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.
Heinrich has been invited to attend the 2008 Speaker’s Issues Conference hosted by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi next weekend in Northern California. It appears that he is among a few dozen candidates from across the country who have been invited.
Heinrich is battling Republican Darren White in his bid for the open House seat. And his invitation is a sign of how competitive the race is. Cook Political Report rates the contest as a tossup despite the GOP’s virtual hold on it. Rep. Heather Wilson has held it for 10 years.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is organizing the conference in Northern California, where many Democratic heavy hitters are expected to participate, according to DCCC spokeswoman Jen Crider. The DCCC is the official campaign arm of the Democrats in the House. The DCCC is the only political committee in the country whose mission is to support Democratic House candidates "every step of the way through this critical election year," according to the DCCC Web site.
"This event is for supporters to discuss issues important and moving in Congress and things of concern to voters," Crider said. "Martin Heinrich is in our Red to Blue program, which is why he is a part of the issues conference. We believe that this is a district with a lot of opportunity. Martin’s a great fit because he is fighting for issues important to voters in New Mexico, including jobs and lower gas prices as well as supporting the new G.I. bill legislation."
Red to Blue is a competitive program for open House seats, in which candidates earn a spot by surpassing fundraising goals and by presenting to the DCCC that they stand for change and are willing to take on new priorities if elected. Harry Teague, the Democrats’ 2nd Congressional District candidate, is also in the Red to Blue program, but his campaign manager Brad Foster said Wednesday that Teague had not received an invitation to the Speaker’s conference. Neither had Ben Ray Lujan, the Democratic candidate for the 3rd Congressional District.
DCCC Chairman, Congressman Chris Van Hollen said the Red to Blue program "will give Martin the financial and structural edge to be even more competitive.”
The Red to Blue program highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country and offers them financial, communications, and strategic support. The program introduces Democratic supporters to new, competitive candidates in order to help expand the fundraising base for these campaigns.
Red to Blue was a proven success in the 2004 and 2006 cycles. In 2004, the Red to Blue program raised nearly $7.5 million for 27 campaigns across the country with an average of more than $250,000 per campaign. In 2006, the Red to Blue program raised nearly $22.6 million for 56 campaigns. Red to Blue was also responsible for solidifying the structure of dozens of campaigns and making a real difference for Democrats across America.
