Politics

Judge rules NM officials, including SOS, discriminated against GOP group

4 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

A federal judge ruled that the Democrat New Mexico election officials and prosecutors discriminated against a Republican-aligned group by denying them access to voter registration data. 

The Friday decision prevents the state from withholding voter data from the Voter Reference Foundation, a group that aims to create a free database of registered voters to allow individuals and organizations to investigate potential irregularities or fraud.

New Mexico state prosecutors intend to appeal the decision, according to Lauren Rodriguez, spokesperson for the New Mexico Department of Justice.

Following the ruling, the VoteRef.com website, managed by the Voter Reference Foundation, reinstated New Mexico’s voter information to its database. The searchable database includes details such as street addresses, party affiliations, and voting participation. This has raised concerns among election officials and privacy advocates, who argue that such access could lead to voter intimidation or disenfranchisement, as people may choose to remove their registration to protect their private information.

However, U.S. District Court Judge James Browning found that New Mexico’s refusal to provide the data constituted discrimination based on viewpoint and a violation of free speech rights. He criticized the state for involving prosecutors in what should have been a straightforward public information matter.

The VoteRef.com database spans more than 32 states and the District of Columbia and is run by Gina Swoboda, chair of the Arizona Republican Party and a former organizer for Donald Trump’s 2020 reelection campaign in Arizona.

Judge Browning had previously ruled that New Mexico officials violated the National Voter Registration Act by not sharing voter rolls, despite a state law that limits the use of such data. The VoteRef.com site maintains confidentiality on whom individuals voted for and offers protections for victims of domestic violence or stalking. Additionally, more than 100 elected or appointed officials in New Mexico, both Democrats and Republicans, have their addresses shielded under a safety program created after a series of drive-by shootings targeting lawmakers’ homes in late 2022 and early 2023.

Judge rules NM officials, including SOS, discriminated against GOP group Read More »

Keller drops big hint about his political future

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, a far-left Democrat, has made it clear that he’s eyeing another term in office, stating his intention to remain in power to see through various projects. “It’s no secret I am planning on another term, but it’s to see this through,” Keller remarked on Thursday. 

He added, “I always say, like, 2027 is going to be a great year because all these projects I’ve been working on are going to be done, but I got to make sure I’m there to see it, so that’s what I’m thinking right now.”

Keller emphasized ongoing efforts to improve public safety and quality of life in Albuquerque, acknowledging that much remains to be done. However, critics might question whether these efforts have been as effective as Keller suggests, especially given the persistent issues the city faces.

The mayor also highlighted homelessness as a significant concern, pointing to initiatives like the Gateway Center, which currently shelters 900 people daily, as examples of supposed “progress. 

KOAT Political Expert Brian Sanderoff expressed little surprise at Keller’s announcement, noting that it’s common for politicians eyeing another term to stay fully engaged. “Oftentimes when a person decides he’s not going to run again, they start acting a little differently or be less engaged in the like or start thinking about other offices they might be considering,” Sanderoff observed.

Should Keller proceed with his plans, he would join a small group of Albuquerque mayors who have sought a third consecutive term. However, some residents may wonder if his prolonged far-left leadership is what the city truly needs or if fresh ideas and approaches are overdue.

Keller drops big hint about his political future Read More »

Biden-Harris court fail a victory for women’s rights in many NM schools

6 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The recent court rulings regarding Title IX have significant implications for New Mexico schools, particularly in light of the Biden-Harris administration’s controversial rules. These rules, which sought to expand supposed protections against “sex discrimination” to include “gender identity,” have faced righteous opposition from conservative groups who argue that they infringe upon parental rights and compromise the safety of women and girls.

In response, 26 Republican-led states, including several schools in New Mexico, have successfully challenged the implementation of these radical rules. Thanks to these court challenges, six schools in New Mexico—three colleges and three K-12 institutions—are now exempt from enforcing the new Title IX regulations. This number is expected to grow as more schools join the legal battle.

The Biden administration’s Title IX rules, which went into effect on August 1, have been particularly contentious due to their requirement that schools allow “transgender” students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that align with their “gender identity” and to participate in sports teams that match said chosen identity. 

Those who protect women’s rights argue that these policies jeopardize the privacy and safety of female students and create an unfair playing field in women’s sports, as evidenced in many sporting events, such as the Olympics, where women have been beaten to a pulp by biological men, in many cases, forcing them to forfeit.

Riley Gaines, a prominent women’s rights leader and former 12-time NCAA All-American athlete who was unfairly beaten by a biological man, visited New Mexico earlier this year to advocate for women’s rights.

The court’s decision to block the implementation of these rules at certain New Mexico schools is seen as a victory for those who believe that Title IX should protect the rights of women and girls as it was originally intended.

 The rulings mean that schools like New Mexico State University, Eastern New Mexico University’s Roswell campus, and Central New Mexico Community College will continue to operate under the 2020 Title IX rules established during the Trump administration, which did not include the expanded protections for “gender identity.”

Biden-Harris court fail a victory for women’s rights in many NM schools Read More »

Amid Heinrich’s lies, Domenici puts him on notice

17 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a bold move against dishonest campaign tactics, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Nella Domenici has issued a cease and desist letter via her attorneys to her Democrat opponent, Sen. Martin Heinrich, accusing his campaign of disseminating false and defamatory information. The letter, sent on Friday, takes aim at a television advertisement produced by Heinrich’s campaign, which falsely asserts that Domenici supports a national abortion ban—an accusation Domenici vehemently denies.

The letter, addressed to Heinrich’s campaign manager, Brad Elkins, outlines the clear and consistent position Domenici has taken on the issue of abortion. According to the cease and desist letter, Domenici’s stance is widely publicized that she does not support a national abortion ban. This stance, prominently featured on her campaign website, is backed by her appearances in television commercials, public speeches, radio interviews, and articles in reputable news outlets.

Domenici’s legal team, led by attorney Anna Mackin, argues that Heinrich’s advertisement is not only false but also deliberately misleading, intended to deceive New Mexico voters as the November 2024 election approaches. “By disseminating false statements about Ms. Domenici’s position, Heinrich is misleading New Mexico voters and is contributing to the public’s skepticism about truth in the media,” Mackin wrote. The letter highlights that even Heinrich’s own campaign materials acknowledge Domenici’s opposition to a federal abortion ban, making the ad’s claims particularly egregious.

The letter also calls for Heinrich to cease airing the ad and any other misleading materials immediately and to issue a public apology to Domenici for what her campaign describes as an “intentional, malicious misrepresentation” of her views. Failure to comply, the letter warns, could result in legal action against Heinrich’s campaign for knowingly spreading false and defamatory information.

This is not the first time Heinrich’s campaign has been accused of employing dishonest tactics. Domenici’s letter references a previous incident where Heinrich was caught disseminating false information about her positions, drawing criticism from local media outlets. This latest incident, however, marks a significant escalation, with Domenici’s legal team formally challenging Heinrich’s campaign in a public and legal forum.

The letter underscores the importance of honesty and transparency in political advertising, especially on sensitive issues like abortion. Domenici’s campaign contends that such falsehoods not only damage the integrity of the electoral process but also contribute to voter cynicism and distrust. “New Mexico voters deserve the freedom to make informed decisions on Election Day,” Mackin stated, emphasizing that Heinrich’s shady tactics undermine this fundamental democratic principle.

As the November 2024 election draws nearer, the stakes are high for both candidates. Domenici, who has built her campaign on a platform of integrity and service, views Heinrich’s actions as a direct threat to the democratic process. Her response signals a willingness to fight back against what she perceives as underhanded tactics, setting the stage for a potentially contentious legal battle if Heinrich does not retract the ad.

Recent polls show Heinrich neck-and-neck with Domenici, likely triggering his campaign’s string of untrue, patently false ads against Domenici.

Amid Heinrich’s lies, Domenici puts him on notice Read More »

Starbucks under fire in Taos—literally! What’s sparking the outrage?

11 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

After two incidents of arson at a Starbucks construction site in Taos, New Mexico, a determined developer is making another attempt to establish the town’s first drive-through location for the coffee giant. The small community of 6,500, known for its history of resistance to outside influences, has given the would-be Starbucks the moniker “Charbucks.” In response to the attacks, a construction firm from Albuquerque has bolstered security with video surveillance and an on-site guard stationed in a camouflaged trailer.

The planned Starbucks, which the company aims to open by the spring of 2025, has sparked a range of reactions among locals. Just a short distance away, patrons at World Cup, one of Taos’ oldest independent coffee shops, remain guarded in their comments. One local, Todd Lazar, expressed his thoughts, saying, “We don’t know who did it, but we loved it,” reflecting the sentiment that national chains like Starbucks are unwelcome intrusions into the town’s unique culture.

Opposition to Starbucks in Taos mirrors the criticisms the chain has faced globally, with detractors arguing that it threatens local businesses and drains money from communities. Stickers opposing the Starbucks, featuring the company’s mermaid logo engulfed in flames with the face replaced by La Calavera Catrina—a figure associated with Mexico’s Day of the Dead—have appeared on local businesses.

The site of the intended Starbucks has been marred by two fires, the first in August 2023, followed by another in October. The initial attack left the words “NO” (preceded by an expletive) spray-painted on the partially burned structure. 

Sylvia Rodriguez, an emerita professor of anthropology at the University of New Mexico, described Taos as a “dynamic and volatile contact zone,” reflecting the town’s complex cultural landscape and historical resistance to outside influence. Despite these challenges, the Taos town council has supported the Starbucks project, viewing it as a source of jobs and tax revenue. However, local business owners like Andrea Meyer argue that jobs aren’t the issue, but rather the lack of affordable housing that forces many workers out of the area.

Following the second arson attack, two or three national chains reconsidered their plans to set up shop in Taos, according to Christopher Larsen, the town’s economic development director. He noted that the prevailing sentiment is that “Taos doesn’t want corporate America.”

Starbucks, a wake corporation, has emphasized the safety of its employees as a top priority. While no injuries are reported from the fires, the company plans to work closely with local law enforcement once the store opens. The town has offered a $30,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the fires, but so far, no arrests have been made, though authorities believe they have identified suspects.

Pablo Flores, owner of the Coffee Apothecary in Taos, expressed a mix of dismay at the growing presence of national chains and condemnation of the violent actions against them. Flores urged those unhappy with Taos’ changes to simply not support such businesses rather than resort to destruction, emphasizing, “Don’t burn it down, that’s not cool.”

Starbucks under fire in Taos—literally! What’s sparking the outrage? Read More »

Texas Gov. Abbott’s plan to close the illegal immigration loophole through NM

21 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, has made curbing illegal immigration a top priority, and his efforts go beyond focusing solely on the southern border with Mexico. He is now turning his attention to preventing individuals who have crossed the U.S.-Mexico border from entering Texas through neighboring states, specifically New Mexico.

In an interview with NewsNation, Abbott highlighted a key concern: “There are people who cross from Mexico into New Mexico and then right over into El Paso, and that’s something we have to deal with.” To address this issue, Abbott has proposed constructing a fence along the Texas-New Mexico border, in addition to the razor wire and other barriers Texas has already installed along the Mexican border in places like Eagle Pass. These measures are part of his broader initiative, Operation Lone Star, aimed at tightening border security. However, Abbott’s border strategy has faced legal opposition, with the Biden administration arguing that Abbott is exceeding his legal authority.

Despite these legal challenges, Abbott remains steadfast in his goal of stopping illegal immigration. “Let’s assume Texas does succeed in reducing illegal immigration to zero percent into our state, which is our goal,” Abbott stated. “All those terrorists, all those murderers, all those rapists, they’re just going to go through New Mexico and Arizona and California.” Abbott’s stance underscores his belief that illegal immigration is a nationwide problem that cannot be solved by state efforts alone.

In terms of illegal immigration numbers, New Mexico faces its own unique challenges. According to data from the Department of Homeland Security, New Mexico has seen a significant number of border crossings in recent years, although the state’s overall border traffic is much lower than Texas or Arizona. 

Data from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) show that apprehensions in New Mexico fluctuate but remain a consistent concern for border officials. In fiscal year 2021, CBP reported over 200,000 migrant encounters in the El Paso sector, which includes southern New Mexico. 

Abbott has also pointed to an 85% decrease in border crossings as evidence of the effectiveness of his border security measures. However, he argues that this decline started before Joe Biden’s late actions aimed at deterring illegal immigration. “That was after Texas began our accelerated operations to deny illegal entry, using the guard, using the razor wire, using the pepper ball,” Abbott said, attributing the initial decrease to Texas’s enforcement efforts.

Ultimately, Abbott believes that the solution to the border crisis lies at the federal level, arguing that immigration reform can only be fully addressed by Congress, which refuses to act on H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, which passed the House with bipartisan support. Democrats, who control the Senate, have refused to let it come before the chamber for a vote.

As illegal immigration continues to bludgeon Democrats, Kamala Harris has now come out in favor of the border wall along the southern border after previously claiming it is a waste of money. Far-left New Mexico Congressman Gabe Vasquez, a close ally of Harris and in a difficult reelection battle to keep his seat, which stretches across New Mexico’s entire southern border with Mexico, has attempted to come off strong on the border in recent months. However, he has previously called the border barrier “racist,” racist,” urged the Biden-Harris administration to “tear what’s left of it down,” and called it a “vanity project.”

“Gabe Vasquez and many of his fellow progressives just had the rug pulled out from under them by Kamala Harris after her abrupt flip-flop on the border. As a politician unable to think for himself, it won’t be surprising if he, too tries to change his anti-border security position. Even if he tries, Vasquez won’t be able to hide his lengthy pro-illegal immigration record from voters,” said the Congressional Leadership Fund’s Regional Press Secretary Maureen O’Toole.   

Sen. Martin Heinrich is also taking the heat for his open-borders stance, being extremely critical of the border wall, calling it a “symbol of hatred, fear, and intolerance.” He is polling within single digits of Republican U.S. Senate nominee Nella Domenici. 

New Mexico’s Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a far-left Democrat, and Vasquez ally, remains the only border state governor who has done nothing to curb the flow of human trafficking and fentanyl from across the border. Even Democrat Govs. Katie Hobbs of Arizona and Gavin Newsom of California have put state resources to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis on the border. 

Lujan Grisham hates walls so much that she even ran through a wall in a political ad during her gubernatorial run, labeling a strong border as “Trump’s wall.”

Texas Gov. Abbott’s plan to close the illegal immigration loophole through NM Read More »

NM high court cites technicality to free murderer of 71-year-old disabled man

11 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The New Mexico Supreme Court has overturned the conviction of Seig Isaac Chavez, a Las Vegas man who had been sentenced for the brutal 2019 murder of 71-year-old William Smith, a disabled elderly man. Chavez was originally found guilty of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence by a jury in 2022. Smith’s body was discovered in August 2019, bearing 24 stab wounds. Chavez’s conviction was overturned due to the improper admission of key evidence during his trial.

According to court records, a witness saw Smith getting into Chavez’s truck on the night of the murder, and investigators later found Smith’s blood inside Chavez’s vehicle as well as on his jacket. This evidence was used to build the prosecution’s case against Chavez, tying him directly to the crime.

During the trial, prosecutors introduced a jailhouse phone call between Chavez and his teenage son. This call, however, became the center of the New Mexico Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the conviction. The court found that the audio recording of the conversation should not have been admitted as evidence. In its opinion, the court noted that the call “significantly affected the verdicts.”

In the phone call, Chavez instructed his son that he was now the “man of the house” and had the responsibility to protect the family. He gave disturbing instructions, telling his son to stab anyone who got close to him or attempted to harm him, particularly instructing him to aim for the throat. Chavez also expressed his own belief that he would soon be imprisoned, saying, “Daddy’s going to prison,” as outlined in the Supreme Court’s decision.

The key issue, as the court pointed out, was that the phone call was not directly related to the murder of Smith but instead revealed Chavez’s propensity for violence. This evidence was deemed “highly inflammatory” by the justices and prejudiced the jury against Chavez. “The district court committed plain error by allowing the jury to hear evidence that was relevant only to Defendant’s propensity for violence. This evidence was highly inflammatory and deprived Defendant of a fair trial,” Justice C. Shannon Bacon wrote in the opinion.

The court’s decision to overturn the conviction hinged on the improper admission of this inflammatory evidence. The justices ruled that this error deprived Chavez of his right to a fair trial, leading to the decision to vacate his conviction.

Despite the overturned conviction, the court ruled that Chavez could be retried for the murder. This means the state has the option to pursue the case again, but without the tainted evidence that led to the initial conviction.

NM high court cites technicality to free murderer of 71-year-old disabled man Read More »

At Las Cruces stash house, Border Patrol apprehends another convicted pedo

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Border Patrol agents from the El Paso Sector recently rescued groups of migrants hidden in several stash houses near the U.S.-Mexico border in New Mexico. 

So far this year, these agents have saved nearly 2,400 migrants from 244 stash houses used for human smuggling.

El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Anthony “Scott” Good shared details on X (formerly Twitter) about one operation where agents, working alongside local sheriff’s deputies, raided a stash house in Dona Ana County, New Mexico. During this raid, they rescued 15 migrants.

Good emphasized that human smugglers subject migrants to overcrowded, unsafe living conditions and use coercion to extort both the migrants and their families.

Just a few days prior, agents from an anti-smuggling unit based in Las Cruces, New Mexico, uncovered another stash house, where they rescued 17 additional migrants. 

During this operation, two individuals were arrested on charges of “Harboring Illegal Aliens,” and agents confiscated $5,300 linked to illegal activities.

Chief Good also reported that agents from the Santa Teresa Border Patrol Station detained a previously deported child sex offender who was attempting to re-enter the United States. 

The individual had been previously convicted of third-degree sexual abuse of a child, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and driving under the influence. He now faces potential felony charges for illegal re-entry, which could result in a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.

The border crisis continues to be a key issue of the 2024 election, with Kamala Harris, Joe Biden’s border czar, being in the crosshairs amid the catastrophe. 

Convicted pedophile among gang members arrested at U.S.-Mexico border

At Las Cruces stash house, Border Patrol apprehends another convicted pedo Read More »

NM Dems select far-leftist as nominee for state legislative seat

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Sarah Silva, a socialist “community organizer” from Las Cruces, New Mexico, has been unanimously selected as the Democratic nominee for New Mexico House District 53, located in Doña Ana and Otero Counties, after a closed-door meeting of Democrats who did not include any from Otero County to vote in Silva’s selection. 

Following the selection, Silva wrote via Facebook, “I’m honored to have the trust of our party, and ready to shift my focus to making sure this seat stays in Democratic hands. I want to thank the SCC members for the trust they placed in me and for honoring the late Dr. Jon Hill’s wishes and legacy.”

The installation of Silva came after the death of Jon Hill, who was the Democrat nominee for the seat after beating incumbent Willie Madrid in the primary. He endorsed Silva before his death.

Silva is known for her fringe, far-left activism and her leadership of NM Comunidades en Acción y de Fé (CAFe), an organization she founded in 2009.

NM CAFe claims to be a faith-based advocacy group that purports to mobilize communities to address issues of social justice, economic inequality, and “immigrant rights,” which is just a front to harbor criminal aliens who broke laws to flood into the state illegally through the southern border with Mexico.

Her work also involved collaboration with larger national networks, such as “Faith in Action” (formerly PICO), where she continued to champion far-left “progressive” causes.

Under Silva’s leadership, NM CAFe took on issues ranging from pushing abortion to supporting illegal immigration. 

Silva’s approach to activism and community building is deeply aligned with radical left-wing ideologies, emphasizing her intent to “dismantle” systems that she claims are racist and unequitable. One of these extremist policies she champions is universal health care. 

The socialist will face off in November against Elizabeth Winterrowd, who previously lost the seat to Madrid by the narrowest of margins in 2022. 

NM Dems select far-leftist as nominee for state legislative seat Read More »

Powerful new six-figure ad buy blasts Vasquez’ refusal to secure the border

3 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The American Action Network (AAN) has launched a new wave of advertising targeting several congressional districts, including New Mexico’s 2nd, represented by far-left Democrat Rep. Gabe Vasquez. 

As part of a broader $5 million investment in issue advocacy, the campaign urges lawmakers to support stronger immigration policies, including reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy. 

AAN’s focus in Vasquez’s district comes as part of a larger push to influence policy on immigration and cost of living issues.

According to AAN President Dan Conston, the ads reflect concerns about “the toxic Biden-Harris agenda” and its effects on immigration and rising prices. 

The group is advocating for measures like the Red Tape Reduction Act, which aims to lower costs on everyday items, energy, and healthcare, while also pushing for more stringent border control policies. The ads, set to run on television and digital platforms over the next two weeks, will highlight Vasquez’s stance on these key issues.

AAN has allocated $300,000 specifically for ads targeting Vasquez in New Mexico’s 2nd district, part of an overall summer ad campaign budget totaling $26.5 million. This marks a continued effort by AAN to pressure members of Congress on both immigration and economic reforms.

The campaign comes amid increasing voter concern about border security, with AAN citing a poll showing 62% of battleground voters support the “Remain in Mexico” policy. The ads are expected to play a significant role in shaping the political debate in Vasquez’s district ahead of upcoming legislative actions.

Vasquez faces a fierce reelection battle against Republican former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell, who just this week had an event in Las Cruces with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who strongly endorsed her campaign.

Powerful new six-figure ad buy blasts Vasquez’ refusal to secure the border Read More »

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