Martin Heinrich

Heinrich slapped with ethics watchdog request over campaign methods

10 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), an ethics watchdog group, has requested that the Senate Select Committee on Ethics investigate New Mexico U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich. FACT’s concerns center around allegations that Heinrich intertwined official legislative actions with campaign fundraising efforts.

In a detailed letter, FACT’s Executive Director, Kendra Arnold, pointed out to the committee chairs, Senators Chris Coons and James Lankford, that Heinrich’s campaign emails may have violated Senate ethics rules. These emails reportedly invited recipients to “co-sponsor” legislation by making donations to his campaign, suggesting donation amounts ranging from $10 to $1,000.

Arnold expressed concern over this practice, stating, “Federal law and Senate ethics rules do not allow senators to fundraise based upon their official duties, in part because it would lead to the public rightfully question whether the senator’s primary concern was their political campaign.” She highlighted the potential conflict this creates, as it may give the impression that legislative actions can be influenced by campaign contributions.

One specific email cited by FACT was sent on behalf of Heinrich’s principal campaign committee on March 18, promoting the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Act. The email asked recipients to sign a petition supporting the legislation, which led to a page soliciting campaign donations. Similarly, another campaign email dated April 10 discussed the Infant Formula Made in America Act, also directing supporters to a donation page after prompting them to endorse the legislation.

These instances, Arnold argues, blur the lines between official duties and campaign activities, which could undermine public trust and violate ethical standards designed to maintain a clear separation between the two.

As of now, the Senate Ethics Committee has not publicly responded to FACT’s request for investigation. Heinrich, who has held his Senate seat since 2013 and is up for reelection in a district considered solidly Democratic, has also not commented on the allegations. His office and campaign were reached out to for responses by The Washington Times.

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See how Domenici’s fundraising haul stacks up against Heinrich’s

19 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The fundraising race is heating up in New Mexico as incumbent Sen. Martin Heinrich and Republican challenger Nella Domenici gear up for the upcoming election. 

Domenici’s campaign has hit the ground running, raising over $1.25 million in the first quarter of the year. The campaign reported contributions from more than 1,100 supporters.

On the other side, Heinrich’s campaign has not fallen behind, bringing in over $1.5 million during the same timeframe. With $3.5 million in cash reserves at the end of 2023, Heinrich’s financial position appears strong, though the full details are yet to be disclosed in the Federal Election Commission filings.

Launching her campaign earlier this year, Domenici, the daughter of the revered late Sen. Pete V. Domenici, has positioned herself as a proponent of innovative solutions in border security, natural resource utilization, and education reform.

The Republican Party sees Domenici’s candidacy as a key opportunity to reclaim a stronghold in New Mexico, a state currently dominated by Democrats at both the congressional and statewide levels. 

Despite Joe Biden securing the state in the last presidential election, Republicans are hopeful to flip the seat being held by the far-left Democrat who is out-of-touch with the voters.

Heinrich, who secured his position in a three-way race in 2018 with 54% of the vote, faces a re-election battle in a Senate where Democrats have a razor-thin majority. 

With the November elections approaching, both campaigns are ramping up their efforts to win over New Mexico voters. Domenici recently met with victims of the Hermit’s Peak Calf Canyon fire on the disaster’s two-year anniversary, where those affected continue to wait for relief. 

“It’s a disappointment of the federal government, the New Mexico state government, and I’m hugely disappointed in our state leaders,” Domenici told KOAT 7. “No one should be treated this way it doesn’t have to take this long.”

Heinrich moved his family to Silver Spring, Maryland, over a decade ago after running a campaign for U.S. Senate, claiming he hadn’t “gone Washington,” as reported by the Albuquerque Journal. The Journal’s article on Heinrich’s exodus from New Mexico for Mayland has mysteriously disappeared from the publication’s website. However, it is archived at this link forever.

See how Domenici’s fundraising haul stacks up against Heinrich’s Read More »

Heinrich gets horrible news in bid to keep U.S. Senate seat

42 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Nella Domenici, daughter of New Mexico’s former Republican Senator Pete Domenici, has made headlines by setting a new fundraising benchmark for a Republican Senate contender in the state. Launching her campaign in mid-January, Domenici has successfully amassed over $1.25 million by the end of March, marking a record for GOP Senate candidates in New Mexico for the first quarter of an election year. This fundraising milestone was first revealed to Fox News Digital.

As the expected Republican candidate, Domenici is poised to challenge Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich in the upcoming November elections, where Heinrich seeks a third term. The significant $1.25 million raised is celebrated as an unprecedented achievement for a Republican in the state’s political arena, per Fox News.

Domenici’s campaign highlighted contributions from over 1,100 supporters, reflecting widespread backing. Domenici expressed her gratitude, stating, “What an incredible outpouring of broad support in such a short amount of time – New Mexico is truly ready for a change.” She criticized incumbent Senator Heinrich for prioritizing “extreme progressive ideology” over practical solutions for New Mexico’s challenges.

While Heinrich’s first-quarter fundraising figures are pending, his 2023 campaign efforts yielded nearly $4.5 million, with his campaign account holding about $3.5 million at year’s end, as per Federal Election Commission records.

Pete Domenici’s six-term tenure in the Senate, which concluded in 2009, endows his daughter with significant political clout and familiarity among New Mexico voters. Nella Domenici, with a robust background in finance, including roles at Bridgewater Associates as CFO, Credit Suisse, and Citadel Investment Group, brings a formidable fundraising network. Announcing her candidacy, she committed an initial personal investment of half a million dollars to her campaign.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee has shown support for Domenici, indicating GOP endorsement for her candidacy. Despite New Mexico’s leftward shift in recent electoral cycles, Domenici’s campaign represents a concerted effort to reclaim a Senate seat for the Republicans, a feat not achieved in the state for 15 years.

Heinrich gets horrible news in bid to keep U.S. Senate seat Read More »

Domenici officially becomes GOP U.S. Senate nominee to challenge Heinrich

25 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Nella Domenici has officially been declared the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate seat in New Mexico, as confirmed by the state’s Secretary of State. Domenici, entering the general election race, emphasizes her commitment to the concerns of New Mexico voters and pledges to engage with and secure the support of constituents statewide.

“Our campaign is centered on the priorities of all New Mexico voters,” Domenici stated. “I am eager to connect with, listen to, and gain the trust of New Mexicans from every corner of the state.”

Domenici’s campaign has gained significant traction, evidenced by the substantial number of ballot petition signatures gathered—a number surpassing that of incumbent far-left Democrat Senator Martin Heinrich and all other candidates in the race. This achievement showcases widespread support across all 33 counties in New Mexico.

“The overwhelming support from families across the state, who are rallying behind our mission, underscores our shared commitment to collaboration over the prevailing dysfunction and partisanship in Washington,” Domenici remarked.

Positioning herself as a proactive representative for New Mexico in the Senate, Domenici aims to champion the state’s interests, foster solutions, and cater to the diverse needs of its residents.

“New Mexico’s rich heritage, its natural resources, and strategic institutions like national labs and military bases are invaluable assets. It’s imperative that we come together to harness these strengths for the betterment of our state and country,” she added.

Domenici concluded with a call for unity and a positive outlook on the upcoming electoral challenge: “I am deeply invested in the future of our nation and am confident in our prospects for success in New Mexico. Together, we are stronger.”

Domenici officially becomes GOP U.S. Senate nominee to challenge Heinrich Read More »

Republicans file to unseat Heinrich, Democrat U.S. reps.

9 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Tuesday, GOP candidates in Santa Fe initiated their campaign journey for the upcoming June 4 primary, aiming to challenge the current Democrat U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich and to secure key congressional seats.

Nella Domenici, a businesswoman and the daughter of the late U.S. Senator Pete Domenici, formally submitted her candidacy petition to the New Mexico Secretary of State’s office, eyeing the Republican nomination to confront Heinrich, who is vying for his third term in office.

In her early campaign declarations, Domenici has voiced her concerns over issues like inflation, crime, border control, and the welfare of children, though she opted not to provide further comments on Tuesday.

Her likely opponent in the GOP race is former Bernalillo County Sheriff Manny Gonzales, who has recently switched from the Democrat Party to pursue the Republican Senate nomination, also filing his candidacy on the same day.

Gonzales, who served as sheriff since 2014 in New Mexico’s largest county, collaborated with then-President Donald Trump in 2020 on law enforcement initiatives and ran for the Albuquerque mayor’s office in 2021, albeit unsuccessfully.

This election cycle, Democrats are on the defensive, striving to maintain their slim 51-49 Senate majority, with 23 seats up for grabs.

Heinrich previously secured his seat in 2018, winning approximately 54% of the vote in a contest against Republican Mick Rich and Libertarian Gary Johnson, a former Governor of New Mexico.

In the race for the congressional seat along the Mexico-U.S. border, Republicans are rallying behind a candidate to challenge U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez. Yvette Herrell, looking to win back the 2nd District seat she lost in 2022, had her campaign manager submit her candidacy paperwork on Tuesday, making the district a focal point in the national debate as Republicans aim to maintain their narrow House majority.

Despite a legal challenge from the Republican Party against a Democrat-drawn gerrymandered congressional map that redefined the 2nd District, the fully Democrat-controlled New Mexico Supreme Court upheld the map.

Currently, Democrats hold sway in New Mexico, controlling both Senate seats, all congressional districts, and dominating state-wide elected positions as well as the state legislature.

In the 3rd Congressional District, former state Rep. Sharon Clahchischilliage from Gadii’ahi has thrown her hat in the ring for the Republican nomination to face off against Democrat Teresa Leger Fernandez, who is seeking her third term. Clahchischilliage aims to tackle regulatory overreach and boost economic prospects, citing concerns over policies affecting gun control and the energy sector.

For the 1st Congressional District, two Republicans are vying for the chance to challenge incumbent Democrat Melanie Stansbury. Louie Sanchez, an Albuquerque business owner, emphasizes public safety, gun rights, and economic issues, while Steve Jones, a CPA from Ruidoso, pledges to address federal spending and the national deficit.

Republicans file to unseat Heinrich, Democrat U.S. reps. Read More »

Heinrich steps in it again, responds to blowback from embarrassing ‘elk’ post

12 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

On Monday, far-left U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich responded to massive social media blowback from his now-deleted Sunday X post that identified a bighorn sheep in the background of a photo shared as an “elk” that he called a “beautiful and amazing animal.”

Later Sunday, Heinrich tried to play interference by sharing what he called “Frito pie with homemade elk adovada” — the same “beautiful” creature he claimed to “interact with.”

Heinrich blamed the painfully out-of-touch post on his staff, writing on Twitter, “Sometimes you send your team a bunch of photos at once and they get jumbled up.”

He added, “Both animals have made amazing recoveries in New Mexico thanks to the work of conservationists.” 

New Mexicans were quick to respond to the clearly manufactured story about his staff supposedly mixing up the pictures.

“Ah the good old blame the staff routine. Amazing leadership from the Senator from Maryland” wrote one X user.

Another opined, “So, um, you killed that elk that was extinct over a century ago thus erasing all the work of previous conservationists. I don’t really think it was your interns. Just own it.”

“It took you over 24 hours to come up with this lame excuse. The only thing needing recovery in NM are the people from all you corrupt politicians,” continued one other New Mexican.

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Heinrich makes most cringe post ever — gets hilariously mocked

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On Sunday morning, New Mexico’s far-left U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, a resident of Maryland, made a cringe-inducing X post reading, “Just a little over a century ago, elk were extinct in New Mexico. Thanks to the work of previous generations of conservationists, I now have the privilege of interacting with this beautiful and amazing animal.” 

However, in the post, he shared an awkward picture of him giving a thumbs-up with a bighorn sheep in the background — not an elk. 

He later deleted the post, but not without people keeping receipts with their screenshots posted on the platform. 

People mercilessly commented on the embarrassingly out-of-touch tweet, with people writing things such as “It identifies as an elk?” and “…Heinrich tells New Mexicans that he is a ‘hunter.’ This photo proves his lies. That is NOT an elk. It is a bighorn sheep.”

Piñon Post editor and State Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo) mocked Heinrich with a post of the legislator taking a similar selfie but with a pigeon in the background, calling it a “Lesser Mexican spotted jumping prairie chicken.” 

Later on his official U.S. Senate X account, Heinrich posted a photo of what he described as a “Frito pie with homemade elk adovada.” 

Naturally, commenters referenced his since deleted “elk” post.

One account wrote, “​​You’re SURE it’s elk?”

Others posted photos of bighorn sheep: 

“Crazy that you would double down on the elk content after the blunder this morning,” another posted. 

Heinrich makes most cringe post ever — gets hilariously mocked Read More »

NM’s conspiracy theorist Dems renew annual performative January 6 theater

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On Saturday — the third anniversary of the January 6 incursion of the U.S. Capitol — New Mexico’s Democrat conspiracy theorists outdid themselves with manufactured outrage after the event, which resulted in the death of Ashli Babbitt, whom a Capitol Police Officer brutally murdered.

Democrat Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-CD-3) inaccurately claimed an “armed mob” stormed the Capitol, which was not true, as a vast majority of protesters that day were not armed whatsoever.

“On this day three years ago — just my fourth day in Congress — an armed mob of Donald Trump’s supporters desecrated our beloved Capitol Building in a deadly attack on Congress and American democracy itself,” Leger Fernandez wrote, adding, “Trump will undoubtedly try to attack our democracy again.”

Far-left Democrat Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-CD-2) wrote in an email, “John, today marks the 3-year anniversary of a dark day in American history. On January 6, 2021, extremists launched an egregious attack on Capitol Hill and our democracy.” 

Extreme far-leftist Melanie Stansbury, representative for New Mexico’s First District, wrote on X, “Three years ago we watched Trump spark an insurrection. We saw our capital attacked by extremists and we saw our very Democracy shaken. Today is a reminder that our voice and our vote matter and in 2024 we must defeat Trump.”

Socialist Sen. Martin Heinrich appeared to say January 6 was worse than horrific terrorist attacks, such as September 11, 2001, writing, “Three years ago, I witnessed the most foundationally shaking moment of my adult life. It is a sobering reminder that even our great democracy is vulnerable to those willing to hold on to power at all costs. That day, democracy prevailed. We must work to make sure it always does.” 

“Our Democracy isn’t given. We have to work to protect it. Three years ago this was proven. We all have the sacred responsibility of honoring the outcome of our elections. Those who do not must be held accountable,” wrote Sen. Ben Ray Luján.

The New Mexico Democrat Party added, “Even three years after the January 6th, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, NM Republicans are still beholden to insurrectionist MAGA ideology. Despite being largely rejected by the voters ever since the insurrection, New Mexico Republicans and their prominent figureheads refuse to respect our democracy.”

The Party continued, “New Mexican voters spoke loud and clear in the 2022 election and rejected Trump’s radical brand of extremism. But the New Mexico Republican Party continues to put Trump’s MAGA agenda ahead of the needs of everyday New Mexicans.” 

Unconstitutional Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham wrote, “As we celebrate the 112th anniversary of statehood, we are also reminded of the duty we all have in upholding democracy. The acts of insurrection on Jan. 6 have no place in the United States. As governor, I commit to safeguarding democracy today and for generations to come,” despite unilaterally taking away New Mexicans’ gun rights via executive order — the opposite of “democracy.” 

Note: Not a single individual has been convicted for the charge of “insurrection,” while Democrats attempt to pursue “insurrection” charges to forcibly thwart President Trump from the ballot in 2024. The U.S. Supreme Court will soon hear the case on the matter. 

NM’s conspiracy theorist Dems renew annual performative January 6 theater Read More »

Fmr. BernCo sheriff walks away from Dem Party, likely to challenge Heinrich

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Retired Democrat Bernalillo County Sheriff Manny Gonzales has changed his party affiliation to Republican, according to a voter registration card provided exclusively to the Piñon Post.

Gonzales, who served two terms as sheriff for the state’s largest county, is considering a run for the U.S. Senate against Democrat Sen. Martin Heinrich, who has his eyes set on the New Mexico governorship once far-left incumbent Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham finishes her second and final term, a source close to Gonzales has shared exclusively with the Post.

Born and raised in the heart of New Mexico, Gonzales developed a strong commitment to public service from an early age. He began his law enforcement career with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, steadily rising through the ranks due to his dedication, leadership, and commitment to community safety.

During his time as sheriff, Gonzales implemented several innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety and building trust between law enforcement and the community. 

His focus on community-oriented policing strategies garnered praise for fostering positive relationships between officers and residents. Under his leadership, the Sheriff’s Office worked collaboratively with local organizations, schools, and businesses to address crime prevention and engage in community outreach programs.

Sheriff Gonzales demonstrated a keen understanding of the challenges facing law enforcement in the modern era. His efforts included implementing technology upgrades to enhance crime-fighting capabilities, advocating for officer training programs, and championing initiatives to address the root causes of criminal behavior. Gonzales’s commitment to transparency and accountability within the Sheriff’s Office contributed to increased public trust in law enforcement.

During Lujan Grisham’s brutal COVID-19 lockdowns, which resulted in 40% of New Mexico small businesses closing up shop, Gonzales refused to enforce her edicts, saying in 2020 that they were “turning everyday citizens into villains.”

“It is my opinion that the resources of the sheriff’s office should be focused on making our communities safe and more prosperous for everyday citizens,” he said, adding, “For that reason, we will not follow along with any orders that subvert your Constitutional rights. Therefore, my agency’s focus will continue to be public safety, apprehending actual criminals, and not harassing everyday citizens attempting to make a life for themselves and their families in Bernalillo County.”

The then-sheriff was honored at the White House by President Donald Trump in 2020 for his work on “Operation Legend,” which was a coordinated approach between law enforcement departments to aggressively investigate the most violent crimes. 

In 2021, Gonzlaes ran for Albuquerque mayor, coming up short of incumbent far-left Democrat Mayor Tim Keller. 

Now, with a potential U.S. Senate race on the horizon in 2024, the former sheriff could give Heinrich a run for his money if he decides to run. Republican Ben Luna of Otero County has already announced a run for the seat, a story broken exclusively by the Post in September. ​

Trump thanks BernCo Sheriff Manny Gonzales for partnership in Operation Legend

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Heinrich sponsors extremist anti-gun legislation banning most rifles

18 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In a recent move that has stirred controversy, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, along with Democrat Senators Angus King of Maine, Mark Kelly of Arizona, and Michael Bennet of Colorado, introduced the extremist Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion (GOSAFE) Act to outlaw most firearms in the United States.

Heinrich claimed there is an urgent need for Congress to take away Americans’ right to bear arms by banning some of the most popular weapons in the country.

The proposed legislation will negatively impact law-abiding gun owners while neglecting the root causes of violence. 

The GOSAFE Act seeks to regulate gas-operated semi-automatic weapons by establishing a list of prohibited firearms, preventing unauthorized modifications, and mandating pre-approval for future designs. The bill has a few exceptions but still bans rifles with 10 rounds or more — a majority of AR-15s and other rifles. One in 20 Americans own an AR-15 rifle. Some of Heinrich’s exemptions in the radical legislation are listed below:

  • .22 caliber rimfire or less firearms  
  • Bolt action rifles  
  • Semi-automatic shotguns  
  • Recoil-operated handguns  
  • Any rifle with a permanently fixed magazine of 10 rounds or less  
  • Any shotgun with a permanently fixed magazine of 10 rounds or less  
  • Any handgun with a permanently fixed magazine of 15 rounds or less  

Controversially, the proposed legislation limits the capacity of large ammunition-feeding devices to 10 rounds or fewer and outlaws conversion devices, such as bump stocks and Glock switches. Additionally, it introduces a voluntary buy-back program to prevent stockpiling of firearms. Buyback programs are known to be ineffective. 

While Heinrich received support from various extremist anti-gun organizations, such as New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety, and Giffords, people who follow what the Second Amendment says argue that the bill overlooks the root causes of gun violence and certainly infringes on the rights of responsible gun owners.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) senior vice president, Lawrence G. Keane, wrote, “The legislation introduced by Senators King and Heinrich is openly defiant of the rights protected by the U.S. Constitution. There is no path forward for legislation of this nature that would deprive law-abiding citizens the ability to lawfully possess the firearm of their choosing and the full spectrum of their Second Amendment rights,” adding, “This legislation is a knee-jerk reaction to a travesty (Lewiston, Maine incident), for which the American public is still demanding answers as to why the Lewiston murderer, who clearly showed signs of mental instability and professed to violent threats, was allowed by state and federal agencies to continue to possess firearms. Depriving law-abiding citizens of their Constitutional rights for the criminal acts of a depraved individual doesn’t make our communities safer.”

“This proposed legislation is clearly unconstitutional, as the U.S. Supreme Court held in Heller that entire classes of firearms cannot be banned from legal sale and possession by law-abiding citizens,” concluded the NSSF. 

 The GOSAFE Act faces a challenging path ahead, stirring intense debate on its potential impact on firearm regulation and individual liberties. It is unclear if it will go far with Democrats leading the Senate and Republicans controlling the House of Representatives. 

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