Piñon Post

New Mexico now officially a toss-up as Trump closes in

13 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

With fewer than 20 days remaining until the U.S. presidential election, New Mexico has emerged as a pivotal swing state, putting 45th President Donald Trump in a strong position to challenge the Democrat nominee, Kamala Harris. New polling from Redfield and Wilton Strategies, commissioned by The Telegraph, shows that the state is now up for grabs, making New Mexico a battleground that could be decisive in this highly contested race. Trump trails Harris by the narrowest margin — just 4%.

The poll, part of a broader survey of key swing states, finds that Harris and Trump are locked in a tight contest across several battlegrounds. In New Mexico, which Joe Biden carried by nearly 100,000 votes in 2020, Trump’s support has surged. According to the poll, both candidates are within the margin of error, highlighting how quickly the political landscape in the state has shifted. Trump’s favorability has grown, with many former Biden voters reconsidering their support and indicating they now plan to vote for Trump in November.

A key factor driving this shift is the economy, which has become the most important issue for voters in New Mexico. The poll reveals that between 57% and 72% of voters in swing states, including New Mexico, cite the cost of living as “extremely important” in determining their vote. Trump’s message of economic recovery and his focus on tackling inflation appears to be resonating with New Mexicans who are feeling the pressure of rising costs. Additionally, immigration ranks as a major issue in the state, with voters leaning toward Trump’s tougher border policies.

What makes New Mexico such an unpredictable factor in this election is the growing number of 2020 Biden voters who are now shifting to Trump. In the Redfield and Wilton poll, between 9% and 18% of voters who backed Biden in 2020 say they will vote for Trump this year, while only a smaller fraction of Trump’s previous supporters have moved toward Harris. This trend is alarming for Democrats who once saw New Mexico as a secure state.

Additionally, Harris has struggled to maintain the same levels of support that Biden received in 2020. According to the poll, Harris’s favorability ratings are not as strong as Trump’s in the state, and this is particularly troubling for Democrats who need a solid turnout to hold on to the state’s five electoral votes. Trump’s ability to appeal to undecided voters and win back disillusioned Democrats is making the race even tighter.

The poll also highlights how Trump’s broader base of loyal supporters is a significant advantage. Between 85% and 92% of voters who backed Trump in 2020 remain steadfast in their support, compared to a smaller share of 2020 Biden voters who say they will vote for Harris. This loyalty gives Trump an edge, particularly in states like New Mexico where the margins are slim.

With New Mexico now on the radar as a swing state, both campaigns are expected to ramp up efforts in the coming days. The state’s unique mix of economic, immigration, and social concerns make it a critical battleground that could play a decisive role in the overall outcome of the election. For Trump, flipping New Mexico would represent a major victory in his path to reclaiming the presidency. For Harris, it’s a race to maintain ground in a state that once seemed secure but is now firmly in play.

Republicans hope to flip one or two of New Mexico’s U.S. House seats in November and a U.S. Senate seat, with embattled incumbent Martin Heinrich fighting for his political life following a devastating television debate against prominent Republican Nella Domenici.

New Mexico now officially a toss-up as Trump closes in Read More »

The deadly cost of open borders: Illegal alien deaths spike in MLG’s NM

8 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The number of illegal immigrant deaths near the U.S.-Mexico border in New Mexico has dramatically risen over the last two years, with fatalities now ten times higher than they were just five years ago, per a report from the Associated Press. Smugglers are increasingly steering illegal immigrants—many of whom are exhausted, dehydrated, and malnourished—into more perilous paths, including the hot desert, canyons, and mountains west of El Paso, Texas. This shift has led to tragic consequences, as extreme heat and treacherous terrain take a devastating toll.

In the first eight months of 2024 alone, 108 presumed illegal immigrants, mostly from Mexico and Central America, were found dead near the border in New Mexico. This marks a stark increase compared to just nine deaths in 2020 and ten in 2019. In 2023, the number of fatalities reached 113. Experts point to the smugglers’ more dangerous routes and harsher treatment of illegal immigrants, particularly in extreme summer temperatures. The dramatic increase in New Mexico comes as the state is the only one whose governor is not acting to curb the flow of illegal aliens.

The influx of deaths has placed a significant burden on the University of New Mexico’s Office of the Medical Investigator, which has seen an increase in heat-related fatalities. Heather Edgar, a forensic anthropologist with the office, expressed shock over the surge in deaths, saying, “Our reaction was sadness, horror, and surprise because it had been very consistently low for as long as anyone can remember.”

To cope with the rise in deaths, the office has added more deputy medical investigators, increasing their team from three to nine or ten in the affected region. Edgar attributed this to the eastern migration corridor in New Mexico, where many bodies are being recovered.

Humanitarian advocates are alarmed by this trend, as many illegal immigrants are dying within just a few miles of urban areas or even close to roads. Adam Isacson, an analyst with the Washington Office on Latin America, emphasized that “people are dying close to urban areas, in some cases just 1,000 feet from roads,” and suggested that more water stations, improved telecommunications, and rescue efforts could help mitigate the crisis.

The U.S. government has taken steps to address the situation. Border Patrol has expanded its search and rescue efforts, adding medical specialists and surveillance technology to patrols. Additionally, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has installed more emergency beacons, push-button devices that can summon medical help along remote areas of the border.

Despite these efforts, the death toll continues to rise. Many of the illegal immigrants are forced to endure treacherous journeys, often walking for days or weeks without adequate food or water before crossing the border. Deputy Chief Border Patrol Agent Juan Bernal of the El Paso Sector explained that smugglers often leave these individuals to fend for themselves in dangerous conditions. “They’re expected to walk, sometimes for hours or days, to get to their destination where they’re going to be picked up,” he said.

Serious stories from families who have lost loved ones add a personal dimension to this tragedy. In one case, a family in Chiapas, Mexico, pleaded for the return of a 25-year-old relative in a missing person post, only to learn days later that she had been found dead. Another story involved a 24-year-old Guatemalan woman whose remains were discovered in June, her death marked by a photograph of her smiling in a blue dress, holding a bouquet of flowers.

The crisis continues as Joe Biden’s border czar, Kamala Harris, is seeking the presidency after Biden was forced off the ballot following pressure from his party. New Mexico’s Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who has perpetuated open borders,  is a campaign surrogate for Harris.

The deadly cost of open borders: Illegal alien deaths spike in MLG’s NM Read More »

Domenici forces Heinrich to defend radical record in high-stakes TV debate

22 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In their only televised debate before the upcoming general election, Republican Senate candidate Nella Domenici sharply criticized her far-left Democrat opponent, Martin Heinrich, a resident of Maryland, on several key issues, consistently putting him on the defensive. 

The debate, aired earlier than planned due to Monday Night Football on KOAT 7, revealed stark differences between the two candidates, but Domenici’s focused attacks often left Heinrich struggling to provide satisfying responses.

One of the most memorable moments came when Domenici pressed Heinrich on his stance regarding energy independence. Domenici made a powerful case that the United States needs to bolster both renewable energy and traditional oil and gas production to remain a global leader. “If we are not an energy-independent country, we cannot be the leader of the free world,” Domenici asserted, leaving Heinrich scrambling to defend his position. While Heinrich tried to argue that the oil and gas industry no longer requires government subsidies, Domenici’s clear and direct statement cut through his response, making Heinrich’s comments appear evasive in comparison.

Domenici also managed to trap Heinrich on immigration and border security, an issue that has long been a point of contention in New Mexico. She linked the high number of fentanyl-related overdose deaths in the state directly to Heinrich’s support for weak border policies, painting him as disconnected from the realities faced by local communities. Heinrich, while pointing to his support for the Fend Off Fentanyl Act, could not shake Domenici’s criticism that drugs are “pouring in” due to insufficient border security. Her tough stance on immigration and border enforcement resonated with voters concerned about the rise in crime and drug trafficking in New Mexico, further weakening Heinrich’s defense.

On abortion, Domenici hit Heinrich again, forcing him to justify his claim that she would contribute to a national abortion ban if elected. Heinrich argued that Domenici’s first vote would be to support a Republican Senate majority leader who would likely push for such legislation. Domenici fired back, calling his comments “the most sexist” she had ever heard. “I’m a very successful, educated, professional businesswoman, and I will not be told by any senator in Washington what to vote on and how to vote on it,” she declared, decisively countering Heinrich’s argument. By framing his stance as patronizing, Domenici turned the issue back on Heinrich, showing that she was not easily cornered by his talking points.

Throughout the debate, Heinrich found himself on the defensive, particularly when Domenici questioned his handling of school safety and gun control. While Heinrich touted his proposed Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion Act, aimed at regulating assault weapons, Domenici deftly shifted the focus to border security once again, arguing that guns wouldn’t find their way into schools if the border were better protected. Domenici’s argument painted Heinrich as too focused on narrow, ineffectual solutions while ignoring the broader issue of illegal weapons flowing across the border.

On education, Domenici’s advocacy for school vouchers and more options for parents further exposed Heinrich’s rigidity. While Heinrich argued that school vouchers would defund public schools, Domenici made a compelling case that the state needs more charter, parochial, and magnet schools to give students better opportunities. 

“It’s imperative that our parents have options for their students,” she said, making Heinrich’s defense of the status quo seem insufficient in addressing the ongoing struggles of New Mexico’s education system.

Even on bipartisanship, where Heinrich tried to tout his past achievements, Domenici pushed back, emphasizing her unique ability to work across the aisle. “When I spend time in Washington, I have instant access to many, many of the senior legislators, because my name still carries with it a huge amount of bipartisan respect,” she said, referencing her late father, Senator Pete Domenici. Heinrich’s attempts to showcase his own bipartisan efforts fell flat in comparison, as Domenici repeatedly highlighted her deep ties to both sides of the political spectrum.

In the end, Domenici’s sharp, direct attacks consistently put Heinrich on the back foot. Whether on energy, immigration, or education, she painted him as out of touch and overly reliant on partisan talking points, while she presented herself as a practical, no-nonsense candidate who could deliver real results for New Mexico.

Domenici forces Heinrich to defend radical record in high-stakes TV debate Read More »

Police report: Vasquez once threatened to ‘kill and bury’ fellow NMSU student

25 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Far-left Democrat New Mexico U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, currently running for re-election in one of the most closely contested House races in the nation, has faced scrutiny over past incidents that have resurfaced during his campaign. 

According to a police report from 2005, Vasquez, then a college student at New Mexico State University, threatened to “kill” and “bury” another student during an argument. Vasquez admitted to making a phone call that could be considered threatening but explained that he was distraught over the condition of a close friend who had succumbed to alcohol poisoning at a party. He later apologized, and the issue was resolved without further action from the authorities.

This isn’t the only time Vasquez has faced controversies related to his interactions with law enforcement. In 2005, a police report claimed he used a racial slur during a dispute with a former employer, though Vasquez denied these allegations, stating, “I have not and would never use language like this.”

Further complicating his political narrative, Vasquez has been linked to a 2005 arrest following a noise complaint, where he allegedly tried to dispose of marijuana before being detained by police. Additionally, in 2002, he was charged for driving without insurance in El Paso, Texas, leading to a warrant that remained active until 2008, when he finally addressed it by posting bond.

These incidents have added fuel to Herrell’s campaign, which argues that Vasquez’s actions and statements reveal a pattern of erratic behavior. “Threats to kill and bury someone should not be glossed over,” Herrell stated. “This is extremely dangerous and unhinged behavior from Gabe Vasquez.”

In the past, Vasquez has also been vocal on the issue of police reform. During the 2020 George Floyd protests, he appeared on a local news segment and expressed support for “defunding a system that privileges White people.” However, he later clarified that he did not support defunding the police directly, saying, “I oppose defunding the police… I repeatedly voted to increase funding for the police and partnered with them, while supporting common sense reforms.”

With the election approaching, the race between Vasquez and Herrell remains one to watch, with both sides using the candidate’s history to appeal to their base and sway undecided voters. Read the police report via Fox News here.

Police report: Vasquez once threatened to ‘kill and bury’ fellow NMSU student Read More »

Lujan Grisham, NM Dems stump for Harris by touting abortion up-to-birth

31 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

To campaign for Democrat presidential candidate Kamala Harris, New Mexico Democrats joined at a so-called “Reproductive Health” bus tour to tout how Harris would push radical abortion up-to-birth policies nationwide, like those in New Mexico, where killing a child in the womb is legal up to the date of its birth.

The event was joined by far-left Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, New Mexico’s far-left congressional delegation members, members of the New Mexico Legislature, including Speaker Javier Martinez, among others.

The Democrat Party of New Mexico (DPNM) on social media wrote, “NM Democrats at every level have proven to be reliable allies for abortion rights,” saying Harris is as radical pro-abortion as they are.

They also continued to peddle lies that the so-called “Project 2025” is affiliated with 45th President Donald Trump although even the group’s founders have debunked this fake claim.

Trump & Republicans are responsible for taking away fundamental reproductive rights & lifesaving care from millions, & NM Republicans  would follow Trump’s Project 2025 agenda that would further eliminate our bodily autonomy & freedoms,” erroneously claimed DPNM.

Lujan Grisham showed up at the bus tour in a Pepto Bismol-colored pant suit, a shirt that read “Hotties for Harris,” and Converse sneakers, writing on social media, “I’ve got my pink chucks on for the Fight for Reproductive Freedoms bus tour. We’re fired up to elect [Kamala Harris] and defend our rights. Now here’s what I need you to do. From now till November, roll those sleeves up, get to work, and let’s win in November.”

A similar message was posted by Rep. Melanie Stansbury, claiming “rights” will be taken away if Republicans take charge.

Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez posted that if babies aren’t to be killed up to the day of their birth, it would be “going back.” 

Despite the states having control over abortion laws, Democrats continue to push the abortion message, in the attempt to win the election. Trump is currently leading in all but a couple of the most hotly contested battleground states, according to recent polls. Early voting began on Tuesday in New Mexico.

Lujan Grisham, NM Dems stump for Harris by touting abortion up-to-birth Read More »

Tuesday marks the first day of early voting in NM: What you need to know

11 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Early voting for the 2024 general election in New Mexico begins on October 8th, offering voters an opportunity to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day. This year, voters will decide on various state and local offices, as well as several key statewide ballot measures that could significantly impact policy across the state. Here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision.

Where and When to Vote

Voting Locations: To check your early voting locations, visit NMVote.org.

Early voting will be available at county clerk offices starting October 8th, with additional voting locations opening on October 21st. 

Voters can check their registration status, find their nearest polling place, and view sample ballots using the New Mexico Voter Information Portal. 

Early voting is available through November 4th, with most locations operating from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Some counties may have extended hours or Sunday voting, so be sure to check local schedules.

Ballot Measures to Know About

This year, there are several statewide ballot measures for voters to consider, including constitutional amendments and bond issues:

  1. Constitutional Amendment 1: This amendment would extend the available property tax exemption to 100% disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The proposed change would include veterans with a lower disability rating and base the exemption amount on their federal disability percentage.
  2. Constitutional Amendment 2: Seeks to increase the property tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans and their widowed spouses from $4,000 to $10,000. The measure would also include an annual adjustment for inflation.
  3. Constitutional Amendment 3: Proposes to allow the dean of the University of New Mexico School of Law to appoint a designee to the Judicial Nominating Commission, providing flexibility in the composition of this important commission.
  4. Constitutional Amendment 4: This would amend Article 10, Section 1 of the New Mexico Constitution to establish that the salaries of county officers are set by the Board of County Commissioners and remove outdated references. This measure also clarifies that any fees collected by a county official must be paid into the county treasury.

Bond Measures:

  1. Bond Question 1: Proposes the issuance of up to $30,758,100 in bonds for senior citizen facility improvements, construction, and equipment acquisitions.
  2. Bond Question 2: Approval for $19,305,000 in bonds is sought to support the acquisition of resources for public libraries, tribal libraries, and academic institutions.
  3. Bond Question 3: Calls for $230,258,400 in bonds to fund capital improvements and acquisitions for higher education institutions, special schools, and tribal schools.
  4. Bond Question 4: Requests authorization to issue $10,297,100 in bonds to upgrade and modernize public safety radio communications systems across New Mexico, improving emergency response capabilities statewide.

Learn More About Candidates and Issues

To better understand where the candidates stand on critical issues and the implications of each ballot measure, voters can access resources like iVoterGuide and Ballotpedia. These platforms provide nonpartisan overviews of the candidates, detailed explanations of ballot measures, and additional information to help voters make informed decisions.

Key Points for Voters

  • Verify Registration: Use the New Mexico Secretary of State’s website to ensure you are registered. New Mexico also offers same-day registration at early voting sites and on Election Day.
  • Bring Identification: While voters do not need ID if registered, having one on hand is recommended.

Absentee Ballots: Absentee ballots must be returned by mail or in-person to designated locations by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Tuesday marks the first day of early voting in NM: What you need to know Read More »

Far-left NM House candidate admits to screaming at veterans

16 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Fred Ponzlov, a self-described “progressive” candidate for New Mexico House District 22, is drawing attention for his controversial behavior and accusations of violating campaign regulations. Running against incumbent Rep. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park), who was first elected in 2020, Ponzlov has been involved in multiple confrontations that have raised concerns among veterans and community members.

In a video from a July 26 event in Estancia, Ponzlov is seen shouting “You’re lying!” repeatedly at veterans who confronted him over previous disparaging comments he allegedly made about the military. The heated exchange, which has been widely shared online, took place at the “Old Timers” event and has led to renewed criticism of the candidate’s behavior.

The confrontation followed an earlier incident on April 4 at a Cedar Crest car show, where witnesses claim Ponzlov called a Vietnam War veteran a “communist” and a “baby killer.” Despite his repeated denials of these accusations on social media, several veterans who were present at the event insist that Ponzlov’s conduct was inappropriate. In response, Ponzlov took to NextDoor to label these veterans as “Proud Boys,” attempting to discredit their accounts of the incident.

Jerry Vallejos, the organizer of the East Mountain car show, corroborated parts of the story in a June 19 post, stating that Ponzlov was asked to leave after being “rude” to attendees and making derogatory comments. Vallejos confirmed that political campaigning is prohibited at the car show and suggested that Ponzlov refrain from attending future events if he cannot abide by the rules. Ponzlov’s response, however, was defiant, once again referring to the veterans as “Proud Boys” and claiming they fabricated the entire incident.

In a subsequent post, Ponzlov admitted to losing his temper during the July event in Estancia, writing, “I got very irritated and screamed at them that they were all lying.” He went on to allege that Rep. Lord had a police officer on hand to arrest him and accused her of orchestrating the encounter, saying, “I wonder how much she paid the policeman,” insinuating a conspiracy.

Ponzlov’s comments have continued to spark backlash, with some questioning his credibility as a candidate who can represent all constituents if he can’t even string together basic facts about alleged incidents where he is said to disparage veterans. 

In a further attempt to defend his actions, Ponzlov claimed he spent much of the 1960s and 1970s protesting the Vietnam War, which some see as contradicting his attacks on the veterans.

Additionally, Ponzlov has faced criticism for his inflammatory social media posts. He recently shared a meme suggesting that 45th President Donald Trump should be “crucified and wait three days,” a comment that has been interpreted as a call for violence and has only added to the controversies surrounding his campaign, including the multiple attempts made on the 45th President’s life.

Further complicating his candidacy, Ponzlov appears to have violated the New Mexico Campaign Reporting Act by not properly disclosing who funded his campaign signs, which are displayed throughout District 22. 

Under New Mexico law, all campaign materials must include a “paid for by” statement that clearly identifies the sponsoring committee or organization. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to fines and penalties for the campaign.

The Piñon Post has learned that a formal complaint by a New Mexico House District 22 resident has been filed and is pending before the New Mexico Ethics Commission.

With Election Day approaching, Rep. Stefani Lord and independent candidate Zach Withers—who has his own legal troubles—are now contending with a divisive race marked by accusations, legal disputes, and heightened tensions among community members. 

As the campaign unfolds, Ponzlov’s past behavior and compliance issues could play a critical role in determining the outcome of this contentious election.

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Martin Heinrich’s fentanyl fake: The border crisis he can’t hide

7 Comments / New Mexico / By

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich launched a new ad today in an apparent attempt to defend his poor record on Fentanyl and border security. His new attempt to muddy his record comes after his opponent, Nella Domenici, launched ads weeks ago pointing out his horrible record and failures as New Mexico’s senior senator. 

Instead of taking a strong stand to seal the border, where fentanyl flows like water through river rapids, he has voted dozens of times against funding for the Border Patrol, for border security, or for completion of the barrier on the border. He has also been a strong supporter of the Biden-Harris administration’s border policies that led to the flow of the lethal synthetic drug into the country. Despite the failures, he has emphatically endorsed border czar Kamala Harris for the presidency.

When the federal government offered to send additional law enforcement to Albuquerque to help with our skyrocketing crime problem, Heinrich called them “stormtroopers” and told them to stay out of New Mexico. When he spoke on the house floor about loosening immigration laws, he called barriers (like a border wall) “offensive” and “wasteful.” 

Heinrich has been in public office for 20 years, and under his watch, crime in New Mexico has only gotten worse. Fentanyl has taken over our streets and kills nearly 600 New Mexicans each year. Fentanyl pills are so easy to come by that a tablet costs just $.30. That’s what our open borders have done to New Mexico. 

Several rural sheriffs have recently branded Heinrich as “M.I.A.” and “hypocritical” on efforts to seal the border to stop fentanyl from entering New Mexico. One Sheriff called the Heinrich-created fentanyl crisis “a runaway horse.” 

“Martin Heinrich is being hypocritical. For years and years, he’s absolutely failed to secure our border. And New Mexico feels the impacts of Martin Heinrich’s failures,” said San Juan County Sheriff Shane Ferrari. 

“For years, politicians like the Senator have said there is NO problem at the border. But now, just before an election, suddenly, they think it’s an issue. After years of failure, it’s like chasing a runaway horse. Fentanyl, crime, human trafficking, these are all things we face in every single corner of New Mexico.”

Sheriff David Black in Otero County says Heinrich’s lack of action has created a crisis, saying, “Martin Heinrich hasn’t done a single thing to secure our border.”

“Because of Martin Heinrich’s refusal to do anything, the border has become a tremendous crisis, not only to New Mexico but to the entire county. It’s time we get somebody in the Senate who’s serious about securing our border, and that’s Nella Domenici.”

The Albuquerque Police Officers’ Association, representing all of Albuquerque’s cops, snubbed the weak-on-crime and ineffective Heinrich, opting to endorse Domenici instead.

Domenici shining light on the crisis and on Heinrich’s failures to fix it must be impacting Heinrich’s polling. Why else would the incumbent senator go on air with an ad like this 30 days before the election?

Unfortunately for him, voters see through Martin Heinrich’s fentanyl fake. He’s on the defensive, trying to defend the indefensible.

Martin Heinrich’s fentanyl fake: The border crisis he can’t hide Read More »

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

16 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.

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

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.

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

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