Politics

Domenici forces Heinrich to defend radical record in high-stakes TV debate

22 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In their only televised debate before the upcoming general election, Republican Senate candidate Nella Domenici sharply criticized her far-left Democrat opponent, Martin Heinrich, a resident of Maryland, on several key issues, consistently putting him on the defensive. 

The debate, aired earlier than planned due to Monday Night Football on KOAT 7, revealed stark differences between the two candidates, but Domenici’s focused attacks often left Heinrich struggling to provide satisfying responses.

One of the most memorable moments came when Domenici pressed Heinrich on his stance regarding energy independence. Domenici made a powerful case that the United States needs to bolster both renewable energy and traditional oil and gas production to remain a global leader. “If we are not an energy-independent country, we cannot be the leader of the free world,” Domenici asserted, leaving Heinrich scrambling to defend his position. While Heinrich tried to argue that the oil and gas industry no longer requires government subsidies, Domenici’s clear and direct statement cut through his response, making Heinrich’s comments appear evasive in comparison.

Domenici also managed to trap Heinrich on immigration and border security, an issue that has long been a point of contention in New Mexico. She linked the high number of fentanyl-related overdose deaths in the state directly to Heinrich’s support for weak border policies, painting him as disconnected from the realities faced by local communities. Heinrich, while pointing to his support for the Fend Off Fentanyl Act, could not shake Domenici’s criticism that drugs are “pouring in” due to insufficient border security. Her tough stance on immigration and border enforcement resonated with voters concerned about the rise in crime and drug trafficking in New Mexico, further weakening Heinrich’s defense.

On abortion, Domenici hit Heinrich again, forcing him to justify his claim that she would contribute to a national abortion ban if elected. Heinrich argued that Domenici’s first vote would be to support a Republican Senate majority leader who would likely push for such legislation. Domenici fired back, calling his comments “the most sexist” she had ever heard. “I’m a very successful, educated, professional businesswoman, and I will not be told by any senator in Washington what to vote on and how to vote on it,” she declared, decisively countering Heinrich’s argument. By framing his stance as patronizing, Domenici turned the issue back on Heinrich, showing that she was not easily cornered by his talking points.

Throughout the debate, Heinrich found himself on the defensive, particularly when Domenici questioned his handling of school safety and gun control. While Heinrich touted his proposed Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion Act, aimed at regulating assault weapons, Domenici deftly shifted the focus to border security once again, arguing that guns wouldn’t find their way into schools if the border were better protected. Domenici’s argument painted Heinrich as too focused on narrow, ineffectual solutions while ignoring the broader issue of illegal weapons flowing across the border.

On education, Domenici’s advocacy for school vouchers and more options for parents further exposed Heinrich’s rigidity. While Heinrich argued that school vouchers would defund public schools, Domenici made a compelling case that the state needs more charter, parochial, and magnet schools to give students better opportunities. 

“It’s imperative that our parents have options for their students,” she said, making Heinrich’s defense of the status quo seem insufficient in addressing the ongoing struggles of New Mexico’s education system.

Even on bipartisanship, where Heinrich tried to tout his past achievements, Domenici pushed back, emphasizing her unique ability to work across the aisle. “When I spend time in Washington, I have instant access to many, many of the senior legislators, because my name still carries with it a huge amount of bipartisan respect,” she said, referencing her late father, Senator Pete Domenici. Heinrich’s attempts to showcase his own bipartisan efforts fell flat in comparison, as Domenici repeatedly highlighted her deep ties to both sides of the political spectrum.

In the end, Domenici’s sharp, direct attacks consistently put Heinrich on the back foot. Whether on energy, immigration, or education, she painted him as out of touch and overly reliant on partisan talking points, while she presented herself as a practical, no-nonsense candidate who could deliver real results for New Mexico.

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Police report: Vasquez once threatened to ‘kill and bury’ fellow NMSU student

25 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Far-left Democrat New Mexico U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, currently running for re-election in one of the most closely contested House races in the nation, has faced scrutiny over past incidents that have resurfaced during his campaign. 

According to a police report from 2005, Vasquez, then a college student at New Mexico State University, threatened to “kill” and “bury” another student during an argument. Vasquez admitted to making a phone call that could be considered threatening but explained that he was distraught over the condition of a close friend who had succumbed to alcohol poisoning at a party. He later apologized, and the issue was resolved without further action from the authorities.

This isn’t the only time Vasquez has faced controversies related to his interactions with law enforcement. In 2005, a police report claimed he used a racial slur during a dispute with a former employer, though Vasquez denied these allegations, stating, “I have not and would never use language like this.”

Further complicating his political narrative, Vasquez has been linked to a 2005 arrest following a noise complaint, where he allegedly tried to dispose of marijuana before being detained by police. Additionally, in 2002, he was charged for driving without insurance in El Paso, Texas, leading to a warrant that remained active until 2008, when he finally addressed it by posting bond.

These incidents have added fuel to Herrell’s campaign, which argues that Vasquez’s actions and statements reveal a pattern of erratic behavior. “Threats to kill and bury someone should not be glossed over,” Herrell stated. “This is extremely dangerous and unhinged behavior from Gabe Vasquez.”

In the past, Vasquez has also been vocal on the issue of police reform. During the 2020 George Floyd protests, he appeared on a local news segment and expressed support for “defunding a system that privileges White people.” However, he later clarified that he did not support defunding the police directly, saying, “I oppose defunding the police… I repeatedly voted to increase funding for the police and partnered with them, while supporting common sense reforms.”

With the election approaching, the race between Vasquez and Herrell remains one to watch, with both sides using the candidate’s history to appeal to their base and sway undecided voters. Read the police report via Fox News here.

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Lujan Grisham, NM Dems stump for Harris by touting abortion up-to-birth

31 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

To campaign for Democrat presidential candidate Kamala Harris, New Mexico Democrats joined at a so-called “Reproductive Health” bus tour to tout how Harris would push radical abortion up-to-birth policies nationwide, like those in New Mexico, where killing a child in the womb is legal up to the date of its birth.

The event was joined by far-left Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, New Mexico’s far-left congressional delegation members, members of the New Mexico Legislature, including Speaker Javier Martinez, among others.

The Democrat Party of New Mexico (DPNM) on social media wrote, “NM Democrats at every level have proven to be reliable allies for abortion rights,” saying Harris is as radical pro-abortion as they are.

They also continued to peddle lies that the so-called “Project 2025” is affiliated with 45th President Donald Trump although even the group’s founders have debunked this fake claim.

Trump & Republicans are responsible for taking away fundamental reproductive rights & lifesaving care from millions, & NM Republicans  would follow Trump’s Project 2025 agenda that would further eliminate our bodily autonomy & freedoms,” erroneously claimed DPNM.

Lujan Grisham showed up at the bus tour in a Pepto Bismol-colored pant suit, a shirt that read “Hotties for Harris,” and Converse sneakers, writing on social media, “I’ve got my pink chucks on for the Fight for Reproductive Freedoms bus tour. We’re fired up to elect [Kamala Harris] and defend our rights. Now here’s what I need you to do. From now till November, roll those sleeves up, get to work, and let’s win in November.”

A similar message was posted by Rep. Melanie Stansbury, claiming “rights” will be taken away if Republicans take charge.

Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez posted that if babies aren’t to be killed up to the day of their birth, it would be “going back.” 

Despite the states having control over abortion laws, Democrats continue to push the abortion message, in the attempt to win the election. Trump is currently leading in all but a couple of the most hotly contested battleground states, according to recent polls. Early voting began on Tuesday in New Mexico.

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Tuesday marks the first day of early voting in NM: What you need to know

11 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Early voting for the 2024 general election in New Mexico begins on October 8th, offering voters an opportunity to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day. This year, voters will decide on various state and local offices, as well as several key statewide ballot measures that could significantly impact policy across the state. Here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision.

Where and When to Vote

Voting Locations: To check your early voting locations, visit NMVote.org.

Early voting will be available at county clerk offices starting October 8th, with additional voting locations opening on October 21st. 

Voters can check their registration status, find their nearest polling place, and view sample ballots using the New Mexico Voter Information Portal. 

Early voting is available through November 4th, with most locations operating from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Some counties may have extended hours or Sunday voting, so be sure to check local schedules.

Ballot Measures to Know About

This year, there are several statewide ballot measures for voters to consider, including constitutional amendments and bond issues:

  1. Constitutional Amendment 1: This amendment would extend the available property tax exemption to 100% disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The proposed change would include veterans with a lower disability rating and base the exemption amount on their federal disability percentage.
  2. Constitutional Amendment 2: Seeks to increase the property tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans and their widowed spouses from $4,000 to $10,000. The measure would also include an annual adjustment for inflation.
  3. Constitutional Amendment 3: Proposes to allow the dean of the University of New Mexico School of Law to appoint a designee to the Judicial Nominating Commission, providing flexibility in the composition of this important commission.
  4. Constitutional Amendment 4: This would amend Article 10, Section 1 of the New Mexico Constitution to establish that the salaries of county officers are set by the Board of County Commissioners and remove outdated references. This measure also clarifies that any fees collected by a county official must be paid into the county treasury.

Bond Measures:

  1. Bond Question 1: Proposes the issuance of up to $30,758,100 in bonds for senior citizen facility improvements, construction, and equipment acquisitions.
  2. Bond Question 2: Approval for $19,305,000 in bonds is sought to support the acquisition of resources for public libraries, tribal libraries, and academic institutions.
  3. Bond Question 3: Calls for $230,258,400 in bonds to fund capital improvements and acquisitions for higher education institutions, special schools, and tribal schools.
  4. Bond Question 4: Requests authorization to issue $10,297,100 in bonds to upgrade and modernize public safety radio communications systems across New Mexico, improving emergency response capabilities statewide.

Learn More About Candidates and Issues

To better understand where the candidates stand on critical issues and the implications of each ballot measure, voters can access resources like iVoterGuide and Ballotpedia. These platforms provide nonpartisan overviews of the candidates, detailed explanations of ballot measures, and additional information to help voters make informed decisions.

Key Points for Voters

  • Verify Registration: Use the New Mexico Secretary of State’s website to ensure you are registered. New Mexico also offers same-day registration at early voting sites and on Election Day.
  • Bring Identification: While voters do not need ID if registered, having one on hand is recommended.

Absentee Ballots: Absentee ballots must be returned by mail or in-person to designated locations by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Tuesday marks the first day of early voting in NM: What you need to know Read More »

Far-left NM House candidate admits to screaming at veterans

16 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Fred Ponzlov, a self-described “progressive” candidate for New Mexico House District 22, is drawing attention for his controversial behavior and accusations of violating campaign regulations. Running against incumbent Rep. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park), who was first elected in 2020, Ponzlov has been involved in multiple confrontations that have raised concerns among veterans and community members.

In a video from a July 26 event in Estancia, Ponzlov is seen shouting “You’re lying!” repeatedly at veterans who confronted him over previous disparaging comments he allegedly made about the military. The heated exchange, which has been widely shared online, took place at the “Old Timers” event and has led to renewed criticism of the candidate’s behavior.

The confrontation followed an earlier incident on April 4 at a Cedar Crest car show, where witnesses claim Ponzlov called a Vietnam War veteran a “communist” and a “baby killer.” Despite his repeated denials of these accusations on social media, several veterans who were present at the event insist that Ponzlov’s conduct was inappropriate. In response, Ponzlov took to NextDoor to label these veterans as “Proud Boys,” attempting to discredit their accounts of the incident.

Jerry Vallejos, the organizer of the East Mountain car show, corroborated parts of the story in a June 19 post, stating that Ponzlov was asked to leave after being “rude” to attendees and making derogatory comments. Vallejos confirmed that political campaigning is prohibited at the car show and suggested that Ponzlov refrain from attending future events if he cannot abide by the rules. Ponzlov’s response, however, was defiant, once again referring to the veterans as “Proud Boys” and claiming they fabricated the entire incident.

In a subsequent post, Ponzlov admitted to losing his temper during the July event in Estancia, writing, “I got very irritated and screamed at them that they were all lying.” He went on to allege that Rep. Lord had a police officer on hand to arrest him and accused her of orchestrating the encounter, saying, “I wonder how much she paid the policeman,” insinuating a conspiracy.

Ponzlov’s comments have continued to spark backlash, with some questioning his credibility as a candidate who can represent all constituents if he can’t even string together basic facts about alleged incidents where he is said to disparage veterans. 

In a further attempt to defend his actions, Ponzlov claimed he spent much of the 1960s and 1970s protesting the Vietnam War, which some see as contradicting his attacks on the veterans.

Additionally, Ponzlov has faced criticism for his inflammatory social media posts. He recently shared a meme suggesting that 45th President Donald Trump should be “crucified and wait three days,” a comment that has been interpreted as a call for violence and has only added to the controversies surrounding his campaign, including the multiple attempts made on the 45th President’s life.

Further complicating his candidacy, Ponzlov appears to have violated the New Mexico Campaign Reporting Act by not properly disclosing who funded his campaign signs, which are displayed throughout District 22. 

Under New Mexico law, all campaign materials must include a “paid for by” statement that clearly identifies the sponsoring committee or organization. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to fines and penalties for the campaign.

The Piñon Post has learned that a formal complaint by a New Mexico House District 22 resident has been filed and is pending before the New Mexico Ethics Commission.

With Election Day approaching, Rep. Stefani Lord and independent candidate Zach Withers—who has his own legal troubles—are now contending with a divisive race marked by accusations, legal disputes, and heightened tensions among community members. 

As the campaign unfolds, Ponzlov’s past behavior and compliance issues could play a critical role in determining the outcome of this contentious election.

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‘Chicken Little’: Gabe Vasquez refuses to debate Yvette Herrell

16 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a recent development in the race for New Mexico’s Second Congressional District, tensions escalated as Republican candidate Yvette Herrell and the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) criticized Democrat far-left Rep. Gabe Vasquez for his refusal to participate in a scheduled debate. The debate, which was to be hosted by KOB-TV on October 16th, would have featured both candidates, offering voters an opportunity to hear directly from the contenders about their policies and campaign positions.

The NRCC released a statement labeling Vasquez’s decision as “cowardly,” using strong language to accuse him of avoiding accountability. The committee referred to him as “Chicken Little Gabe Vasquez,” and claimed he is hiding from New Mexican voters due to his stance on border security and law enforcement issues. Delanie Bomar, a spokeswoman for the NRCC, stated, “Chicken Gabe Vasquez is hiding from New Mexicans instead of addressing his extreme policies and behavior. Voters deserve so much more than the lies and cowardice from Chicken Little Gabe Vasquez.” The statement from the NRCC also highlighted past controversies involving Vasquez, pointing to what they described as an “arrest record” and his use of a racial slur in the past, though these allegations have not been independently verified.

Meanwhile, Herrell’s campaign released its own statement, expressing disappointment at Vasquez’s refusal to debate. Herrell emphasized that voters in the Second District deserve to hear from both candidates so they can make informed decisions. “Gabe Vasquez refusing to debate is a slap in the face to the voters of the Second Congressional District,” Herrell stated. “It’s disappointing that instead of defending his extreme positions on defunding the police and softening border security, Gabe Vasquez has chosen to hide from the voters.”

Herrell confirmed her participation in the October 16th debate, stating that she is eager to make her case to voters, even if she has to do it without her opponent present. According to Herrell, her presence at the debate is intended to provide transparency and show her willingness to engage with the public, a move she believes Vasquez has failed to reciprocate.

The lack of a direct debate between the two candidates raises questions about how effectively voters will be able to compare their positions ahead of Election Day. While Vasquez has not yet commented publicly on his decision to decline the debate, his absence on the KOB-TV stage will likely be a point of contention throughout the remainder of the campaign.

‘Chicken Little’: Gabe Vasquez refuses to debate Yvette Herrell Read More »

Judge’s initial ruling in Riley Gaines lawsuit slaps UNM with legal blow

6 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The University of New Mexico (UNM) recently faced a legal setback when a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction, blocking the school from charging conservative students a “hefty” security fee for a campus event. The injunction stems from a lawsuit filed by the Southern Legal Foundation (SLF), which argued that the university’s fee policy violated the students’ First Amendment rights by imposing costs based on the content and perceived reactions to the event.

“This is a major win in the battle to protect the First Amendment rights of college students, regardless of the viewpoint they express,” SLF Executive Director Kimberly Hermann said in response to the ruling. SLF initially took legal action against UNM officials in February, alleging that the university engaged in “viewpoint and content discrimination” by determining security fees for the event featuring women’s sports advocate and former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines.

UNM attempted to charge the student group, Turning Point USA (TPUSA), over $5,000 for hosting Gaines, known for her opposition to transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. Hermann argued that the fee was based on the “officials’ subjective assessment of the crowd’s potential reaction”, rather than objective criteria.

According to Hermann, while the preliminary injunction prevents the university from collecting the fee during ongoing litigation, the case is not yet resolved. The ruling is seen as a first step toward making the injunction permanent, which would mean that UNM could no longer charge fees inconsistently for similar events.

UNM responded by stating that it is committed to upholding free speech on campus and intends to comply with the court’s order. The university clarified that the ruling only applies to speech-related events, and it remains focused on ensuring the safety of students and staff.

Gaines, who has experienced backlash at other speaking events, expressed that excessive security fees and bureaucratic hurdles are commonly used to silence conservative voices on campuses. “Sadly, we see this all the time,” Gaines noted, underscoring the broader challenges faced by right-leaning student organizations.

With the ruling, TPUSA remains the only active conservative student group on UNM’s campus, as others have been “run off” due to administrative obstacles, according to Hermann.

Judge’s initial ruling in Riley Gaines lawsuit slaps UNM with legal blow Read More »

As MLG travels to Mexico, her strange outfit is all people can focus on

21 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Far-left New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham traveled on a taxpayer-funded excursion to Mexico with many Cabinet officials to meet about “climate change” policies and attend the inauguration of Mexico’s new president in one of the bloodiest elections to date in the country, with at least 34 of political candidates being murdered.

Lujan Grisham posted on X, formerly Twitter, “Many thanks to the experts who joined us in Mexico City for today’s Clean Energy and Energy Security Collaboration Roundtable discussion.”

“Together, we’re working toward innovative solutions and partnerships for a #sustainable #clean #energy future,” she added, with a picture attached showing her with others in attendance. 

But more than the eco-left policies the post promoted, her outfit is what caught the attention of many, showing her in a loud gold and multi-colored jacket and short skirt, while donning chunky jewelry and white/nude colored strapped boots.

X users took to the platform to comment on the governor’s flamboyant ensemble. 

“Whoever picked that outfit hates you with a stone-cold passion. I’m 💯 opposed to everything you stand for, but even still, I wouldn’t send you out in public looking like that kind of fool. It’s savage. Meanwhile, NM doesn’t have a real governor, & it shows. Impeach Grisham now,” wrote Auntie Barnes.

Another wrote, “Sweet baby Jesus, woman, who dresses you? That outfit is so tackyAlso did taxpayers fund this trip too?”

Sassy Vet wrote, “So that’s what a cartel prostitute looks like?”

“Are you ever in Santa Fe working on the problems of the state…..ever?” wrote another.

One X user opined, “Did you lose a bet?”

JPNorth concluded that “those faux boots are a fashion travesty.  Like your phony green agenda, a bad idea that fails in both function and form. A concept with no real purpose.” 

As MLG travels to Mexico, her strange outfit is all people can focus on Read More »

Lujan Grisham flees state again — this time for Mexico

13 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico’s far-left Democrat governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, will be traveling to Mexico City to attend the historic inauguration of Claudia Sheinbaum, who will become Mexico’s first female president.

Announcing the trip on Friday, the governor expressed enthusiasm for participating in the event, symbolizing a significant milestone for Mexico’s political landscape.

Lujan Grisham, a second-term Democratic governor and former U.S. congresswoman, will attend the ceremony and lead a delegation to engage in a roundtable discussion centered on “clean energy” and “energy security.”

The event will include many of her political appointees, such as her chief of staff, Daniel Schlegel, and top cabinet secretaries responsible for New Mexico’s natural resources and economic development. The group will also attend a reception hosted by U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar.

New Mexico has the highest proportion of Hispanic residents in the United States and has deep-rooted historical ties to Mexican and Spanish governance.

New Mexico taxpayers fund the trip, and the governor’s delegation aims to strengthen cross-border partnerships, especially in sectors like energy, which have become increasingly pivotal for both countries.

Meanwhile, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero will also be present at the inauguration, representing Arizona as part of Joe Biden’s official delegation.

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Amid crime-ravaged streets, ABQ Police Officers’ Association endorses Trump

18 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The Albuquerque Police Officers’ Association (APOA) has officially endorsed 45th President Donald J. Trump for the presidency in the upcoming 2024 election, citing his commitment to law enforcement and public safety. In a letter from APOA President Shaun Willoughby, the union highlighted Trump’s track record of supporting police officers and prioritizing policies that ensure the safety of communities.

In the endorsement letter, Willoughby emphasized the union’s appreciation for Trump’s consistent support of law enforcement, stating, “President Trump has consistently shown unwavering support for our police officers, advocating for policies that protect and empower those who serve on the front lines.” He further highlighted Trump’s opposition to the defund the police movement, noting that Trump’s stance aligns with the values and mission of the police union.

Willoughby also praised Trump for his work on community policing and enhancing officer training, saying, “Under his leadership, we witnessed efforts to strengthen community policing, improve training, and enhance safety measures.”

The endorsement comes as the APOA, representing law enforcement professionals in New Mexico’s largest city, focuses on supporting candidates who prioritize the safety of officers and the communities they serve. 

The union expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership would continue to provide the necessary resources to ensure public safety across the nation, especially under a wave of violent crime in “progressive”-run cities like Albuquerque.

“We believe that President Trump’s proven track record and strong leadership make him the best candidate to address the challenges facing our nation,” Willoughby said, urging both the union’s members and the public to back Trump in the upcoming election.

This endorsement adds to Trump’s growing list of law enforcement support as he seeks to return to the White House in 2024. Public safety, crime, and support for law enforcement remain major campaign issues across the country, and the APOA’s backing underscores the role these issues are expected to play in the upcoming election.

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