John Block

Legislature begins special session for redistricting Monday

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On Monday, the New Mexico Legislature, including both the House and the Senate, will convene at 12:00 noon to begin deliberating over the redistricting process, where Democrats are expected to attempt to ram through the most extreme, far-left maps available. Every ten years following the U.S. Census, redistricting is required.

The proposed maps that would give Democrats the most advantage include highly partisan plans from the dark money George Soros-funded group, the Center for Civic Policy (CCP), which is blatant in its partisan leanings. For instance, according to data analytics of its maps, it would skew the Second Congressional District blue, flipping all of New Mexico’s districts to Democrat control.

During testimony for the maps in front of the Citizens Redistricting Committee (CRC), which was in charge of overseeing the preliminary process, the CCP bribed people to testify on its behalf in front of the committee, a shady tactic that was meant to artificially prop up far-left support of its maps. 

Despite members of the CRC claiming not to want to “radically change” district maps, they voted on maps that would implement extreme changes, such as the CCP’s congressional map that would pair northern Hobbs in southern New Mexico with communities in the far northeast corner of the state. It would lump Albuquerque with Roswell and plunge the South Valley of Albuquerque into the Second Congressional District. The legislative maps approved by the committee all spell bad news for Republicans in the House, while only one map approved for the Senate appears to remain fairer. 

However, even if the Legislature does not approve the CCP maps, it is expected for far-left legislators to propose a new map of their own that would further benefit Democrats. This wildcard would leave Republicans scrambling to analyze the new map. 

As we previously reported:

New Mexico House Speaker Brian Egolf has already stated that he wants to partisanly gerrymander the Second District to take out the current Republican incumbent, saying, “So this is the last election for New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District with a map that looks like it looks now.” He added, “So next time it’ll be a different district and we’ll have to see what that means for Republican chances to hold it.”

Egolf was against a citizen redistricting committee, saying to the far-left group “Retake Our Democracy” that the independent committee would weaken Democrats’ advantage in the Legislature, “and the [Democratic] agenda goes out the window.”

He said he could not comprehend why “Democrats want to unilaterally disarm and give advantage to the people who are trying to make the world a dirtier place, take rights away from people, make it harder to vote — all the things that we oppose. I don’t want to make it easier for them to do it.”

New Mexicans will not be able to access the Roundhouse if they are not fully jabbed, if they won’t wear a mask, or if they wish to carry a firearm on the premesis.

During the redistricting process, Piñon Post has kept New Mexicans informed about how they can put their voices out there to demand fair maps for our state. Please contact your legislator in your area and ask them to oppose any maps that radically change our state’s district lines. Citizens can find their legislators by clicking here. 

The Piñon Post will keep citizens up-to-date on the redistricting process and post action alerts about how citizens can pitch in and help ensure fair districts.

Once-GOP gubernatorial candidate switches to Libertarian Party

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According to the Libertarian Party of New Mexico website, once-Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Walsh has switched his party affiliation and is now running for governor as a Libertarian. 

The website lists Walsh as its candidate, with a bio included. 

In Walsh’s announcement that appeared in the Albuquerque Journal, Walsh touted his experience working for former Gov. Gary Johnson, who has since defected to the Libertarian Party and helped split votes in New Mexico on the presidential and U.S. Senate level. 

According to the Journal, Walsh “previously worked as an education adviser to former Gov. Gary Johnson and described himself as cut from the same political cloth as the ex-governor.” 

“I’m not an insider,” Walsh said. “I’m not a (political) party individual,” he added at the time.

The Piñon Post interviewed Walsh while he was a Republican contender for the governorship. Watch that below:

Walsh’s nomination petition lists him as a Libertarian, confirming he has left the Republican race. The Piñon Post attempted to contact Walsh for comment but has not yet received a response. 

Walsh’s exit of the Republican race leaves seven Republicans vying for the job, including businesswoman Karen Bedonie, Sandoval County Commissioner Jay Block, state Rep. Rebecca Dow, Right to Life of New Mexico executive director Ethel Maharg, failed U.S. Senate Candidate, and ex-weatherman Mark Ronchetti, and businessman Louie Sanchez. Note: These candidates have been listed in alphabetical order.

NM to subsidize recreational marijuana businesses

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As previously reported by the Piñon Post, the Democrats’ far-left bill they rammed through during the 2021 Special Session of the Legislature would come to an extreme cost to New Mexicans, who would be forced to subsidize marijuana businesses.

At the time, we reported:

…The upfront cost for implementing the marijuana industry, according to the previous 2021 session’s fiscal impact report, was $659,400 in 2022. However, the newly resurrected pot bill in this current legislative session paints a wildly different picture, forcing the state to delve out millions of dollars in taxpayer funds to prop up Big Pot.

The current bill introduced this special session calls for $1.7 million to the Regulation and Licensing Department to “administer” the bill, $750,000 to the Department of Public Safety for “drug recognition expert field certification for law enforcement,” $4 million to the Taxation and Revenue Department for expenditures in the 2021 and 2022 fiscal years, $500,000 to the Administrative Office of the Courts to help address with expungement of records, among other costs.

Just on face-value, the taxpayers of New Mexico would be on the hook for nearly $7 million to implement this costly industry, which was promised to be revenue-generating. 

However, according to the previous fiscal impact report for the bill that died in the first legislative session of 2021, by the fiscal year 2024, the flailing industry would only produce at most $15 million in net revenue to the state, which, if current spending levels remain, would only amount to 0.204% of the funds needed to fund the government. 

At the time, Rep. Stefani Lord (R-Bernalillo, Sandoval, and Santa Fe) was not pleased with the Democrats’ proposal, writing on Facebook, “We’ve been told marijuana will be revenue positive but now, in the middle of Special Session (that has been called in the middle of a Holiday week), we learn last-minute that the state will subsidize the marijuana industry with millions of taxpayer dollars. This is far from open transparent government!” 

Now, a legislative committee has approved subsidizing pot businesses, with the Regulation and Licensing Department’s proposal to have New Mexico taxpayers fund these businesses via “loans” at $250,000 apiece. These loans would have extremely competitive two percent and three percent interest rates. 

“The New Mexico Finance Authority is planning for a $5 million line of credit for cannabis entrepreneurs, with [an] average loan size of about $100,000. The application process is expected to open in February,” according to the Associated Press.

“Loans would be available to qualified cannabis ‘microbusinesses’ that are licensed to cultivate and sell marijuana from up to 200 plants at a single location, operating much like a craft winery or brewery,” the report notes.

Many legislators who voted for the extreme recreational marijuana bill took large sums from the Big Pot lobby. Scandal-ridden alleged serial groper Gov. Lujan Grisham, who demanded the bill be passed and signed into law, has taken tens of thousands of dollars from the industry in campaign cash.

According to the most recently filed campaign finance report from Lujan Grisham, former Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White who owns the marijuana business PurLife gave her $10,000, $10,400, $10,400, and $10,400 in four apparently separate payments.

MLG’s gas tax on the poor is coming back

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During the 2021 Legislative Session, the Piñon Post helped in the defeat of the radical “Clean Fuel Standards” bill sponsored by state Sen. Mimi Stewart, which would result in a 20+ cent per gallon gas tax, hurting the poorest New Mexicans.

As we previously reported in July, the proposal, which is supported by scandal-ridden alleged serial groper Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, will try to bring the failed proposal back to further harm New Mexicans already being harmed by the currently inflamed gas prices:

Our report noted:

According to a press release from the Governor’s Environment Department, “In her remarks, Gov. Lujan Grisham highlighted the innovative ways New Mexico is addressing climate change, including reducing emissions from the utility sector and the oil and gas industry, adopting clean car standards, prioritizing clean fuel standard legislation, investing in green energy job training, and making New Mexico the nation’s largest hydrogen hub. Through a whole-of-government approach, New Mexico is decarbonizing and diversifying its economy.” 

It is important to note that she mentioned “adopting clean fuel standards.” Not only is this concerning regarding a standard on industries, such as the transportation industry, but it is concerning regarding citizens if she chooses to try to impose a clean car standard on the average citizen.

By implementing this on industries, it would result in an at least 20+ cent per gallon gas tax on the poor, a proposal that failed during the 2021 Legislative Session, with even Democrat senators being hesitant to support it.

But a “clean car standard” for everyday citizens would mean forcing New Mexico’s citizens — a state with some of the poorest people in the nation — to buy expensive “fuel-efficient,” “green,” “hybrid,” or fully electric vehicles — crippling New Mexicans’ bank accounts and forcing thousands to either break the law, walk, or not travel at all. It would plunge countless people into financial ruin, resulting in an economic catastrophe for New Mexico. 

But the Governor’s new “Clean Fuel Standards Act” has been drafted and is ready for the 2022 legislative session, being touted as one of Lujan Grisham’s top priorities.

The new bill, according to the Rio Grande Foundation, “would lead to a 35 cent/gallon increase in gasoline prices. That’s based on the Environment Department’s statement that [the] bill targets reductions “carbon intensity” of 20% by 2030 and 30% by 2040 from 2018 levels.”

The poorest New Mexicans are set to be harmed the most by this proposal and Piñon Post urges citizens, as they did in the 2021 Legislative Session, to again advocate against this legislation. 

ABQ Planned Parenthood security guard allegedly assaults, illegally detains pro-lifers

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According to a video shared by the pro-life group Abortion on Trial (AOT), pro-life advocates were assaulted, illegally handcuffed, and detained by the Albuquerque Planned Parenthood security guard.

The group writes, “Last week in Albuquerque New Mexico a security guard at Planned Parenthood left the clinic’s private property to illegally handcuff and detain a peaceful pro-life advocate on the public sidewalk.”

“After witnesses opposed the action and reminded the guard he had no legal authority to handcuff people on the sidewalk the security guard forced the woman onto abortion clinic property, assaulting an 85-year-old man in the process. He then detained the woman at the back of the abortion clinic’s property, illegally, until police and AOT’s attorney arrived on scene and demanded her release.”

The group claims that not only was the use of force “overly aggressive,” but that “this was an illegal display of unauthorized force. This security guard had no legal right to cuff and detain the woman he found on public property.” AOT noted how he “did not even have the right to a [citizen’s] arrest under New Mexico law. This security guard was simply acting far beyond his legal authority.”

It appears that there may be litigation filed against the abortion chain, writing in a statement, “Planned Parenthood is responsible for who they hire and what those hired do while on the job. This event was unfounded, harmful, and illegal. We fully intend on holding this provider accountable for the harmful and illegal actions taken on their behalf.”

“Pro-life advocates on scene did a great job of doing what they could to de-escalate the situation and attorneys are now handling the situation,” AOT noted.

Watch a video of the encounter here:

‘Queen of New Mexico’: New Mexicans react to MLG abusing power, defying court’s ruling

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On Thursday, it was revealed that scandal-ridden alleged serial groper Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham spent federal funds totaling about $283,000 despite the state Supreme Court ruling that by unilaterally spending funds, it is abusing her power and violating the Constitution. 

But it appears the Governor doesn’t care because she is spending the federal cash anyway — a big middle finger to the Legislature — despite the unanimous Supreme Court ruling against her. 

New Mexicans reacted to the news, with Sen. Jacob Candelaria (D-Bernalillo) saying, “The Supreme Court’s order entered on Nov. 18 … made perfectly clear that the governor and no one under her control … ‘shall not transfer, encumber, commit, expend or appropriate any additional funds’ out of the [American Rescue Plan Act] account in the state treasury, absent legislative appropriation.” Candelaria was one of the senators who filed suit against Lujan Grisham’s abuse of power.

“The Legislature did not appropriate the fund transfer … so this to me is a pretty serious, clear and glaring violation of the Supreme Court’s order and makes clear that despite the Supreme Court’s order, this administration chose to spend … out of this fund illegally and in direct violation of the court’s order,” he told the Santa Fe New Mexican.

Sen. Greg Baca (R-Valencia), who was one of the senators on the lawsuit, wrote on Twitter, “This is possibly a sanctionable offense.”

The state Republican Party decried the Governor’s abuse of power via Chairman Steve Pearce who said, “This is another example of the Governor acting like a dictator and ignoring the other equal branches of government.” He added, “What she has done is contemptible, wrong and dishonors the office of Governor. She must be held accountable for openly defying the Supreme Court, and such action must not be tolerated. This governor continues to think she’s the law of the land, and time and time again she has violated her own rules and policies. She is not the ‘Queen of New Mexico’ to do as she pleases. She has to adhere to our constitution and understand that our government has checks and balances.”

Republican House Leader Jim Townsend (R-Artesia) wrote, “This administration, as directed by [Michelle Lujan Grisham], has unilaterally grabbed power and ignored the Constitution, apparently caring little about the rule of law. For 632 long days, [she] has sidelined the people’s Representatives and Senators in favor of a near dictatorship that excludes even her colleague Democrat leaders, spending money willy-nilly. 

He added, “We hear more and more whispers in backrooms about the damage [Lujan Grisham] is doing within her party and see the damage done to our state.”

Brett Kokinadis of the Santa Fe Republican Party said the Governor is “drunk on power.”

Now, as the second 2021 special legislative session approaches, it appears Democrats will use their unilateral force to redistrict congressional and legislative maps to benefit themselves, while largely ignoring Luja Grisham’s repeated abuses of power in office and maladministration.

Maggie Toulouse Oliver teaming up with fringe conspiracy theorist Stacey Abrams

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On Thursday, just one day after failed Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams crashed into the 2022 Georgia governor’s race, far-left extremist New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver has jumped on the Abrams train.

Toulouse Oliver sent out an email begging for donations that would be split between herself and the Georgia Democrat. “We need voting rights champions like Stacey Abrams running for statewide offices across this country. That’s why, for the next 24 hours only, we are doing a split fundraiser to raise $5,000,” wrote the email.

“We are a much stronger nation when women like Stacey hold seats of power. Stacey has, of course, already made her mark for years as a voting rights champion – and the people of Georgia deserve to have her in office,” said Toulouse Oliver.

Abrams for years insisted that she truly won the 2018 contest for Georgia governor, claiming “voter suppression” was to blame for the Republican defeating her.

She has been a loud advocate in support of the racist Black Lives Matter hate group and discredited conspiracy theories claiming “people of color” are discriminated against at the voting booth.

Now Toulouse Oliver, who has worked to destabilize New Mexico elections, is locking arms with Abrams in an apparent attempt to sweep in some cash, erroneously claiming America, which is a constitutional republic is a“democracy.”

Republican Audrey Trujillo, a conservative activist, is challenging Toulouse Oliver and is so far the only candidate for Secretary of State on the GOP side. 

MLG formally announces special legislative session for redistricting, appropriating federal funds

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On Thursday, scandal-ridden alleged serial groper Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham formally announced a special legislative session for the Legislature to approve congressional, legislative, and Public Education Commission maps. Also, the session will work on appropriating federal funds following the Governor’s loss at the Supreme Court, showing she broke the law by unilaterally expensing funds during the pandemic.

The release from the Governor’s office notes that “beginning at noon on Monday, December 6, as required once each decade by the state constitution. The legislature will also during the session appropriate outstanding American Rescue Plan Act funds to address the urgent needs of New Mexicans in communities large and small.”

Lujan Grisham wrote in the press release, “A fundamental part of our American democracy is ensuring that all voters are represented, and the redistricting effort will make sure that the right of all New Mexicans to vote is complemented by fair representation through their elected officials. I look forward to a productive and collegial session and know lawmakers and legislative leadership will as always carry out the people’s business thoughtfully and respectfully, in a way that honors this important work.”

Interestingly, the Governor used the word “fair” regarding the maps, as all the state House maps would benefit Democrats, and two of the three congressional maps would benefit Democrats. Two of the three state Senate maps would help Democrats.

Democrats have done everything possible to keep New Mexicans out of the Roundhouse during the special session, with a ban on all firearms for the general public with few exceptions and forced jabs to enter the building, leaving around 35.7% of the population unable to access the building supposedly dubbed the“People’s House,” according to the latest jab numbers on the New Mexico Department of Health website.

Read more about the proposed maps here.

Congresswoman Herrell demands Congress finish the southern border wall

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According to a letter posted by the Republican Party of New Mexico, Congresswoman Yvette Herrell (R-NM-02) has officially requested that House Committee on Appropriations Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Ranking Member Kay Granger (R-TX) appropriate funds to finish New Mexico’s border wall and other physical security, which President Donald Trump began. Herrell also has asked for upgrades to the Santa Teresa Port of Entry (POE).

“It is urgent to include adequate funding for the Santa Teresa Port of Entry,” said the Congresswoman. “Constituents and stakeholders in my district are seeing unprecedented growth with the rapid expansion of the Santa Teresa Industrial Borderplex and surrounding areas. With this job growth comes increased demands on local infrastructure and the Santa Teresa Port of Entry. As commercial crossings at the Santa Teresa Port of Entry continue to increase, the capacity to handle such volume of crossings must be able to meet the demand. Due to continued growth in commercial and private traffic as well as its importance for international trade and economic development, I am asking the committee to prioritize much-needed funding.”

Herrell also demanded Congress focus on the victims of criminal aliens crossing the border. “Illegal immigration is not a victimless crime, causing an enormous burden on taxpayers, draining public funds and manpower, and depressing wages for the most vulnerable American citizens,” she said. 

“Securing our southern border by means of physical border infrastructure, such as completing construction of the border wall, is vital for our national security; we must ensure that those attempting to seek asylum or enter our country do so through a proper port of entry (POE) and that our Customs and Border Protection officers and agents are safe.”

Earlier this year, Rep. Herrell requested that Acting Commissioner for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Troy Miller dedicate additional resources to the development and modernization of the Santa Teresa POE.
Read Congresswoman Herrell’s full letter here.

U.S. Dept. of Education paying UNM students $5k to be trained in CRT

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According to a new report from Just The News, the U.S. Department of Education is funding the racist Critical Race Theory with million-dollar awards at colleges across the country. The list includes the University of New Mexico.

The report notes that the program is called “The Research Institute for Scholars of Equity,” or RISE. Just The News notes that RISE promises to produce “a cadre of scholars who value and advance equity.” In the program, “RISE students receive a $5,000 stipend, money for food and housing, and a travel allowance. According to promotional materials and grant documents, RISE students are trained to use critical race theory as a means of evaluating teacher quality, among other things.” 

Jonathan Butcher, an education expert at the Heritage Foundation, said, “This is an example of federal funding for CRT at the post secondary level that also has an impact on K-12 schools based on the goals and activities of the fellowship.” He noted, “This directly exposes the claims that CRT is not used in K-12 schools as false.”

“The grant clearly has goals for teacher training that include instruction in CRT,” he added. 

The first grants, approved by the Barack Obama administration include the wording “critical race theory”: 

“One core feature of the fellowship is the eight-week summer research institute in which fellows will be introduced to critical race theory (as well as mixed-methods research techniques) as a means of studying issues such as teacher quality, education policy, and race and social justice in education.”

“In addition to coursework, fellows will conduct several short research projects and begin conducting research related to the RISE theme as part of research interest groups (RIGs) under the supervision of their faculty mentors. Fellows will continue to conduct research through their RIGs during the academic year.”

The 2021 grant under Joe Biden has the same wording but omits “critical race theory.”

Just The News notes, “A flyer on the University of New Mexico’s website advertises the summer of 2020 program, calling it a ‘Paid Virtual RISE Summer Research Experience in Critical Race Theory & Education for Undergraduate Students’.” 

Critical Race Theory is being installed not just in the K-12 education system, as leftists are trying to do in New Mexico, but it is infiltrating college campuses, including UNM, which has become increasingly left-leaning under the scandal-ridden administration of alleged sexual predator and child abuser Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. The embattled governor is currently working on updating social studies standards through the New Mexico Public Education Department to include tenets of CRT.

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