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Former Dem NM Senate president pro-tempore endorses GOP candidate

4 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Samantha Barncastle Salopek, a farm and ranch advocate and water law attorney, has received a notable endorsement in her bid for New Mexico State Senate District 38, currently held by far-left Democrat Sen. Carrie Hamblen, who supports abortion up-to-birth and pushing hormone blockers on young children without the consent of their parents. 

Far-left Democrat State Sen. Carrie Hamblen

Mary Kay Papen, the former Democrat senator who previously held the seat from 2001 to 2021, has thrown her support behind Salopek, a Republican.

At a recent campaign event, Papen praised Salopek’s candidacy, stating, “If we can get Samantha elected to this position, I think we have somebody that is going to work across the aisle and I think she is going to work for Doña Ana County and New Mexico. I strongly support her and I hope you all get behind her 100%.”

Former Senate President Pro-Tem Papen

Salopek, who has a background in legal advocacy for businesses, farmers, and ranchers, expressed her appreciation for Papen’s endorsement. “Being endorsed by someone so strong and beloved as Senator Mary Kay Papen demonstrates that this district is not defined by party lines. I am running on my experience and as a mother who has navigated the healthcare system, aiming to bring common sense to the chaos of a radical legislature,” Salopek said.

She further added, “I am grateful for the support of Mary Kay Papen and will follow in her leadership, speaking up and working hard for the people of Southern New Mexico.”

The endorsement from Papen, a respected figure in the region, is expected to lend significant weight to Salopek’s campaign as she seeks to make her mark in the state Senate race.

Former Dem NM Senate president pro-tempore endorses GOP candidate Read More »

NM Dems to install new candidate after nominee, who beat moderate Dem, dies

2 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Thursday, seven members of the New Mexico Democrat Party will choose a replacement candidate for House District 53 from three contenders. This follows the resignation of Jon Hill, who won the primary for the Southern New Mexico seat with 58% of the vote but stepped down in early August due to health issues. Hill, who died on August 16, was an educator.

Before withdrawing, Hill endorsed Sarah Silva, a long-time organizer and coach from Las Cruces, citing her alignment with his vision for “long-term economic and social growth.”

The selection meeting is set for 6 p.m. tonight but will not be open to the public. The Democratic Party of New Mexico has not disclosed the names of the seven State Central Committee members responsible for the choice, citing privacy concerns.

House District 53 covers most of eastern Doña Ana County, extending to the southern border and including parts of Otero County. It encompasses areas such as Las Cruces, Anthony, and Chaparral.

Daniel Garcia, a party spokesperson, confirmed that all the State Central Committee members involved in the selection reside in Doña Ana County; none are from Otero County.

Among the candidates are Silva, making her first bid for office, and Kasey Peña, a middle school teacher also running for the first time. Rep. Willie Madrid (D-Chaparral), a more moderate Democrat who lost to Hill in the primary, is also seeking the nomination.

Silva has recently gained endorsements from Democratic state legislators in Las Cruces, including Rep. Joanne Ferrary, Rep. Nathan Small, and Sen. Jeff Steinborn. Peña, on the other hand, has received support from six current and former Democratic officials, as well as backing from “LGBTQ” organization Equality New Mexico, Sen. Bill Soules (D-Las Cruces), and Doña Ana County Commissioners Manny Sanchez and Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez.

Madrid, who has not sought endorsements, expressed concerns about the fairness of the process, noting that Chaparral will be represented only by two advisory members at the meeting, who will not have voting rights.

The selected Democrat candidate will face Republican Elizabeth Winterrowd in the November election. Winterrowd narrowly lost to Madrid in 2022.

NM Dems to install new candidate after nominee, who beat moderate Dem, dies Read More »

MLG to promote abortion up-to-birth during Tuesday DNC speech

22 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is set to deliver a prime-time speech at the Democrat National Convention (DNC) on Tuesday evening in Chicago. The speech will focus on healthcare issues, a controversial topic for the far-left governor. 

While Lujan Grisham enjoys her position in the national spotlight as she auditions for a potential posting in the nonexistent Harris regime, it’s essential to reflect on her contentious record, particularly her harsh pandemic lockdowns and extreme abortion stance.

Lujan Grisham is no stranger to the DNC stage, having spoken remotely at the 2020 convention from a solar array in New Mexico as she had New Mexico under cruel lockdowns during COVID-19. 

Her lockdown measures were some of the most severe in the nation, shuttering businesses and keeping families separated for months on end. While the governor claimed these measures were necessary, many New Mexicans suffered immensely, with businesses permanently closing and countless livelihoods disrupted. She also repeatedly flouted these lockdown orders, in one case, to buy jewelry at a shuttered business she had reopened just for her.

Despite the harsh pandemic measures, Lujan Grisham seems more focused on her radical agenda, particularly her obsession with abortion. She has staunchly advocated for abortion up to birth, the most radical stance possible. 

In 2021, she signed a bill overturning New Mexico’s long-dormant state abortion protections, effectively making the state a hub for late-term abortions. Lujan Grisham’s priorities have consistently aligned with radical pro-abortion policies, ignoring the values of many in her state.

On Tuesday, Lujan Grisham will share the stage with high-profile Democrats like Barack and Michelle Obama at the United Center, once again positioning herself as a national figure. 

While her speech is expected to focus on health care, her record in New Mexico tells a different story—one of failed leadership during the pandemic and a fixation on abortion at the expense of other critical issues, such as crime, which she has only recently begun to focus on as Albuquerque ranks 20th most deadly city in the world.

In addition to her speech, Lujan Grisham will participate in a panel discussion with actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus and other female Democrat governors on Wednesday. While the governor enjoys the attention of the national stage, her record in New Mexico is a stark reminder of the damage caused by her lockdown policies and her extreme stance on abortion.

New Mexico continues to struggle with a shortage of healthcare providers, and Lujan Grisham’s administration has attempted to address this by recruiting abortion doctors and pro-abortion nurses from Texas. However, her policies—particularly during the pandemic—have done little to resolve the state’s chronic healthcare challenges. Under her leadership, malpractice insurance skyrocketed for doctors, forcing countless providers to flee to other states where they would not be sued into bankruptcy due to New Mexico’s sue-happy laws that favor trial attorneys — not patients or providers. 

Lujan Grisham’s political ambitions have always been clear, and her national presence at the DNC further cements her continued attempt for the spotlight. However, New Mexicans must not forget the consequences of her policies: brutal lockdowns that harmed businesses and communities and her unwavering commitment to an abortion-up-to-birth agenda that remains out of step with many in her state.

MLG to promote abortion up-to-birth during Tuesday DNC speech Read More »

Domenici snags key endorsement ahead of pivotal November election

9 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Monday, the Albuquerque Police Officers’ Association announced it had endorsed Republican U.S. Senate candidate Nella Domenici over incumbent far-left Sen. Martin Heinrich in a massive blow to the Democrat.

The union wrote that it had endorsed Domenici because her “ability to understand the needs of public safety at the local level makes us believe [she is] the best candidate.”

Following the news, Domenici wrote, “I’m honored by the APOA’s endorsement and I look forward to partnering with law enforcement to make New Mexico a place where people can raise a family and where criminals no longer feel welcome.”

Albuquerque — the state’s most populous city — has been ranked the 20th most dangerous city in the world, with the crime epidemic ravaging the metro area and crime flowing across the Land of Enchantment.

For years, Republican lawmakers have put forward commonsense proposals to tackle crime by strengthening statutes to repel criminals and bolster safer communities, all while allies of Heinrich in the Legislature have killed legislation to stop the wave of crime.

Heinrich is also a supporter of wide-open borders, vehemently opposing additional funding and resources to the border regions of the state to stop the deadly flow of fentanyl and end the Cartel’s human trafficking and smuggling pipeline.

In contrast, Domenici supports a strong border and proper funding for law enforcement on the border, which could be another reason the union has thrown its support behind her.

According to recent polling, Domenici is neck-and-neck with Heinrich, as Democrat enthusiasm has hit a wall with Kamala Harris being selected as the Democrats’ standard-bearer. 

New NM polling: Trump, Domenici within single digits of beating Dems

Domenici snags key endorsement ahead of pivotal November election Read More »

ABQ Craigslist post offering $50 to say nice things about Kamala in a video

17 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A two-week-old Craigslist post is offering $50 to anyone who will join “New Mexico-based video producers” in saying nice things about far-left Democrat presidential candidate Kamala Harris for “on-line (sic) grassroots commercials to promote the election of Kamala Harris for president in 2024.”

The post notes it is “[s]eeking all ages, all ethnicities, any gender to be interviewed on video about why you support Kamala.”

In addition, those who help prop up Kamala with the videos will receive “$50 gas money for participation.”

The X account Libs of TikTok, which shared a screenshot of the posting, wrote, “Video company in New Mexico is offering $50 compensation for people to appear in a Kamala campaign video and praise Kamala. Nothing about the Kamala/Walz campaign is genuine.”

“The ad for paid Kamala supporters is still up on Craigslist,” the account noted in a subsequent post.

One X user responded, “Buying votes!  The democratic way.”

Another chimed in, “They’ve done nothing but run away from the media and buy support and nice comments. If you have to pay for people to say nice things about you, you’re obviously the worst choice possible.”

“When you gotta buy support, that’s not a good look. If I were a Kamala supporter, I’d also be a little distressed that this is where my campaign contribution was going,” wrote the account Cat Master. 

Harris’ campaign has been marred with lackluster support, including having to hire rappers and other musicians to perform at her rallies to have attendees show up.

ABQ Craigslist post offering $50 to say nice things about Kamala in a video Read More »

As MLG mandates EVs, NM’s ‘incentives’ pale in comparison to other states

16 Comments / New Mexico, Politics / By

New Mexico offers various taxpayer-funded incentives to push expensive electric vehicles (EVs) and benefit the wealthy who can afford them, but how do these programs compare to those in other states? While New Mexico’s incentives are appealing, they thankfully lag behind more aggressive measures in other regions.

New Mexico’s Powering New Mexico initiative provides a $500 credit for installing Level 2 EV charging stations and up to $1,500 in installation assistance. For income-eligible residents, the state also offers an additional $750 rebate for purchasing a charger and up to $3,500 to help offset installation costs. Utility companies like Xcel Energy and El Paso Electric sweeten the deal with rebates for dedicated circuits and discounts for charging during off-peak hours. 

The average cost of a traditional electric vehicle is $56,648, while the average electric truck costs around ​​$74,868. 

While these taxpayer-funded subsidies minimally reduce the cost of the expensive EV, which costs more to maintain, they pale in comparison to more aggressive programs in states like California and Colorado. California, for example, offers up to $7,500 in rebates through the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP), and low-income residents can stack federal and state rebates to receive over $30,000 in total incentives. California also provides significant rebates for installing home chargers, with some local programs offering up to $2,000 for EV charging equipment.

Colorado’s rebate program is also particularly generous, offering up to $5,000 for the purchase or lease of an EV and up to $12,000 for heavy-duty electric trucks. Colorado also offers additional support for low-income residents, providing up to $6,000 toward the purchase of a new EV through its Vehicle Exchange Colorado program, along with rebates for installing home charging stations.

New Mexico’s incentives do not reach the levels seen in these states. In comparison, the Land of Enchantment’s rebate caps are relatively low.

Another key issue is the impact on taxpayers. In states like California and Colorado, EV incentives are designed to target a wide range of residents, from low-income to high-earning households. However, New Mexico’s programs seem to disproportionately benefit those who can already afford high-priced electric vehicles while leaving lower-income residents with fewer options. EVs remain expensive, and without substantial rebates, they are out of reach for many New Mexicans — but most consumers, regardless of income, are not interested in EVs despite mandates by Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to push them on the populous. 

Additionally, New Mexico’s incentives for home charging infrastructure are smaller than those in other states, which means residents may still face significant out-of-pocket costs to install charging stations. In contrast, California’s robust local programs often cover much of the cost for home charging stations, particularly for low-income households.

As MLG mandates EVs, NM’s ‘incentives’ pale in comparison to other states Read More »

Pro-gun group takes on Lujan Grisham’s unconstitutional gun ban

13 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) has filed a critical brief with the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in its ongoing lawsuit, Fort v. Grisham, challenging New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s prohibition on carrying firearms in public parks and playgrounds. The detailed brief is available for review here.

This legal action follows a July 24th Order from the Tenth Circuit, which required the parties involved to submit supplemental briefs addressing three specific questions regarding the appeal’s posture. 

In response, FPC’s brief argues, “[A]fter accounting for the issues the Court has raised, it remains the case that the Court should reverse the decision below and order entry of an injunction against the challenged provisions of the Governor’s order.”

The brief highlights the ongoing harm caused by the Governor’s ban, stating, “Plaintiffs have also declared that they will visit parks that are not covered by those ordinances, and regardless, the threat of prosecution under the Governor’s carry ban alone supports irreparable harm and standing.” It emphasizes that the ban causes significant harm to the plaintiffs, which can be remedied through a preliminary injunction.

Oral arguments for the case are set for September 25, 2024. This case is a component of FPC’s high-impact FPC Law strategic litigation program, which aims to challenge and overturn what it views as immoral laws to promote maximal individual liberty. 

The litigation is supported by an individual FPC member, the Second Amendment Foundation, and the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association.

Firearms Policy Coalition is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit membership organization dedicated to defending constitutional rights and advancing personal freedoms. Its FPC Law program is a leading legal initiative focused on restoring the right to keep and bear arms across the United States.

Pro-gun group takes on Lujan Grisham’s unconstitutional gun ban Read More »

Eco-left group launches latest attack on New Mexico ranchers

19 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In an escalation of its campaign against cattle grazing in New Mexico’s Sacramento Mountains, the eco-left fringe group, the Center for Biological Diversity, has filed yet another frivolous lawsuit targeting the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The lawsuit alleges that these federal agencies have failed to protect riparian areas and meadows from cattle, purportedly to benefit the endangered New Mexico meadow jumping mouse—a species so elusive that there is no concrete evidence of its presence.

The Center’s lawsuit, which is the third in five years, is based on claims that federal agencies have repeatedly violated legal agreements to protect this endangered species and its habitat. However, the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse remains largely undocumented, with no recent verifiable sightings or evidence of its existence in these areas. The Center’s persistent legal battles raise questions about the real motivations behind their claims, which appear to be more about pushing an ideological agenda than addressing genuine conservation needs.

Robin Silver, co-founder of the Center, has framed the lawsuit as a fight against government neglect. “It’s outrageous that we’re forced back into court to make federal agencies fulfill their duty to protect endangered species,” Silver declared. But the focus on an ostensibly unseen mouse has severe consequences for the local ranching community, which relies on grazing in the Sacramento Mountains.

Ranchers in the region are already facing significant challenges, and this lawsuit threatens to exacerbate their struggles. The Center’s actions could lead to stricter grazing restrictions or outright bans, which would not only impact their livelihoods but could also disrupt the local economy. The Sacramento Mountains are not just a critical habitat for this unverified mouse; they are also essential for the communities that depend on them for agricultural activities.

The lawsuit accuses the Forest Service and Fish and Wildlife Service of failing to protect the mouse’s habitat by allowing cattle grazing, which the Center claims destroys vital meadows and streambanks. Yet, the evidence for such destruction is questionable and often relies on outdated or misrepresented data.

While the Center insists that protecting these areas from grazing is crucial for the recovery of the jumping mouse, it overlooks the broader implications for the local ecosystem and economy. Cattle grazing, a longstanding practice in the region, has been targeted by the Center’s lawsuits despite its role in supporting the livelihoods of many local families.

In addition to its lack of tangible evidence for the presence of the jumping mouse, the Center’s litigation strategy raises concerns about its priorities. By focusing on legal battles over a species that has not been observed in recent years, the Center risks inflicting unnecessary harm on local ranchers and potentially undermining the balance of land management in the Sacramento Mountains.

Eco-left group launches latest attack on New Mexico ranchers Read More »

New NM polling: Trump, Domenici within single digits of beating Dems

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

As the U.S. Presidential Election approaches, New Mexico is emerging as a critical battleground state, with new polling data shedding light on both the presidential and U.S. Senate races. Redfield & Wilton Strategies, in collaboration with The Telegraph, recently included New Mexico in its Swing State Tracker Poll, highlighting its growing significance in the national political landscape.

In the presidential race, the latest poll between July 31 and August 3 reveals that Kamala Harris holds a seven-point lead over 45th President Donald Trump in New Mexico, with Harris garnering 44% of the vote compared to Trump’s 37%. This lead suggests that New Mexico, which has traditionally leaned Democrat in recent elections, may be in contention in November. Additionally, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., running as an independent candidate, polls at 8% in New Mexico, the highest support he has received among the swing states surveyed. If Kennedy dropped out and endorsed Trump, that would give Trump an even better advantage over Harris. 

Beyond the presidential race, the U.S. Senate race in New Mexico is also drawing significant attention. Incumbent Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich is currently leading his Republican challenger, Nella Domenici, by six points, with Heinrich securing 40% of the vote to Domenici’s 34%. Heinrich’s support falls four points short of Harris’ performance in the state. Domenici, on the other hand, trails Trump by three points, indicating that while she benefits from the Republican base, she has not yet matched Trump’s level of support.

Economic concerns are at the forefront for New Mexico voters, with 55% reporting that their financial situation has worsened over the past year—the highest percentage among the swing states polled. This economic anxiety is likely to play a crucial role in shaping voter preferences in both the presidential and Senate races. Despite these challenges, a plurality of New Mexicans remains cautiously optimistic about the future, with 46% expecting their financial situation to improve in the coming year.

On key issues, New Mexico voters display a nuanced trust in the candidates. Kamala Harris is favored over Donald Trump on healthcare, the environment, and the war in Ukraine, while Trump is trusted more on economic issues, immigration, and national defense. In the Senate race, Domenici could gain traction on economic and immigration concerns.

New NM polling: Trump, Domenici within single digits of beating Dems Read More »

​​Billions of tax dollars at risk as MLG doubles down on bankrolling failing solar

20 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham remains determined to invest New Mexicans’ tax dollars into the solar industry, despite the sector facing significant financial challenges. Recent efforts to support solar companies with substantial subsidies have raised concerns as these investments appear increasingly risky.

One of the key initiatives involved a partnership with Maxeon Solar, a company that was slated to receive over $2.4 billion in subsidies from various levels of New Mexico’s government. This initiative was part of a broader push to promote “renewable energy” under the industrial policies of the Biden-Harris Administration, which included federal and state incentives. However, despite these massive financial commitments, the Maxeon project has encountered delays, and there is growing skepticism about whether the factory will materialize anytime soon—if at all.

Maxeon’s financial health has deteriorated significantly over the past year. On August 9, 2024, the company’s stock was valued at just 16 cents per share, a staggering 99% decline from its price of $22 per share when the deal was initially announced on August 10, 2023, per analysis from the Rio Grande Foundation. 

Even at that time, the stock had already seen a sharp drop from its peak of over $50 per share. The company’s financial struggles are further highlighted by its negative earnings per share (EPS) of -$8.03, signaling ongoing losses.

Undeterred by Maxeon’s setbacks, Lujan Grisham recently inked another deal with a different solar company, “Ebon,” which is based in communist China. New Mexico taxpayers are expected to contribute at least $11 million to back this new venture, although the full extent of the subsidy package has not yet been disclosed by the governor’s administration. 

However, Ebon is facing its own financial difficulties. The company’s stock price has plummeted from $388 per share in 2021 to just under $6 per share in 2024, marking a 98.5% decline. Like Maxeon, Ebon also reports negative earnings, with an EPS of -$5.86.

These developments have sparked concern among critics who question the wisdom of pouring significant taxpayer dollars into struggling solar companies. As the solar industry continues to grapple with financial instability, the effectiveness of these investments in driving sustainable economic growth in New Mexico remains uncertain.

Taxpayers footing $11M bill for Chinese solar shell company’s move to NM

​​Billions of tax dollars at risk as MLG doubles down on bankrolling failing solar Read More »

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