sunday.

Assistant DA, GOP Chairman, Liberty Advocate Announces U.S. Senate Candidacy

Las Cruces -  Doña Ana Republican Party Chairman and Assistant District Attorney David Clements is expected to announce his candidacy for the U.S. Senate early Tuesday. Clements will challenge incumbent New Mexico Democrat Tom Udall who was elected to the Senate in 2008. Clements resides in Las Cruces with his wife Erin and son Roland. Clements states in a press release, "With our government's refusal to live within its means, we have a 17 trillion dollar debt and are on the brink of economic ruin. And with Washington, D.C. unable to escape the reality of its continued failures, an all out assault on our economic and civil liberties has begun." Clements is a rising star in the New Mexico Republican Party and a prominent leader from the growing 'Liberty' movement within the party. 

David, Roland and Erin Clements

Clements at 33 has spent the past two months traveling across the state meeting with grassroots leadership, college students, and members of the Republican Party of New Mexico's State Central Committee discussing the issues and solutions that New Mexicans are concerned about. Clements takes an early shot at Udall in the press release, "As an attorney, I swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution---an oath I take seriously. Career politicians like Senator Udall have disregarded that same oath and have created a culture of dependency in New Mexico," he continues, "By restraining the federal government, we empower people to look within themselves to create opportunity and achieve greatness. I grew up in a lower-class family, and am still fighting for the American dream. I'm tired of Washington D.C. elites taking our hard earned money, and trying to convince us that we are helpless without their involvement in every aspect of our lives. Enough is enough.” 

Clements, a constitutional conservative and liberty advocate, is the only New Mexico republican to formally enter the 2014 U.S. Senate race. Former gubernatorial candidate Allen Weh, Alamogordo Mayor Susie Galea, and former Democratic state legislator Robert Aragon have also expressed interest in entering the race. Senator Udall is rated as one of the safest Democratic seats in the nation. Clements has an arduous path to the Capitol but I am reminded of the overused politico shop talk quip, 'in politics, timing is everything.' Congressional approval is tanking and Americans are growing more skeptical of the political & corporate establishment that influence$ the horse trader$ we send to Washington. 

Polished shades of incumbency or a long political career are appearing to be vulnerabilities in 2014. Polls and coffee shop conversations are indicating a national mood shifting towards a libertarian approach. Politicos nationwide have articulated the need of fresh faces and messaging for a ssuccessful courtship of independent and younger voters. The GOP has failed to garner significant support from said voters in recent years, the same voters who eluded more conventional establishment GOP candidates in 2012. If the Republican party is serious about making positive inroads with independent minded voters, they must change who they nominate for higher office. 

Clements is another shot of liberty for New Mexico (remember Gary Johnson?) and U.S. politics (Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, Justin Amash). A shot that is needed to fight the dystopian disease spread by snakes of surveillance and Goliaths of ubiquitous government. 

"It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds." - Samuel Adams

Disclosure Statement: David Clements and I serve together on the Republican Liberty Caucus of New Mexico's Executive Committee and have recently discussed his potential Senate candidacy, he's a friend and a friend of liberty. 

View Clements press release below.

   Clements U.S. Senate Announcement by NewMexicoPolitico

Furloughs loom at Los Alamos and Sandia national labs

New Mexico Watchdog - Two major national labs based in New Mexico have so far avoided the brunt of the partial government shutdown that, by estimates, has affected 17 percent of the federal budget. But absent a deal on Capitol Hill, it appears as though it will only be a matter of days before workers at the Sandia National Labs in Albuquerque and the Los Alamos National Laboratory are furloughed.

The director and president at Sandia, Paul Hommert, wrote to lab employees Tuesday informing them the facility is preparing for a “safe, secure and orderly shutdown” by the close of business Oct. 21. In the memo, Hommert says the decision comes at the direction of the National Nuclear Security Administration, the federal entity that oversees nuclear security at U.S. government sites across the country, including Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Hommert’s letter does not mention how many of the 9,800 employees at Sandia would be furloughed. As for LANL, no date has been set for potential furloughs of about 10,000 employees, contractors, security personnel, students and post-doctoral candidates. “As of right now, all Los Alamos employees are reporting to work as normal,” LANL spokesman Fred DeSousa told New Mexico Watchdog on Wednesday morning. Read more news...

Who's to blame for government shutdown? Vote in poll

A week has passed by and the U.S. Federal Government is still shutdown. A cacophony of accusations and exchange of bovine excrement has dominated the negotiations between House Republican leadership and President Obama's Senate Democratic leadership. Republicans want to delay and defund the controversial Affordable Care Act of 2010 also known as Obamacare and are using this as leverage in the current budget process. Democrats refuse to negotiate on this point since the legislation has been approved by Congress, deemed constitutional by the Supreme Court, and President Obama was resoundingly reelected last year thus equating it as a mandate of approval from the American people. While the shutdown has been reported as a draconian reminder of our current dysfunctional political process responsible for crippling the country, only 17% of the actual government is shutdown. Politicians and media continue to use fear mongering as a tool to push 'Chicken Little' voters to push Republicans into a corner of consent. Chicken Little knows a band-aid and rubbing alcohol aren't going to patch up the deep wound that is our economic depression and a budget that only makes it worse. The sky fell along time ago and 'Chicken Little's' across the country are beginning to realize this. We ask our politicos this week "Who shares the most responsibility for the U.S. Federal Government shutdown?" Please vote in our weekly non-scientific poll and send me your comments at ahd@newmexicopolitico.com

Mayor Berry projected to win re-election

Richard Berry

Albuquerque - KOB Eyewitness News 4 projected earlier Tuesday evening that Albuquerque mayor Richard Berry will win re-election. Unofficial results show Berry with a commanding 73%-25% lead over Pete Dinelli. Paul Heh currently has 2% of the vote. The current totals are from early and absentee votes. These votes represent approximately 40 percent of the total number of votes estimated to have been cast in this year's election. You can keep updated on official results here.



View Democrat challenger Pete Dinelli's concession speech below.