Albuquerque For Barack

Hello New Mexicans for Obama

Eric from Las Cruces, NM — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:25:58 EST

Hello New Mexicans for Obama,

I hope you are still as fired up as I am after last fall’s campaign, and after the incredible start the Obama administration has had, and that you are still motivated to organize for change.

I wanted to introduce myself to those of you I don’t know. My name is Eric Hilberg and I worked as a volunteer grass roots organizer on the Obama campaign in Southern New Mexico. Just like many of you, I knocked on lots of doors, made phone calls, led a neighborhood team of volunteers, and prepared walk lists and call lists for dozens of other teams here in Las Cruces. Together we won this election.

I am excited to serve as New Mexico’s Volunteer Liaison to Organizing for America, and I’m excited to tell you that Organizing for America is up and running. OFA’s mission is to mobilize our grassroots movement in support of President Obama’s policies for change and to build on and strengthen that grassroots organization we have all built together. I am an unpaid volunteer (not an official OFA staffer) who has been asked to help coordinate our efforts here in New Mexico with OFA’s national office.

I know that many of you are already utilizing the Obama network to organize in your communities. Your efforts holding house parties and collecting stories about the impact of the current economic crisis on New Mexicans helped pass the Economic Recovery and Stimulus Act, and your involvement will be critical to its success.

You can act today to support our economic recovery. Take a minute to thank the Senators and Representatives in New Mexico who supported the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and encourage them to continue working with President Obama to lift America out of the economic crisis. When you’re done, report back to us about the calls you made.

Throughout the next weeks and months, I look forward to working with all of you to ensure that Organizing for America is successful here in New Mexico. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or ideas as we continue to organize for change.

Thanks so much,

Eric Hilberg (erichilberg@gmail.com)

New Mexico Volunteer Liaison, Organizing for America

We are Proud Americans Today

Vicki "Hussein" in New Mexico — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:32:22 EST

January 20, 2009: I got up at 5:30AM this morning, dressed and made coffee, threw in a load of laundry, and stepped outside into the cold, clear New Mexico night sky. The bright stars and a slice of moon still hung in the darkness above me. Was it just over a year ago that we greeted candidate Obama to our State and I shook his hand? I felt so confident about this man and hoped he might be President this day. I got the flag and placed it in the flag holder on my front porch. I switched on the porch light to illuminate it. I feel very proud to be an American. I haven't felt this way about my country in a long time. Today I want to hug everyone I see. I feel a part of something great as we await the Inauguration today of Barack Hussein Obama as our 44th President. I think about the cold, the hungry, the oppressed, the war-weary, the unemployed, the frightened and the dispossessed who have little to feel proud about. I think the whole world is watching us to see if we can truly deliver on our promise. I wish President Obama well. And I wish America well.

National Service Day and Inauguration Ball at The El Rey Theater!

Erin Oliver — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 15:52:32 EST

Hi everybody!

I don't know if you have already heard but January 19th is also National Day of Service. This is a day to show and help the communities that we all live in, in unity in an act of goodwill and to show the whole world what kind of people occupy this country. Here in Albuquerque there are a few events going on. One event is DPNM is sponsoring a Day of Service at the Ronald McDonald House and Casa Esperanza in Albuquerque. These organizations help house UNM Hospital patients and their families while they are being treated. We will be aiding them by cleaning, painting, landscaping, home repair, detailing and anything else they can think of! (Lunch will be provided.)

If manual labor isn't for you,come by and donate anything from their wishlist:
http://www.rmhc-nm.org/help/wishlist.php

There is a food drive at roadrunner food bank drive as well.

What I am doing is 1- Donating Blood, I will be donating blood in the name of progressive change (my charity I am trying to start up) as well as others. Please consider donating blood and calling United Blood Services1515 University Blvd., N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87102
1-800-333-8037

Last and most important for me: I am picking up, and accepting drop offs of household goods, furniture, and CLOTHING and toys for The Barrett Foundation ( http://www.barrettfoundation.org/ ) to make a massive donation to them on the 19th. So if my friends here have closets they are willing to go through and toys they want to give away I will pick them up or you can drop them off at my house we are willing to pick up couches, I am donating a washer and drye and the couches right out of my living room. The barrett foundation is a vital part of the Albuquerque community. They provide housing and job training for homeless women and their children. Many of these women and children are homeless because of domestic abuse, mental illness, being laid off their jobs. So please considr doing some "inauguration" cleaning and donate.

I also wanted to address the El Rey inauguration Ball on Tuesday the 20th. I totally understand that most people within my circle of friends do not support the el rey in light of the launchpad tragedy. I am with you there. However, this ball is open to the public, you do not have to pay 1,000 dollars a plate.. you can bring your children and the proceeds are going to charity. There will be a ballott of three different charities, including mine (check out progressivechange.org) that the guests decide how to dispurse. My son is going with me. It is 10 dollars at the door 5 dollars for kids. It starts early at 6:45 so you can celebrate other balls or go to other parties. You can read more about it here http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/communityservice/gptzc2 or http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=87716&id=

Any proceeds that progressive change receives will help us to organize and fund our adopt a teacher program as well as our goal in assisting underpaid, under appreciated civil servants (like teachers, firemen, police, nurses etc) with Solar heat, Solar power and energy effeciant upgrades. On top of throwing an appreciation ceremony for these people who continue to committ to do excellent work despite a harsh economic challenges. So please join me in this.

And if you want to watch the actual swearing in, Enjoy this momentous occasion with the people who shared your joy and tears during the election.

Come join the Democratic Party of New Mexico and friends to watch the inauguration LIVE at IBEW Union Hall. We’ll meet at 9am to begin watching the morning ceremonies. Feel free to bring coffee, donuts, bagels or anything else that you may want to share with your fellow Campaigners.

• When: January 20th, 2009, 9am
• Where: IBEW Union Hall, Renaissance

Donations of $5 are requested to contribute to our Union brothers at IBEW.

So lets hope for some good weather, and a good turn out. Please repost this wherever you see fit.

MoveOn's First Action Event of 2009 Today Was a Beautiful Day

Erin Oliver — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:59:09 EST

this was written by Suzanne Prescott

In less than 72 hours MoveOn volunteers Angela Texiera, Erin Oliver and Connie Orendorf stepped up and together with other MoveOn volunteers organized the first MoveOn action in Albuquerque of 2009. The group, waving placards and carrying petitions amidst much honking and smiles from passing motorists, met outside Senator Tom Udall's office at 3rd and Copper. The signs read 'New Jobs - Green Jobs' and the petitions urged Senator Udall to support the passage of the Obama economic recovery plan as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Angela Texeira, second from left, stepped up to help organize the Wednesday, January 14, 2009 MoveOn event.

Erin Oliver, MoveOn media representative talks with a channel 7 reporter.

Senator Udall was in Washington D.C., so MoveOn volunteers presented the petitions to Udall staffers. Sarah Cobb and Bill Woldman listened as MoveOn spokesperson Connie Orendorf explained that Americans want a comprehensive economic recovery plan which invests in green jobs, health care, and clean energy. Ms. Orendorf stressed that the time of special interest influence must end in order to turn the country around.
Connie Orendorf, left, stresses the importance of passing an economic recovery plan quickly as Sarah Cobb and Bill Woldman listen.

Orendorf pointed out that some right wing Republicans in Congress are still pushing for politics as usual and are trying to remove important parts of the economic recovery plan. MoveOn stressed that it's time to put a failed ideology aside and that the President with the help of Congress can turn a new vision for America into reality by passing a strong economic recovery plan.

Udall Field Representative, Bill Woldman responded, saying, "Your emphasis on green jobs is the key," adding that new investment in clean energy can make New Mexico a world leader. The local MoveOn action was one of many similar events held across the country, including a similar event at Tom Udall's cousin, Senator Mark Udall's office in Denver. MoveOn action councils are organizing to show that Americans are not giving up until America gets back on track toward prosperity. For more information contact MoveOn representative Erin Oliver at eoliver@progressivechange.org .

New East Mountains for Change Group Launched

Vicki "Hussein" in New Mexico — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:15:55 EST

The energy and positive activity of our successful campaign to elect Barack Obama as the 44th President of the USA has motivated thousands of citizens to continue making a difference in their communities. Here in the mountains and rural area east of Albuquerque, many activists have stayed in touch and created a new group: East Mountains for Change. The new web site for East Mountains for Change is: http://emforchange.ning.com

East Mountains for Change meets regularly at the East Mountain Library in Tijeras and has Teams to focus on the following issues: Rural business, Energy/Environment, Health care and Education/Service learning. There will be a General Meeting of the East Mountains for Change group on Saturday, January 24, 2009 at the East Mountains Library at 2PM. Interested in attending an Inaugural Celebration Tuesday, January 20th? Check-out the Website for East Mountains for Change: http://emforchange.ning.com for place and time. Want to participate in the East Mountains Book Drive for our local Middle School in Tijeras: Roosevelt Middle School? This is a way to benefit our local teachers and students and honor our 44th President of the United States Inauguration. There are 3 ways to contribute1. Collect new or used books appropriate for ages 11-13*

2. USE VOUCHER AT BORDERS BOOK FAIR, JANUARY 7-9

3. Buy bookstore gift cards ($5.00 @)4. Donate check* or bring cash to the presentationRoosevelt Middle School in Tijeras serves 6th to 8th grade students, providing education and UNM health care services for a 500 square mile area. “Our students love to read,” says teacher Lefty Folkman.* Book list on request. Contributions are tax-deductible. Make Checks out to Roosevelt Middle School. Note book drive on check. Send checks c/o Jeanette Quintanar, 75 Thunderbird Lane, Tijeras, NM 87059Questions? Contact Bay Stevens 480-1999 bay@ReUseIt.info Book pick up: Jeanette Quintanar at 250-9683

Thank you!!!!!!!!

Cory from Albuquerque, NM — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:25:37 EST

Thank you, God; thank you, Obama! I couldn't be more thrilled that Obama and Biden are our next Presidential team!

Our hope is real; our future is change - change for the better.

Thank you, God; thank you, Obama!

It's Election Day

Shayne Adamski — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:27:39 EST

New Mexico, the polls are now open. It's a great day to elect Barack Obama President and Joe Biden Vice President.

All of the hard work and the long days come down to today.

It's up to us to finish what we've started.

CHANGE comes today!

But first, we need everyone to VOTE, and then we need everyone to VOLUNTEER.

YES WE CAN!!

Here are some tips to help you make sure Election Day goes smoothly:

* The polls are open from 7:00AM to 7:00PM. If you are in line by 7:00PM, it's your right to vote.

* If you have not received your absentee ballot, you can get another ballot at your polling place on Tuesday, November 4th.

* If you registered to vote by mail for the first time and didn't include ID, you must bring ID with you to the polls. The address on your ID does not need to match your registration address.

* You may be asked to remove or cover any campaign gear (Obama T-shirts, buttons, etc.) that you wear to the polls. As long as you comply, you still have the right to vote.

Video: Michelle Obama Surprises a NM Field Office

Shayne Adamski — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 17:59:24 EST

When Michelle Obama was in New Mexico on Tuesday, October 28, she made an unscheduled stop at the South Santa Fe - Zafarano Field Office and thanked the staff and volunteers for all of their hard work. She even helped them make a few phone calls and reach out to voters!!

Watch the video...and then signup to volunteer and help us Get Out the Vote.

STUDENTS: Volunteer on Election Day

Shayne Adamski — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 17:53:38 EST

Are you off from school on Election Day?

Some High Schools around the state have Election Day off, TUES, NOV 4TH.

This is an amazing opportunity for you to participate and volunteer in this historic Presidential Election.

DON'T WAIT. SIGNUP TODAY and help us win this election.

http://my.barackobama.com/NMhseday

A special message from Jill Biden to Veterans and Military Families

Shayne Adamski — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 23:26:02 EDT

Watch this video from Jill Biden...

...and encourage everyone you know in the military to return their Vote-by-Mail ballots so their vote is counted in this historic election.

Read more on Barack and Joe's positions on the issues affecting veterans and military families.

Video: Joe Biden encourages New Mexico to VOTE EARLY

Shayne Adamski — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:14:13 EDT

As enter the last 2 days of Early Vote, Joe Biden recorded this message to all New Mexicans, encouraging them to vote early. If history is an indicator of the future, this is going to be a close election and we need to make sure everyone votes.

Watch this video from Joe and then lookup your early vote location...

First, Michelle rocks a rally in Las Vegas, NM and then phonebanks in Santa Fe, NM

Shayne Adamski — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 03:22:51 EDT

On Tuesday, October 28, Michelle Obama held an Early Vote rally in Las Vegas, NM. More than 3,200 people filled the plaza to listen to Michelle.

She talked about the importance of voting early, and knocking on doors and making phone calls. She said that Barack needs our help, because he can't do everything, and it's up to us to do some of the heavy lifting.

After the rally, Michelle surprised volunteers and staff in the South Santa Fe - Zafarano Field Office. She meet with everyone and then made some phone calls to voters.

Check out some pictures from the day...and then signup to volunteer and help us elect the next President.

Rural Voters, Elderly Voters, New Mexicans For Change

Taj — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:30:59 EDT

I made lots of calls last night and encountered some rural voters who were also very elderly. I was happy to learn that these rural communities are organized enough to have transportation for these voters already in place for election day. In New Mexico, this type of organizing in the rural areas is quite a surprise! I think it is really a testament to the amount of people seeking change in our state. My phone bank experience using the neighbor to neighbor tools was terrific and simple. I will do more tonight!

American Stories, American Solutions

Shayne Adamski — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 02:49:40 EDT

Tonight, the campaign aired a special 30 minute program in which Barack addressed the nation about his plan for the country and the issues that are at stake in this election. In case you missed any part of it, or if you want to watch it again or share with your friends, you can watch the full program below:

We need your help to get out the vote across the state. Signup to volunteer this weekend.

Video: Voter Protection

Shayne Adamski — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:26:29 EDT

Watch this video that describes your rights to vote, as well as acceptable forms of ID.

Here are a couple of points to remember....

* If you have not received your absentee ballot, go to your County Clerk's office on Mon, Nov 3 or your polling place on Tues, Nov 4 to get another ballot.

* If this is your first time voting and you registered by mail without including ID, you must bring ID. The ID address does not need to match your registration address.

* If asked by an election official to remove your Obama gear, remove it (or cover it up) and then VOTE. It's your right to vote!

Video from Barack's rally: VOTE EARLY and THEN VOLUNTEER

Shayne Adamski — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:14:32 EDT

Watch this video of Obama supporters and Barack himself, encouraging you to Early Vote (find your location) so you can volunteer this weekend and on Election Day.

We need everyone's help. Our time is now.

Barack comes to ABQ and 50,000 people show up

Shayne Adamski — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:05:08 EDT

Sen. Obama was in Albuquerque on Saturday for a night time rally at UNM. The energy and excitement of the crowd was palpable, as everyone was eager to hear from him as we enter the last few days of this campaign.

With a backdrop of a huge "Change We Need" sign, Sen. Obama took the stage and was greeted by 50,000 people.

Sen. Obama talked about the state of the economy and his plan for creating jobs, and told the crowd that he needs everyone to vote early and then volunteer the last 4 days of the Election (November 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th - Election Day) so we can win this thing.

If history is any indicator of the future, this could be a close race and we need to make sure everyone votes! We can't take anything for granted.

Check out some pictures from the awesome evening... and then signup to volunteer to help elect Barack the next President of the United States.

Michelle Obama to Visit Las Vegas, New Mexico on Tuesday

Shayne Adamski — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 02:04:03 EDT

Michelle Obama will visit New Mexico on Tuesday to rally supporters in Las Vegas and to discuss why Barack will be an extraordinary president for this nation. Mrs. Obama will also discuss the Obama-Biden plan to turn around the country's economy and the historic nature of this election. She will encourage New Mexicans to take part in the early voting process in advance of Election Day and help bring the change we need in Washington.

Early Vote for Change Rally with Michelle Obama
Historic Old Town Plaza
Plaza Street
Las Vegas, NM 87701

Tuesday, October 28
Doors Open: 11:00 am
Program Begins: 12:15 pm

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required but an RSVP is strongly encouraged.

Space is available on a first come first serve basis.

***For security reasons, do not bring bags and please limit personal items. No signs or banners permitted.***

Healthcare Town Hall

Shayne Adamski — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 17:25:05 EDT

United States Senator Jeff Bingaman, Former New Mexico Secretary of Health Michelle Lujan Grisham and Family Practice Physician Dr. Daniel Derksen hosted a town hall for Albuquerque citizens interested in learning more about the Obama-Biden healthcare plan.

The speakers gave a summary of the Obama-Biden healthcare plan and answered questions attendees had regarding different aspects of the plan.

In the audience were small business owners, retirees, healthcare advocates, doctors and veterans. Read about the Obama-Biden healthcare plan.

Catholic groups launches pro-Obama web site

Connie from Memphis, TN — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 21:56:05 EDT

http://blogs.reuters.com/trail08/2008/10/22/catholic-groups-launches-pro-obama-web-site/

Catholic groups launches pro-Obama web site

DALLAS - Catholics for Obama has just launched a web site as the Nov. 4 White House race between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain enters its final laps.

Catholics, who account for close to a quarter of the U.S. adult population, comprise a key religious group that both sides have tried to woo. In closely contested swing states such as Ohio or Florida the Catholic vote could make a difference.

The web site is sure to stoke controversy in Catholic circles with this statement: “Is Barack Obama really pro-life? The answer is ‘yes.’ Looking through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching, Senator Obama has spent his entire career striving for the common good. He supports health care programs that will cover all Americans, a living wage for working families, and solutions that allow distressed families to stay in their homes.”

It goes on to say that Obama, a strong advocate like his party of abortion rights, will reduce the number of abortions by promoting health care for pregnant women and infant care.

Pictures and video from Early Vote rallies

Shayne Adamski — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:59:14 EDT

On Saturday, October 18, the Campaign for Change kicked off Early Vote with numerous events throughout the state. There was a lot of momentum and energy on the first day of voting in New Mexico, and there continues to be even today, as I post this article. People across the state and across the country want change.

Remember, in New Mexico, today is Election Day. You can Early Vote at any location in your County. Visit www.voteforchange.com to the find the Early Vote location closest to you. Early Voting is just like voting on November 4th, and by voting now, you can help us Get Out the Vote the last 4 days of the campaign and help us win this election.

Thank you to everyone who attended an Early Vote Rally, and to everyone who has already VOTED!

And a special thank you to the following people who spoke at our events.

* Senator Jeff Bingaman
* Senator Ken Salazar (CO)
* Governor Bill Richardson
* Lt. Governor Diane Denish
* Attorney General Gary King
* State Treasurer James Lewis
* Catholic Advocate Ron Cruz
* Albuquerque City Councilor Mike Cadigan
* Albuquerque City Councilor Debbie O'Malley
* State Senator Howie Morales
* State Democratic Party Chairman Brian Colon
* State Representative Al Park
* State Representative Candidate Tim Keller
* Native American Affairs Secretary Alvin Warren
* Mayor of Espanola Joe Maestas

Check out pictures from events across the state....

Check out a video from the day....

First 50 Elected Officials Vote Early for Barack Obama

Shayne Adamski — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:01:16 EDT

Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez is One of the First to Cast His Vote for Change

Albuquerque, N.M. – Today, Campaign for Change announced that 50 elected officials voted early for Barack Obama to encourage New Mexicans to take advantage of Early Vote. Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez, who early voted for Barack Obama said:

"I was honored to be one of the first New Mexicans to cast my vote for Barack Obama. Vote early. Get others to vote early. Early voting counts the same as voting Election Day, and frees you up to spend Election Day helping elect Barack Obama and reduce Election Day lines."

Other officials who have voted early for Barack Obama include:

* Attorney General Gary King
* State Representative Antonio "Moe" Maestas
* State Representative Rick Miera
* State Representative Mary Helen Garcia
* Senate Majority Whip Mary Jane Garcia
* State Representative John Pena
* State Representative Richard Vigil
* State Representative Thomas Swisstack
* State Representative Jim Trujillo
* State Representative Peter Wirth
* State Representative Elias Barela
* State Representative Nathan Cote
* Carlsbad City Councilman Paul Aguilar
* Santa Fe County Commissioner Mike Anaya
* Sierra County Commissioner Walter Armijo
* Mesilla Trustee Carlos Arzabal
* Albuquerque City Councilman Isaac Benton
* District Attorney Kari Brandenburg
* Santa Fe City Councilwoman Patti Bushee
* Albuquerque City Councilman Michael Cadigan
* Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez
* San Juan County Commissioner Ervin Chavez
* Luna County Sheriff Raymond Cobos
* Santa Fe Mayor David Coss
* Cibola County Treasurer Norma Vigil Dominguez
* Carrizoza Trustee Dennis Dunnum
* Espanola City Councilor Danielle Duran
* Columbus Mayor Eddie Espinoza
* Bayard City Councilwoman Jovita Gonzales
* Taos County Commissioner Nicklos E. Jaramillo
* Quay County Commissioner Robert Lopez
* Fort Sumner Village Councilmember Selestino Lovato
* Espanola Mayor Joseph Maestas
* Colfax County Commissioner Jim Maldonado
* Aztec City Commissioner Diana Mesch
* Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima
* Santa Fe County Commissioner Harry Montoya
* Mora County Treasurer Ida Mora
* Albuquerque City Council Debbie O'Malley
* San Miguel County Treasurer Alfonso Ortiz
* Dona Ana County Assessor Gary Perez
* Valencia County Commissioner Pedro Rael
* Hatch Village Municipal Judge Sabino Ramirez
* Capitan Village Trustee Diane Riska
* San Miguel County Commissioner-Chair David Salazar
* Eddy County Treasurer Emma Salgado
* Hatch Village Trustee Roberto Torres
* San Miguel County Sheriff Benjamin Vigil
* Santa Fe County Commissioner Virginia Vigil
* Taos County Assessor Darlene Vigil

Navajo Nation Council Endorses Barack Obama and Joe Biden

Shayne Adamski — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:53:30 EDT

The campaign recently made the following announcement:

Tuesday, Senator Barack Obama accepted the endorsement of the Navajo Nation Council. The Council endorsed Obama and Senator Joe Biden on a vote of 59 to 21 at their fall legislative meeting. This endorsement is the latest of more than 100 tribal leaders, tribal organization and tribes that have endorsed Senators Obama and Biden.
Senator Obama said, "I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Navajo Nation. I look forward to partnering with Indian tribes, including the Navajo Nation, on a government-to-government basis, to address the special challenges facing tribes today, including access to affordable healthcare, economic development, energy independence, and education. Joe Biden and I look forward to working with the Navajo Nation and all of Indian Country to bring about the change we need."
The Navajo Nation is comprised of over 250,000 members on the largest federally recognized Native American Nation, located around Southeastern Utah, Northeastern Arizona and Northwestern New Mexico.

Early Vote for Change Rally with Barack Obama

Shayne Adamski — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 23:13:31 EDT

Please join us Saturday, October 25th, for a rally with Barack Obama in Albuquerque:

Early Vote for Change Rally with Barack Obama

University of New Mexico
Johnson Field
Corner of Girard Blvd. and Central Ave.
Albuquerque, NM

Saturday, October 25th
Doors Open: 7:00 pm

The event is free and open to the public; tickets are not required but an RSVP is strongly encouraged.

For security reasons do not bring bags or umbrellas and please limit personal items. No signs or banners allowed.

Parking is limited. Carpooling is encouraged.

Drive for Change: from Chicago to New Mexico

Shayne Adamski — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EDT

[ article by Kevin Flynn, Chicago HQ and Shayne Adamski, New Mexico HQ ]

A lot of people ask the question, "what can I do?" With 14 days until Election Day, there's a lot that you can do. Despite what polls say, they don't matter on Election Day, especially if no one votes.

At the end of the day, it's all about who has more votes, and if history is any indicator of the future and how close the race could be this year, here are some numbers to keep in mind: in 2004, we lost New Mexico by about 4 votes per precinct, and in 2000, Al Gore beat George W. Bush by just 366 votes. Three Hundred Sixty-six votes. Every vote counts.

We need everyone's help. If you live in New Mexico, visit your local field office and volunteer today. If you live out of state, you can travel to New Mexico and work with an amazing field operation. By coming to New Mexico, you have an opportunity to help win a battleground state in this historic election. If that doesn't answer the question, 'what can I do?' --- I'm not sure what does.

Austin K. and his girlfriend Liz L. decided that a road trip from their home in Chicago was in order to do their part, so they traveled to New Mexico. You can read about their trip....

We drove all the way from Chicago down to Albuquerque to volunteer full-time until election day for Barack. Liz is originally from Springfield, Missouri so we also stopped in to visit her parents to break up our trip. Between now and election day, Liz and I plan to help in every way we can to make sure every person in South Albuquerque gets to vote, wants to vote, and that every vote is properly counted.

In only a few days since we've arrived, we've made phone calls, walked neighborhoods, signed up volunteers, and helped open a brand new office in the South Valley. It is a ton of fun, and includes everything from persuading independent voters in their front yards under the hot Sunday sun to doing data entry late at night. This is my first ever trip to New Mexico, and only the second time for Liz.

The people here are all very warm and friendly, and so is the weather. The food is delicious, and chilies are everywhere you look. Housing and food are comparatively inexpensive, and the campaign has supporter housing available. If anyone is thinking about drying out and warming up from a bad Chicago fall season, this just might be the place.

Our Prayers are with you and your Grandmother, Barack.

I'm not Political, I'm GRASSROOTS! — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 21:25:58 EDT

God bless you at this time and may you find comfort in knowing that millions of your loyal followers are here to lift you up, and be there for you on he campaign trail.

We will pick it up and take on more campaigning on your behalf since you are doing exactly what you need to be doing at this time. She needs you.

We support you and your decision and we wish your grandmother a big get well soon!

Video: learn about Early Voting

Shayne Adamski — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 19:00:34 EDT

Daniel Suvor, Deputy Field Director, took a minute out of his busy day at HQ and recorded this video, encouraging all New Mexicans to get out there and Early Vote.

Watch the video and learn about Early Voting, and then share it with your friends.

Visit www.voteforchange.com to find your Early Vote location and bring 5 friends with you, to help us win New Mexico's 5 electoral votes. You can also visit our Election HQ.

The Las Cruces Sun-News endorses Barack

Shayne Adamski — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:16:07 EDT

On Satuday, the Las Cruces Sun-News endorsed Sen. Obama.

Read the article below, and share it with your friends and share your comments at the bottom of this post.

The Las Cruces Sun-News endorses Barack Obama for president of the United States.

Like many Americans, we would feel more comfortable with the Democratic nominee if we knew him a little better; if he had been on the national scene a little longer; if his résumé had been filled out a little more. But, we also share the belief of most Americans that our country is heading in the wrong direction and is in dire need of fundamental change.

A Gallup Poll released earlier this month showed just 9 percent of Americans said they're satisfied with the way things are going, the lowest ever in the 29 years Gallup has asked the question.

Our economy is teetering, with the stock market losing trillions of dollars in value in a single week, jeopardizing the retirement plans of millions of Americans. Unemployment is up, retail and home sales are down and economists warn of a long, continued downturn. Our military is bogged down in Iraq while terrorists are regrouping in Afghanistan. And, our ability to rally world support has been badly damaged by substantiated allegations of torture and by eight years of arrogance and indifference toward traditional allies.

John McCain, Obama's Republican opponent, is an honorable man who served our country with valor during the Vietnam war and has gone on to forge a Senate career best known for his work across party lines. It is not fair or accurate to suggest that McCain's election would represent a third Bush term.

But on the most fundamental issues we face, McCain is offering a tweak or a minor adjustment to current policy, when what is needed is an overhaul. He favors continuation of a tax plan that widens the gap between the very wealthy and the very poor, and a foreign policy that has been obsessed on Iraq at the expense of other trouble spots, including Afghanistan and Pakistan from where the 9-11 plot was orchestrated.

Obama cannot match his more experienced opponent in legislative accomplishments. The senator from Illinois burst onto the national scene four years ago with his stirring speech at the Democratic Convention. He announced his candidacy In February 2007, and went on to defeat a stellar field of Democratic contenders, including our own Gov. Bill Richardson and Sen. Hillary Clinton. Along the way, he has appeared in almost 30 debates, given hundreds of stump speeches and spoken with thousands of reporters.

While Obama's résumé may be thin, his talents and abilities are anything but. In the nearly two years since his announcement, Obama has inspired a flock of new voters who are excited about the U.S. political system for the first time in their lives. He has demonstrated steady leadership and a keen intellect at a time when those qualities are most needed.

Joe Biden Rallies Mesilla

Shayne Adamski — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 02:55:01 EDT

Joe Biden visited Mesilla on Friday and talked to New Mexicans about how an Obama-Biden Administration will bring much needed change to New Mexico. He also talked about Barack's plan to strengthen the economy and support the working families of New Mexico.

He encouraged everyone in the crowd to vote early, and asked everyone to make sure their friends and family Early Vote.

Take a look at these photos from the event, and then visit www.voteforchange.com to find your Early Voting polling location.

McCain Denies Black Relatives

Cory from Albuquerque, NM — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:55:10 EDT

Some of McCain's black relatives support Obama BY ELGIN JONES In the rural Teoc community of Carroll County, Miss., where the ancestors of Sen. John McCain owned enslaved Africans on a plantation, black, white and mixed-race family members unite every two years for their Coming Home Reunion, on the land where the plantation operated.

Some of McCain’s black family members say they are not sure exactly where they fall on the family tree, but they do know this: They are either descendants of the McCain family slaves, or of children the McCains fathered with their slaves.

White and black members of the McCain family have met on the plantation several times over the last 15 years, but one invited guest has been conspicuously absent: Sen. John Sidney McCain.

“Why he hasn’t come is anybody’s guess,” said Charles McCain Jr., 60, a distant cousin of John McCain who is black. “I think the best I can come up with, is that he doesn’t have time, or he has just distanced himself, or it doesn’t mean that much to him.”

Other relatives are not as generous.

Lillie McCain, 56, another distant cousin of John McCain who is black, said the Republican presidential nominee is trying to hide his past, and refuses to accept the family’s history.

“After hearing him in 2000 claim his family never owned slaves, I sent him an email,” she recalled. “I told him no matter how much he denies it, it will not make it untrue, and he should accept this and embrace it.”

She said the senator never responded to her email.

Although Charles is uncertain who will get his vote for president, several of John McCain’s black and white relatives are supporting his Democratic rival, Sen. Barack Obama.

“I am absolutely supporting Obama, and it’s not because he’s black. It’s because he is the best person at this time in our history,” said Lillie McCain, a professor of psychology at Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan.

“We simply need to look at the economy, and McCain’s campaign does not take us there,” said Joyce McCain, Lillie’s sister, a retired engineering manager with General Motors who lives in Grand Blanc, Michigan. “He is my cousin, but we are in dire times right now and people are hurting. Sen. Obama is clearly the best choice to be president.’’

Charles McCain and his wife, Theresa, who still live in Teoc, started the reunions over a decade ago. Charles is the deacon of Mitchell Springs Baptist Church, the only black house of worship in the area.

When Theresa McCain started the family reunions in the late 1980s or early ‘90s (neither he nor his wife is sure of the exact starting date), only black family members attended. But as word spread about the gatherings, white members of the McCain family got involved. Today, the reunion has expanded to the point where it is becoming a community event.

The reunion’s website, teocfamilyreunion.ning.com, has pictures, postings and other information about the family gatherings. While Sen. McCain’s brother, Joe, and many of his other white relatives attend the reunions, family members say Sen. McCain has never acknowledged them, or even responded to their invitations.

“Well, a lot of the people who had moved away and were living up north, would send money to help us maintain the church,” said Theresa McCain, 62. “Myself and others began inviting them back home for picnics, just to show our appreciation.”

The McCain campaign did not respond to repeated questions about John McCain’s black relatives, or about his relatives of both races who support Obama. Pablo Carrillo, a media liaison with the McCain campaign, said the senator was aware of his African-American relatives, but asked the reporter to put his questions into writing, and that someone would get back to him.

After the reporter sent questions in writing, and made repeated follow-up phone calls, neither Sen. McCain nor anyone else from the campaign responded.

Based on information obtained by the South Florida Times, the senator has numerous black and mixed-raced relatives who were born on, or in, the area of the McCain plantation. The mixed races in the family can be traced back to the rural Teoc community of Carroll County, Miss., where his family owned slaves.

Sen. John McCain’s great, great grandfather, William Alexander McCain (1812-1863), fought for the Confederacy and owned a 2,000-acre plantation named Waverly in Teoc. The family dealt in the slave trade, and, according to official records, held at least 52 slaves on the family’s plantation. The enslaved Africans were likely used as servants, for labor, and for breeding more slaves.

William McCain’s son, and Sen. John McCain’s great grandfather, John Sidney McCain (1851-1934), eventually assumed the duty of running the family’s plantation.

W.A. “Bill” McCain IV, a white McCain cousin, and his wife Edwina, are the current owners of the land. Both told the South Florida Times that they attend the reunions. They also said the McCain campaign had asked them not to speak to the media about the reunions, or about why the senator has never acknowledged the family gatherings.

In addition to distancing himself from his black family members, John McCain has taken several positions on issues that have put him at odds with members of the larger black community.

While running for the Republican Party nomination in 2000, he sided with protesters who were calling for the rebel battle flag to be removed from the South Carolina statehouse, only to alter that position later.

"Some view it as a symbol of slavery. Others view it as a symbol of heritage,” John McCain said of the flag. "Personally, I see the battle flag as a symbol of heritage. I have ancestors who have fought for the Confederacy, none of whom owned slaves. I believe they fought honorably.’’

Novelist Elizabeth Spencer, another white cousin of John McCain, noted the slaves the family owned in the family’s memoirs, Landscapes of the Heart. Sen. McCain has acknowledged reading the book, but claims to have only glossed over entries about their slaves.

“That’s crazy,” said Spencer, who also attends the reunions in Teoc. “No one had to tell us, because we all knew about the slaves. I may not vote, because I don’t want anyone to think that I have an issue with John, but I don’t want to see him become president because I think Obama is entirely adequate, and it’s time for a Democrat.’’

Spencer acknowledged donating money to the Obama campaign and to what she called “Democratic causes.”

Sen. John McCain was born in 1936 at the Coco Solo Naval Air Station, a segregated military installation in the Panama Canal, where his father was stationed in the U.S. Navy. His family returned to the states shortly after his birth; where he went on to attend segregated schools in the Teoc community and elsewhere around the country.

He served in the Navy, where he was a prisoner of war during Vietnam, before being released and eventually running for Congress.

After he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982, McCain voted against the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday in 1983. When he arrived in the U.S. Senate in 1986, he joined North Carolina Sen. Jesse Helms in opposing the holiday again, and voted in 1994 to cut funding to the commission that marketed it.

John McCain also aligned himself with former Arizona Gov. Evan Mecham.

Mecham was the governor in McCain’s home state of Arizona from January 1987 to April 1988, when he was impeached and removed from office for campaign finance violations. As a state senator and governor, Mecham publicly used racial slurs against black people and other minorities. He was also a member of the John Birch Society, which opposes civil rights legislation. In 1986, Mecham campaigned for governor on a promise to rescind the state’s recognition of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, which he did in 1987.

Earlier this year, during the 40th anniversary recognition of King’s assassination, McCain, by this time a presidential candidate, said he was wrong for opposing the national King holiday.

Politics in America has long been steeped in the dynamics of the country’s myriad cultures, diverse ethnicities, and varying religious beliefs. Several of Sen. McCain’s black relatives say Obama’s candidacy represents progress.

“He is denying his black and white relatives in Teoc,” said Joyce McCain, 54,. “I think he may not want the country to know his family’s full history, but times have changed and we need to move on, and that’s why I’m supporting Obama.”

n EJones@sfltimes.com This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Photo: Lillie McCain, left, and her husband, Jack Vickers, right, pose with Joe McCain, center, during this year’s family reunion.

Last Updated ( Saturday, 18 October 2008 )

http://www.sfltimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2041&Itemid=42

Every day is Election Day in New Mexico

Shayne Adamski — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 15:19:41 EDT

Starting today, every day is Election Day in New Mexico.

Early voting is fast, easy, and it could make the difference in this crucial battleground state. Show your friends and family that you've made up your mind and you're ready for change now.

Take the first step today. Find your Early Vote location.

Early voting is simple, safe, and convenient. It's also a vital part of our strategy.

The more supporters who make their voices heard now, the more energy and resources we can devote to our get out the vote efforts closer to Election Day.

All across the country, supporters like you are working together to grow this movement for change. We know that New Mexico families can't afford four more years of failed Bush-McCain policies.

This is our chance to take America in a new direction -- so the next four years don't look like the last eight.

Make your voice heard. http://www.voteforchange.com

The Obama-Biden Tax Relief Calculator

Shayne Adamski — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:15:39 EDT

We've launched a new feature on the website that allows you to calculate the savings your family will received under Barack and Joe's tax plan, and compare that to the very little the McCain tax plan has to offer most Americans.

Find out what this means for you and your family -- use our new tax calculator:

Scholastic Vote Results are IN!

I'm not Political, I'm GRASSROOTS! — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:21:32 EDT

57% OBAMA

39% McCain

It's official. At least for the kids! The Scholastic Presidential Election Poll results are in: Democratic nominee Senator Barack Obama won with 57 percent of the vote, to 39 percent for Republican nominee Senator John McCain.

The poll was open to kids from grades 1 to 12 in Scholastic News and Junior Scholastic magazines. Almost 250,000 (a quarter of a million) kids voted by paper ballot or online at www.scholastic.com/news. The poll closed on October 10.

Since 1940, the results of the student vote have mirrored the outcome of the general election all but twice: In 1948, kids voted for Thomas E. Dewey over Harry S. Truman. In 1960, more students voted for Richard M. Nixon than for John F. Kennedy. In 2000, a majority of student voters chose George W. Bush, mirroring the Electoral College result, but not the result of the popular vote.

Obama and McCain weren't the only vote getters. Four percent of the students voted for other people like comedian Stephen Colbert, and entertainers Miley Cyrus, and the Jonas Brothers. It was the highest percent of write-in votes in the history of the poll. Some even voted for themselves. Most of the write-in votes —11 percent of the 4 percent—were for Senator Hillary Clinton.

Write the emails...get this guy fired!!

I'm not Political, I'm GRASSROOTS! — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:04:09 EDT

Take action after you read this:

Jeff Frederick, the Republican Party, and the McCain campaign cannot be allowed a pass on smears such as this against Barack Obama. Obama supporters and other concerned parties are encouraged to contact the GOP and the McCain campaign, demand an apology from both, and demand Frederick's resignation:

McCain national campaign: info@johnmccain.com

McCain Virginia campaign virginia@johnmccain.com

Republican National Committee (Mike Duncan, Chair): chairman@gop.com

Virginia Republican Party: info@rpv.org

::::::::

The Republican national campaign reached a new low over the weekend when chairman Jeffrey M. Frederick of the Virginia Republican Party (pictured here) compared Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama to terrorist leader Osama bin Laden. Clumsily associating Obama with 60s militant William Ayers - a man with whom Obama was loosely acquainted within the context of legitimate charity work in Chicago - Frederick told McCain volunteers in Virginia that Obama and bin Laden "both have friends that bombed the Pentagon," concluding that this means Obama is "scary." These remarks were understood as talking points for the volunteers to convey to the voters of Virginia.

Democrats are understandably outraged by Frederick's comments, saying that this is only the latest in a series of inflammatory statements made by Republicans against Obama in the crucial battleground state of Virginia. First reported Oct. 12 in Time, Frederick's remarks are discussed further in the same date's Washington Post. Frederick stood by his statements when questioned later, and John McCain has declined to condemn or comment on Frederick's remarks. Meanwhile, even Republicans have conceded that smears like Frederick's against Obama are a loser's game.

Frederick's comparison of Obama with bin Laden is obviously not only inflammatory but ridiculous: Bin Laden was directly responsible for the 9/11 attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center which killed thousands of people. Ayres was a member of a group that carried out a 1972 bombing at the Pentagon in which no one was hurt or killed, and with which then ten-year-old Barack Obama was in no way associated. Ayres is now is now a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and once served on a charity board of which Obama was also a member. Obama has condemned Ayers's actions in the 1960s and 1970s, and describes him as "a guy who lives my neighborhood."

Frederick's remarks are the latest in a series of inflammatory statements by Republicans campaigning in Virginia. Recently, the head of the McCain campaign in Buchanan County, Virginia, was forced to resign after he published a column in a local newspaper including openly racist comments about Obama and African Americans as well as disparaging statements about immigrants and gay people. Recently also, John McCain's brother Joe described suburban Alexandria and Arlington County in Northern Virginia as "communist country."

Native American Health Issues Forum

Shayne Adamski — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 03:10:00 EDT

Last Monday, members of the Albuquerque Native American community joined the Campaign for Change to discuss health issues impacting the urban Native American community. Wizi Garriott, National Native American Vote Director, discussed the Obama-Biden plan to benefit Indian country and answered questions from participants.

Visit the NM Native Americans for Obama page.

Video: Voting by Mail in New Mexico

Shayne Adamski — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:19:09 EDT

This election, we're encouraging our supporters to Vote by Mail.

Watch this video that we put together that explains how to request a Vote by Mail ballot, as well as how to properly fill out your ballot and return it.

Please share this page with all of your friends and visit http://www.voteforchange.com

Tuesday is the last day you can register to vote

Shayne Adamski — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:26:27 EDT

Tuesday, October 7 is the last day that you can register to vote in New Mexico.

Are you registered? Is every member of your family registered? Are all of your friends registered?

Visit www.voteforchange.com to register right now. Your registration has to be postmarked with either today's date or Tuesday's date: October 7.

If you can't get it postmarked by tomorrow, then stop by your local field office and register to vote there. Here's a list of all of our offices.

New Health Care Ad: "Prescription"

Shayne Adamski — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 21:25:57 EDT

Today, the Obama-Biden campaign released another 30 second TV ad, Prescription, which highlights how John McCain would tax health care benefits for the first time ever. And, the health care tax credit that McCain is promising, according to his own website, it goes straight to the insurance companies, not to the American people, leaving the middle class on their own to pay for this McCain health insurance tax.

Watch the video and share it with your friends. And then visit the Healthcare Issues page, where you can read Barack and Joe's plan to offer all New Mexicans affordable, quality healthcare.

Biden Absolutely Rocked!

Cory from Albuquerque, NM — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:50:44 EDT

Joe Biden absolutely rocked tonight!! Gov. Palin showed her obvious inexperience, her nervousness, and her not being ready to lead our country. She spewed out lies about Obama and Biden just as McCain did in his first debate with Obama and continues to do. Gov. Palin claimed that she was a very proud American. Yet a few years ago, she was part of a group that wanted Alaska to secede from the United States of America. Clearly, Obama and Biden are the leaders we need come January 2009.

Obama Postcard Writers Needed

Cory from Albuquerque, NM — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:59:52 EDT

We're looking for people to volunteer in writing 10, 20, 30, or more postcards with one or two sentences about why you are supporting Obama for President and putting a 27-cent stamp on each postcard. Details are at: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/444zy

Please pass the word :)

Last chance to grow this movement

Shayne Adamski — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:57:27 EDT

Brent Messenger, the New Mexico Field Director sent this email out today:

Dear Shayne,
Saturday marks exactly one month until Election Day. And with so little time remaining, we need your help more than ever.
This is the last weekend before New Mexico's voter registration deadline on Tuesday, October 7th.
That's why we're counting on supporters like you to help bring more people into the political process before it's too late.
We've set a goal of 4,000 Obama supporters joining a canvass this weekend to do the kind of work that wins elections -- talking to neighbors, registering people to vote, and growing this movement for change.
Sign up to join a canvass near you and start making a difference this weekend.
34 days is all the time we have left to help Barack win New Mexico. But poll after poll shows a very close race -- we can't stop now.
Our state is a crucial general election battleground, and we need to win here.
Invite a friend to join you at a weekend canvass to bring us closer to our 4,000-person goal, and closer to victory in November:
http://nm.barackobama.com/NMregions
We can't do this without you.
Thanks,

Brent
Brent Messenger
Field Director
New Mexico Campaign for Change
P.S. -- If you can't make it to a canvass this weekend, take a moment to share with your neighbors how you feel about Barack's plan to fix our economy and strengthen the middle class. Our online letter-to-the-editor tool makes it easier than ever to make your voice heard, so get started today:
http://nm.barackobama.com/NMyourvoiceEcon

Obama Ahead by 7 Points!

Cory from Albuquerque, NM — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:11:20 EDT

Woohoo!! Obama leads McCain by 7 points, 48-41!

http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-general/20081001/AP.Poll.Presidential.Race/

Let's keep the momentum going :)

One percent

Mike from Lansing, MI — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 20:37:46 EDT

1%, or 1 vote out of 100

There have been 12 Presidential elections that were decided by less than a 1% margin; meaning if less than 1% of the voters in certain states had changed their mind to the other candidate the outcome of the entire election would have been different. More than half were decided by less than a 2% margin.

In 2004,    57,787 votes would have given us President Kerry.
In 2000,    269 votes would have given us President Gore
In 1996,    575,515 votes would have given us President Dole.

From ABC News:

http://blogs.abcnews.com/scienceandsociety/2008/09/squeakers.html

==========
"Squeakers"
Ned Potter
ABC News
September 29, 2008

How close have Presidential elections been? Closer, perhaps, than we ever guessed. Mike Sheppard, a grad student in statistics at Michigan State, has done a mathematical exercise that shows it.

He ran a computer program to answer this question: "What is the smallest number of total votes that need to be switched from one candidate to another, and from which states, to affect the outcome of the election?"

The answer: in some years, very, very few. Take a look at his analysis HERE. It shows the powerful interaction between the popular vote and the electoral college.

[...]
==========

Full article here:
http://blogs.abcnews.com/scienceandsociety/2008/09/squeakers.html

Detailed analysis here, including colored maps:
https://www.msu.edu/~sheppa28/elections.html

-Mike Sheppard

Caroline Kennedy Rallies Santa Fe

Shayne Adamski — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 03:35:51 EDT

Caroline Kennedy made a stop in Santa Fe last Friday to rally the troops as we near the Voter Registration deadline on Tuesday, October 7th.

She told the crowd that she's had so people come up to her during this campaign and tell her that they haven't felt this inspired by Barack since her father was President, and that that has meant a lot to her.

When she was done speaking, she took time to meet volunteers and sign autographs.

Check out some pictures from the event.

And if you have been moved and inspired and want CHANGE, now is the time to volunteer and get involved.

Hill Harper Kicks Off the Street Team Program

Shayne Adamski — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 01:29:56 EDT

Last week was the kickoff of the Stream Team in Albuquerque at Kelly's. More than 300 people signed up and committed to getting the word out about Obama-Biden and to register new voters before the Voter Registration deadline on Tues Oct 7.

The event was kicked off by local elected officials and actor Hill Harper, who has been friends with Barack since they attended law school together. He travels throughout the U.S. encouraging people to get involved in this campaign, so we can bring more people into the democratic process.

Check out some pictures from the event. And make sure you and all of your friends and family are registered to vote. Visit http://www.voteforchange.com

New Mexico: Register before it's too late

Shayne Adamski — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 14:05:57 EDT

Barack just sent out the following email to everyone in the state:

Shayne --
The last day to register to vote in New Mexico is Tuesday, October 7th.
Are you registered? Are your friends and family?
If you only forward one email to your friends, family, and neighbors today -- make it this one.
Each and every vote in New Mexico is absolutely crucial to victory on Election Day. In 2004, George Bush took the state by less than 1% of voters.
Visit VoteForChange.com, our one-stop voter registration website, and register before the New Mexico deadline.
Supporters like you have built the biggest grassroots movement in the history of American politics.
But in just 10 days, the time for bringing new voices into the political process will be over.
You need to be certain that you, your friends, and your family are registered by the deadline -- it's a small step that will have a huge impact on our Election Day results.
This election is too important to leave anything to chance. Make sure your voice is heard -- and forward this email to all the New Mexicans you know.
Thanks,
Barack

Typical Republican Reaction

Cory from Albuquerque, NM — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:28:22 EDT

Here we American have-nots are working our butts off trying to make ends meet while the haves propose to take more money out of our pockets and put them into the greedy American corporations' and rich folks' pockets to bail out our (our???) economy. Thank God we're so close to election day! Fired UP!!

Fri: Debate Watch Party; Sat and Sun: Register Voters

Shayne Adamski — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:07:20 EDT

On Fri, Sept 26, join fellow Obama supporters at debate watch parties throughout the whole state. As we get one step closer to Election Day, this debate will highlight the differences between the two candidates. Bring a friend too!

Click to host or attend a watch party.

And after we're all fired up from the debate, join us on Saturday and Sunday for our Walk for Change.

This is the second to last weekend that we have to register new voters before the Voter Registration deadline on Tues, Oct 7. The importance of this --- is that if someone wants to vote for Obama-Biden and it's after Oct 7, and they aren't already registered to vote, they can't vote. So we need everyone's help to reach as many voters as possible between now and Oct 7.

Click to join a canvass this weekend!

And make sure all of your friends are registered to vote TODAY. Visit www.voteforchange.com to register to vote. It's quick and easy.

Please spread the word and forward this to a friend.

Sarah Palin Qualified? Poll

Cory from Albuquerque, NM — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:38:22 EDT

[I fixed the link - sorry!!] PBS Now site has an unscientific poll asking if we think Sarah Palin is qualified to serve as VP of the U.S. URL: http://www.pbs.org/now/polls/poll-435.html

PBS's info about the poll: http://www.pbs.org/now/palin-poll.html

On the PBS home page, lower righ-hand corner, vote as to whom you trust more to fix this economic mess we're in, McCain or OBAMA :) http://www.pbs.org/now/index.html

2 Weeks Left to Register to Vote

Shayne Adamski — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 23:35:45 EDT

The deadline to register to vote in New Mexico is Tues Oct 7th -- that's 2 weeks from today!! We need every single vote we can get to win this election. You'd be surprised by how many people you know who aren't registered to vote.

Visit http://www.voteforchange.com to find out if you're registered to vote, and if you aren't, you can register right there on the site. You can even get all the info you need on absentee voting and early voting too!

Help spread the word to your friends online:

Change your profile picture on MyBO and the other social network sites that you’re on: save this picture to your desktop, and then upload it to make it your profile picture.

The more people that do this at the same time, the more visibility it will get!

Tell all of your friends about http://www.voteforchange.com.

Thanks for your help!

Barack in Espanola: "We're in this together"

Shayne Adamski — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:11:40 EDT

Barack held a rally in Espanola on Thursday, September 18, on a warm but beautiful day. He spoke to an energized crowd of 9,500 people and asked everyone in New Mexico to knock on some doors, make some phone calls, and talk to your neighbors.

"...if you will roll up their sleeves with me, if you will believe with me, then I promise you this, we will not just win NM, we will win this General Election, and then you, and I, together, we're going to change this country, and we're going to change the world.
...right here in NM, you’ll be the difference maker."

Visit http://nm.barackobama.com and get involved today!

Watch the closing remarks of Barack's speech:

Check out pictures from the day:

Watch the full speech:

Walk for Change: 3 Weekends Left to Register Voters

Shayne Adamski — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:21:36 EDT

Including this weekend, there are only 3 full weekends left to register voters until the Voter Registration deadline on Tuesday, October 7. After October 7, no one can register to vote in the General Election.

If people aren't registered to vote by October 7, they can't vote on November 4 for Obama-Biden. So please join us this weekend as we Walk for Change throughout the whole state.

Every voter that we talk to is important, and the more volunteers that we have out canvassing means that we talk to more voters.

Find a canvass near you: http://my.barackobama.com/nmregions

...and please spend part of your weekend with us.

This is the best thing that you can do for Barack and Joe, because it's all about the number of voters we register.

YES WE CAN!!

New Mexico Campaign for Change
http://nm.barackobama.com
text NM to 62262

Current Leadership - Where???

Cory from Albuquerque, NM — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:54:51 EDT

Regarding the current financial mess our country is in, White House press secretary Dana Perino tells the Associated Press: "While no one would have liked to have ended up in this situation, you have a government that is willing to lead." (http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/09/18/bush.economy/index.html)

If we had a government that was willing to lead, we wouldn't be in this mess. Let's get Obama in the White House and more democrats in Congress.

Gov. Richardson opens new South Santa Fe Office

Shayne Adamski — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:44:53 EDT

Governor Richardson kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month at our newest office in Santa Fe. The Santa Fe office is the campaign's 35th office in the state. At the opening, Gov. Richardson announced the launch of our newest group, Hispanics for Obama.

The New Mexico Campaign for Change is going to host a series of Hispanic policy roundtables and veterans tours around the state in the coming weeks.

The Gov. went on to stay:

"We will bring together Hispanic leaders from New Mexico and beyond to traverse the state, listen to the concerns of the Hispanic communities and deliver the message of change – change that Barack Obama will deliver for New Mexican families."

Joining Gov. Richardson were State Auditor Hector Balderas, Santa Fe County Commissioner Virginia Vigil, Speaker of the House Ben Lujan, and Santa Fe Mayor David Coss.

The crowd of 120 people was encouraged to sign up to phone bank and canvass, because it’s up to us to own a piece of this campaign and reach out to voters to win this election in November.

The Gov. also told the crowd:

"You will decide if we want a President who will stand up for Hispanic families all over New Mexico and the country or whether we will have 4 more years of the same failed Bush policies.

The address for the new office is:
Santa Fe – Zafarano Office
3494 Zafarano Drive, Suite B
Santa Fe, NM 87507

Please stop by and check out our new digs (and sign up to volunteer), and check out some pictures from the event...

South Valley Office now open for business (and field work)

Shayne Adamski — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:28:18 EDT

The South Valley field office officially opened its doors on Saturday, September 13 to a crowd of 150 people. U.S. Congressman Joe Baca, State Auditor Hector Balderas, State Senator-Elect Eric Griego, and State Senator Linda Lopez were in attendance. They talked about the importance of phone banking and knocking on doors, and getting out there and registering voters.

Congressman Baca passionately spoke about a lot of issues, including better healthcare for children and adults and a better education system for our children because No Child Left Behind is not working. He said all of these things are possible under an Obama administration and how important it is to elect Barack Obama as our next President.

Please stop by the office today and volunteer, because we need everyone’s help to elect Barack Obama President.

Here's the address:
Albuquerque - South Valley Office
3211 Coors Blvd SW, Suite A 3-4L
Albuquerque, NM 87121
(in the shopping center)
505-907-9028

Swing by and check out our new digs. And in the mean time, check out pictures from the event...

Barack Obama to Hold a "Change We Need" Rally in Espanola on Thursday

Shayne Adamski — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:23:18 EDT

Barack will return to New Mexico on Thursday, September 18 and host a Change We Need Rally at the Plaza Española in Española, New Mexico.

        CHANGE WE NEED RALLY WITH BARACK OBAMA
        Plaza de Española
        706 Bond St
        Española, NM 87532

        Doors Open: 10:30 am

The event is free and open to the public; however, a ticket is required. To access a ticket online, please visit http://nm.barackobama.com/espanolachange, or visit one of our ticket distribution locations listed below.

TICKET DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS

** Tickets will be available on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 am to 9 pm. **

Santa Fe Campaign for Change Office (St. Michaels)
720 St. Michaels Drive 2-N
Santa Fe NM 87505

Sante Fe Campaign for Change Office (Zafarano)
3494 Zafarano Drive Suite B
Santa Fe, NM 87507

Raton Campaign for Change Office
101 N. 3rd St.
Raton, NM 87740

Los Almos Campaign for Change Office
2610 Trinity Drive Suite 22
Los Alamos, NM 87544

Taos Campaign for Change Office
729 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur Unit A
Taos, NM 87571

Las Vegas Campaign for Change Office
213 Plaza St.
Las Vegas, NM 87701

Espanola Campaign for Change Office
209 N. Riverside Drive, Suite C
Espanola, NM 87532

Garrison Keillor's Op-Ed: " 'Throw the Bums out' Say the Bums"

Vicki "Hussein" in New Mexico — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 07:57:01 EDT

I enjoy Garrison Keillor and his radio show "A Prairie Home Companion". Last month, my husband and I happily attended his Rhubarb Tour show in Santa Fe. His funny, warm, and thoughtful music, prose, and humor are reminiscent of a fine blend of Woody Guthrie and Will Rogers -- American humor with a populist national conscience. He recently wrote in The Baltimore Sun his reflection on the Republican National Convention:

So the Republicans have decided to run against themselves. The bums have tiptoed out the back door and circled around to the front and started yelling, "Throw the bums out!" They've been running Washington like a well-oiled machine, to the point of inviting lobbyists into the back rooms to write the legislation, and now they are anti-establishment reformers dedicated to delivering us from themselves. And Giuliani is an advocate for small-town America. Bravo.

They are coming out for Small Efficient Government the very week that the feds are taking over Fannie and Freddie, those old cash cows, and in the course of a weekend 20 or 50 or (pick a number) billion go floating out the Treasury door.

It is a bold move on the Republicans' part - forget about the past, it's only history, so write a new narrative and be who you want to be - and if they succeed, I think I might declare myself a 24-year-old virgin named Lance and see what that might lead to. Paste a new face on my Facebook page, maybe become the Dauphin Louie the 32nd, the rightful heir to the Throne of France, put on silk tights and pantaloons and a plumed hat and go on the sawdust circuit and sell souvenir hankies imprinted with the royal fleur-de-lis.

John McCain has decided to run as a former POW and a maverick, a maverick's maverick, rather than Mr. Bush's best friend, and that's understandable - but how can he not address the $3 trillion that got burned up in Iraq so far? It's real money; it could've paid for a lot of windmills, a high-speed rail line in Ohio, some serious research and development. The Chinese, who have avoided foreign wars for 50 years, are taking enormous leaps forward, investing in their economy, and we are falling behind. We're wasting our chances.

And a former mayor of a town of 7,000 who hired a lobbyist to get $26 million in federal earmarks is now running against the old-boy network in Washington who gave her that money to build the teen rec center and other good things so she could keep taxes low in Wasilla. Stunning. And if you question her qualifications to be the leader of the free world, you are an elitist. This is a beautiful maneuver. I wish I had thought of it back in school when I was forced to subject myself to a final exam in higher algebra. I could have told Miss Mortenson, "I am a Christian, and when you gave me a D you only showed your contempt for the Lord and for the godly, hard-working people from whom I have sprung, you elitist battleax, you."

In school, you couldn't get away with that garbage because the taxpayers know that if we don't uphold scholastic standards, we will wind up driving on badly designed bridges and go in for a tonsillectomy and come out missing our left lung, so we flunk the losers, lest they gain power and hurt us. But in politics, we bring forth phonies and love them to death.

When you check the actuarial tables on a 72-year-old guy who's had three bouts with cancer, you guess you may be looking at the first female president, a hustling evangelical with a chip on her shoulder who, not counting Canada, has set foot outside the country once - a trip to Germany, Iraq and Kuwait in 2007 to visit Alaskans in the armed service. And who listed a refueling stop in Ireland as a fourth country visited. She's like the Current Occupant but with big hair. If you want inexperience, there were better choices.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.keillor11sep11,0,4084302,print.story

Joe Biden Speaks to National HQ Staff and Volunteers

Shayne Adamski — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 15:49:10 EDT

Joe Biden recently visited the national Headquarters office in Chicago and spoke with the staff.

He talked about how excited he is to be a part of the team, and what a great organizational structure we've built to win this election.

Watch the video and share it with your friends....

Email from Gov. Richardson, asking us to help Barack bring real change to NM

Shayne Adamski — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 17:13:12 EDT

Earlier in the week, Gov. Richardson sent out an email to all Obama supporters in New Mexico asking us to help Barack bring real change to New Mexico.

As we enter this final stretch in the campaign, we need everyone's help.

* If you haven't volunteered yet, please spend a few hours of your week helping the campaign.

* If you're an active volunteer, thank you so much.

Here's Gov. Richardson's email:

Shayne,
Bring change to New Mexico Did you see what I saw?
If you watched the Republican National Convention last week, you saw a whole lot of insults thrown at Barack Obama and at people trying to make change in their communities.
But you didn't see a single real proposal for how to fix this economy.
Just last Saturday, John McCain and Sarah Palin were campaigning here in New Mexico because they know how important New Mexico is in the race for President.
Now, you have an opportunity to teach them something they apparently don't know -- how effective community organizing can be.
Check out Neighbor to Neighbor, a new online tool the Obama campaign developed that makes it easier than ever to grow this movement.
With Neighbor to Neighbor, they're putting the tools in your hands so you can make a difference right in your own community.
Just enter your name and location, and the website will provide you with a list of phone numbers and addresses of people near you to contact -- on your own time, and on your own schedule.
New Mexico was one of only two states that voted Democratic in 2000, but Republican in 2004. George W. Bush won on his second try in New Mexico by less than one percentage point -- not even 6,000 votes.
Once again, our state is a crucial general election battleground. Barack needs us to deliver New Mexico -- with your help, we can make it happen.
Act now to show the Republicans that real change comes from the bottom up -- and community organizing really works.
Use our new Neighbor to Neighbor tool today and start reaching out to your community:
http://nm.barackobama.com/n2n
In my lifetime of diplomacy and governing, our country has never faced as many difficult challenges as we do today.
America needs change. America needs Barack Obama.
Thanks,
Governor Bill Richardson
P.S. -- I want to tell you about another new way to make your voice heard. The Republicans want to make this election a smear contest, but if you take a moment to write a letter to the editor, you can help make sure it stays focused on the issues that matter to you. With our online letter to the editor tool, you can quickly and easily send a note to local and national newspapers. Get started right now and share why you're supporting Barack:
http://nm.barackobama.com/NMYourVoice

Two new ads from the campaign: 'Real Change' and 'Still'

Shayne Adamski — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 20:18:07 EDT

Today, the Obama campaign released two new 30-second TV ads, Real Change, which details what "change" is to Senator Obama and Still which details why John McCain would just be another out of touch president offering more of the same.

Watch Real Change...

Watch Still...

Click on "mail to a friend" to share this page with your friends to they can watch the new ads too.

Join us this weekend and Walk for Change

Shayne Adamski — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:15:48 EDT

We're entering a crucial time in the campaign --- there are just over 50 days left until November 4th and every day counts. Every day that goes by is a day that we can't get back, so we need to work hard every day.

Join us this weekend for our Walk for Change throughout the whole state. This is an opportunity for you to make a big impact because this is the best thing that you can do for the campaign and for Barack.

Every voter that we talk to is important, and the more volunteers that we have out canvassing means that we talk to more voters.

Please spend part of your weekend with us.

Find a canvass near you.

We'll see you this weekend!

Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the Anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks

Shayne Adamski — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:05:26 EDT

In remembrance of the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Senator Obama released the following statement:

Today, we honor the memory of the lives that were lost on September 11, 2001, and grieve with the families and friends who lost someone they loved in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We will never forget those who died. We will always remember the extraordinary efforts of our firefighters, police and emergency responders, and those who sacrificed their own lives on Flight 93 to protect their fellow Americans. And we give thanks for the Americans defending us every day in our communities at home, and in our military abroad.
On 9/11, Americans across our great country came together to stand with the families of the victims, to donate blood, to give to charity, and to say a prayer for our country. Let us renew that spirit of service and that sense of common purpose. Let us remember that the terrorists responsible for 9/11 are still at large, and must be brought to justice. Let us resolve to defeat terrorist networks, defend the American homeland, stand up for the enduring American values that we cherish, and seek a new birth of freedom at home and around the world.

South Valley Office Grand Opening

Shayne Adamski — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:13:11 EDT

(Update: the opening has been moved up to 5 pm instead of 7 pm.)

Join us for the grand opening of the South Valley Field Office on Saturday, September 13 at 5 pm.

The celebration will include elected officials, including Hector Balderas (State Auditor), food, and live music.

RSVP for the event

The New Mexico Campaign for Change is building a culture of participation and empowerment, and this new office is another step toward that goal.

If you can't make it to the grand opening, you’re more than welcome to stop by and check out the office in the coming days and find out about volunteer opportunities.

The South Valley Field Office is one of more than 25+ offices in the state. View a complete list of the NM offices.

Sen. Barack Obama to Return to New Mexico

Shayne Adamski — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EDT

The New Mexico Campaign for Change is pleased to announce that Sen. Obama will make his fifth visit to New Mexico on September 18th. Sen. Obama will host an event in northern New Mexico.

More details will be announced as soon as they are available.

Bookmark the New Mexico home page (nm.barackobama.com) so you can stay up to date.

Michelle Holds a Women for Obama Rally in Albuquerque

Shayne Adamski — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 23:57:17 EDT

Michelle was in Albuquerque yesterday and held a rally in the Student Union at the University of New Mexico. The event highlighted the importance of women in this election.

Michelle stressed that because this is the general election, there are voter registration deadlines in every state, and here in New Mexico, the deadline is October 7th. If you don't register to vote, your voice won't be heard in this presidential election.

So it's important for all women to get the word out and ask all of your friends and family to register to vote. You can also help us register new voters by joining a 30/30 squad.

Check out the slideshow below for more of what you might have missed.

New Mexico Office Spotlight: Nob Hill area of Albuquerque

Caitlin Harvey — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:14:45 EDT

Continuing our tour of our offices in New Mexico, today we're spotlighting our office in the Nob Hill area of Albuquerque.

Paul, a volunteer in our Nob Hill office, explains what motivated him to become involved in Barack's campaign for change:

I was a disciple of super conservative Barry Goldwater; however, the failed presidency of Bush and the disgusting "Swift Boating" negative attacks in the 2004 election created my passion for a "change" in Washington.

While visiting Borders bookstore in Albuquerque, I read a book entitled "Meet the Candidates" about the primary contenders. A mini-bio of Barack Obama stated there was no one in the U.S. Senate that could express himself as well as Barack. Impressed, I read his first book, "Dreams From My Father." Further impressed, I read his second book, "The Audacity of Hope".

I have to admit that Barack's election as President of Harvard Law's Law Review by itself is remarkable. That achievement is esoteric -- only an active or former law student can appreciate its significance. I went to the Internet to inquire about Barack -- then it happened. A group of dedicated field organizers introduced me to New Mexico's importance as a swing state.

I was called so many times that I became embarrassed that I was not in Barack's campaign office making phone calls or knocking on doors to accomplish something I WANTED.

I joined -- I was trained -- I continue to train -- my enthusiasm has accelerated. I badger them for perfection (upon reflection - I guess I have a runaway enthusiasm for change). I continue to train, phone bank, and knock on doors.

The energy of the office is intoxicating. Volunteers, like me, make calls, prepare packets for weekend canvasses, and enter data, transforming an old blues joint into a buzzing center of hope.

I feel good at the end of each day of vote getting. If we accomplish a real change I know it will be party because of my work. Every day I spend with my field organizer, André, I know we have made a difference.

At my neighborhood training, I was taught techniques to accomplish my goal of electing Barack Obama to the White House. The staff is also well trained, but they are also moral. Unlike "Swift Boating," the field organizers insist on simple, accurate, logic, not negative tactics.

I am glad I work with these advocates for a sensible government.

Get involved today by stopping by your local office to find out how you can make a difference in your community!

Register for Change Tomorrow!

Caitlin Harvey — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:31:23 EDT

Tomorrow in Santa Fe, Bernalillo, and Albuquerque, Democratic National Committee Chairman and former Governor of Vermont Howard Dean will hit the streets with actor/producer Kal Penn ("Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle," the TV show "House") as part of their Register for Change voter registration drive. Their drive (in a bus) takes them across the country getting the word out about the importance of voter participation.

Details are as follows:

Casa Solano Shopping Center – Parking Lot
Alameda St and Saint Francis
Santa Fe, NM
10:15 a.m.

Sandia Library
236 Sandia Day School Road
Bernalillo, NM
1:00 p.m.

Campaign for Change Volunteer HQ - Parking Lot
3523 Central Avenue
Albuquerque, NM
3:15 p.m.

If you can't make it out tomorrow, find another event in your area and get involved!

Town Hall Meeting in Albuquerque

Caitlin Harvey — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:11:01 EDT

Yesterday, a crowd of over 1,800 people came out to Rio Grande High School in the South Valley of Albuquerque to hear Barack speak at a town hall meeting. Barack was asked questions on a variety of issues, from the war in Iraq to Social Security.

One person asked Barack what his policies were on immigration. He said:

We are a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws....We've got to have better border security. We've got to crack down on employers who are hiring undocumented workers and exploiting them.

...We also need a system that allows undocumented immigrants who are in good standing to pay a fine, learn English, and go to the back of the line for the opportunity to become citizens.

...This country belongs to everybody. There's nobody who looks like a typical American. We are all Americans, and we've got to show each other respect.

After the event, I spoke to Peggi, a volunteer who phonebanks at our office at 6344 4th Street NW in Albuquerque.

Peggi thinks that Barack is "a remarkable person" who has "fresh ideas and knowledge." She says that he is "aware of diversity" and "makes me a more hopeful person." The economy and healthcare are important issues to Peggi, and she likes Barack's plans to address them.

Here is a slideshow of photos from the event:

Get involved today! Join a Neighborhood Team in your area!

Neighbors Uniting for Change: House Meeting in Albuquerque

Caitlin Harvey — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:45:27 EDT

On Sunday afternoon, Obama supporter Noreen held a house meeting in her home in Albuquerque. She told the group of about 15 people who gathered there that like Senator Obama, she strongly believes in community organizing, and that she learned about organizing when she was a member of her neighborhood association.

After everyone introduced themselves and spoke about what issues were most important to them, Campaign for Change Field Organizer Edward spoke about ways that everyone could volunteer right away in their own community. The group agreed to meet later in the week at Noreen's house to make phone calls to New Mexicans in their neighborhood.

After the meeting, I spoke to Paula, Melissa, and Steven, all of whom live in Noreen's neighborhood. Paul and Steven are married, and even though Melissa is their neighbor, they just met each other for the first time at the house meeting.

Melissa really enjoyed the house meeting because she says, "it let everyone get to know their neighbors and let them work together to create a plan of action." She hosted a house meeting a few weeks ago that only a few people showed up to, and she's happy that "the meetings are getting bigger and bigger."

Paula liked how the group thought about reasons that prevented people from voting and ways to overcome those excuses. She's ready for change in our country, and said:

My grandmother was a labor union organizer in the 1920s...I can't believe that people are still working in sweatshops. We need to care about the well being of people, not the well being of corporations.

Find a house meeting in your area or create your own today!

Rio Rancho Office Grand Opening Sat Aug 2nd @ 6pm

Raymond G. Sandoval, Esq. — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:12:38 EDT

Please join us this Saturday, August 2nd, at the grand opening of the Rio Rancho Obama Campaign for Change headquarters.

Come meet Campaign for Change staff and invited special guests, get to know fellow supporters in the area, and learn how you can make a difference in New Mexico.

Here are the details:

Rio Rancho Obama Campaign for Change
Headquarters Opening

4100 Southern Blvd, SE

Suite 6 (next to old city hall and PNM)
Southwest corner of SR 528 & Southern Blvd
Rio Rancho, NM 87124

Saturday, August 2nd, 2008
6:00 p.m.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/44jr5

Hope to see you there!

Obama Campaign forChange

Sincerely

Raymond G Sandoval

Raymond G Sandoval, Esq.

Obama Campaign for Change, a project of the NM Democratic Party

Rio Rancho Field Organizer

4100 Southern Blvd Suite 6

Rio Rancho, New Mexico

(505) 340-3411 office

(206) 719-9652 mobile

rsandoval@nmobama.com

Rio Rancho Obama Campaign for Change

Office hours: 10am - 8pm everyday

4100 Southern Blvd Suite 6

Corner of 528 and Southern Blvd, Rio Rancho, NM

Office Phone: 505.340.3411

Contact: Raymond G. Sandoval, Esq. Moblie: 206.719.9652

WE NEED YOUR HELP:

PHONE BANKING – we need to begin recruiting potential volunteers and speaking to Undecided voters, Hillary supporters and Leaning McCain supporters. We have four months to persuade these voters that their voice can be heard through our candidate. These votes are crucial to our success here.

VOTER REGISTRATION– we need to register as many people as possible to vote! Our campaign has thrived off of registering every single potential voter in every state, we want to ensure that every vote is heard. This is how we can win - every single phone call makes such a big difference.

CANVASS – one to one contact with voters is among the most effective ways to discuss and persuade voters to understand the importance of their vote. Please help us knock on doors, talk to voters and drop off important and informative literature.

JOIN MYBO GROUPS – the grassroots movement in every state is the backbone to this campaign. We have a helpful way to stay connected with each other and the campaign staffers through mybarackobama.com groups on our website. You can share stories, post events and discuss the issues of the campaign. Please go to mybarackobama.com and search under “groups” for your zipcode and join!

HOUSE AN OBAMA STAFFER OR FELLOW – we will be having many more staffers and volunteers flooding into New Mexico and will be needing housing! Please let us know if you have any extra space available. We promise we are great houseguests!

*YOU KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY BEST, WE NEED YOUR HELP*

YES WE CAN!

Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. - BARACK OBAMA, Feb. 5, 2008

Albuquerque Office Opening

Caitlin Harvey — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 22:40:21 EDT

This morning, over 1,000 New Mexicans attended Neighborhood Team Trainings throughout the state. After the trainings in Albuquerque, supporters headed to the official opening of our New Mexico Campaign for Change state headquarters, located at 117 Montclaire Drive SE!

New Mexico Campaign for Change General Election Director Matt Kasdan spoke about ways that supporters could volunteer, including joining a Neighborhood Team, making phone calls, and housing a staffer.

During the opening, I spoke with Evelyn and Robert, who had just met, and Robert's dog Chapstick.

Evelyn works in a church nursery and teaches a preschool Bible class. She has supported Senator Obama since January of this year. She says she agrees with Barack that "change happens from the bottom up. He's willing to listen to ideas from all people, that really impresses me." Evelyn has donated to the campaign and drove people to the polls on Primary Day in February. She's excited to phonebank for the campaign in the months leading up to November 4.

Robert, a visiting professor at the University of New Mexico, likes Barack's "approach to politics -- his use of collaborative methods of solving problems. I like his approach to international relations and his plans to work with other nations -- no one country can solve the world's problems on its own."

We'll be opening up offices all across New Mexico, so check back on nm.barackobama.com to find out when they're opening! In the meantime, be sure to find an event in your area and get involved!

Albuquerque Office Opening Tomorrow!

Caitlin Harvey — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:03:24 EDT

Tomorrow afternoon, Barack Obama’s Campaign for Change will host the
grand opening celebration of its Albuquerque headquarters!

Here are the details:

Albuquerque Office Opening

117 Montclaire Drive, SE (off of Central Avenue)
Albuquerque, NM 87108

Saturday, July 26
5:00 p.m.

Here are some pictures of some of our great volunteers making signs to decorate our new office with on Wednesday!

Sign up to let us know you'll be there tomorrow!

Unite for Change House Meeting in Albuquerque

Caitlin Harvey — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 20:24:33 EDT

Last night, Ann in Albuquerque hosted a "Unite for Change" house meeting, where people who had supported both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama met to discuss how they would unite the Democratic Party in their community and across the country.

Many of those in attendance, including Ann, were strong supporters of Hillary Clinton during the primaries. Ann said:

It was painful to lose that dream, but I'm impressed with the way that Barack Obama wants to do things. We want Obama to win, and we want to make sure that he hears our voices.

After introductions, everyone met in small groups to discuss issues such as energy and the environment, universal healthcare, and immigration. Once they decided on policy planks, they submitted their ideas to the campaign.

After the meeting, I spoke with Amy, a medical instrument technician at a VA hospital who supported Hillary Clinton during the primaries, but is now excited to support Barack and unite the Democratic Party.

Amy said:

I supported Hillary because I wanted a woman to be President. I believed that Hillary was psychologically tougher, but I've now realized that Barack is stronger. I'm really happy with him as our candidate.
In a way, I've always supported him. When I first heard him speak [at the Democratic National Convention] four years ago, I thought "this guy is great!"

Amy thought that the house meeting was "tremendous. It helped me clarify what my goals are, and gave me suggestions of concrete things that I can do to help the campaign." She's excited to help out in any way she can, including registering folks to vote.

The economy, healthcare, and the environment are all important issues to Amy. She says:

We need to get off of oil and look to alternative energies, such as solar panels. We have to develop contingency plans for global warming and stop adding to it and making it worse.

Find an event near you and get involved today!

John McCain Comes to the Hotel Albuquerque

Tom Udall — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:37:19 EDT

I just returned from the Democratic Party's protest near the Hotel Albuquerque where John McCain was speaking this afternoon and let me say, it was a great success!

The pep rally was hosted by Brian Colón, and included speakers from NM-01 Congressional Candidate Martin Heinrich to former Secretary of State Rebecca Vigil-Giron to State Senate candidate Victor Raigoza.

State Senate Candidate Victor Raigoza

The theme was clear: John McCain and the national GOP want more of the same, more of Bush's failed policies, and an endless war in Iraq with no clear exit strategy. Protesters were clearly angry about the Bush-McCain energy policy and the lack of a plan to bring down gas prices as well.

There were a steady stream of cars honking in support of the dozens of protesters carrying anti-McCain signs. Many protesters were wearing Heinrich, Obama, and yes, of course, Tom Udall stickers and t-shirts.

More Pictures on our FlickR.

Bryan Barash
Internet Communications Manager
Tom Udall for Senate

Rio Rancho Office Opening Soon!!!

Raymond G. Sandoval, Esq. — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:07:58 EDT

We are opening Our Rio Rancho office soon!!!!! Wooo-hooo!!!

Office Cleaning and Decorating Party next week

Contact me for Details.

Ray Sandoval 206.719.9652

This is too important to go unanswered; WE have to take responsibility--

Connie from Memphis, TN — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:27:29 EDT

Tell "THE TRUTH ABOUT TAXES"...McCain scaring working families--

EVERYDAY, in every city he speaks, McCain not only claims that Obama will raise everyone's taxes, he says Obama's tax proposal would raise rates on those who make as little as $32,000 a year. In a year where the economy is the number one issue to most undecided voters, we cannot afford ANY VOTER not to know the truth--

"If you are a family making $250,000 or less, I will not raise your taxes," Obama said. "Not your income tax. Not your payroll tax, not your capital gains tax. Not any tax. I will cut your taxes."

This is too important to go unanswered, I took an informal poll in my neighborhood, and even most of Obama supporters were unsure what his tax policy was...undecided voters thought just what they hear on the street or on Fox news.It's time we take responsibility for at least our neighbors, our friends and coworkers to know the truth about taxes.

And it's so simple to do...please take a moment to look at this "THE TRUTH ABOUT TAXES" factsheet. and in your spare time print some copies for your neighborhood, at the very least.

You can print it from this direct link--http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v254/giveupdefunk/std.jpg

This is too important to go unanswered,

"THE TRUTH ABOUT TAXES"

Connie from Memphis, TN — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:12:56 EDT

New Mexico Organizing Fellows Spotlight: Jordyn in Albuquerque

Caitlin Harvey — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 15:05:17 EDT

Jordyn, a native of New Mexico and a student attending college in Washington, D.C., has been a supporter of Barack since 2006, when she read Dreams From My Father and "observed his politics and strong character in action" while she worked as a U.S. Senate page. She's now working as an Obama Organizing Fellow in Albuquerque, registering voters and organizing volunteers.

Jordyn says that Barack is:

Truly a man of a different mold than 95% of the politicians this country has seen, and I am confident that he will make the changes this country so desperately needs.

Jordyn explains what made her apply to become a fellow and how her experience is going:

Because of my strong support for Barack and my constant interest in politics, my interest in becoming a fellow was quite natural. But more than that, I wanted to be empowered and to learn how to empower others in return, as Barack so brilliantly does. I really feel like I am helping to make history in this position, which is an unbelievable feeling.

...I don't know if I have had one "typical day" as a fellow. Each day brings with it a unique challenge or goal, and that is what I love about being a fellow. When I first started a few weeks ago, I did a lot of voter registration, but now, I am doing a lot more volunteer orchestration. I am also doing a lot to get a grassroots groups started out Laguna Pueblo, which is serving to be challenging, but I am so fired up about this cause that I am slow to get discouraged by bumps in the road. I often think of the challenges Barack faced as a community organizer and use his accomplishments (and his disappointments) as motivation to keep going.

Jordyn says that the most interesting part of being a fellow is:

Firing up others! Nothing compares to the feeling that comes with helping another person discover the power that already lies within.

Keep checking back for more updates from our Organizing Fellows in New Mexico! Want to get involved in our campaign in New Mexico? Sign up today!

Voter Registration at the Albuquerque City Fireworks

Caitlin Harvey — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 16:48:47 EDT

Yesterday, Obama staffers, fellows, and volunteers were out in full force at the Albuquerque City Fireworks at Balloon Fiesta Park.

Everyone had a great time registering hundreds of New Mexicans to vote and enjoying the beautiful weather!

We even had face painting for the kids while their parents registered!

All in all, it was a very successful day!

We have tons of voter registration events going on every day in New Mexico! Find the event nearest you and get involved today!

ONE HUNDRED!!!

Bradford "Hussein" Lyau — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:58:13 EDT

I now have friends on this site from 100 different countries!

Since I decided to participate actively in this website and keep track of how many countries in which I have Obama friends, it has taken me fourteen months to achieve this level of success.

For the record, here are the 100 countries, listed in chronological order of my befriending people from each country:

Netherlands, Iceland, France, Britain, Spain, Czech Republic, Cayman Islands, Uganda, Indonesia, Australia, Cyprus, Germany, Japan, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, China, Mexico, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Philippines, Jamaica, Pakistan, India, United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, Gambia, Portugal, South Korea, Ivory Coast, Bahamas, Belgium, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Morocco, Serbia, Ghana, Singapore, Thailand, Bulgaria, Brazil, Greece, Israel, Norway, Kenya, Trinidad and Tobago, Iran, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Dominican Republic, Peru, Guatemala, Malaysia, Cambodia, Tanzania, Hungary, Venezuela, Poland, Egypt, Tunisia, Maldives, Senegal, Chile, Cameroon, Bolivia, El Salvador, Columbia, Liberia, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Belarus, Russia, Panama, Bosnia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Bermuda, Croatia, Jordan, Botswana, Nepal, Nicaragua, Finland, Bangladesh, Slovenia, Zimbabwe, Togo, Barbados, Taiwan, Saint Lucia, Mauritius, Kazakhstan, Georgia, and Mali

By now I have multiple friends in most of these countries.

Of course Election Day is still a few months away and there is still time to reach people from countries not on my list.

Perhaps the most satisfying result is that I managed to get a university student from Denmark to come to New Mexico and volunteer on the campaign for the summer! His name is Caspar and his work on the campaign is part of his research for his studies. The Internet does work in politics, especially when the cause is right.

Here's to Senator Barack Obama, the world's choice for President of the United States!

Organizational Meeting in Albuquerque

Caitlin Harvey — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:34:35 EDT

Last night, over 60 people came out to an organizational meeting at the Plumbers and Steamfitters Hall in Albuquerque to find out about opportunities to become involved in the campaign.

Regional Field Directors Dan and Allison kicked off the meeting by thanking those in attendance for all their hard work thus far, and encouraging them to get involved in a voter registration drive this weekend.

Allison said:

You guys are the backbone of this campaign. You know your communities. You've worked on campaigns here before and know what works and what doesn't. The grassroots campaign is what makes the Obama campaign so different and so special.
We need you to step up and hold leadership roles in your precincts. Over the next few months, we are going to build teams everywhere so that there are phonebanks going on in every precinct every day until November.

Dan spoke about upcoming events in the Albuquerque area, including a pre-July 4 Voter Registration and Visibliity event at the Downs Racetrack on Thursday from 4-9 p.m. and Voter Registration at the Albuquerque City Fireworks on Friday from 4-9 p.m.

After learning about upcoming events, volunteers were trained to become voter registration agents.

I spoke with David and Marietta, both of whom live in Albuquerque and have supported Barack "almost since the very beginning of his campaign."

Marietta was involved in Barack's campaign here in New Mexico during the primary and is excited to become involved again by registering voters this weekend. She says:

I believe in his value system. He's capable of making good decisions and I know he will do the right thing. I trust him to make the right decisions.

David, "an old community organizer," says he can relate to Barack's background as a community organizer and believes that it shaped who he is today. He said:

Barack has leadership skills and intelligence. I like how he has a willingness and eagerness to be inclusive.

Get involved in the campaign here in New Mexico this weekend by finding the voter registration drive near you!