Piñon Post

‘Chicken Little’: Gabe Vasquez refuses to debate Yvette Herrell

14 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a recent development in the race for New Mexico’s Second Congressional District, tensions escalated as Republican candidate Yvette Herrell and the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) criticized Democrat far-left Rep. Gabe Vasquez for his refusal to participate in a scheduled debate. The debate, which was to be hosted by KOB-TV on October 16th, would have featured both candidates, offering voters an opportunity to hear directly from the contenders about their policies and campaign positions.

The NRCC released a statement labeling Vasquez’s decision as “cowardly,” using strong language to accuse him of avoiding accountability. The committee referred to him as “Chicken Little Gabe Vasquez,” and claimed he is hiding from New Mexican voters due to his stance on border security and law enforcement issues. Delanie Bomar, a spokeswoman for the NRCC, stated, “Chicken Gabe Vasquez is hiding from New Mexicans instead of addressing his extreme policies and behavior. Voters deserve so much more than the lies and cowardice from Chicken Little Gabe Vasquez.” The statement from the NRCC also highlighted past controversies involving Vasquez, pointing to what they described as an “arrest record” and his use of a racial slur in the past, though these allegations have not been independently verified.

Meanwhile, Herrell’s campaign released its own statement, expressing disappointment at Vasquez’s refusal to debate. Herrell emphasized that voters in the Second District deserve to hear from both candidates so they can make informed decisions. “Gabe Vasquez refusing to debate is a slap in the face to the voters of the Second Congressional District,” Herrell stated. “It’s disappointing that instead of defending his extreme positions on defunding the police and softening border security, Gabe Vasquez has chosen to hide from the voters.”

Herrell confirmed her participation in the October 16th debate, stating that she is eager to make her case to voters, even if she has to do it without her opponent present. According to Herrell, her presence at the debate is intended to provide transparency and show her willingness to engage with the public, a move she believes Vasquez has failed to reciprocate.

The lack of a direct debate between the two candidates raises questions about how effectively voters will be able to compare their positions ahead of Election Day. While Vasquez has not yet commented publicly on his decision to decline the debate, his absence on the KOB-TV stage will likely be a point of contention throughout the remainder of the campaign.

Judge’s initial ruling in Riley Gaines lawsuit slaps UNM with legal blow

6 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The University of New Mexico (UNM) recently faced a legal setback when a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction, blocking the school from charging conservative students a “hefty” security fee for a campus event. The injunction stems from a lawsuit filed by the Southern Legal Foundation (SLF), which argued that the university’s fee policy violated the students’ First Amendment rights by imposing costs based on the content and perceived reactions to the event.

“This is a major win in the battle to protect the First Amendment rights of college students, regardless of the viewpoint they express,” SLF Executive Director Kimberly Hermann said in response to the ruling. SLF initially took legal action against UNM officials in February, alleging that the university engaged in “viewpoint and content discrimination” by determining security fees for the event featuring women’s sports advocate and former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines.

UNM attempted to charge the student group, Turning Point USA (TPUSA), over $5,000 for hosting Gaines, known for her opposition to transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. Hermann argued that the fee was based on the “officials’ subjective assessment of the crowd’s potential reaction”, rather than objective criteria.

According to Hermann, while the preliminary injunction prevents the university from collecting the fee during ongoing litigation, the case is not yet resolved. The ruling is seen as a first step toward making the injunction permanent, which would mean that UNM could no longer charge fees inconsistently for similar events.

UNM responded by stating that it is committed to upholding free speech on campus and intends to comply with the court’s order. The university clarified that the ruling only applies to speech-related events, and it remains focused on ensuring the safety of students and staff.

Gaines, who has experienced backlash at other speaking events, expressed that excessive security fees and bureaucratic hurdles are commonly used to silence conservative voices on campuses. “Sadly, we see this all the time,” Gaines noted, underscoring the broader challenges faced by right-leaning student organizations.

With the ruling, TPUSA remains the only active conservative student group on UNM’s campus, as others have been “run off” due to administrative obstacles, according to Hermann.

As MLG travels to Mexico, her strange outfit is all people can focus on

20 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Far-left New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham traveled on a taxpayer-funded excursion to Mexico with many Cabinet officials to meet about “climate change” policies and attend the inauguration of Mexico’s new president in one of the bloodiest elections to date in the country, with at least 34 of political candidates being murdered.

Lujan Grisham posted on X, formerly Twitter, “Many thanks to the experts who joined us in Mexico City for today’s Clean Energy and Energy Security Collaboration Roundtable discussion.”

“Together, we’re working toward innovative solutions and partnerships for a #sustainable #clean #energy future,” she added, with a picture attached showing her with others in attendance. 

But more than the eco-left policies the post promoted, her outfit is what caught the attention of many, showing her in a loud gold and multi-colored jacket and short skirt, while donning chunky jewelry and white/nude colored strapped boots.

X users took to the platform to comment on the governor’s flamboyant ensemble. 

“Whoever picked that outfit hates you with a stone-cold passion. I’m 💯 opposed to everything you stand for, but even still, I wouldn’t send you out in public looking like that kind of fool. It’s savage. Meanwhile, NM doesn’t have a real governor, & it shows. Impeach Grisham now,” wrote Auntie Barnes.

Another wrote, “Sweet baby Jesus, woman, who dresses you? That outfit is so tackyAlso did taxpayers fund this trip too?”

Sassy Vet wrote, “So that’s what a cartel prostitute looks like?”

“Are you ever in Santa Fe working on the problems of the state…..ever?” wrote another.

One X user opined, “Did you lose a bet?”

JPNorth concluded that “those faux boots are a fashion travesty.  Like your phony green agenda, a bad idea that fails in both function and form. A concept with no real purpose.” 

Lujan Grisham flees state again — this time for Mexico

13 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico’s far-left Democrat governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, will be traveling to Mexico City to attend the historic inauguration of Claudia Sheinbaum, who will become Mexico’s first female president.

Announcing the trip on Friday, the governor expressed enthusiasm for participating in the event, symbolizing a significant milestone for Mexico’s political landscape.

Lujan Grisham, a second-term Democratic governor and former U.S. congresswoman, will attend the ceremony and lead a delegation to engage in a roundtable discussion centered on “clean energy” and “energy security.”

The event will include many of her political appointees, such as her chief of staff, Daniel Schlegel, and top cabinet secretaries responsible for New Mexico’s natural resources and economic development. The group will also attend a reception hosted by U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar.

New Mexico has the highest proportion of Hispanic residents in the United States and has deep-rooted historical ties to Mexican and Spanish governance.

New Mexico taxpayers fund the trip, and the governor’s delegation aims to strengthen cross-border partnerships, especially in sectors like energy, which have become increasingly pivotal for both countries.

Meanwhile, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero will also be present at the inauguration, representing Arizona as part of Joe Biden’s official delegation.

Amid crime-ravaged streets, ABQ Police Officers’ Association endorses Trump

17 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The Albuquerque Police Officers’ Association (APOA) has officially endorsed 45th President Donald J. Trump for the presidency in the upcoming 2024 election, citing his commitment to law enforcement and public safety. In a letter from APOA President Shaun Willoughby, the union highlighted Trump’s track record of supporting police officers and prioritizing policies that ensure the safety of communities.

In the endorsement letter, Willoughby emphasized the union’s appreciation for Trump’s consistent support of law enforcement, stating, “President Trump has consistently shown unwavering support for our police officers, advocating for policies that protect and empower those who serve on the front lines.” He further highlighted Trump’s opposition to the defund the police movement, noting that Trump’s stance aligns with the values and mission of the police union.

Willoughby also praised Trump for his work on community policing and enhancing officer training, saying, “Under his leadership, we witnessed efforts to strengthen community policing, improve training, and enhance safety measures.”

The endorsement comes as the APOA, representing law enforcement professionals in New Mexico’s largest city, focuses on supporting candidates who prioritize the safety of officers and the communities they serve. 

The union expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership would continue to provide the necessary resources to ensure public safety across the nation, especially under a wave of violent crime in “progressive”-run cities like Albuquerque.

“We believe that President Trump’s proven track record and strong leadership make him the best candidate to address the challenges facing our nation,” Willoughby said, urging both the union’s members and the public to back Trump in the upcoming election.

This endorsement adds to Trump’s growing list of law enforcement support as he seeks to return to the White House in 2024. Public safety, crime, and support for law enforcement remain major campaign issues across the country, and the APOA’s backing underscores the role these issues are expected to play in the upcoming election.

Republican momentum grows in key New Mexico races as campaigns heat up

17 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Momentum is building for New Mexico Republicans as two high-profile races, for the U.S. Senate and the state’s Second Congressional District, show vital signs of GOP support in what has been considered a Democrat stronghold in recent years.

In a recent fundraising email, U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) rallied support for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Nella Domenici, who is challenging incumbent far-left Democrat Sen. Martin Heinrich. Lummis highlighted Domenici’s surprising rise in the polls, showing her within single digits of Heinrich, with 21% of voters still undecided. Domenici, daughter of former New Mexico U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici, has made waves by out-raising Heinrich in her first quarter, positioning New Mexico’s Senate race as a potential flip for Republicans.

Lummis emphasized Domenici’s dedication to core Republican issues, including securing borders, promoting economic stability, and boosting domestic energy production. “Nella has my full support, and she’s on the brink of taking the lead in a race Democrats never thought they would have to fight,” Lummis wrote. She called for grassroots mobilization to sustain Domenici’s momentum, urging donors to invest in what could be a pivotal contest for control of the U.S. Senate.

Meanwhile, in New Mexico’s Second Congressional District, Republican candidate Yvette Herrell is gaining ground in a tightly contested race against incumbent far-left Democrat Rep. Gabe Vasquez. Herrell’s campaign released polling numbers from The Tarrance Group showing her leading Vasquez 48% to 46%, with a 4.9% margin of error. Herrell attributed her lead to voters’ growing dissatisfaction with the Biden administration’s policies and Vasquez’s alignment  with a “radical agenda.”

Herrell’s message to supporters emphasized the need to press on during this crucial phase of the campaign. “Momentum is on our side, but this is FAR from mission accomplished,” Herrell stated, warning that the Democrats would likely ramp up attacks as her lead grows. Herrell has positioned herself as a staunch opponent of what she describes as Vasquez’s “open borders” policies and his opposition to anti-inflationary measures.

Both Domenici and Herrell have capitalized on dissatisfaction with the current administration and incumbents like Heinrich and Vasquez. They’ve drawn attention to policies they claim are out of touch with New Mexicans’ priorities, including border security and economic management. With both races heating up, Republicans see a path to flipping key seats and gaining an edge in a state once considered solidly blue.

As these campaigns head into the final stretch, the eyes of the nation are on New Mexico, where Republicans believe they can turn a historically Democrat state into a battleground in the 2024 election.

MLG trying to build eco-left workforce amid her job-killing Green New Deal

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A push for eco-left energy sources and misguided infrastructure investments by state and federal governments have driven up construction costs and placed unnecessary strain on the workforce, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham claimed in an executive order on Monday.

These rising costs, compounded by a push for “climate-ready” construction, forced through by the signing of her Green New Deal (2019’s Energy Transition Act), are being used as justification for reshaping the workforce to cater to this eco-left agenda, which prioritizes building up the so-called renewable energy sector and infrastructure aimed at supposedly mitigating the effects of “climate change,” according to the governor.

In the order, Lujan Grisham directed nearly a dozen state agencies to collaborate on a plan for workforce development and training, including education programs targeting K-12 students to groom them for careers in eco-left-driven industries.

By 2026, Lujan Grisham pledged the state would have 2,000 additional workers trained in these “climate-ready” professions despite no clear definition of what these jobs entail.

Sarita Nair, Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Workforce Solutions, echoed the governor’s rhetoric in an email, stating that the state’s infrastructure must be updated to endure so-called “extreme” weather conditions, including heat, drought, and flooding.

At the end of 2022, the state claimed to have 12,686 jobs in the “clean energy” sector. Companies like Maxeon and the communist Chinese Ebon Solar have made high-profile announcements to expand operations in New Mexico, but questions remain about the long-term viability of these ventures and their impact on local communities.

Interestingly, Nair admitted in the same email that there’s no official definition from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for these “climate-ready jobs.” Speculation suggests they could range from wildland firefighters to electric vehicle charging station installers, leaving significant ambiguity about the true scope of this eco-left workforce.

Ladona Clayton, executive director of the Ogallala Land and Water Conservancy, emphasized the need to focus on water supply and infrastructure, calling it the state’s most pressing issue. “The job is so big now, with the water crisis, we have to get the right people employed,” Clayton said, pushing for aggressive recruitment efforts.

Clayton argued that water should be the top priority for New Mexico’s workforce, declaring, “That’s the workforce that has to sustain the state.”

The governor’s latest executive order comes on the heels of a broader statewide workforce plan that identified construction, the energy transition, and so-called “climate resilience” as key areas of focus for the future.

According to Nair, Workforce Solutions is working with local development boards, tribal communities, and prison reentry programs to broaden access to these eco-left-driven job programs. Some federal grants have emphasized equitable access to these jobs, particularly for workers displaced by the transition from fossil fuels, though this transition has already cost many their livelihoods.

The closure of the San Juan Generating Station in 2022, which was demolished earlier this year, resulted in the loss of 450 jobs in Farmington, many of them belonging to members of the Navajo Nation. These traditional energy workers now face an uncertain future as the state continues its pivot toward renewables.

A 2020 study on workforce development acknowledged the potential for new opportunities in the post-pandemic “clean energy” sector but warned of major drawbacks. “It is far from given that these jobs will replace those lost from the transition away from fossil fuels,” the report noted, cautioning that the eco-left industry lacks diversity and may not equitably fill these new roles with local workers unless serious policy changes are made.

Sen. Pat Woods, R-Broadview, pointed out the irony of this shift, noting that much of the funding for infrastructure projects comes from oil and gas revenues. “I am glad the Governor is putting her agencies to work,” Woods said, but he expressed doubt about whether these programs would actually benefit New Mexican workers in the long run.

‘Carjackings every 2.5 days!’ NRCC rips Vasquez for soft-on-crime policies

8 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has launched a new television advertisement targeting far-left Democrat Gabe Vasquez in New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District (NM-02). 

The ad, which will be aired in both English and Spanish, focuses on rising crime rates in New Mexico, specifically carjackings, and accuses Vasquez of being lenient on criminals and supportive of efforts to defund the police.

According to the NRCC, the ad, titled “Carjackings,” says that carjackings in New Mexico have become increasingly frequent, with one occurring every two and a half days. The ad paints a picture of a state grappling with aggressive crime and links this surge to what it calls Vasquez’s soft stance on criminal justice. 

In particular, the advertisement criticizes Vasquez for attempting to reduce punishments for carjackings and even attempting to eliminate mandatory minimum sentences for murder.

The ad’s message ties these allegations to broader criticisms of Vasquez’s stance on policing, framing him as a “radical” who wants to defund the police. A clip in the ad claims that Vasquez is not just advocating for the defunding of law enforcement but for dismantling the broader criminal justice system. The script closes with the statement, “Gabe Vasquez. Easy on criminals. Hard on the police.”

This advertisement is part of a larger, pre-planned advertising campaign by the NRCC, which has made a significant investment in NM-02 ahead of the upcoming election. 

The NRCC’s decision to focus its efforts in this district reflects its strategic interest in challenging the Democratic presence in the area. The ad is being disseminated across multiple platforms to reach both English and Spanish-speaking voters.

WATCH:

New Mexico is the problem — and Texas amps up the pressure

12 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Texas Governor Greg Abbott continues to voice concerns about the estimated 58,000 illegal aliens crossing the Rio Grande or bypassing the border wall each month. 

Abbott expressed his frustrations on Twitter, stating, “Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have allowed more illegal immigrants to cross our southern border than ever before.” 

He added that Texas is intensifying its efforts by “tripling our razor wire border barriers” to prevent further illegal entries into the state.

In line with Abbott’s declarations, Texas Army National Guard troops were observed reinforcing border defenses along the Rio Grande in the El Paso region. 

On September 17, 2024, additional rows of concertina wire and fencing were installed, not along the U.S.-Mexico border directly, but rather on the riverbank facing New Mexico, highlighting Texas’ concern about the possibility of illegal smuggling operations in New Mexico spilling into its borders.

Earlier this year, Texas extended its barriers at a point where the Rio Grande shifts direction into New Mexico, reacting to fears that criminal activities in the neighboring state could affect Texas. 

This follows incidents over the summer when migrants, caught in the river’s dangerous currents, were rescued by U.S. Border Patrol and local emergency responders from both Texas and New Mexico.

The Border Patrol’s Santa Teresa station in New Mexico remains a hotspot for smuggling activities. Many of the tragic encounters with deceased migrants—171 this fiscal year—occurred in the desert region near Sunland Park, further emphasizing the challenges faced by border authorities. 

Democrat New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has refused to send funding or resources to the border to help alleviate the crisis, unlike all other border-state governors, including Democrat Govs. Gavin Newsom of California and Katie Hobbs of Arizona.

Texas’ newly fortified barrier stretches from West Paisano Drive to the Texas side of the Anapra Bridge, which connects El Paso to Sunland Park, New Mexico.

Poll that sampled only 532 people says Trump down by 10 points in NM

20 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A recent poll in New Mexico suggests that Kamala Harris holds a notable lead over 45th President Donald Donald Trump. The vice president polled 49% compared to Trump’s 39%. 

However, it’s important to note that this data is drawn from a relatively small sample size of just 532 likely voters, which is a fraction of the state’s overall electorate. 

While this small group may reflect some current voter sentiments, it’s crucial to acknowledge that such a limited sample may not capture the full diversity of opinions in New Mexico.

The poll also revealed some key demographic splits: male voters were almost evenly divided between Harris and Trump, while women leaned more heavily toward Harris. 

Additionally, education level played a significant role, with college-educated voters favoring Harris by a 2-to-1 margin, while those without a degree were more inclined to support Trump.

Hispanic voters tended to favor Harris, but Trump’s support among this group was stronger than in previous elections, with 36% backing the 45th president. 

The poll highlights a trend of Democrat dominance in more urban and northern areas, while Trump retains strong support in the more conservative eastern parts of the state.

This Albuquerque Journal poll, conducted by Research & Polling Inc., carries a margin of error of ±4.2%, meaning shifts in public opinion could occur as early voting and Election Day approaches.

Given the relatively small sample size, the results should be interpreted cautiously and may not fully represent the broader electorate.

1 2 3 4 5 6 … 63

Stay Updated

Scroll to Top