I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
Val Kilmer is continuing politicking as he considers running for governor, this time with a visit to Washington, D.C., that includes attending a speech on American Indian issues and paying visits to the offices of at least three members of the New Mexico congressional delegation.
Kilmer was in the audience for Tuesday’s speech to the National Congress of American Indians by Joe Garcia of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo in northern New Mexico. Garcia heads the organization.
There, Kilmer ran into U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, according to Udall spokeswoman Marissa Padilla.
Following the speech, Kilmer stopped by Udall’s office yesterday and again today, Padilla confirmed. He didn’t have an appointment, but he talked briefly with some of the staffers in Udall’s office and, today, was able to spend some time talking with Udall about Garcia’s speech, Padilla said.
Kilmer also stopped by U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján’s office today, according to Mark Nicastre, Luján’s communications director. The congressman was in a hearing and missed Kilmer’s visit. Nicastre said he understands that Kilmer “was visiting a few congressional offices today.”
Kilmer will be meeting with Sen. Jeff Bingaman on Thursday, Bingaman spokeswoman Jude McCartin confirmed.
A spokesman for Rep. Martin Heinrich has not provided comment on whether Kilmer has visited his office. Sara Schreiber, communications director for Rep. Harry Teague, said Kilmer has not stopped by Teague’s office or met with anyone from the office.
Teague is a close friend of Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, and Schreiber is Denish’s daughter. Kilmer, a registered Democrat, would face Denish in a primary if he runs for governor. She’s been actively campaigning for the job since 2007.
Kilmer, who is openly considering running for the state’s top job in 2010, has been visibly politicking in recent weeks. Last week, he made two appearances at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe (click here and here for the stories) and granted an interview to an Associated Press reporter — his first formal interview with a New Mexico journalist about his political ambitions. In January, he attended President Barack Obama’s inauguration. In December, he attended his first University of New Mexico Lobo basketball game.
