According to Ward chair, Dallas Timmons, 54 registered Dems showed up to vote for local and state convention delegates - a greater showing  than four years ago. Twenty-one persons were nominated for the 14 delegate slots available. Seven of the 14 are either precinct chairs or volunteers in our ward. The remaining delegates have not yet done work for the ward but will be asked to volunteer time to help the ward in the future.  A preliminary count shows Martin Heinrich with 5 delegates and Michelle Lujan-Grisham with 9 delegates.
 

Ward 11A Pre-Primary delegates 2008 from Feb 7 2008 election
Richard Meadows
Richard Gonzales
Lawrence Segura
Suzanne Prescott
George Kraehe
Laurette Alexander
Emma Gonzales
Colleen Cadwell
Mary Mescall
Ron Montoya
David Baltzer
Wheaton Byers
Roberto Contreras
Kelly Kraehe

Alternates:
Jetta Reynolds
Marie Chestnut
Katie Duhigg
Jonathan Siegel
Barbara Coleman

The local and state delegate conventions will be held March 1 and 15th respectively.

Senator Obama will speak Friday Feb.1 at the downtown convention center. Tickets are available from the Obama office at 1015 Lomas NW or at BarackObama.com . Doors open at 11:30 and the event begins at 1:15. 

Obamam supporters meet and plan

-- from Dallas Timmons

Ward 11A had a Democratic Party ward meeting on January 23 at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. We had fantastic turn out with over 80 people in attendance to hear speakers from the State Party and the 3 democratic candidates running for the District 1 congressional race (Heather Wilson's seat).

For many it was the first Democratic Party meeting they had attended which is an indication of the enthusiasm that is being generated this year. We were able to get the word out through the efforts of volunteers, especially Jay Dombrowski (who registred two voters at the meeting) and Suzanne Prescott who teamed up to make sure every Democrat and Independent voter in 9 precincts received a flyer. We also had help from the County Party Building Committee to knock on doors and speak to the Democrats in precinct 154. We all enjoyed the home made refreshments, meeting new and old acquaintances, speaking directly to several candidates and generally just being in an atmosphere full of excitement and possibility for the year ahead.

The State Party representatives spoke about a new neighborhood activation plan that is being driven by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and gave us more information about the upcoming February 5 caucus and delegate selection process. The neighborhood activation project is recruiting local democrats to sign up to contact 25 people in their neighborhood 3 times before the November election this year. This is how we will build relationships with more Democrats and ensure we take over the House, the Senate and the White House. If you are interested please contact either Joe Casados (830-3645 or joe@nmdemocrats.org) or Dallas Timmons (243-9684 or dalltimm@aol.com). For more information about the caucus and delegate selection process please contact Beth Adams 830-3645 or era56@aol.com.

For those of you that missed this great gathering of excited democrats, stay tuned. We plan to have more ward meetings in the future. For information on how to get involved and be a part of this reawakening of the Democratic Party, contact Dallas Timmons, Ward 11A Chair (243-9684 or dalltimm@aol.com).

Obama's staff had hardly set up one headquarters before they outgrew it and are moving again.

Ward 11A held our 1st precinct walk of 2008 on January 19, visiting 177 residences in precinct 154. We had a great turn out with 13 volunteers, 6 from our ward, 5 from the Bernalillo County party building committee and 2 who responded to our Enews invitation. Volunteers from Ward 11A were precinct chair Carlos Ortega who brought 2 of his brothers, Ralph and Robert, Tara Ford (pct 150), Melissa Jamison (pct 153) and Roxanne Allen (pct 165). We started off with chili and hot drinks at ward chair Dallas Timmons' apartment, then broke up into teams of 2 and hit the pavement. Our main purpose for walking was to invite people to the Ward meeting on January 23.

Afterwards we regrouped at Dallas' apartment for pecan pie, brownies, and assorted drinks while we shared stories of the walk. We all had a good time, met new people and got to know a little more about precinct 154. Besides the Ward 11A folks we had Ana Canales, Bill Kass, Joe Boersig, Ramon Mondragon, Peggy Wallace, Judge Elizabeth Whitefield and Mike Davis. Many, many thanks to all of these volunteers for taking 3 hours out of their Saturday to help us.

As the walk wound down, Ward 11A has walked and distributed literature to all 10 precincts in the Ward.  We will be having more walks throughout 2008 so if you missed this one, please try to help out on another. They are a fun way to meet people of like mind and to help the Democratic Party.

Dallas Timmons Ward 11A Chair

Join us for news and opinions that won't be on your TV and you won't read in the Journal
Suzanne Prescott, precinct 162


New Mexico Radio Show Starts Second Year of Covering Legislative Politics
Area Guests, Callers Bring Progressive Ideas to Local Airwaves “LIVE” Call in number is (505) 338-4090
Contact: Co-host , Heather Brewer 505-310-5957 or
Executive Producer, Suzanne Prescott 505-304-3960
‘Insight New Mexico’ Radio 1350 AM Saturdays Noon to 1 pm

ALBUQUERQUE — ‘Insight New Mexico’ kicks off its second year of putting the progressive spin on local politics Saturday, January 19, at noon, on 1350 AM, with new hosts and an hour-long show featuring local political reporters, policy experts and elected officials.

Co-hosts Heather Brewer and Javier Benavidez take over the reins from former Albu-querque City Councilor and mayoral candidate Eric Griego and bring their own unique perspectives, having worked for New Mexico candidates, elected officials and commu-nity groups. Brewer, the communications director for Patricia Madrid’s 2006 congres-sional bid, is now the executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice New Mexico and Benavidez, who formerly worked for Albuquerque City Councilor Martin Heinrich, is now on staff with Conservation Voters New Mexico.

January 19th’s kickoff edition will feature a discussion of domestic partnership legislation with Rep. Mimi Stewart, a look at the health care debate and the insightful political commentary of local reporters.

The weekly program will continue bringing the latest updates and wrap-ups to progres-sive listeners throughout the legislative session and into the political season. In addi-tion, listeners can get the latest political in news by visiting the show’s blog and web-site at insightnm.net .

Last night more than 50 volunteers and visitors showed up for an Obama campaign meeting at the Dem party headquarters on San Pedro in Albuquerque.  The agenda included an introduction of the 4 new organizers – Ian and Anna in Albuquerque, Tyler in Las Cruces and Chris in Santa Fe.  The four organizers, fresh from Obama’s Iowa win, are here to help orchestrate Obama’s campaign in New Mexico. But who exactly are they helping? A question about who was the spokesperson for the campaign eventually elicited a response.  Requests for information about the Obama campaign, at least in Albuquerque, should go to Brad Lyau, bradlyau@aol.com, (650) 430-5340.

Events for Obama coming up  soon include a Dem Debate Watching Party at Weck’s restaurant on January 21st from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM (tickets are $18.00.) Plans are underway to watch results from the South Carolina primary on January 26th.  For information on these and other events contact Anna Humphrey at ahumpfrey@barackobama.com or call (859) 351-5717.

As 2007 comes to a close we count our blessings for the good things that are happening here in New Mexico — an increase in the minimum wage, more steps to address global warming and encourage alternative energy, increased funding for children’s healthcare and people with disabilities. But these gains did not come easy. They took grassroots pressure from folks like you, grit and determination from elected officials like me.

Much more needs to be done in 2008—especially at a national level where the war in Iraq drags on long after popular support has ended, and a recession looms as a result of predatory lending practices. Excitement over the coming elections is building, and, with open Senate and House seats, the Presidency, and the entire legislature up for grabs, 2008 may be the most important election New Mexico has held in a generation.

I urge you to bump up your level of involvement. When asked to volunteer, or give your opinion, please respond positively. Democracy is a participatory sport—and we get what we put into it! Please take the time to complete my annual constituent survey, which should be coming to your mailbox at the turn of the year. I depend on your feedback to guide me, and this year I’m particularly interested in your thoughts on healthcare and campaign finance reform, two of the key issues this year. Call me during the session at 1-505-986-4300, or write me at Sen. Dede Feldman, NM State Capitol, Santa Fe, NM 87503. The session starts Jan. 15 and runs until Feb. 14. You can obtain my survey on my website at www.dedefeldman.com.

Join the campaign for positive change in New Mexico — and the US!

Once again, I am honored to stand up for you in Santa Fe.

Senator Dede Feldman

Thanks to all who attended the training:

Carlos Ortega
Dede Feldman
Glorya & Charlie Hale
Marilyn Bowman
Nancy Tankersley
Holly Harrison
Richard Brusuelas
Abigail Feldman
Mike Hightower
Roger Smithpeter (Ward 11B)
*Ed Benevidez
*Rita Elliot
*Dallas Timmons

* Attended as a refresher.

Note: The Secretary of State has revised the voter registration forms. They're now easier to use and no longer have to be filled out in triplicate.

 
The next Ward 11A meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 23, 2008.

when 20 Dems showed up at the invitation of Ward Chairperson, Dallas Timmons, to voice their current concerns and hear what Senator Dede Feldman and Representative Rick Miera had to say about the upcoming NM legislative session. Besides the war, Dems expressed concern over the environment, health care, ethics reform, water & domestic partner legislation.  The shortened session will focus on budget issues and Rep. Miera pointed out that revenues from oil and gas will be a little slimmer this year thus putting more pressure on the budge to meet a variety of escalating needs.

 Visitors included Bernalillo County Democratic Party Chair - Ana Canales (standing), and 2nd Vice Chair - Cheryl Ann Harris. 

Plans are being made to follow-up this meetings with a meeting in January to prepare for the February 5th Presidential Caucus. 

Ward 11A chair, Dallas Timmons said the Monday night meeting went better than she even had hoped. Precinct chairs welcomed two new Precinct reps, Ron Montoya (Pct chair 152) and Carlos Ortega, (Pct chair 154.) In addition to Ron and Carlos precinct chairs Jetta Reynolds, Eric Jeffries, Maria Martinez gathered to watch a short video from the North Carolina Dem party titled, “Door to door canvassing: Engaging the grassroots." We discussed our views about canvassing and what help it might be for the coming 2008 elections. There was agreement that getting to know neighbors and folks in our precincts is a good way to build the party and increase our base and ability to get out the vote.

We talked about our upcoming canvas of precinct 150 on October 27 and worked on developing a list of volunteers for that walk as well as setting up dates for precinct walks in precincts 152 and 154.

The discussion was positive and the meeting broke up around 8:30. Following the meeting we learned that Senator Dede Feldman who lives in Ward 11A would like to participate in a precinct walk coming up. We welcome Dede's participation.

Group well wishes go out to Carlos Cansino (Pct 153 chair) who is in the hospital.  We hope to see you back soon, Carlos !

Those working closely in the campaign pretty much thought Debbie had this election in the bag. Debbie wasn't so sure and and anyway she knew this was a good time to go door to door all over District #2, talking with constituents and confirming what constituents often tell her at neighborhood meetings and when they come downtown to the City Council offices. <br>
Unlike candidates for US Congress, city councilors don't run their campaigns from stuffy headquarters. They run them from home. Debbie's campaign began and pretty much ended in her kitchen and the rec room. From the first collection of signatures to the campaign victory at the 'LOFTS' the flow of campaign volunteers and workers grew as Debbie got her message out. Maps and lists were the time tested home decor, replacing the pool table and TV. The Debbie O'Malley of 4 years ago who knew what she wanted to do for the city but didn't have a database or website, grew into the sophisticated campaign she ran this year.<p>

Debbie O'Malley

What is it that makes Debbie so popular in District 2? Maybe it's because Debbie is the best city investment in town. For $10,000 we get someone who works tirelessly for our city and at the rate Debbie works she's getting paid less than minimum wage. Lucky us.&nbsp; Or maybe Debbie's honesty is something that voters are looking for in elected officials but are finding it's hard to come by at some levels.<br>
I like all that but mostly I like the Debbie who won't give up. It's taken the last 4 years to learn the art of compromise but underneath Debbie is still a fighter. I want someone like that to represent me. I want someone who'll keep working to make Albuquerque a smart city that values and protects its resources and doesn't give them away to any lobbyist or special interest with enough money. Yeah, Debbie, I'm putting my yard signs in the garage. Will I need them again in 4 years or will I be seeing new yard signs for a different campaign?

We showed up at, Precinct Chair, Maria Martinez' house bright and early and quickly consumed empanadas and coffee while perusing and dividing up walk lists. There were 6 of us so we paired up and took off to our respective areas. We distributed flyers, gathered information and answered questions from friends and neighbors. Fortunately we located additional volunteers for future activities as well.

By noon we were done and on to other activities but all of us felt renewed by our experience and are looking forward to getting out the vote for the October 2 election.

Next up - Precinct 154 Walk on October 27th. Join us - it's fun and you'll meet some great people!