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Reports show projections for NM’s cash cow: Oil and gas

19 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico’s far-left legislative majorities in the legislature and two-term stronghold on the governorship have achieved extreme policies thanks to the billions garnered from the oil and gas boom. 

The Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) released a July 21 report showing revenue at $8.99 billion through March for Fiscal Year 2023, running from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023. That figure is up $1.9 billion or 27 percent. 

However, the IHS Markit and Moody’s Investors Service reports show a projected decline in oil and gas production after peaks between 2028-2033.

“This could mean the start of a decline in New Mexico’s now-booming oil and gas production, dropping from a forecast 2 million bopd in 2030 to as low as about 500,000 bopd by 2050, according to the presentation,” reported the Carlsbad Current-Argus.

New Mexico’s Chief Economist Leo Delgado said, “You can see New Mexico is currently on the upslope of that oil production trendline with production expected to increase in the next couple of years,” adding, “You see that it’s on the upslope, but it does start to plateau in the early 2030s before it starts to gradually decline.”

He noted that New Mexico’s wells are “highly-productive” in “the first few months of operations, but taper off quicky, meaning more wells must be drilled and put into service,” the report noted.

“New Mexico has some very productive wells, very high-yield wells, very conducive well economics, low break-even points,” he said. “In order to maintain those levels of production, that activity must continue.”

“The expectation is production will slow. It will be at a much slower pace and that’s where we start to see New Mexico production still at elevated levels but at a declining rate year over year when we look at the long-term,” he continued, according to the Current-Argus.

With anti-energy Democrats currently in charge of the state, their eco-left, job-killing policies cause the projected decline and thus their cash cow for high-ticket investments, including taxpayer-funded “free” college and “universal” free daycare. 

Reports show projections for NM’s cash cow: Oil and gas Read More »

NM Health Dept. school survey asks children disturbing sexual questions

31 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

An intake survey recently uncovered by the New Mexico House Republicans shows that Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is using an intake survey with disturbing sexual questions at the state’s 80 school-based health centers.

There are two survey versions, one for children up to 11 and one for 11 and up.

“Young people like you can be seen for their sexual and mental health without permission from their parent or guardian,” the survey reads.

The one for the younger kids asks whether the student is “male, female, or transgender,” and the one for children 11 years and older asks if the child is “straight, gay/lesbian, or bisexual.”

Other questions from the 11 and up survey ask questions including relationship status, with the option for an “open relationship,” whether the child has had sex, including anal, vaginal, or oral, whether the child has ever “sexted,” whether the child has had sex with transgender men or transgender women, whether the child has had vaginal, oral, or anal sex [with definitions of what these terms mean], and whether the child’s sex partner has sex with both men and women.

Other disturbing questions include pronouns that include “They/Them/Their,” “Zi/Hir/Hirs,” and “No pronouns, just my name.”

The questionnaire also asks multiple questions about various illicit drugs and whether these drugs have been used before or after sexual intercourse. 

A letter obtained by the New Mexico House Republicans showing NMDOH’s communications director outlining the specifics of the survey reads, “The survey is administered on an iPad either the day of the SBHC visit or through a web link that is designed to only be valid 24-hours prior to a scheduled visit ensuring up-to-date data for clinical use.”

“The surveys are designed to assure patients feel safe and are easy to use. Patients can answer questions they feel comfortable with and skip those they do not want to answer. Questions are added as health risks are identified. They also have the choice not to respond to the questionnaire at all.” 

During the 2023 Legislative Session, fiery debate ensued over these school-based health centers pushing abortions and gender-affirming care on children, accusations that Democrats denied. These new revelations show merit in the concerns of conservative legislators.

The House Republicans have released a consent form for parents and guardians to mandate notification before their child accesses medical and behavioral health services or some instructional materials.

NM Health Dept. school survey asks children disturbing sexual questions Read More »

Congressional hearing results in bombshell UFO revelations

8 Comments / National / By

On Wednesday, the U.S. House Oversight Committee’s national security subcommittee had an intelligence officer in the Air Force and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and two former fighter pilots who had firsthand experience with unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP), which resulted in shocking revelations about what the government knows about UFOs.

David Grusch, a former Air Force officer, said during the hearing that his testimony was based on interviews with 40 witnesses, telling the congressional committee he knew where the U.S. government stored non-human materials.

“Grusch said that he feared for his life and had faced professional and personal consequences from the government for speaking out, noting there was an ongoing whistleblower retaliation investigation into his treatment. Grusch said he believed that the government first became aware of non-human technology in the 1930s and that there had been a ‘multi-decade campaign to disenfranchise public interest,’” Yahoo News reported. 

“As we convene here, UAP are in our airspace, but they are grossly underreported,” Graves said. “Sightings are not rare or isolated.”

He told the Committee that he was “absolutely” certain that the government is in possession of non-human craft. 

Grusch told Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), “There were certain colleagues of mine that were brutally administratively attacked,” regarding having knowledge of UFOs being shielded by the U.S. government.

“Personally, have you heard anyone been murdered?” Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) asked Grusch. 

“I have to be careful asking that question. I directed people with that knowledge to the appropriate authorities,” he said.

“Ryan Graves of Americans for Safe Aerospace gave the committee’s first eyewitness UFO sighting,” according to The Hill. 

“In 2014, he said, as an F-18 pilot in the Red Rippers, their squadron was ‘split by UAP’ during a training mission near Virginia Beach.”

Congressional hearing results in bombshell UFO revelations Read More »

Criminal who fatally shot Alamogordo Officer Ferguson formally charged

6 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Tuesday, the New Mexico State Police formally charged Dominic De La O in the fatal shooting of Alamogordo Police Department Officer Anthony Ferguson last Saturday. 

Officer Ferguson via the Alamogordo Police Department.

The State Police wrote, “Twelfth Judicial District Attorney Scot D. Key, announced today that an Otero County Grand Jury returned true bills of indictment on 10 counts against Dominic De La O, in connection with the incident on July 15, 2023, which resulted in the death of Officer Anthony Ferguson of the Alamogordo Police Department.”

“True bills included one count of First-Degree Murder (Willful & Deliberate) a capital felony; Tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony; Aggravated Fleeing a Law Enforcement Officer, a fourth-degree felony; two counts of Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, fourth-degree felonies; two counts of Resisting, Evading or Obstructing an Officer, both misdemeanors; two counts of Criminal Trespass, both misdemeanors; and Improper Equipment — Driving a Vehicle at night without Lighted Lamps.” 

Mugshot of Dominic De La O via New Mexico State Police.

The Department added, “Although De La O has been held in custody on a separate case, following this indictment, District Attorney Key filed an Expedited Motion for Pretrial Detention. Similar to a motion filed by the State in October 2022, DA Key is requesting that De La O be held in custody pending trial. In the Expedited Motion, Key cited De La O’s criminal history, argued that he continues to be a danger to the community, and petitioned the court to make a finding that no conditions of release will adequately protect the community.”

De La O was previously arrested in January after brandishing a gun on a police officer but was allowed pretrial release under the state’s failed laws that have removed cash bail — allowing violent offenders back on the streets.

He violated his pretrial release Wednesday by attending a party where a warrant was issued for his arrest. The perpetrator was stopped on Saturday during a routine traffic stop where he pulled the gun, which was obtained illegally, on Officer Ferguson, causing the fatal injury to the esteemed law enforcement officer. Officer Ferguson was transported to Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center and later flown to the Univeristy Medical Center of El Paso, where he passed away.

According to New Mexico State Police, “New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau agents are working to independently determine the series of events leading to the shooting, including collecting evidence and conducting interviews. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the district attorney for their review and consideration.”

Officer Ferguson is the first Alamogordo Police Department officer killed in the line of duty since Clint Corvinus in 2016. Officer Ferguson was nominated for Officer of the Year in 2019 and has honorably served Alamogordo throughout the years.

Criminal who fatally shot Alamogordo Officer Ferguson formally charged Read More »

MLG’s abortion hotline referring women to ‘The Satanic Temple’ abortion facility

20 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Public records obtained by New Mexico Alliance for Life reveal that the state’s pro-abortion Democrat Gov. Lujan Grisham’s taxpayer-funded abortion hotline is referring women to The Satanic Temple Health (TST Health) abortion facility – advertised as “the world’s first religious abortion clinic.”

Additionally, New Mexico Alliance for Life found that only 13 of the 33 abortion clinics women are referred to are in-state businesses, while 20 are out-of-state: from Bethesda, Maryland, Seattle, Washington, to Wichita, Kansas. 

The in-state state taxpayer-funded abortion referral list includes Presbyterian Health of Espanola, five Las Cruces area abortion businesses, six Albuquerque, one Santa Fe, and one Farmington. 

“Why are taxpayers of New Mexico forced to promote the satanic temple religious abortion center through the pro-abortion governor’s hotline,” said Elisa Martinez. “Is the state of New Mexico fully disclosing to women that “TST Health” is a satanic ritualistic abortion center and that abortion is not a life-saving procedure or that it involves the ending of an innocent human life?”

Earlier this month, Governor Lujan-Grisham announced the establishment of the abortion referral hotline using taxpayer funds. During this year’s legislative session, she also allocated $10 million in taxpayer dollars to fund an abortion center in Doña Ana County. 

According to an investigation released this month by the pro-life group Abortion Free New Mexico (AFNM), Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s recently created “reproductive health” hotline through the New Mexico Department of Health appears to be doing as expected — pushing abortion and only abortion.

New Mexico’s abortion rate has doubled since the overturning of Roe v. Wade last year. In 2021, New Mexico abortion businesses reported 4,900 abortions. That number jumped to 11,000 in 2022. In 2023, New Mexico abortion businesses ended the lives of 5,300 innocent babies.

MLG’s abortion hotline referring women to ‘The Satanic Temple’ abortion facility Read More »

‘Mark my words’: Dem senator claims gerrymandering case ‘going nowhere’

12 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Democrat Sen. Joseph Cervantes (D-Las Cruces) is acting rather cocky about litigation regarding New Mexico’s congressional map, which he gerrymandered to benefit Democrats by splitting up communities of interest to shift the state’s Republican-leaning Second Congressional District to favor Democrats now.

The state Supreme Court ordered the lower court to decide the case by October, denying the Democrats’ motion to squelch the lawsuit at the state level. 

Cervantes claimed he did not gerrymander the map, despite clear signs of partisan gerrymandering and cracking communities of interest, resulted in snake-like districts that spanned everywhere from Española and Taos to Lovington in the Third District, while Albuquerque’s South Valley was plunged into the Second District and the First District paired Albuquerque with Roswell. 

The map also chopped up many communities into two or three parts, such as Roswell, Hobbs, Rio Rancho, Albuquerque, and others. The new map shifted the Second District from leaning toward Republicans by 14 points to now favor Democrats by four points.

Cervantes still claims he redrew the map to create “competitive districts.” However, Princeton University’s Gerrymandering Project’s independent review shows zero competitive congressional districts with the new map.

The Las Cruces state senator is doubling down on his claims that the bipartisan lawsuit lodged against the maps is “going nowhere.”

“I was amused by your piece saying I was as wrong as a politician can be,” Cervantes wrote to Santa Fe New Mexican’s Milan Simonich, who admonished the unfair maps. “A bit premature of you, I’d say. But I stand by my statement. The lawsuit is going nowhere. … The Court will uphold the districts. Mark my words.”

“Funny,” Cervantes continued. “But it’s my business to predict court outcomes and application of the laws. We’ll know the outcome and can settle up then.”

The gerrymandering case will be a key milestone in New Mexico for fair maps. Similar states, such as New York, had its high court strike down the Democrat partisan gerrymander of its congressional map, showing even in far-left states, there is cause to be hopeful for maps that are representative of the population — not just a political party’s quest for unlimited power.

‘Mark my words’: Dem senator claims gerrymandering case ‘going nowhere’ Read More »

Governor’s sexual abuse accuser’s sister says he is dead

18 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

According to multiple sources, Phoenix-based consultant James Hallinan, a conservative Democrat, passed away on Thursday.

Hallinan made headlines in New Mexico after he claimed that in 2018 then-U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who is now governor, poured water over his crotch area and groped him in front of multiple witnesses.

Lujan Grisham’s campaign subsequently paid Hallinan $150,000 after the allegations surfaced ahead of her 2022 reelection campaign.

Political blogger Joe Monahan posted on Twitter Friday, “NM political consultant James Hallinan is dead at 40.” A quote from his sister Marisa read, “With much sadness we share that our beloved and brilliant brother and son James Hallinan died on Thursday. At this time of deep sadness we thank you for your conveyed sentiments and support.” 

Monahan noted, “No cause given” regarding his cause of death.

“In lieu of a formal ceremony, we ask that those who knew him spend time celebrating his life in a way that honors the joyous times you spent with him,” Hallinan’s sister wrote.

Brett Kokinadis, a former Republican Party of Santa Fe County officer, wrote on Twitter, “Waiting for confirmation, but James Hallinan is rumored to be deceased. Did you have anything to do with it Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham? I sure hope not!”

Albuquerque City Council candidate Dr. Joseph Pitluck Aguirre wrote in response to one of Hallinan’s tweets mourning the death of Eric Witt, a former Lujan Grisham official, “Rest in peace James.”

The post from Hallinan made on July 17, 2023, was his last post to the network.

Before that, the former Lujan Grisham staffer wrote on Twitter, “The level of corruption and abuse is at an all-time high in New Mexico. I’m still shocked, but I guess I shouldn’t be at this point.”

Hallinan previously had death threats made against him, as reported in October 2022. 

At the time, Hallinan said, “I just need to make sure we’re documenting some of these death threats, ’cause I say it, and everybody, it’s like nobody is paying attention. I don’t know who this lady is, but I got all the screenshots,” referencing a threat from someone named “Angel” on social media.

He told the Santa Fe New Mexican, “I’m tired,” he said Thursday. “I’m tired of the continued death threats on social media and everybody trying to muscle me. I’m real tired of it. They’ve pushed me too far.”

As more details come out, the Piñon Post will keep our readers up to date on the latest from the situation. 

Governor’s sexual abuse accuser’s sister says he is dead Read More »

Vasquez bankrolled by abortion up-to-birth lobby in latest fundraising haul

12 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Far-left Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02) is trying to keep his seat in Congress, despite fierce competition from GOP former Rep. Yvette Herrell, who he narrowly beat in 2022. 

Partnered up with extremist groups, he hopes to raise enough money to fend off the challenge from the GOP’s standard bearer.

In the last fundraising quarter spanning April through June, Vasquez raised $439,254.61 and spent $165,024.07.

He received large contributions from the pro-abortion lobby, with groups such as NARAL, the abortion up-to-birth group, pitching in $2,500. 

The pro-abortion medical group, the American College of OB-GYNs PAC (OB-GYN PAC), donated $1,000, while relative to the University of New Mexico’s abortion trainer, Dr. Eve L. Espey, wrote big checks. Dr. David K. Espey donated $1,000 on April 26, 2023.

Other contributions included $5,000 from the pro-lockdown, pro-forced mask American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO Committee on Political Education, $2,500 from the group pushing transgenderism on kids, the Human Rights Campaign, $2,832.34 from the extremist “climate groups the League of Conservation Voters Action Fund and the NRDC Action Fund Inc. PAC with a $960.47 donation, as well as $500 from the socialist-linked group Retake Our Democracy.

He also got help from far-left colleagues’ campaign accounts, with Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA) chipping in$2,000, Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO) donating $1,000, Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) offering $1,000, Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-CA) giving $1,000, Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) putting $1,000, and Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA) throwing in $500.

The New Mexico House Victory Fund 2022, which was a joint committee helping New Mexico’s three far-left Democrat U.S. representatives, gave $19,964.79 to Vasquez’s reelection efforts during the fundraising period.

Vasquez spent $43,632.61 at a company called Foglamp, which is a Democrat digital strategy firm that has been used by the likes of Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the anti-gun group March for Our Lives.

He also spent handsomely on fundraising services from a Virginia-based group, LaFave and Associates. Another large expense for Vasquez’s campaign was catering, meals, and travel, which totaled $22,032.89 during the three-month period.

Expenses included multiple trips to the Monocle restaurant adjacent to the U.S. Senate office building, with bills totaling p $1,002.5 and $827.80.

Former Congresswoman Herrell raised $355,911.46 during the same timeframe, spending $70,186.92.

Vasquez bankrolled by abortion up-to-birth lobby in latest fundraising haul Read More »

Few details released following death of Gov. Lujan Grisham staffer

13 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Monday, it was revealed that a senior advisor to Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Eric Witt, 60, was found dead in his garage.

Witt, who helped develop the state’s generous tax incentives to the film industry and was previously based in Los Angeles, served in the governor’s staff since January. 

He also worked for Democrat former Gov. Bill Richardson in multiple roles between 2003 and 2010.

Few details are known about the staffer’s death, but the Albuquerque Journal reported, “Santa Fe police said Witt was found dead in his garage Monday morning after his wife, who was out of town and had last spoken to him on Friday, requested a welfare check. Police said there were no apparent signs of trauma.”

Eric Witt in 2019. Screenshot from NM PBS via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xsqtc2B6FtE

Former Gov. Richardson wrote in a statement following the news, “I am shocked and saddened beyond belief at the passing of Eric Witt, a dear friend and former staffer. He came from a wonderful family, especially his mother, Lee Witt, who worked for many governors, including myself.” He added, “If there was one person responsible for bringing the movie industry to New Mexico, it was Eric. My wife Barbara and myself express our deepest condolences to the Witt family.”

Lujan Grisham also bemoaned Witt’s death, writing, ­“I am shocked and saddened by the passing of Eric Witt, a longtime colleague and senior advisor in my office. He was a skilled navigator of state government and the Legislature and, most consequentially, offered his specialty in film financing to establish a brand-new economic driver in the state. Without Eric’s leadership, New Mexico’s booming film and media industry would not be the success that it is today.”

According to a press release from her office: 

For more than 30 years, Witt balanced the demands of a career in the film industry and public service. He started his career working for Dino De Laurentiis Communications in Los Angeles. Witt’s political work in New Mexico began in 1998 when he was the Chief of Staff for the state’s House of Representatives and continued as part of leadership in Gov. Bill Richardson’s office.

When Gov. Richardson left office in 2011, he returned to Los Angeles to focus on film and television production. Witt’s passion for service and creativity merged when he was named executive director of the Santa Fe Film Office in 2016. Witt was awarded an Emmy from the National Academy of Television Arts for his work on “However Wide the Sky: Places of Power” in 2022.

In a statement issued by Witt’s family Tuesday, they said they are “heartbroken over Eric’s death. He was an amazing man of so many talents, interests and loves. But what he loved above all else was his family — his wife, mother, father, brothers, sister, sisters-in-law, son and nephews. The support and messages that we have gotten from people in New Mexico, California and beyond show just how many lives he touched and we are grateful for all of them.”

According to Lujan Grisham’s office, between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, New Mexico’s film industry brought in $794 million in direct spending. That figure is down 7.2 percent from last year’s $855.4 million.

Few details released following death of Gov. Lujan Grisham staffer Read More »

Legislative committee previewing anti-gun bills Tuesday

14 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Tuesday, the Legislative Courts, Corrections, and Justice Committee, chaired by Sen. Joseph Cervantes (D-Las Cruces), will preview anti-gun bills that will be reintroduced in the 2024 Legislative Session, along with new proposals that could be brought forth.

Starting at 8:35 a.m., the committee, which is meeting in Mescalero at the Inn of the Mountain Gods, will have a two-hour discussion on the 2022 New York State Rifle & Pistol Assn., Inc. v. Bruen U.S. Supreme Court case, which struck down anti-gun laws in the Empire State.

Then, the Committee will discuss proposed anti-gun laws, including banning what they deem “assault weapons,” mandating new higher age restrictions for firearm purchases, imposing waiting periods, increasing background check requirements, attacking gun manufacturers for gun-related incidents, and more.

Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grsham’s staff will attend to discuss her gun-grabbing bills plans.

The meeting will not include a slot for public comment, and the Committee’s chairman explicitly noted that he did not invite pro-gun advocates, such as the National Rife Association or Gun Owners of America. However, the anti-gun group, the Giffords Law Center, will be prominently featured.

Pro-gun legislators, including Reps. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park) and John Block (R-Alamogordo) will be in attendance, as well as other pro-gun committee members.

To access the Committee’s agenda, click here. To join the webcast, click here. 

Legislative committee previewing anti-gun bills Tuesday Read More »

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