New Mexico

ABQ City Hall: Protest opposing COVID crackdown bill turns into celebration after councilors nix it

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On Monday, the Albuquerque City Council was set to vote on Ordinance 20-40, a strict COVID-19 enforcement bill that would make it a misdemeanor to disobey public health orders. 

The Piñon Post reported last week on the proposal, and countless New Mexicans wrote the Albuquerque City Council demanding they withdraw the bill.

On Monday, the Piñon Post learned from City Council staff that “the sponsors have chosen to take it off the agenda for today,” but they “have not said” if they will place it back on the agenda. Later that day, it was formally announced that the bill sponsors, Councilors Isaac Benton and Cynthia Borrego had withdrawn the proposal. 

A group of patriots was already planning on organizing outside of City Hall to protest the ordinance. However, that protest turned into a celebration of the proposal being nixed. 

Protesters came with American flags, Trump flags, and patriotic gear. Here is a picture of the schene:

Steve Pearce re-elected as New Mexico GOP Chairman

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On Monday evening, the Republican Party of New Mexico held their State Central Committee meeting where they voted on the self-nominated candidates for party chair, vice-chair, second vice-chair, treasurer, secretary, and vice chairs for all three congressional districts.

Chairman Pearce, a longtime U.S. congressman, state legislator, faced his first re-election challenge for the chair position, with three candidates vying for the role.

As a seven-term congressman, he has an impressive record of achievement, with 87 bills he had sponsored and cosponsored became law. Pearce has also been a fearless advocate for the Oil & Gas industry, which holds up our economy, and the right to life. 

However, Pearce came out victorious winning the vote, beating his nearest competitor, by 76-47. Robert J. Aragon was elected as 1st Vice-Chair, Robert (Bob) Taylor Graham was elected as 2nd Vice-Chair, Ali Ennenga was elected as CD1 Vice-Chair, Amy Barela was elected as CD2 Vice-Chair, Anita Statman was elected as CD-3 Vice-Chair, Mari Trujillo Spinelli was elected as Secretary, and Leonard-David Chavez was elected as Treasurer. Each position is a two-year term.

Pearce looks to continue building the Republican Party in the state and growing the party’s base. Under his chairmanship, the Republican Party raised $6 million — a figure never seen since 2000 — and 30,000 new registered Republican voters. He also recruited 101 candidates to run for office in 2020, the greatest Republican spread in years. 

Despite some nasty campaigners looking to tear down Pearce, claiming he has been ineffective, his numbers appear to speak for themselves, with no huge losses in the Legislature, reclaiming Congressional District Two, his former seat, and making millions of voter contacts. 

Pearce has proven he can raise money, organize massive field campaigns across the state, and recruit a robust set of candidates to run. He has continued to be resolute in his support for Presodent Trump and his America First policies, and securing the vote. 

The Piñon Post previously interviewed Pearce before the race. Check out our interview below: 

MLG’s press secretary, state rep. mock New Mexicans in latest social media tirade

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Yesterday, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s press secretary, Nora Sackett, retweeted a post showing screenshots of a conversation between people asking if they will take the COVID-19 vaccine when it is available.

The conversation shows one person saying they were tested five times, while another person responds with “You weren’t given a vaccine because it isn’t out yet cousin.” 

Sackett wrote in her retweet, “I’m crying but also I want to die,” adding in a subsequent tweet, “Also there is like a not insignificant chance these are New Mexicans I swear to god.” 

The post appears to be insinuating that Sackett thinks those in the conversation are stupid while joking that they are likely New Mexicans. 

A far-left state representative, Elizabeth Thomson (D-Albuquerque), commented, “Yikes. Some education is obviously in order. Unfortunately, all of the disinformation is rampant and strong.” 

However, those on the right have taken offense to the off-color joke by the press secretary, with one commenting, “This is the disdain that @GovMLG and her staff have for New Mexicans. While New Mexicans die, her staff insinuates that New Mexicans are stupid. PATHETIC. #nmpol #nmleg” 

State Rep. Rebecca Dow (R-Truth or Consequences) wrote, “Wow! I don’t know why I keep feeling shocked by the behavior of the governor’s communication staff. They continue to show their distain [sic] for New Mexico residents.  #nmpol #nmgov #nmleg” 

This is just the latest condescending comment toward New Mexicans coming from the Governor’s press office, with communications director Tripp Stelnicki belittling a local television news reporter. 

After backlash, ABQ City Council drops bill jailing people for non-compliance with COVID mandates

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The Piñon Post has learned that Ordinance 20-40, sponsored by Councilors Isaac Benton and Cynthia Borrego, which would mandate fines and jail time for those not following public health orders, will no longer be considered at Monday’s 3:00 City Council meeting.

According to City Council staff, “the sponsors have chosen to take it off the agenda for today,” but they “have not said” if they will place it back on the agenda. 

Our reporting was followed-up by a formal announcement from the Council, reading, “City Councilors Cynthia Borrego and Isaac Benton have announced that they are withdrawing O-20-40, relating to enforcement of Public Health Orders. They will turn their attention to creating an educational campaign to assist community compliance with Public Health Orders.”

The proposal would have charged all who “knowingly obstruct, impede with, or interfere with any City employee’s officer’s or agent’s enforcement of any public health laws, orders, or restrictions” with a misdemeanor, which is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or by imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or both. 

The backtracking on the proposal appears to be, at least in part, due to public outrage, with many reaching out to city councilors demanding they vote against the proposal. The New Mexico Republican Party shared a post on Saturday urging supporters to contact councilors to oppose the bill.

Albuquerque residents were planned to protest the bill at 12:00 noon on Monday, however, according to one organizer of the protest, it will now be “turned into a celebration.” 

Regardless, if citizens would like to contact City Council members regarding the proposal, their emails can be found below:

Mayor Tim Keller: MayorKellerIQ@cabq.gov

Councilor Lan Sena, District 1: lansena@cabq.gov

Councilor Isaac Benton, District 2: ibenton@cabq.gov

Councilor Klarissa Peña, District 3: kpena@cabq.gov

Councilor Brook Bassan, District 4: bbassan@cabq.gov

Councilor Cynthia Borrego, District 5: cynthiaborrego@cabq.gov

Councilor Pat Davis, District 6: patdavis@cabq.gov

Councilor Diane G. Gibson, District 7: dgibson@cabq.gov

Councilor Trudy Jones, District 8: trudyjones@cabq.gov

Councilor Don Harris, District 9: dharris@cabq.gov

In a crippling blow to MLG, Biden picks Hispanic California AG for HHS post in fictitious cabinet

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On Sunday, it was reported that former vice president Joe Biden had selected Xavier Becerra, California’s Attorney General to head Health and Human Services (HHS) in his fictitious administration, dealing an epic burn to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who turned down a post for Secretary of the Interior. Now, she appears out of consideration completely. 

The New York Times reports:

Joe Biden has selected Xavier Becerra, a former congressman who is now the Democratic attorney general of California, as his nominee for secretary of health and human services, ending a politically delicate search that brought complaints from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus about a lack of Latinos in the incoming cabinet.

Mr. Becerra became Mr. Biden’s clear choice only over the last few days, according to people familiar with the transition’s deliberations, and was a surprise. He has carved out a profile more on the issues of criminal justice, immigration and tax policy, and he was long thought to be a candidate for attorney general.

….

Mr. Biden’s selection of Mr. Becerra comes as the president-elect is under increasing pressure from the Latino community to diversify his cabinet. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico had been thought to be in line for the health secretary’s job, but she apparently fell out of the running. Instead, news leaked last week that Ms. Lujan Grisham was offered, and turned down, the position of interior secretary.

The leak prompted [Rep.] Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico to use a private meeting with top Biden advisers to rebuke the incoming White House chief of staff, Ron Klain, and other senior Biden officials for their treatment of Ms. Lujan Grisham, according to a Democrat familiar with the discussion.

Mr. Luján’s frustration revealed a broader concern that few Latinos have been chosen for high-ranking positions in the Biden administration. Alejandro N. Mayorkas, a Cuban-American and the nominee for secretary of homeland security, has been the only Hispanic selected for a cabinet job.

Lujan Grisham released a statement after the announcement, writing, “As I’ve consistently said, I have the best job in the world as governor of New Mexico.” She added, “I look forward to working with the Biden administration as we tackle the challenges we’re facing here in New Mexico and also across the country; COVID-19, combating climate change, and rebuilding our nation’s economy are just a few of the areas where we need to make significant progress right now.”

As attorney general of California, Becerra has been a rabid anti-life advocate, arguing in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, leading unsuccessful assaults on pro-life pregnancy centers and other measures to end human life in the womb at all costs. 

Lujan Grisham had Rep. Ben Ray Luján, her alleged cousin, and other members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus lobbying the 78-year-old former vice president for the HHS post, but due to Gov. Lujan Grisham’s ungrateful snub of the Department of the Interior role, she will now not be a member of the fictitious administration at all.

EXCLUSIVE: One-on-one with New Mexico GOP Chairman Steve Pearce

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John Block, editor of the Piñon Post, had a discussion with former Congressman and current Chairman of the Republican Party of New Mexico, Steve Pearce.

The exclusive interview touches on what Pearce has done during his tenure as chairman, how he has utilized his political connections to build up New Mexico, and the victories the Party saw in the last election. The Chairman also revealed what his vision is for his next term in the chairmanship if re-elected.

Republican Party chair elections are held on Monday, December 7, 2020, where the State Central Committee members will vote. Learn more about the New Mexico GOP by visiting their website, NewMexico.GOP.

Interview will premier at 9:00 a.m. local time.

ALERT: ABQ City Council voting Monday to fine, jail citizens breaking public health orders

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On Monday, the Albuquerque City Council, overseeing New Mexico’s largest city, will consider a motion allowing $500 fines and 90 days in jail for non-compliance with public health requirements.

The proposal, brought forth by Councilors Isaac Benton and Cynthia Borrego would charge all who “knowingly obstruct, impede with, or interfere with any City employee’s officer’s or agent’s enforcement of any public health laws, orders, or restrictions” with a misdemeanor, which is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or by imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or both. 

“It’s really important that we all work together but for the people who don’t feel like they can work with this, it puts another layer, basically, of enforcement,” said Councilor Cynthia Borrego, who serves District Five. “For people who are just resistant and have that sentiment that ‘I’m not going to cooperate’, unfortunately, we need to do something to bring those numbers down and that’s what this really is doing.”

“Borrego says, if approved, the bill could also include penalties like up to 90 days in jail for refusing to comply with the public health order. The bill’s co-sponsor, Councilor Ike Benton, tells us stronger enforcement is needed and he has concerns about public health directives being ignored, so he hopes this added city ordinance, on top of state law, will make people take the orders more seriously,” reported KRQE News 13. 

The news comes as New Mexicans are already locked down due to the Governor’s public health orders, which have caused businesses to close and New Mexicans to stand in long lines to buy food and basic necessities at grocery stores.

If the Albuquerque City Council approves this measure, it would mean even harsher enforcement of the strict health orders and even less freedom for citizens. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office previously called restrictions on grocery store capacities merely a “minor inconvenience” and long lines at stores “Republican talking points.” 

The meeting will take place virtually on Monday at 3:00 p.m. More information about the meeting and to submit public written or live testimony can be found here. Citizens can contact Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and the Albuquerque City Council to oppose the bill by contacting the councilors below: 

Mayor Tim Keller: MayorKellerIQ@cabq.gov

Councilor Lan Sena, District 1: lansena@cabq.gov

Councilor Isaac Benton, District 2: ibenton@cabq.gov

Councilor Klarissa Peña, District 3: kpena@cabq.gov

Councilor Brook Bassan, District 4: bbassan@cabq.gov

Councilor Cynthia Borrego, District 5: cynthiaborrego@cabq.gov

Councilor Pat Davis, District 6: patdavis@cabq.gov

Councilor Diane G. Gibson, District 7: dgibson@cabq.gov

Councilor Trudy Jones, District 8: trudyjones@cabq.gov

Councilor Don Harris, District 9: dharris@cabq.gov

NM GOP files lawsuit to impound ballots in Bernalillo County, citing ‘unusual’ election activity

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On Friday, the Republican Party of New Mexico announced they have financed and filed a lawsuit requesting for Bernalillo County ballots in the First Congressional District to be impounded to search for irregularities.

“There are questions that still persist in this election that involve election integrity, and we must look closely at what happened here in New Mexico,” said Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman Steve Pearce.

According to the news release, the New Mexico Republican Party asked congressional candidate Michelle Garcia Holmes, who ran for the seat, to submit the petition. “New Mexico law grants candidates the right to have authorities impound tally sheets, registration certificates, paper ballots, absentee ballots, statements of canvass, absentee ballot applications and absentee ballot registers,” says the release.

NM GOP and Garcia Holmes are petitioning the Court to impound ballots in Bernalillo County’s 70 election-day voting convenience centers, 17 early alternative voting locations, and 88 absentee voter precincts.

“The Republican Party of New Mexico is also considering impounding ballots in other counties,” the release adds. 

Last month, President Trump’s legal team members, including Rudy Giuliani and Boris Epshteyn, mentioned over 180,000 ballots in question in New Mexico, which they were seeking to review. Being the most populous in the state, Bernalillo County will be lucrative for searing for fraud if the Court allows the petition to move forward. 

New Mexico uses the Dominion Voting Systems machines, which have been in question due to their ability to switch votes. Felon ex-Secretary of State Dianna Duran originally implemented them in New Mexico’s voting system in 2014.

People can help the Republican Party of New Mexico get over the finish line by donating at the website here. To read more about voter fraud in New Mexico, read more from the Piñon Post here.

Chairman Steve Pearce will be on Breitbart SiriusXM Radio on Saturday morning to discuss the ballot impounding and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s COVID-19 restrictions.

Ben Ray, other triggered Dems claim news of MLG snubbing Interior post will ‘harm’ her reputation

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According to a report by the discredited CNN news network, Rep. Ben Ray Luján and other Democrat members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus were triggered by the news hitting airwaves that Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham had snubbed an offer to be Joe Biden’s Interior Secretary in the 78-year-old former vice president’s fictitious presidential cabinet. 

The CNN report says that while on a call with Democrat members of Congress and Joe Biden’s chosen chief of staff Ron Klain, Rep. Ben Ray Luján, alleged cousin to Gov. Lujan Grisham, and other Democrats were triggered by the news getting out that the Governor had turned down Biden’s offer to be his Interior secretary.

According to the report: 

Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, a member from New Mexico, spoke up first, according to Grijalva, but was followed by a chorus of members in the CHC about the harm it had done to Lujan Grisham’s reputation and other women who had been interested in positions in Biden’s Cabinet.

“You can’t be cavalier with this stuff. Their reputations are on the line and when something comes up like, ‘We offered her something and she didn’t take it,’ it puts a bad light on her and on other candidates,” Grijalva said.

Grijalva said that members were also frustrated that it had hurt Rep. Deb Haaland, a Democrat from New Mexico, who had expressed an interest in the top job at Interior.

“Most of us interpreted it as a slap in both their faces,” Grijalva said. He added that Klain “shared both the concern and sometimes the anger that members were expressing.”

Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX) said that “there had yet to be a single Latina named to the Cabinet, and said the information about Lujan Grisham turning down the post at Interior going public seemed like an attempt to discredit a very qualified woman.” She added, “As someone who read the articles … the way it read was someone was trying to send a message that she had her shot and she walked away.” 

Previously, Rep. Luján and other Democrats sent a letter begging Biden to nominate Gov. Lujan Grisham to the Department of Health and Human Services, despite her abysmal leadership during COVID-19, which has cost thousands of lives, with stark economic ramifications due to her lockdown of the state. This has resulted in countless jobs lost and hours-long bread lines forming outside of food stores.

The Democrats’ frustration aimed toward the Biden team appears to be hitting deaf ears, as Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo has been reported to be the favorite for the spot, a massive blow to Lujan Grisham.

MLG ‘no longer favored’ for HHS post in fictitious Biden cabinet after she declined Interior role

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On Wednesday, it was reported by Politico that Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham was asked by former vice president Joe Biden’s team to be his Secretary of the Interior in his fictitious cabinet, however, she had reportedly turned down the job, according to three sources. She has been lobbying Biden for a role as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), touting her supposed experience in health care. 

Lujan Grisham has locked down the state during COVID-19, which has resulted in high unemployment and countless businesses closed, while COVID-19 case numbers and deaths are through the roof. This alone could disqualify her for HHS. She also grifted the people of New Mexico, along with her close friend and business partner, state Rep. Deb Armstrong, who “won” non-competitive state contracts to handle administrative work for the state’s high-risk insurance pool, despite the program being nullified by the implementation of Obamacare. 

Now, the Biden team appears to be snubbing Lujan Grisham after she turned down the Department of the Interior post. Politico reports that the favorite for the role is no longer the New Mexico governor. The publication writes, Rhode Island Gov. “Gina Raimondo is now a top contender to be President-elect Joe Biden’s pick to run the Department of Health and Human Services, according to two people close to the transition.”  

“Raimondo’s rise comes as New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is no longer favored for the role, according to one of those sources and another familiar with the discussions.” 

However, the discredited “news” network, CNN, is still trying to lobby for Gov. Lujan Grisham’s appointment, with their television host Don Lemon, having Grisham on his program to discuss her potential nomination. Lujan Grisham’s close friend–if not family member–Rep. Ben Ray Luján has also been lobbying Biden to nominate the Governor, which appears to have fallen on deaf ears from the 78-year-old former vice president.

Lujan Grisham’s press secretary, Nora Sackett, took to Twitter on Wednesday to blast “national media” for not correctly reporting the Governor’s last name, re-sharing a tweet that said, “Since it seems to be that time again – the governor of New Mexico’s last name is Lujan Grisham. Governor Lujan Grisham. National media I beg of you to just like google this first before you get it wrong plz it’s not hard.” 

Voter fraud is being uncovered across the United States, finding massive fraud in the 2020 election favoring Joe Biden. According to recent reports from Trump Campaign officials, New Mexico is also being looked at for potential election violations, which are expected to come out within the next couple of weeks. 

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