New Mexico

Gov. MLG’s comms. director belittles local TV news reporter for asking basic questions

5 Comments / New Mexico, News, Opinion, Politics / By

On Friday, Gov. Lujan Grisham’s office released their new county-by-county “Red to Green” COVID-19 plan, which has been noted is a major flip-flop in policy on her part. Her staff, which has already adopted a general tone of hostility toward all New Mexicans, is now blatantly condescending local news stations, including the liberal KOB 4.

KOB 4 News sent questions to the Governor’s office asking about the new strategy since they were not allowed to ask questions during the announcement Zoom meeting, as reporters usually are allowed to do. (Not the Piñon Post, however, since we have not been granted such access despite multiple correspondences). 

KOB Reporter Grace Reader asked simple questions to Gov. Lujan Grisham’s communications director Tripp Stelnicki, was met with pompous and condescending responses. Some responses questioned the reporter’s intelligence, some blasted county officials, and some answers so short that they didn’t adequately provide responses.

Reader asked Stelnicki, “Will county leaders be notified when they’re good to move to the next color via the state? Or do they need to be checking the DOH webpage every other Wednesday?” 

Stelnicki responded with: 

The map updates every other Wednesday. If county officials care about the spread of COVID in their communities, they are already checking this map regularly to identify the risks to their constituents so they can protect their communities they represent. County leaders are well-compensated and qualified professionals who are more than capable of reading the public health order and communicating within their own communities.

In another question, Reader asked, “For business owners who are going to be monitoring these developments closely to see what they can and can’t be doing, where do they need to be looking? Does the state have any concern that this county-by-county approach will confuse businesses and patrons about what they’re allowed to be doing?” 

Stelnicki returned with a more long-winded response full of snark, but this time taking a jab at the reporter, appearing to question her ability to read attachments from the Governor’s news release: 

Did you read the attachment to the news release yesterday and find it confusing? Please let us know if we can help you understand it. Three colors is not confusing. Checking a website— or asking your county to check a website—once every two weeks is not difficult. Many other states operate precisely this way. Many communities and legislators, particularly Republican legislators, have been demanding exactly this county-by-county framework for months, please make the time to ask them whether they are glad to see it now and hold them accountable to their prior statements on the matter. These questions assume that this method of enacting and publicizing the restrictions is somehow comprehensively different than what has been the case for the last 9 months. It is not. Businesses and anyone else who wants to monitor these developments can look to the exact same places they’ve been looking. The levels will be clearly demarcated on the state’s websites. We are creating web widgets they can use on their own websites. 

Reader then asked, “We noticed that for the first time, close quarters businesses are being asked to open at 25 percent capacity or 10 people, whichever is smaller. Can you tell us what forced the 10 people cap to be added to the capacity requirement? Additionally, did you all consider lifting the 75 person requirement on essential retail businesses (I know a lot of people have been upset about the lines at large box stores)?” 

As usual, Stelnicki responded by claiming the hours-long lines New Mexicans have been standing in to get basic goods and food are a “minor inconvenience.” 

His response in-full: 

A line is a minor inconvenience, for which the state is sympathetic. The state is also sympathetic to the overworked nurses and doctors in the state’s hospitals and the thousands of families who are suffering and grieving right now The state will continue to prioritize saving lives and protecting New Mexicans while providing for as much safe economic day-to-day activity as possible.

The Piñon Post reported on the long lines last week after the Governor’s office told KOB 4 that the lines were just “Republican talking points.” The office also claimed, “The state is not forcing anyone to stand in a crowded line, as you suggest.” Coincidentally, Stelnicki now appears to be punishing the television station (a station that has bent over backward to placate the Lujan Grisham Administration at every turn: see below) with his latest tantrum, throwing not only the reporter under the bus, but also county officials, New Mexicans, and Republicans in general for pointing out the Governor’s massive flip-flop on policy. 

.@GovMLG’s allies in the mainstream media are working overtime to deliver the Governor’s scare tactics to the people of New Mexico. Objective journalism? Not.

The entire Q&A from KOB 4 can be found here on their report. 

New Mexicans responded to the Governor’s office’s latest snark-fest on Twitter. 

State Rep. Rebecca Dow (R-Truth or Consequences), wrote, “Just wow! Her SILENCE towards his condescending tone IS AGREEMENT. Apparently we are not ‘all in this together’”

Matt García Síerra wrote, “Hey NM media, kudos for keeping @GovMLG staffers honest. Their petty responses indicate you’re making them do their jobs. You know, the jobs they’re still cashing in on, while New Mexicans are unemployed.” 

It should be noted that Stelnicki and his counterparts in the Governor’s office have full funding and do not face budget cutbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On average, the Governor’s staffers make around $100,000 each annually. 

Grace Reader herself even took to Twitter, sharing the Q&A article and writing, “As a reporter, it’s my job to ask questions, especially when your livelihood and health is at stake. Today we asked about the next phase of the public health order, here’s how the state responded to those questions” 

The condescending responses by Stelnicki are just the latest from him toward anyone daring to offer substantive questions or points he disagrees with. In April, Stelnicki wrote on Twitter that Republicans are a “death cult.” The Governor’s office did not apologize or respond. However, Stelnicki went silent for months, with Lujan Grisham’s press secretary Nora Sackett speaking publicly for the office in the interim.

Sackett is also known for being hostile to the press, such as in September when Española Mayor Javier Sanchez rebuked the Governor for chiding Españolans on mask-wearing despite only observing the alleged non-compliance from the back seat of her chauffeured car.

Sackett said, “Every media outlet that covered the mayor of Española’s self-righteous op ed will now also cover his flagrant hypocrisy and violation of the public health order, right?”

Before the Thanksgiving holiday, Sackett claimed, “New Mexico Republicans want you and your loved ones to get COVID-19 and potentially die” because the Party called out the Governor’s unreasonable 5-person household limit for gatherings. 

It should also be noted that every time the Piñon Post has reached out to Nora Sackett or Tripp Stelnicki for comment, we have never heard a word back, and instead have had to use the Information of Public Records Act (IPRA) any time we have had a question regarding the Lujan Grisham Administration. On average, this process takes two weeks to produce information, and it is mostly not adequate due to redactions.

NM Dems directly fund criminal aliens through MLG’s $330 million virus relief bill

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On Tuesday, New Mexico House of Representatives Speaker Brian Egolf, along with Democrats in his conference rammed through Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s $330 million stimulus bill that would use up all the remaining COVID-19 aid passed through Congress in the CARES Act. 

Egolf broke House rules to cut off debate from Republicans, which he was later scolded for by angered representatives, notably Rep. Jason Harper (R-Rio Rancho) who chided the Speaker as a “bully” who misuses his position to meet his “whims.” 

But the shoddily drafted Democrat bill that was ultimately signed into law included a provision that allows criminal aliens who broke U.S. immigration laws to exist in New Mexico to receive some of the federal funds of up to $750 per household. 

To explain the direct funding of criminal aliens in the bill, Egolf said, “There are folks who are in this country who are experiencing just as much hardship because of COVID and contribute just as much and sometimes more than their fellow New Mexican residents.”

According to KOAT 7, “Egolf said you have to have proof you live in New Mexico to get a check that would not rule out undocumented immigrants.” Also, “those eligible include dependents like children and the elderly, as well as immigrants in the country without legal permission.”

It should be noted that the $1,200 federal checks appropriated by Congress earlier this year directly from the U.S. Treasury excluded criminal aliens. Now, New Mexico Democrats have found a loophole to deny funding from New Mexicans who are legal U.S. citizens and instead reappropriate those remaining CARES Act funds to illegal aliens.  

Concerned citizens can write the Speaker of the House at brian.egolf@nmlegis.gov. 

Thanksgiving eve: No wait at Whole Foods vs. long lines at big box stores, other supermarkets

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On Thanksgiving eve, New Mexicans who haven’t already stood in line for hours to do their Thanksgiving shopping face hours-long wait times to get inside traditional grocery stores and big box stores like Smith’s, Albertson’s, Costco, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and others. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s clampdown on store capacities has resulted in retailers only allowing 75 people inside stores at any given time, and hefty lines have begun wrapping around stores.

While lines form at traditional supermarkets, New Mexicans may not expect lines at high-priced stores like the Whole Foods Market on 2103 Carlisle Boulevard NE in Albuquerque, where no lines were spotted on Tuesday morning at 10:37 a.m.

But products from stores like Whole Foods, owned by Amazon’s multi-billionaire founder, Jeff Bezos, will set shoppers back a hefty price. According to a report by the Santa Fe New Mexican, a Diestel pasture-raised turkey would cost an eye-popping $104.17 each. According to analysts, Whole Foods costs on average 10%-20% more than traditional grocery stores.

In contrast, at closeby Walmart on 2701 Carlisle Blvd NE in Albuquerque, lines are wrapping all the way around the store, into the parking lot, and down the block, which formed early this Tuesday morning and has not let up.

Similar schenes can be found across the state, as the Piñon Post reported this week. However, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office denies the existence of these lines, claiming they are just “Republican talking points,” and saying, “The state is not forcing anyone to stand in a crowded line, as you suggest.” 

The Governor’s office may be blissfully unaware of the long lines at stores because members of her office may shop at establishments like Whole Foods, that do not have endless lines versus more modestly priced markets like Smith’s and Walmart.  

Despite the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, the Governor is urging New Mexicans to not “mix households” and not to hug each other for the holiday, with propaganda videos via social media showcasing people social distancing from family this holiday season. Regardless, New Mexicans still need to eat, and there is no escaping a line unless one would prefer to pay top-dollar at places like Whole Foods.

Dem Speaker Brian Egolf tramples over NM House rules to ram through MLG’s COVID-19 bill

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On Tuesday, the New Mexico Legislature convened for a one-day special session after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham called members of the New Mexico House and Senate to appropriate $330 million in COVID-19 relief to New Mexicans as a last-ditch attempt to use up what was left of the money appropriated through the federal CARES Act. The aide preliminarily acted to give $1,200 checks to the unemployed, grants to businesses, and housing assistance. 

It should be noted that the Governor’s two-time lockdown of the state has resulted in the loss of countless small businesses, which in turn has forced people onto unemployment, whereby they are unable to pay for food, supplies, and rent. Without the strict lockdown, there would be no need for any relief for workers and businesses. The $330 million Democrat bill had no provisions to give aid to essential workers.

Republicans in the New Mexico House of Representatives worked to amend the Governor’s bill to add essential workers into the appropriation so they would also receive relief. However, Democrats vehemently rejected the measure, which was proposed by Rep. Rebecca Dow (R-Truth or Consequences) with Speaker Brian Egolf (D-Santa Fe) claiming that the essential workers hurting through COVID-19 were lucky because “they have a job,” whereas the people only included in the Democrat bill did not have jobs.

Egolf then pre-emptively cut off debate on the Republican amendment, proceeding to a floor vote despite further debate on the motion by Republicans, such as state Senator-elect David Gallegos (R-Lovington), who was denied the right to speak on behalf of his constituents on multiple amendments and motions. 

“I attempted numerous times to speak on various amendments but to no avail. The Speaker refused to allow me to be heard. This is not a democratic system, it is an oligarchy and he and the governor tightly hold the power and are afraid of dissent. We must keep fighting for this state we love and for the voice of the minority in our state who continue to be silenced. We cannot let their tyranny stand,” wrote Gallegos on his Facebook page. 

During the roll call for final passage of the Democrat bill, Rep. Jason Harper (R-Rio Rancho) was called on to vote, to which he then said, “Since we’re throwing the rules out and using them when we’d like, I’ll explain myself now and then vote. Mr. Speaker, you have made a mockery of this body and of the rules. You are choosing to use the rules that you want, and I am choosing to use the rules when I want. Mr. Speaker, I am disgusted with you and how you have run this body. There is nothing wrong with going to closing remarks by Representative Dow and voting on that and voting on the bill. But you again are a bully and use that chair to sue your whims. I vote yes, thank you.” 

“I wanted to support the bill, I appreciate what has happened, but this is just a shenanigan that is improper, unethical, and certainly not transparent,” said Republican Leader Rep. Jim Townsend (R-Artesia) while casting his “no” vote. 

After the vote, Republican Whip Rep. Montoya (R-Farmington) took the floor and scolded Egolf for his blatant prejudice to the Republican minority, his hostility, and refusal to follow House rules. “Whatever we pass out of here today is going to be completely illegitimate, and I am very disappointed, Mr. Speaker, in the blatant effort, once again, to ignore the rules, try–with lawyer talk–to talk us through a quick discussion on this, when we are wasting more time on this when we could have already voted on the motion,” said Montoya.

All other legislation sponsored by Republicans, such as a bill to limit Gov. Lujan Grisham’s emergency powers, was tied up in committee and died on arrival. The Democrat relief bill was passed through both chambers and now goes to the Governor for her signature after the hurried special session.

MLG to state employees: Beware of ‘extreme risk’ associated with ‘traditional’ Thanksgiving

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On Monday, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham sent a letter to employees of the State of New Mexico, urging them not to gather on Thanksgiving with their families. The letter comes as the Governor has closed down “non-essential” businesses during her latest shutdown and limited “big box stores” and groceries from having more than 75 people per store, forcing people to stand in the November cold for essential items and food ahead of the holiday.

The Governor’s letter read, “This is not a normal holiday season. I know we all wish it wasn’t that way. But it is. Gathering for Thanksgiving this year in the traditional manner poses an extreme risk to the health and safety of your loved ones, your friends and yourself.” She added, “the virus is at large. And it is deadly. I am asking you to please take precautions to protect yourself your loved ones and others.”

The letter continued:

I know it’s hard—really. hard. I know we’re all so tired of this. I am too. I want to hug my family more than anything in the world. We all do. But it’s just not worth the risk right now. We can replace Thanksgiving dinner, but we cannot replace one another. 

So I am asking you to please stay home this holiday and to limit your celebrations to the people who live in your home. If you’re worried about hurting a loved one’s feelings by telling them you’re taking these precautions, I understand. But taking these precautions is the best way to show you care right now. 

Previously during a COVID-19 briefing, Lujan Grisham warned against hugging loved ones, instructing New Mexicans, “no hugging,” and “do not get close to household members.” 

In another briefing where the Governor announced a two-week lockdown over the Thanksgiving holiday, she shamed mourners for attending funerals, and at another press conference, she instructed New Mexicans to wear masks inside their own homes. She also instructed Thanksgiving gatherings to be fewer than five people, which she later admitted as unenforceable.

The letter from Lujan Grisham to state employees shows her latest attempt at trying to restrict peoples’ freedoms during the holidays, despite COVID-19’s 96% survival rate. 

FALSE: MLG’s office claims lines of people waiting outside of grocery stores just GOP ‘talking points’

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On Sunday, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office claimed that people being forced to stand in long lines outside of “essential businesses” such as Walmart, Albertsons, Costco, and other locations due to her public health orders restricting grocery stores were just “Republican talking points” that were “politically motivated.” 

The Associated Press reported, “More than 20 essential businesses across the state were shut down as of Friday, of which nearly half were grocery stores or major retailers. The closures include two Walmarts in Albuquerque, a Walmart in Santa Fe, a Target in Santa Fe, and an Albertson’s in Roswell.” The shortage is causing a backlog at other grocery stores, which are limited by how many people can be inside at any current time. This is forcing New Mexicans to stand in lines outside for up to two hours. 

The Governor’s office further claimed, “The state is not forcing anyone to stand in a crowded line, as you suggest.” These claims were untrue and easily disprovable

However, the Governor’s office is dead wrong. Below are countless examples of places across New Mexico where citizens were forced to stand in long lines. Upon the news that limits of 75 people inside each store, retailers pre-emptively began limiting capacities to begin compliance with the mandate. Below is photographic proof of the lines across the state:

November 13, 2020 (before the Governor’s health order took effect): 7800 Enchanted Hills Dr. NE, Rio Rancho, New Mexico

November 13, 2020 (before the Governor’s health order took effect): Costco on 1420 N Renaissance Blvd NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico

November 16, 2020 (before the Governor’s health order took effect): 66 State Rd #344, Edgewood, New Mexico:

November 16, 2020: Sam’s Club on 1421 N Renaissance Blvd NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico

4:45 on November 17, 2020 (before the Governor’s health order took effect): Walmart on 3800 N Lovington Hwy, Hobbs, New Mexico 

November 18, 2020: Sam’s Club in Albuquerque

November 18, 2020: Lowes Food, 1410 E Missouri Ave, Las Cruces, New Mexico

November 18, 2020: Smith’s on 4800 McMahon Blvd NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico

No description available.

11:17 a.m. on November 19, 2020: Walmart on 2401 S Canal St, Carlsbad, New Mexico

3:06 p.m. on November 19, 2020: La Tienda Thriftway, Carlsbad, New Mexico

November 19, 2020: Walmart on 604 N 26th St, Artesia New Mexico

November 19, 2020: Fenn’s Country Market, 2001 W Main St, Artesia, New Mexico

On November 20, 2020, it was reported by an Alamogordo resident: “We had to wait in line for 45 minutes to get in – there were about 25 people ahead of us. There are 2 doors, one on each end. The other end had even more people in line. The allowed capacity is only 75 but the guy at the front told us that the store can hold over 1,000 people. They also make the poor elderly people with walkers/canes, etc. stand out there, too – absolutely shameful. Totally ridiculous.” 

November 20, 2020: Target on 4900 E Main St, Farmington, New Mexico

November 20, 2020: Walmart on 233 S New York Ave, Alamogordo, New Mexico

November 20, 2020: Walmart on 400 Eubank Blvd NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico

November 20, 2020: Walmart on Main Street, Farmington, New Mexico. 

November 20, 2020: Sam’s Club on 4500 E Main St, Farmington, New Mexico

November 20, 2020: Costco on 550 Eubank Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico:

November 20, 2020: Walmart on 2250 Main St NW, Los Lunas, New Mexico

November 20, 2020: Walmart on 66 State Rd #344, Edgewood, New Mexico

November 21, 2020: Walmart on Main Street, Farmington, New Mexico.

One reader reported that on November 21, 2020, they stood in line at Walmart on Eubank in Albuquerque for two hours. They wrote, “Two hours in line to Walmart on Eubank yesterday.” 

November 21, 2020: Sam’s Club in Albuquerque, New Mexico: 

November 21, 2020: Sam’s Club in Albuquerque, New Mexico: 

November 21, 2020: Food King, 930 N Riverside Dr, Española, New Mexico:

November 21, 2020: Walmart, Albuquerque, New Mexico 

November 21, 2020: Walmart, Albuquerque, New Mexico 

November 22, 2020: 3:10 p.m. at Smith’s on 751 Trinity Dr, Los Alamos, New Mexico

November 22, 2020: 3:06 p.m. at Walmart in Clovis, New Mexico. The person who submitted these photographs writes, “It’s freezing down here and there are tons of senior citizens who have to stand in line to get their scripts filled. She’s killing us.” 

November 22, 2020: Walmart on 1550 Valley Drive, Las Cruces, New Mexico:

November 22, 2020: Walmart on 571 Walton Blvd, Las Cruces, New Mexico: 

November 22, 2020: Target on 2541 E Lohman Ave ste a, Las Cruces, New Mexico 

November 22, 2020: Albertson’s on 2501 N Main St, Las Cruces, New Mexico

November 22, 2020: Albertson’s on 1285 S El Paseo Rd, Las Cruces, New Mexico

November 22, 2020: Trader Joe’s, 8928 Holly Ave NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico

November 22, 2020: Costco, 9955 Coors Bypass NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico

November 22, 2020: Walmart, 901 Unser Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico

49 degrees, 4:30 p.m., November 22, 2020: 604 N 26th St, Artesia, New Mexico

No description available.

November 22, 2020: Walmart on 2401 S Canal St, Carlsbad, New Mexico

No photo description available.

November 22, 2020: Walmart on 604 N 26th St, Artesia New Mexico

November 22, 2020: Walmart on 901 Unser Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, New Mexico

4:41 p.m. on November 22, 2020: Walmart, 4500 N Main St Ste A, Roswell New Mexico

Image may contain: one or more people, shoes, outdoor and indoor

November 22, 2020: Walmart at 1021 E Pine St, Deming, New Mexico

November 22, 2020: Walmart at 233 S New York Ave, Alamogordo, New Mexico

November 22, 2020: Walmart at 3728 N Prince St, Clovis, New Mexico

November 23, 2020: Smith’s at 1000 Rio Rancho Dr NE Se, Rio Rancho, New Mexico

No description available.

November 23, 2020: Costco at 1420 N Renaissance Blvd NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico

No description available.

November 23, 2020: Smith’s at 2110 S Pacheco St, Santa Fe, New Mexico. The other Smith’s location on Cerrillos Road has been closed by the Governor, so this location is extra crowded.

No description available.

Unspecified date: Albertson’s at 1110 S Main St in Roswell, New Mexico

Image

Unspecified date (last week): Walmart at 3800 N Lovington Hwy, Hobbs, New Mexico

No description available.

On November 22, 2020, another reader writes, “Just left Sams on Renaissance, we waited about 40-45 minutes to get into a store thee at t was practically void of people! Btw, that was our third store, the lines at Walmart and Costco were longer.”

People are still sending in photographs from across New Mexico, where citizens have, indeed, been forced to stand in lines and wait for anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours just to buy basic household items and food before the Thanksgiving holiday.

The New Mexico Republican Party opined on the Governor’s lie, inviting her to visit grocery stores where New Mexicans are in long lines to get groceries.

The statements from the Governor’s office are not only inaccurate, they are ignoring reality. These people standing in line are not “Republican talking points.” It should be noted that people from San Juan County, Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, Otero, Doña Ana, and every other county in-between are suffering due to these health orders, and they are by no means an anomaly. These are real New Mexicans forced to stand in lines because of the Governor’s health order, period.

Hundreds of pro-Trump patriots rally against election fraud at Roundhouse in Santa Fe

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On Saturday, hundreds of pro-Trump patriots rallied at the Capitol in Santa Fe for a “Return NM Protest” hosted by members of Bikers for Trump and Schumacher’s Guns. The well-attended protest is just the latest of the weekly demonstrations happening across the state, where patriotic American flag-wielding Trump supporters have gathered to protest Democrat fraud in American elections.

Among the speakers were Couy Griffin, an Otero County Commissioner and leader of Cowboys for Trump, members of Bikers for Trump New Mexico, and other local activists.

Griffin led the masses in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer while Leanna Derrick, a member of the Navajo Nation, led the crowd in the National Anthem. 

“There’s one document that they’re after right now, and that’s our Constitution,” Griffin stated in his remarks, adding, “Some of the most radical progressives in the United States will soon be going back through the doors of this Roundhouse, and the policy that they’re going to be putting forward is going to be a policy that’s going to oppress and cripple the people of our great state of New Mexico. I hate to say that, but it’s what they’ve been doing for the last eighty years. 

Griffin also touched on the proven Democrat election fraud happening across the country, calling the 2020 election the “most fraudulent election that we have ever had.” He added, “I truly do believe that the truth is going to come out, the questions are going to be demanded to be answered, the Supreme Court is going to make a judgment, and the election is either going to be deemed fraudulent — thrown completely out — or made right. We’re going to have four more years of Donald Trump, one of the two.”  

Audrey Trujillo of Corrales and a woman named April from Española also spoke about taking the fight to the Democrats and overturning the fraud in the 2020 election. “The more that the fraud is coming to light, the more that people are opening their eyes,” said April. 

Joshua James of the “American National Academy” accurately characterized any law violating the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution as “treason,” adding that, “there’s a hundred different forms of treason we can get these people on, but we only need one.” 

Many other lively patriots addressed the crowd about the importance of supporting President Trump, standing up for Constitutional rights, and stopping the fraudulent 2020 election. 

Luján now says elections ‘safe and secure’ after peddling Russia ‘election interference’ conspiracies

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On Friday, Rep. Ben Ray Lujan took to Twitter to claim that New Mexico’s elections–which remain in serious doubt–were “safe and secure,” despite any evidence proving his point.

He wrote, “Let me be clear: New Mexico’s elections were safe and secure thanks to the efforts of elections officials & poll workers. Efforts to cast doubt on our elections are baseless & wrong — and they distract from the smooth transfer of power Americans deserve.”

But Ben Ray Luján has been one of the loudest members of the U.S. House of Representatives peddling a conspiracy that Russia interfered in the 2016 elections, claiming President Trump benefitted by this. A years-long investigation by partisan Democrats found no collusion between Russia and the Trump Campaign, as well as no obstruction of justice from the Trump Administration, disproving Luján’s misinformation campaign.

During the investigation, Luján claimed, “The President’s refusal to stand up to Putin signals permission to Russia that it is ok to interfere in future elections. After today my Republican colleagues must decide if they will remain complicit or finally act to protect our democracy.” This comes after President Trump has been one of the toughest American presidents on Russia, instituting crippling sanctions on the country and shuttered Russian consulates across the nation–the very opposite of “refus[ing] to stand up to Putin.” 

Luján also claimed Trump “encourag[ed] Russia’s election interference,” which is untrue, and repeatedly claimed Russia “meddled” in American elections, while sharing photos of Vladimir Putin to try and bolster his baseless argument. 

However, there is ample evidence, some even coming from the Ivy League Princeton University, showing Dominion Voting Systems–which were used in all of New Mexico’s 33 counties–can be hacked and votes can be changed. President Trump’s lawyer and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani said in a press conference this week that the campaign has a “very, very significant amount of fraud allegations in the state of New Mexico,” while Boris Epshteyn, another member of the Trump Campaign said there were “up to 180,000 ballots” in question in the Land of Enchantment–far more than enough to turn the state from Biden to Trump. 

The Piñon Post has compiled multiple reports on election fraud in New Mexico, which Democrats and leftist organizations claim is “next to impossible” to occur, however, it has occurred, leading to Democrat wins at the ballot box. Ben Ray Luján’s lack of evidence in producing a narrative that voter fraud does not exist in New Mexico is a misleading claim, especially since he has spent the better part of four years erroneously peddling the “Russia collusion” conspiracy theory.

Lujan Grisham calls for special session next Tuesday for virus relief

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On Thursday, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced her call for a special session to address three COVID-19 topics: housing, small businesses, and unemployment. 

According to the Governor, the special session will be held on next Tuesday only, but possibly it might spill into Wednesday to work on possible $300 relief checks to individuals, relief for housing, and small business grants. 

When asked about the funding of the payouts, the Governor said it would come from federal CARES Act funds. 

In September, the Piñon Post sent a letter to Congress urging them not to grant Lujan Grisham any further federal funding due to her irresponsible virus spending during the first round of COVID-19 relief, which she quickly spent, as well as sate funds she spent without the Legislature’s approval. During her last special session earlier this year, Gov. Lujan Grisham vetoed $318 million in federal virus relief for local governments, including “$23 million for tribal governments and another $15 million specifically for counties in the northwest with large Indigenous populations,” according to the Associated Press.

The Governor tried to amplify the severity of COVID-19, claiming more people have died from the virus than strokes and car accidents, while also saying an American dies every second from the virus. She did not provide sources.

.@GovMLG tries to amplify the severity of COVID-19 deaths, claiming more people have died from the virus than car accidents and strokes.

During the press conference, Lujan Grisham warned New Mexicans about the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, warning people about gathering together and urging them to buy takeout for their holiday meals — the few that are still open after her lockdown. 

“Do not mix up households–coming into contact with non-household members. It is high-risk,” said the Governor. She also barred people from hugging each other.

.@GovMLG during press conference: “No hugging” when “mixing households” over the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday

The Governor later tweeted a list of places she deems non-essential and essential for New Mexicans.

Slide from the Governor’s presentation.

Giuliani: ‘We have a very, very significant amount of fraud allegations’ in New Mexico

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On Thursday, President Trump’s legal team updated the press on their findings of election interference by Democrats, where they laid out the evidence of fraud they have, which included the states of New Mexico, Virginia, Georgia, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Arizona. 

President Trump’s attorney, Rudy Giuliani, said, “The state that we’re looking at that would surprise you is—we have a very, very significant amount of fraud allegations in the state of New Mexico.” 

Yesterday, on the Real America’s Voice with Steve Bannon, Trump Campaign advisory board member Boris Epshteyn also said that New Mexico was in the Campaign’s sights for fraud. He said the following: 

“I was alerted to the fact that in New Mexico, outside of Bernalillo County, which is the county where Albuquerque is, there was an issue with observers not being allowed to observe that has impacted, I believe, up to 180,000 ballots—180,000 ballots. Do you know what the difference in the state of New Mexico between Sleepy Joe Biden and the President of the United States?… It’s 99,000. That’s what it is. So, the State of New Mexico, which has always been ripe with all kinds of fraud and all kinds of issues, is definitely another state where we’re taking a hard look at.” 

According to the New Mexico Republican Party, they are “working hard” to uncover the fraud in the state.

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