Not the textbook way to pump gas in either lane
Eric Holder Scolds Daily Caller Reporter
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| A.G. Eric Holder |
Governor Takes Axe to Legacy of Cellphone Waste
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| Susana Martinez |
Savings include a net reduction of 59 devices in the Children, Youth, and Families Department, 52 devices in the Department of Transportation, 116 devices in the Human Services Department, 54 devices in the Corrections Department, 28 devices in the Regulation and Licensing Department, and 15 devices at the Higher Education Department.
“We have worked closely with Governor Martinez to identify unnecessary costs and ensure the efficient use of taxpayer dollars,” added Darryl Ackley, Secretary of the Department of Information Technology. “These simple and practical cost-saving measures will trim over $300,000 from the state’s budget.” The announcement of reduced cell phone use comes one week after the Martinez administration announced over $800,000 in savings due to lease re-negotiation and consolidation of state government office facilities. The number of state government vehicles has also been significantly reduced, with the state cutting its fleet by 253 since January, including a 56% reduction in take-home vehicles at the Department of Transportation. The moratorium that Governor Martinez placed on new vehicle purchases, with the exception of law enforcement vehicles, remains in place.
LULAC Tries to Draw Congressional Boundaries
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| Susana Martinez |
Fox News Latino - Gov. Susana Martínez and other GOP state officials are opposing a Hispanic civil rights group's attempt to participate in a trial over congressional redistricting in New Mexico. The New Mexico League of United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC, has asked a state district court to approve a plan that would create a Hispanic majority congressional district in southern New Mexico.
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| Joseph Cervantes |
The redistricting plan was advocated by Democratic Rep. Joseph Cervantes of Las Cruces during a special legislative session in September. Lawyers for the governor, Lt. Gov. John Sánchez and Secretary of State Dianna Durán oppose LULAC's motion to intervene in the case. They contend LULAC missed court-established deadlines to become a party in the case and for submitting redistricting plans. A trial on congressional redistricting starts Monday. Read full story here: News New Mexico
Sowards: Answering America’s Iranian Challenge
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| Greg Sowards |
Perhaps the most disturbing reality of all is that Hezbollah, which claimed it would never turn its guns inward on the people of Lebanon, weakened the state’s leadership by backing an 18-month worker’s union strike and then mounted a putsch and took control of western Beirut. Why? Because the Lebanese authorities sought to strip Hezbollah of its airport security detail and to dismantle its secret telecommunications network. Hezbollah’s links to Iran and capacity to smuggle weapons into Lebanon were threatened, so the interests of the people of Lebanon became secondary to the ability of Hezbollah’s leaders to serve their masters in Iran.
Hezbollah’s rockets are now holding the people and the future of Lebanon hostage to irrational Iranian designs.
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| Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah |
In June, Hezbollah’s chief, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, stated that his group would destroy Tel Aviv if Israel struck Iran’s nuclear sites. When questioned about possible Israeli strikes, military leaders of Iran have shrugged off the need to respond with ballistic missiles, indicating that Hezbollah’s katyushas are now capable of reaching every Israeli town. In 2012, the American people should elect Senators who are prepared to restore our nation’s special relationship with Israel. In terms of securing regional peace in the Greater Middle East, America’s challenge is in determining the best way to help Israel defuse Hezbollah and to stop Iran from wielding the state of Lebanon as a geopolitical weapon. The Taif Accord, which was signed at the close of the Lebanese Civil War in 1989, gave the Hezbollah faction the right to retain its weapons of “resistance.” The legitimacy of the Taif Agreement should be challenged by world leaders the moment Hezbollah’s weapons are used on behalf of any country other than Lebanon. When elected as the next U.S. Senator from New Mexico, I will actively work to support Israel’s efforts to counter the Hezbollah menace.
Kintigh: Time for Judicial Accountability Review
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| Dennis Kintigh |
NMPolitics - It has been with tremendous sadness that I have followed the recent developments regarding certain members of the New Mexico state judiciary in various parts of the state. There have been incidents and allegations that have diminished and tarnished the reputation and standing of this branch of government. Generally, people understand and expect the Legislature to be a partisan and contentious institution. I don’t believe that is a bad thing. Policy concepts that cannot survive the crucible of vigorous debate are probably not valid or worthy of implementation. Sometimes it takes years for policy to be implemented. During that time, each of us in the Legislature will critically examine the concept, and without hesitation challenge those we feel are invalid. It keeps all of us “on our toes.” Similarly, the executive branch is constantly criticized and held accountable primarily, but not exclusively, by the opposition party. Again, this is as it should be. This cycle of confrontation and partisanship serves us well and is expected in these two branches.
The judiciary is somehow expected to be above all this, however, and therefore immune to this contentiousness associated with the failings and shortcomings of mortal man. Read full column here: News New Mexico
More NM Parents Opting Out of Child Immunizations
Judge Rules in Favor of GOP in Redistricting Conversations
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| Brian Sanderoff |
The Latest White House "Dump"
Buh-Bye, Barney, A Video Tribute
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| Barney Frank |
Convicted Felon Arrested by Border Patrol
NMSU Thinking Beer and Wine Sales Again
New Mexico State University is once again contemplating the sales of beer and wine at athletic events in an effort to raise revenue for the university. Several years ago the university experimented with the idea at the Pan American Center for a couple of games. Reportedly then Governor Bill Richardson made it be known that he would be very displeased if the practice continued, so the plan, which was well-received by the fans was dropped. Ironically, the university broadcasts of Aggie games on television and radio have always included companies that sell beer and wine. Also, beer and wine can be purchased at the Fulton Center by the elite boosters during games. However, apparently these same services (and the potential for revenue streams) have not been offered to the "masses." Nobody seems sure if any adult beverages are consumed during tailgating before the games, but some reports, from seemingly reliable sources, suggest they are.
Obamacare "Grant" Arrives in NM
SANTA FE – Governor Susana Martinez announced today that New Mexico has been awarded a $34.2 million grant by the federal Health and Human Services (HHS) Department to help establish an affordable health insurance exchange in the state. New Mexico submitted a Level 1 Health Insurance Exchange Establishment Grant on 9/29/2011 to begin establishing the New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange (NMHIX). The state Human Services Department (HSD) was informed of the award of grant this morning. “States can advance the cause of patient freedom and choice, and take advantage of state and federal opportunities to improve health. We must modernize health insurance markets in New Mexico, built on the fundamental principles of real consumer choice, true market-based competition and value, and the grant is a big step in the right direction,” said Governor Martinez. 
The grant funding will be used to establish the NMHIX over the next 12 months and to meet the timelines established by the federal government to become operational by 2014. The grant will help plan a governance structure, hire staff, and fund contractors. The state will also be able to research and prepare to plan to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse, develop a multi-year operations plan, and determine funding mechanisms so NMHIX is self-sustaining by 2015. While this is ongoing, the Office of Health Care Reform will also work to identify, as necessary, state laws that need to be amended to comply with federal laws. NMHIX will act as a one-stop-shop for those who are seeking health insurance coverage for themselves and their families, and for small businesses to have options to insure their employees. The goal of establishing an exchange is to help bring down the rate of uninsured and to reform the insurance marketplace in New Mexico by directly connecting consumers with health insurance carriers. New Mexico’s exchange will include a call center, tribal assistance center, and customer assistance through navigators to help individuals and small businesses choose health insurance benefits tailored to their specific needs.
Pearce Goes to Salazar with Lizard Problem
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| Steve Pearce |
The science available to the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) warranting the listing has since come under question, drawing a similar letter from both Senator Tom Udall and Senator Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico. “As with all listings, the crux of our concerns is the science underpinning this decision; there simply is not enough available information to credibly argue that the species is declining,” the letter continued. “There are also important questions about the science on which FWS based this proposed listing. Perhaps most obviously, a paper referenced in the proposed listing contradicts the conclusions drawn by FWS. The study, by Sias and Snell, shows that the lizard’s population actually increased by a factor of 2.4 in areas where oil and gas wells were present compared to an increase by a factor of 1.6 in areas without wells. Yet, FWS asserts that oil and gas wells are detrimental to lizard populations.”
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| Ken Salazar |
Since the initial proposal of the listing, Congressman Pearce has taken a firm stance against a federal listing for the sake of saving jobs in New Mexico. Pearce supported a scientific roundtable to bring forth the truths of the science behind the lizard population, and continually expresses his commitment to solutions that protect both the lizard and jobs of hard working Americans.
House shaking? Blame night maneuvers by F-22 Raptors
From the Las Cruces Sun-News - HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE - Night maneuvers by F-22 Raptors will continue in the area and that concerns Lori English, a retired U.S. Marine. English is torn, she said, because she understands the importance of having a well-trained military but tempers that with the apparent damage to her East Mesa home, allegedly from sonic booms caused by the jets. "I've got a cinderblock house and there's cracks in every single room of my house," English said. "Since the flights started again, in September, these episodes of sonic booms have amounted to the same as 3.0 to 4.0 earthquakes. I know that because I used to live in California. These sonic booms literally rattle my whole house." Officials with the 49th Wing at Holloman Air Force Base, near Alamogordo, said Monday that training flights for F-22 Raptors are scheduled the next two weeks, and those will include flights after dark. That means chances for sonic booms to occur is possible. Because of the F-22's "supercruise" capability, sonic booms can happen when the aircraft is in flight. Read more
Maxine Waters Will Take Over for Barney Frank
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| Maxine Waters |
The Hill - Wall Street executives are bracing for the possibility that Rep. Maxine Waters will take over as the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee after Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) retires. Waters, an outspoken California liberal who is considered to the left of Frank on financial and housing issues, suggested in a statement Monday that she is laying the groundwork to become the senior Democrat on the panel. Read full story here: News New Mexico
NM Jobless Rate 6.6%
"Pedobear" Sightings Concern State Law Enforcement
From the Deming Headlight - "Our ICAC unit has received reports that the Pedobear window sticker has been sighted in Albuquerque on at least two vehicles recently," says AG King. "We are very concerned about the potential link between the Pedobear symbol and pedophiles; we also want to increase public awareness of the potential danger to children, especially young girls." The concept of the Pedobear began on the Internet as a digital 
representation of a bear that has a sexual interest in underage girls. Pedobear symbology has spread from the online subculture to mainstream depictions all over the world in the last couple of years. Recently, a man dressed as the Internet-based Pedobear was escorted by police from the San Diego Comic Con event, where he had been distributing candy to children. A photograph of a vehicle in Albuquerque sporting a Pedobear window sticker was forwarded to the Attorney General's Office by the New Mexico Department of Corrections. The AG's office is also distributing a flyer for parents and other concerned adults with more details about the Pedobear history. Read more
Senator Wirth: Will Push for More Corporate Taxes
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| Peter Wirth |
Duran issues a snarky report we can’t trust
From NM Pollitics.net - by Heath Haussamen - We needed Secretary of State Dianna Duran to lead a transparent probe of the voter rolls that included county clerks from both parties so we could know there was evidence to back up the conclusions and that partisanship wasn’t an issue. We didn’t need a snarky report we can’t trust. Read more
Appeals Court: No Water from Rio Grande for Albuquerque
Public policy and regulatory decisions driving up electricity rates
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| Marita Noon |
Residential customers experiencing the highest increases, and/or potential increases, are those who are heavily dependent on coal-fueled generation, as required retrofits cannot economically meet existing environmental requirements—resulting in the proposed retirement of older coal-fueled plants. Existing and proposed EPA rules are having a significant impact on rates—with the vast majority of compliance costs falling on residents. The report states: “If these are enacted and enforced, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission staff has informally estimated that 8% of our electric generation capacity, representing 81 GW of the nation’s generating capacity, will need to be retired.”
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| Four Corners Power Plant |
Lisa Jackson, EPA Administrator, was recently asked about the mass retirements of coal-fueled power plants as a result of EPA regulations. While they do not technically require shutting down any plant, the rules are such that plants cannot be operated economically—but Jackson doesn’t see that as her problem. “I can’t say what a business will decide to do. Some businesses are investing in nuclear, some are looking at natural gas. There are states that are leading the way on solar or wind.”
Jackson’s comment, plus the Department of Energy’s loan guarantees, makes clear that the only correct path is wind and solar. But why? Read full column here: News New Mexico
The Ancestor of the Occupy Movement
Blacks Charge Discrimination at UNM
Dems Not Giving Latino Candidates Enough Opportunity
Reid's New Bill Would Stop City and State Immigration Enforcement
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| Sen. Harry Reid |
Gary King Trails Most in Fraud Recovery Results
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| Gary King |
NMPolitics - In 2010, Attorney General Gary King’s office recovered 53 cents for every $1 it spent to fight Medicaid fraud, the Albuquerque Journal is reporting. Only Alaska had a worse record than New Mexico, according to the newspaper. Leading the pack was Missouri, which recovered more than $31 for each $1 spent. The national average was a recovery of $10 for every $1 spent. Read full story here: News New Mexico
One Hundred Years of Statehood
Inside the Capitol - SANTA FE – What were the most important events of New Mexico's first 100 years of statehood? Mine appear below. The state Department of Cultural Affairs has a list, available in poster form. The New Mexico Blue Book has a list available from the Secretary of State's Office.
1926 – Route 66, the much celebrated "Mother Road," from Chicago to L.A., provides many with their first view of New Mexico and gave tourism a big boost..
1928 – Oil discovered near Hobbs. The Spanish had found insufficient gold, silver and copper to make New Mexico worth much to them but oil soon became New Mexico's biggest moneymaker. 1930 – Dr. Robert Goddard is convinced by Charles Lindbergh to move his rocket testing to the vast expanses of New Mexico. His many successful experiments earn him to title "father of rocketry."
1940 – Milton "Doc" Noss claims to have discovered a huge storehouse of gold at Victorio Peak, very near what is now Spaceport America. The Army later closed the area for Alamogordo Bombing Range. Noss never could retrieve the gold he claimed but stories have persisted of government excavation of the hill. It became a topic of the Watergate hearings.
1941 -- New Mexico National Guard activated and shipped to the Philippines.
1942 – 1800 New Mexico Guard troops were surrendered on Bataan Peninsula. Half died on Death March, Hell Ships and Japanese work camps.
1943 – Manhattan Project locates in Los Alamos on secret mission.
1944 – Navajo Code Talkers distinguish themselves for development of unbreakable code.
Read full list here: News New Mexico
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| Jay Miller |
1912 – Any such list must beginning with Jan. 6 when President William Howard Taft signed the statehood proclamation and Gov. William C. McDonald, a Democrat, is elected to office.
1916 – Pancho Villa's troops raid Columbus, NM. A massive Punative Expedition into Mexico, headed by Gen. Black Jack Pershing, ensued. It involved the first tactical use of air craft . A state park museum in Columbus tells a good story. 1926 – Route 66, the much celebrated "Mother Road," from Chicago to L.A., provides many with their first view of New Mexico and gave tourism a big boost..
1928 – Oil discovered near Hobbs. The Spanish had found insufficient gold, silver and copper to make New Mexico worth much to them but oil soon became New Mexico's biggest moneymaker.  |
| Los Alamos National Lab |
1941 -- New Mexico National Guard activated and shipped to the Philippines.
1942 – 1800 New Mexico Guard troops were surrendered on Bataan Peninsula. Half died on Death March, Hell Ships and Japanese work camps.
1943 – Manhattan Project locates in Los Alamos on secret mission.
1944 – Navajo Code Talkers distinguish themselves for development of unbreakable code.
Read full list here: News New Mexico
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