Politics

Who’s really behind NM’s 2024 candidates? Documentary sounds alarm

6 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

With the November election approaching, Will For Prosperity Ministries, a prominent advocacy organization, has appealed to New Mexico voters to critically assess candidates endorsed by Emerge New Mexico, a far-left group known for supporting progressive female candidates in the state. 

In a press release, the organization called for awareness about the policies championed by these candidates, which they claim could undermine parental rights and reshape the values of New Mexico communities. There are currently 21 candidates with Emerge alumni opposition, and the group already almost has more numbers than the minority party legislators, according to the group.

“The decisions we make in November will reverberate through our families, impact our children’s education, and shape the very foundation of our society,” said a representative from Will For Prosperity Ministries. “The Emerge candidates are pushing for policies that will dramatically alter how our children are educated, the values they learn, and the degree of influence parents have in this critical process.”

The group’s statement urged residents to visit saveourchildrendocumentary.com to get a deeper understanding of these policies and their potential impacts. The website features a trailer titled “Save Our Children from Emerge,” highlighting concerns about the organization’s influence.

A primary goal of the group’s #SaveOurChildren initiative is to provide parents and voters with insights into the Emerge platform, which they say aligns with a “radical Marxist ideology.” 

Launched on September 7, 2024, this initiative has since united residents from diverse backgrounds who feel strongly about protecting children from what they call “progressive overreach.” The campaign has sparked discussions across various social media platforms, including a video posted on Rumble by the group’s spokesperson outlining their concerns.

“As a parent, a voter, and a proud New Mexican, we call upon you to join us in forging a future for our children that reflects our values—not the political agendas of foreign governments,” added a spokesperson. “It’s crucial for all New Mexicans to understand the implications of their vote and make informed decisions in this pivotal election.”

Supporters of the #SaveOurChildren movement have expressed worry about the progressive changes they say could be introduced into local education systems and communities should the Emerge-backed candidates win. “Our movement is gaining momentum, and we are steadfast in our commitment to empower parents with the knowledge they need to defend their families,” the statement continued.

In its closing, Will For Prosperity Ministries emphasized the importance of New Mexicans staying engaged and informed. Those interested in learning more or scheduling an interview can contact the organization directly through their website, www.willforprosperity.com. Additional resources and insights are available upon request for those seeking a deeper look into Emerge New Mexico’s role and influence.For further details, watch the full trailer on Rumble here.

Who’s really behind NM’s 2024 candidates? Documentary sounds alarm Read More »

Record turnout in NM early voting ahead of high-stakes Tuesday election

2 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

As early voting wrapped up on Saturday, New Mexico saw a substantial turnout, with 663,874 ballots cast. According to the New Mexico Secretary of State’s office, this figure represents about 48.2% of the state’s registered voters. Comparatively, the 2020 election saw a turnout of 928,230 voters or 68% of eligible voters. Early voting numbers for 2024 suggest that 71.5% of the 2020 turnout has already been reached, indicating significant interest in the election.

The breakdown of the early voting turnout by party affiliation shows that Democrats cast 307,311 ballots (46.2%). Republicans followed with 243,376 votes, making up 36.6% of the total. Voters registered as Decline to State (DTS) or Independents (Declined to State voters) accounted for 104,904 ballots, or 15.8%, while Libertarians and other parties contributed smaller portions, with 5,301 (0.79%) and 2,982 (0.44%) ballots, respectively.

Analyzing the early voting turnout by county reveals an engaged Republican base in key counties. For example, Republicans in higher-population counties outpaced Democrats in participation percentages in Chaves, Eddy, Lea, Otero, and Sandoval counties. This trend highlights areas where the GOP may have gained momentum compared to past elections.

Adding to the intrigue, recent polling shows a tightening race in New Mexico. As we previously reported, a recent Rasmussen poll suggests that 45th President Donald Trump has gained considerable ground against incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris in New Mexico, hinting that the state may be more competitive than in recent cycles. 

Mid-October analysis by Piñon Post editor and state Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo) using leftist polls shows the Trump campaign’s path to victory, factoring Democrat and Republican vote flipping from the past presidential election and margins in polls that showed a larger disparity between Harris and Trump in the Land of Enchantment. The recent Rasmussen poll, which came out after Block’s analysis, shows an even closer race, with Trump leading, according to vote-switchers’ figures.

According to the Republican Party of New Mexico, “Republicans continue to outpace and dominate in the Same Day Registration counts. As long as Republicans are in the deficit of voters, Voter registration needs to remain a top priority in every county!”

Historically, New Mexico has leaned blue in presidential elections, but the recent surge in Republican and Independent early voting turnout could signal a shift. The Rasmussen poll positions New Mexico as a closer race than anticipated, which has generated interest from national political observers who traditionally view the state as a secure Democratic stronghold.

If these early voting patterns hold and Election Day turnout continues to surge, New Mexico may be on track for one of its highest voter turnouts in recent history. Both parties are mobilizing to make a final push, with Republicans aiming to capitalize on their strong showing in early voting and Democrats looking to secure their base. As the final votes are cast, all eyes will be on New Mexico, which could be pivotal in shaping the national political landscape.

Record turnout in NM early voting ahead of high-stakes Tuesday election Read More »

NM poll: Trump gains ground on Harris just days before election

11 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

With less than a week until Election Day, 45th President Donald Trump is within striking distance of Kamala Harris in New Mexico, according to a new survey by Rasmussen Reports and American Thinker.

While Harris maintains a meager five-point lead in New Mexico with 49% of likely voters compared to Trump’s 44%, the gap is significantly smaller than her predecessor Joe Biden’s double-digit margin in 2020. Trump’s recent visit to New Mexico has reinvigorated his supporters, with many believing he could flip the state for the first time in 20 years.

During Trump’s Albuquerque rally, he addressed key issues resonating with New Mexico voters, including the economy and border security, both of which remain top priorities for New Mexicans. According to the survey, 27% of New Mexico voters identified the economy as their most pressing concern, followed by 18% who cited border security. These issues, where Trump has historically polled strongly, may help him make further inroads in the state.

The Rasmussen survey also highlighted significant demographic trends in New Mexico. Trump holds a 10-point lead among male voters in the state, with 51% backing Trump compared to 41% for Harris. 

New Mexico is just one of several states where the Rasmussen poll indicates a close race. Trump leads by two points in Arizona and five points in Georgia, showing strong support in critical battleground states. 

Although New Mexico is not traditionally viewed as a key swing state in recent history, Trump’s recent campaign efforts suggest he aims to rally support in less conventional territories to expand his appeal beyond his base.

Andrea Widburg, managing editor at American Thinker, commented on the poll’s findings, particularly around border security. “A majority of New Mexicans, about 52%, agree that the situation at the border could be described as an ‘invasion,’” Widburg said. The sentiment echoes Trump’s own campaign messages, underscoring his commitment to strengthening border enforcement.

Energized by his Albuquerque rally, Trump’s campaign hopes this late surge in support can turn what once seemed like a secure lead for Harris into a competitive contest.

The Rasmussen poll margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. 

NM poll: Trump gains ground on Harris just days before election Read More »

Trump fires up massive crowd at ABQ rally as NM on the cusp of flipping

22 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

As the 2024 presidential election enters its final days, 45th President Donald Trump made a powerful campaign stop in Albuquerque, New Mexico, rallying almost 10,000 supporters with a message of economic resurgence, energy independence, and a new vision for American prosperity. According to reports, rallygoers began arriving as early as 3:00 in the morning.

With only days remaining until Election Day, Trump was joined by local Republican leaders, including U.S. Senate candidate Nella Domenici and U.S. House candidate Yvette Herrell, who echoed his call for a political transformation in New Mexico.

Attendees included former Gov. Susana Martinez, a once-vocal critic of Trump, many state representatives and senators, former Acting Director of National Intelligence, and Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell, among others. 

In a historically blue-leaning state, Trump’s decision to visit Albuquerque highlights his campaign’s belief that New Mexico is ripe for a political shift. Trump’s rally drew an enthusiastic crowd, many of whom cheered as he pledged to “end the inflation nightmare” and “unleash American energy.” Trump energized the crowd by promising, “We’re going to drill, baby, drill,” drawing applause from attendees concerned about New Mexico’s economy and its reliance on the oil and gas industry. As the nation’s second-largest oil producer, New Mexico could face economic consequences under policies that limit fossil fuel production, and Trump assured voters he would protect their jobs while Kamala Harris vows to destroy fracking.

Throughout his speech, Trump emphasized his rising support among Hispanic voters, a demographic he referred to as “entrepreneurial as hell” and “hardworking,” adding that his campaign would set records with Hispanic support in the state. “Hispanics love Trump, and I love them,” he proclaimed, underscoring his goal to make inroads with a voter base traditionally loyal to the Democrat Party.

Democrat New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and other Democrats responded critically, with the governor dismissing Trump’s speech as “rambling and incoherent.” However, it is unlikely the far-left Democrat even watched the very well-dictated speech. 

She accused him of attempting to divide the community, pointing to his stance on cracking down on illegal immigration and his criticisms of abortion up-to-birth, as both Lujan Grisham and Harris support. 

Trump, however, turned these criticisms around, calling for stronger border security to protect communities from crime, particularly crimes associated with illegal immigration. “One of the biggest reasons we will win this state is because of the border,” he said, vowing to address the concerns of New Mexico residents who have seen the effects of immigration firsthand.

Nella Domenici, daughter of the late former U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici, used the rally to connect Trump’s vision to New Mexico’s challenges. “It’s time to bring back Donald Trump and bring back a Domenici,” she said, calling for a return to conservative values that prioritize border security, economic growth, and traditional energy production. Domenici urged supporters to keep pushing until the final votes are cast, as she believes the state is “on the cusp” of flipping red.

Former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell, a Republican candidate for New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, focused on the importance of national security, pledging that Republicans would “close the southern border once and for all.” Like Trump, Herrell emphasized energy independence and economic stability, topics she believes are at the forefront of New Mexico voters’ concerns.

Trump’s Albuquerque rally was a high-energy affair meant to boost Republican enthusiasm in the state as polls show the state’s performance neck-and-neck between Harris and Trump. According to a campaign insider who spoke to Politico, Trump’s strategy is to “create an adrenaline blast” in states like New Mexico and Virginia, places not typically considered battlegrounds but where Trump’s message might sway undecided voters or Democrats frustrated with the current administration’s policies.

As Election Day nears, Trump and his allies are determined to show that Democrat policies have underserved New Mexico, a state they argue could be ready for a red wave. Trump’s visit wasn’t just about rallying supporters; it was a bold statement that his America First message has struck a chord even in traditionally blue-leaning states.

Trump fires up massive crowd at ABQ rally as NM on the cusp of flipping Read More »

Trump campaign releases parking update ahead of Thursday’s ABQ rally

18 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

45th President Donald J. Trump’s campaign rally in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is scheduled for Thursday, October 31, 2024, but the event has been overshadowed by controversy over parking restrictions imposed by far-left Democrat State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard. 

Her decision to block parking at the Isleta Amphitheater initially planned as a primary parking location, has fueled accusations of political bias, with some critics calling her actions an authoritarian interference aimed at disrupting the rally. Trump’s campaign has had to make alternative arrangements, sharing updated parking and event details with supporters in anticipation of the large turnout expected.

In a campaign email to attendees, the Trump team outlined key logistics for the event. The rally, set to be held outdoors at CSI Aviation Operations in Albuquerque, will begin with shuttles operating from off-site parking lots starting at 5:30 a.m. and event doors opening at 8:00 a.m. Attendees must arrive early, as off-site parking lots will fill rapidly. 

Despite originally securing an agreement with Live Nation to use the Isleta Amphitheater’s extensive parking area, Commissioner Garcia Richard blocked this option, citing the venue’s lease restrictions as a thin excuse. She argued that Isleta’s contract only permits parking for events held on its premises, an explanation many critics view as selectively enforced, especially since it has been relaxed for many other events. 

Garcia Richard’s stance has drawn sharp criticism from New Mexico Republicans, who argue that her actions are a blatant attempt to hinder Trump’s campaign. Critics describe her decision as a “fascist” maneuver aimed at stifling free expression and obstructing a political event she opposes. They contend that Garcia Richard’s invocation of lease terms is hypocritical, pointing out that exceptions have been made for other non-amphitheater events in the past. 

Four main parking locations have been designated for the event. The primary lots include a private “Red Lot” at 5441 Turing Dr. SE and the “Airport Lot” near I-25 and Sunport, which provides convenient shuttle access to the venue. Additionally, Montage at Mesa del Sol offers ADA-accessible parking in the “Blue Lot,” and ride-share drop-offs will be available nearby on Clark Carr Rd SE. 

“Off-site parking will be available in multiple locations off-site from the venue with shuttles providing transportation to the venue. Parking will NOT be provided at the Isleta Amphitheater. Uber, Lyft, and ride-share services are encouraged. Off-site parking locations as well as Uber ride-share drop-off locations,” wrote the campaign.

The U.S. Secret Service will screen all guests upon entry, and specific prohibited items—such as bags, purses, drones, and firearms—will be strictly enforced to ensure the safety of the attendees.

Here is a full list of prohibited items, per the U.S. Secret Service:

• Aerosols

• Alcoholic beverages

• Appliances (i.e. Toasters)

• Backpacks, bags, roller bags, suitcases, and bags exceeding size restrictions

(12”x14”x5”)

• Balloons

• Balls

• Banners, signs, placards

• Chairs

• Coolers

• Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems

• E-Cigarettes

• Explosives of any kind (including fireworks)

• Firearms

• Glass, thermal and metal containers

• Laser lights and laser pointers

• Mace and/or pepper spray

• Noisemakers, such as air horns, whistles, drums, bullhorns, etc.

• Packages

• Poles, sticks and selfie sticks

• Spray containers

• Structures

• Supports for signs/placards

• Tripods

• Umbrellas

• Weapons

• And any other items that may pose a threat to the security of the event as determined by and at the discretion of the security screeners.

This parking debacle echoes broader tensions between the Trump campaign and New Mexico officials, highlighting the growing concerns over political neutrality in public resource management. The campaign’s response emphasizes its commitment to ensuring a smooth rally experience despite the setback, as they work to inform guests of new parking locations and shuttle times. The rally is expected to draw thousands — if not tens of thousands — of supporters, who will hear from Trump himself at around noon.

Trump campaign releases parking update ahead of Thursday’s ABQ rally Read More »

Far-left Dem official tries to sabotage Trump’s Thursday NM rally

29 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The controversy surrounding President Trump’s upcoming rally in Albuquerque exposes New Mexico’s state leadership selectively blocking access to public spaces, sparking heated allegations of partisanship. Scheduled for Thursday at CSI Aviation, the rally faced logistical challenges when far-left Democrat New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard rejected the Trump campaign’s plan to use the Isleta Amphitheater’s parking lot. 

After the Trump campaign coordinated with Live Nation to set up a parking and shuttle system, the state abruptly reversed course, blocking the use of the state-owned lot. This move is irrefutably politically motivated and, at its core, an infringement on democratic principles.

Garcia Richard deflected blame onto Live Nation, saying, “Their [Live Nation] contract is for the amphitheater…this is not of my creation.” However, her justification rings hollow to critics who believe the restriction stems from political bias rather than contractual constraints. 

State Rep. Jim Townsend (R-Artesia) openly questioned the motives, remarking to KRQE 13, “This just doesn’t pass the smell test…This is clearly a political process.” Townsend pointed to prior exceptions for non-concert events, such as a church gathering, suggesting the state’s reasoning is inconsistent and selectively applied.

The dispute took on new weight when the Republican Party of New Mexico issued a public statement denouncing Garcia Richard’s decision as “sheer, naked, bitter partisanship.” Their outcry reflects growing frustration with state leadership they accuse of abusing authority to hinder Republican events, particularly with a high-profile candidate like Trump.

Further deepening the controversy, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller’s administration allegedly blocked the Trump campaign from securing the Albuquerque Convention Center, initially citing “major sewage repairs” as the reason. However, Councilor Dan Lewis, another vocal critic of this blockade, condemned the action, seeing it as an attempt to thwart a major event that some in the city leadership oppose ideologically. In response, Mayor Keller’s office rebuked Lewis, alleging his statements were false and accusing him of trying to politicize operational decisions.

Critics argue that Garcia Richard’s stance against the Trump rally goes beyond logistics, pointing to the timing and lack of precedent for such refusals as evidence of political interference. They view this as a calculated obstruction, wielding state power to stymie opposition voices. Given the state’s duty to ensure fair use of public resources, selectively obstructing the Trump rally reveals a troubling tendency among New Mexico officials to put political motives above democratic principles.

As the Trump campaign shuffles to find alternative parking solutions for the rally attendees, this incident raises broader questions about politicizing public resources. By placing obstacles in the path of only one political campaign, Garcia Richard and the administration she represents seem to be engaging in exactly the kind of partisan favoritism that they claim to be avoiding.

The Republican Party of New Mexico is urging citizens to call Garcia Richards’ office to ask her to stop her political sabotage and to stop trying to attack democracy:

Far-left Dem official tries to sabotage Trump’s Thursday NM rally Read More »

Heinrich makes possibly the most unhinged post of the 2024 election cycle

27 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Severely triggered by the news that 45th President Donald Trump is visiting Albuquerque Thursday for a rally, vulnerable far-left Democrat Sen. Martin Heinrich, who faces a tough reelection battle against Republican Nella Domenici, posted possibly the most unhinged theory about the election on X.

Trump’s campaign, which announced the rally on Sunday via a signup link, wrote in a press release, “New Mexico families want to save more of their hard-earned paychecks and make sure their families are safe. Under Kamala Harris’ failed leadership, neither is feasible. Kamala’s Border Blood Bath has wreaked havoc on New Mexico,” concluding, “Kamala Harris broke New Mexico, President Trump will fix it.”

Despite Trump’s bold move to visit New Mexico, which he could win, according to polls showing him in the margin of error against Harris, Heinrich has his own wacky conspiracy theory about the 45th President’s visit to the Land of Enchantment.

“Why is Trump campaigning in NYC and Albuquerque? Because he’s NOT campaigning. He knows he’s losing,” Heinrich wrote.

He then added, “These are Insurrection 2.0 rallies. He’s pumping up his supporters for denial and violence,” erroneously claiming that Trump was losing despite all betting odds, polls in swing states, and political polling averages indicating he is on track to win the presidency, and even possibly winning New Mexico’s five electoral votes.

The 45th President’s rally will be in Albuquerue at noon on Halloween (October 31, 2024), and be his first time back to New Mexico since his 2019 rally, which saw massive crowds.

He also visited New Mexico twice in 2016, with rallies at the Albuquerque Convention Center and an airport hangar near the Albuquerque Sunport, the latter of which was reported to be the location of his Thursday rally.

With deeply unpopular Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and members of the state’s far-left congressional delegation stumping for Harris, that could further assist Trump in carrying New Mexico and its electoral votes as the election is just a single week away. 

Heinrich makes possibly the most unhinged post of the 2024 election cycle Read More »

Shady mailer seeks to spew last-minute disinfo about Herrell ahead of election

17 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

As the race for New Mexico’s Second Congressional District tightens between Republican former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell and far-left Democrat Rep. Gabe Vasquez, outside groups are trying to drop last-minute disinformation about Herrell into the district before Election Day.

In the last couple of days, voters have received mailers from a group calling itself the “Center for Voter Information,” which is a leftist dark money 501(c)(4) advocacy group well-known for helping Democrats with deceptive mailers against Republicans.

The group’s mailer, from longtime Democrat campaign strategist Tom Lopach, reads, “The Center for Voter Information provides important election information to voters like you across the country. We asked voters in New Mexico what they would like to know about the candidates for U.S. House of Representatives running in the election on Tuesday, November 5. The candidates in your district are Democrat Gabe Vasquez and Republican Yvette Herrell.” 

It then lists three topic areas: “Supporting Small Business Programs,” “Checks on Gun Purchases,” and “Cutting Social Security and Medicare.”

The group claims Herrell does not support small businesses, referencing 2022’s H.B. 5376, which was Democrats’ bill to increase taxes and put $80 million into the IRS to hire thousands of new agents to come after American taxpayers. The bill was entirely supported by Democrats, with not a single Republican voting for it. To claim Vasquez supports small businesses, the mailer vaguely references an August 12, 2022, X post from the Democrat supporting the legislation Herrell opposed due to its fiscal irresponsibility and its harm to small businesses.

On the contrary, Herrell has won awards from small business groups in New Mexico during her time in the Legislature and in the U.S. Congress. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization, has endorsed Herrell.

“Yvette Herrell has been a proven advocate for small businesses,” said Jason Espinoza, NFIB New Mexico State Director. “Herrell deeply understands small business issues and was a consistent leader in advocating for and protecting small business interests during her time in Congress. This includes deregulation and making small business tax relief permanent. We know Yvette Herrell will continue these efforts to help small businesses both in New Mexico and across the country, and we are proud to endorse her today.”

“During her time in Congress, Yvette Herrell held a 100% NFIB Voting Record and proved to be a strong ally of small business,” said Sharon Sussin, NFIB Senior National Political Director. “Her record of supporting pro-small business legislation speaks to her dedication to helping Main Street grow and we are proud to endorse her today.”

Under “Checks on Gun Purchases,” CVI’s mailer references an extremist anti-gun bill that Herrell opposed while also referencing Vasquez’s support for unconstitutional attacks on New Mexicans’ Second Amendment rights. The bill referenced 2022’s S.B. 2938, massively increased background checks to make buying firearms harder for Americans, and created unconstitutional “red flag” laws on the federal level. 

Under “Cutting Social Security and Medicare,” the group falsely wrote that Herrell supported cutting them, which is patently false, referring to a constitutional amendment aiming to balance the budget, similar to the one New Mexico already has. It claims Vasquez opposes a balanced budget amendment, and Herrell supports it. CVI writes that passing such an amendment “would almost certainly result in drastic cuts to Social Security and Medicare,” which again is a false statement.

Ironically, at the end of the mailer, Lopach writes, “A candidate’s position is sometimes more complicated than a ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ We have done our best to represent each candidate in a fair and reasonable way,” despite deceiving voters on Herrell’s record. 

According to Influence Watch, “As of September 2020, CVI and VPC have generated 939,000 registration applications and 2 million vote-by-mail applications for the 2020 election. 1 These applications are generally targeted towards demographic groups which tend to support the Democratic Party, and have been extensively criticized by state-level officials.”

The group has also gotten in hot water over its work to support partisan causes, which were revealed in multiple sources, such as Sasha Issenberg’s book, “The Victory Lab: The Secret Science of Winning Campaigns.” Issenberg writes, “Even though the group was officially nonpartisan, for tax purposes, there was no secret that the goal of all its efforts was to generate new votes for Democrats.” CVI also has deep ties to the Clinton Foundation.

The Influence Watch report further noted, “The Center for Voter Information makes ‘independent expenditures’ for or against candidates each election cycle. In the 2020 election CVI spent $533,820 in support of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden (D-DE), and no funds for other candidates.”

It is important for voters to independently verify information about candidates and their positions ahead of the election, which will be held on November 5, and be wary of seemingly innocuous groups’ mailers trashing candidates without verifying the information for accuracy and truth. 

Shady mailer seeks to spew last-minute disinfo about Herrell ahead of election Read More »

President Trump returning to New Mexico for a Thursday rally

22 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

45th President Donald Trump is set to make a high-profile campaign stop in Albuquerque this Thursday at noon, bringing renewed attention to New Mexico in the final days before the election. 

Trump’s visit is anticipated to energize his base to win the state and potentially lend support to Republican candidates in key state and local races. However, as in the past, extremist left-wing radicals are expected to attempt violent protests, as they did in 2016 and threatened in 2020 during Trump’s previous campaign stops in the Land of Enchantment. 

In 2016, Trump held two rallies in Albuquerque, the first of which led to significant protests and property damage in Downtown Albuquerque, including Mexican flag-wielding left-wing radicals throwing bottles and rocks at police and police horses. His last visit in 2019, held in Rio Rancho, resulted in a $211,176 security bill from the City of Albuquerque due to overnight security expenses, the first time a presidential campaign has been charged for such an event.

Triggered by the news, Democrat Party spokesman Daniel Garcia claimed, “New Mexicans are set to reject his MAGA extremism and divisive rhetoric yet again.” 

Trump’s campaign has cited factors like concerns over border security as significant motivators in his decision to campaign in New Mexico. Recent polling suggests he has gained traction among Hispanic voters in the state, with 41% of respondents expressing support, a notable increase from previous polls. One recent poll showed the 45th President within just three points of Harris, which is within the margin of error.

Trump’s visit could also impact the closely contested race for New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, where Republican former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell is challenging Democrat Gabe Vasquez, a far-left, open-borders candidate. 

With the district now including parts of Albuquerque’s South Valley following extreme Democrat gerrymandering for political gain, even political analysts like Brian Sanderoff noted that Trump’s presence might help motivate Republican voters in that area, which could be pivotal in a district that has alternated between GOP and Democratic control.

After Albuquerque, Trump’s campaign itinerary includes a Wednesday night rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin, followed by a Thursday afternoon event in Henderson, Nevada, underscoring his efforts to solidify support in battleground areas. 

The internet link for the 45th President’s rally has since become inactive, but according to reports, a new link is set to be released for people to RSVP.

President Trump returning to New Mexico for a Thursday rally Read More »

Docs. expose apparent predatory loan scheme by Dem NM state rep.

14 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Tara Jaramillo, a current Democrat state representative and owner of the caregiving company Positive Outcomes, Inc., is facing serious allegations of financial exploitation following a damning investigation. Jaramillo’s company, which offers home healthcare services, has come under scrutiny for a payday loan scheme that targeted its own employees, many of whom are Native American caregivers.

The company allegedly issued loans to its workers with a bi-weekly interest rate of 15%, equivalent to an annual rate of 390%, an amount far beyond New Mexico’s legal cap of 36% per year. A whistleblower identified via public records reported these unethical practices to the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS). The whistleblower’s claims highlight that Positive Outcomes, a company funded through Medicaid, profited off its workers by deducting loan repayments directly from their paychecks, sometimes driving the workers’ effective wages below the state-mandated minimum.

Official photograph of state Rep. Tara Jaramillo

According to an investigation report, employees were forced to sign documents that allowed for deductions before receiving their checks. Those loans created a perpetual cycle of debt, leaving caregivers financially dependent on Jaramillo’s company. The caregivers, who already faced the challenges of low pay, ended up in a financially precarious position while working for the very company that claimed to support the vulnerable.

The whistleblower’s April 3, 2024 email to NMDWS explicitly accused Jaramillo of violating the state’s usury laws. He stated, “Charging bi-weekly 15% interest charges to the poorest people in our state that are caregivers (who are mainly Native Americans) is criminal… The company in question should be held accountable and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.” NMDWS has since confirmed these allegations as part of a directed investigation aimed at uncovering systemic wage law violations.

In a September 12, 2023, email to the state investigator Raymond Renteria, the whistleblower described the apparent loan scheme in detail and provided a list of affected employees, many of whom are former workers of Positive Outcomes. These caregivers described how they became financially entrapped by multiple loans, enduring deductions that essentially robbed them of fair compensation for their labor. Three former employees all corroborated these practices.

The findings paint a disturbing picture of Jaramillo’s use of her company’s resources and Medicaid funds to allegedly line her own pockets at the expense of the state’s most vulnerable workers. 

Raymond Renteria and his team at NMDWS are leading an ongoing investigation to determine the full extent of the alleged violations and to ensure accountability for those affected. If found guilty, Jaramillo could face severe legal consequences, including charges of usury, wage theft, and misuse of public funds.

The apparent exploitation uncovered has sent shockwaves through the state, with many calling for immediate action against Jaramillo. Community leaders and affected workers are demanding that Jaramillo be held accountable for her actions and that the state tighten regulations to prevent such abuses in the future.

Jaramillo, who narrowly won in 2022, faces a tight race against Republican past-state Rep. Rebecca Dow, who seeks to reclaim her former seat in the New Mexico House of Representatives.

Docs. expose apparent predatory loan scheme by Dem NM state rep. Read More »

1 … 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 … 216
Scroll to Top