New Mexico Democratic Party State Chair Sam Bregman

The past 30 days have been busy and exciting for DPNM.  Rebuilding our party infrastructure, promoting new ideas and working hard for New Mexico Democrats, are yielding results that will build the future.

A few of our accomplishments:

• Ensured a smooth transition. Cut operating costs, to spend your money efficiently and effectively.
• Commenced organized labor outreach, which included mobilizing support for letter writing campaigns, representing DPNM at meetings pertaining to the layoff of employees at UNM hospital and participating in the May Day march in support of New Mexico’s immigrant community.
• Launched fresh, new DPNM logo; website re-design process initiated with new features like “How Steve Pearce Votes.”
•  New technology being developed to help our Democratic candidates statewide. This technology will allow our candidates to work smarter instead of harder, and be able to have a clear understanding of their district and how to win it.
• Draft process begun for new sustained donor program as well as plan/organize upcoming fundraisers to replenish DPNM coffers.

This is just the beginning.

The most important thing we do, every day is build relationships with our constituents-you.  All of us represent and work for Democrats in New Mexico.  It is a privilege to be able to listen to your problems, issues and concerns.

That’s the reason we’re building the future—for you.

DPNM State Chair Sam Bregman

Secretary of State Duran had barely assumed office before unleashing Republicans favorite scare tactic that is used to suppress groups they fear and dislike-voting fraud. The scenario is always the same: throngs of non-citizens appear on Election Day to cast ballots, thus changing the results of said election to favor ‘Democrats.’ Wild claims and charges were made by the Secretary of State, eventually proving invalid and worthless. This unqualified official was then forced to back down and look for new ways to suppress turnout and discourage Democratic voters.

Next up was finding a job for out-of-work former state senator and chief political hack, Rod Adair. Qualifications? While serving in the State Senate, Mr. Adair warned against ‘Sharia Law and radical Muslim aggression’ repeating over and over again that “we must prevent the introduction of Sharia Law within the United States.” Then, upon retiring from the State Senate: “…..I can have a greater impact trying to help create a Republican majority, rather than trying to be a part of it.” Enough said.

Ms. Duran’s agenda and priorities are clear—create roadblocks wherever possible to suppress Democratic voters and politicize the Office of Secretary of State with ultra-partisan Republicans. Representative Nate Cote (D-Las Cruces) introduced a bill to help fix the voting nightmare that engulfed Chaparral on Election Day 2012, which had long lines, leaving the last person in line to vote at 10:45 PM. Not surprisingly, Secretary of State Duran opposed Rep. Cote’s bill. More excuses and explanations when all that is required is for Ms. Duran to just do the job voters elected her to do.

Next year Democrats will elect a Secretary of State that will encourage and empower all New Mexicans to exercise one of their most cherished responsibilities as citizens—the power to vote and make change.

DPNM is building the future for all New Mexicans, Democrats, Republicans and Independents, in 2014.

New Mexico Democratic Party State Chair at the Pan Am Center on Saturday

Southern New Mexico Republican blames un-employed for being jobless; Votes over 37 times to repeal Obamacare; Supports Voter Suppression against non-Republicans

New Mexico has five members of Congress , four of whom work tirelessly to solve the challenges facing New Mexico residents. The exception? Steve Pearce. His answers and solutions to the New Mexico jobs crisis affecting his constituents is to blame government, then the un-employed and when all else fails, keep blaming government. This polarizing, tired, broken record hurts communities, constituents and all New Mexicans.

There are thousands and thousands of New Mexicans without jobs and without hope. ‘Congressman No,’ (Steve Pearce) Governor Martinez, and Shadow Governor Jay McCleskey have ignored this crisis and failed to act, causing undue misery and suffering. For instance, The Affordable Health Care Act, which Pearce voted to repeal over 37 times is providing help for the uninsured, as well as individuals with pre-existing conditions. In addition, anyone under the age of 26 can remain on a parent or guardian’s health care policy, strongly opposed by Congressman ‘No.’ (Steve Pearce) When challenged to address this crisis, ‘Congressman No’ (Steve Pearce) and Governor Martinez lash out at poor, unemployed and middle class New Mexicans who are desperately seeking assistance, then callously blame them instead of doing their job and seeking solutions.

Replacing Steve Pearce and Governor Martinez with pro-active Democrats is how we build the future. Blaming government and then the victim are typical, mean spirited Republican tactics. Voting ‘no’ on everything while proposing nothing but failed, selfish Republican policies, follows the same, tired playbook of Congressman Pearce, Tea Party Republicans and greedy Republican consultants.

Building the future for all New Mexicans requires the election of pro-jobs, pro-health care Democrats that will fight illegal voter suppression, encouraged and pursued by sore loser Republicans. As the Chairman of the Democratic Party of New Mexico, I am committed to this goal. Congressman Pearce is ‘unfit and out of touch’ to represent the hard working men and women of New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District.

Bold change is coming.

On Saturday, I was honored to give the keynote address to the State YD Convention, here in Albuquerque.  Nothing is more exciting than seeing Young Democrats at work, showing their excitement and passion for the Democratic Party.  These young men and women are our future leaders, not only for New Mexico but for the nation.

The Democratic Party supports affordable options to help with student loans, like the law President Obama signed in 2010 that allows students to lower their rates to 10% of their income, which caps student loan repayments.  The Affordable Care Act eliminated pre-existing conditions for minors and allows the option to stay on a parent or guardian’s health plan until the age of 26.  More choices, more options, more freedom while making plans for the future.

DPNM endorses all efforts to defeat voter suppression–the Republican war on voting.  Photo ID bills passed by Republican legislatures and signed by Republican Governors have one goal—prevent youth, seniors and minorities from exercising their constitutional right to vote.  Our party supports full inclusion for EVERYONE, excluding NO ONE.

We need, want and support YD energy, passion and involvement in all aspects of the state Democratic Party. DPNM is ready for Young Democrats to help us BUILD THE FUTURE.

NEW LOOK, NEW FEEL

Hope you like our new logo!  DPNM Facebook and Twitter sites have incorporated this logo already and it will be on the website soon. Look for more changes in the coming months.  We’re just getting started!

New Mexico Democratic Party State Chair Sam Bregman

For Democrats, education is one of our core values that will help build a better future for all New Mexicans.

New Mexico Democrats:

• Support full funding for schools; rejected in Governor Martinez’s budget.
• Support improving evaluation systems for teachers and students.
• Support Early Childhood Education-K-3+ programs, with an emphasis on targeting schools that need more resources to improve.
• Took Merit Pay out of state budget and away from PED Secretary-Designate from rewarding her friends and put the money back into public schools.

In addition, the Democratic Party of New Mexico supports the student loan reform overhaul, signed into law by President Obama in 2010. This law ended government subsidies to big banks and made college more affordable to thousands of New Mexicans.

All New Mexicans want a good education for their kids and grandkids. Democrats have stepped up and have presented common sense solutions that parents, teachers, educators, as well as our kids can understand and support.

Governor Martinez is concerned with glossy photo-ops and pushing failed, partisan agendas while ignoring the proven ideas that parents, teachers and educators endorse and support.

These individuals serve on the front lines every day, performing their jobs in a professional and dignified manner, within the communities where they live and work.

Thank you to all parents, teachers and educators for all the hard work and dedication you give to our students.  It’s priceless.

New Mexico Democratic Party State Chair at the Pan Am Center on Saturday

New Mexico Democratic Party State Chair Sam Bregman announced his transition team today. Bregman was elected on Saturday at the New Mexico Democrats State Meeting held at the NMSU Pan Am Center in Las Cruces.

“These appointments ensure that the Democratic Party of New Mexico continues to operate smoothly and efficiently during the transition to new leadership. DPNM staff is here to serve all Democrats, all the time. We are building the future,” stated Chairman Bregman. A fundraising committee will be announced by the end of the week.

The Democratic Party of New Mexico transition team announced today:

Director of Party Affairs- Callan Martinez
Director of Communications and Rapid Response- David Harwell
Director of Field Operations and Elections-Scott Tillman
Director of Legislative Affairs- Angie Poss
Director of Compliance and General Counsel-Robert Lara
Organized Labor Liaison-Michelle Mares

Democratic Party of New Mexico State Chair Sam Bregman. Photo: Stephen Jones, Democratic Party of Doña Ana County

After a spirited leadership campaign that criss-crossed New Mexico, Sam Bregman was elected State Chair of the Democratic Party of New Mexico at the DPNM’s State Central Committee meeting, held Saturday at the NMSU Pan Am Center in Las Cruces. Bregman, an Albuquerque attorney, defeated Roxanne Lara, a former Eddy County Commissioner from Carlsbad. Sam Bregman will serve a two year term as leader of the State’s Democratic Party.

Bregman captured just over 66 percent of the Party vote.

“The Democratic Party of New Mexico has spoken and our new team is complete. We are unified and ready to recruit, support and elect Democrats in all communities and all counties.  Our coalition is strong and ready to build the future,” stated Chairman Sam Bregman.

Also elected were Vice-Chair Kathy Duffy, returning Secretary Michelle Mares, Treasurer Kristine “Kooch” Jacobus.  In Congressional District 2 Vice Chairs Stephanie Dubois and Fred Moran won election.

Kathy Duffy (center) was elected Vice Chair of the Democratic Party on Saturday

Kooch Jacobus takes the podium as the newly elected state party Treasurer

Michelle Mares of Los Lunas wins re-election as Secretary

Congresswoman Michelle Luján Grisham (D-NM1) fires up Democrats at the NMSU Pan Am Center

NMSU College Democrats Chair Elliot Parras at the State Democratic Party Meeting in Las Cruces

Doña Ana County Chair Christy French nominated Sam Bregman on Saturday

State Chair Sam Bregman at the podium

New Mexico State Police

A New Mexico State Police Officer stationed in Santa Fe has had his law enforcement certification suspended for delivering, while on duty, shin guards to his daughter’s soccer game out of his patrol district.

This is from Nico Roesler’s article published in Tuesday’s New Mexican:

An on-duty New Mexico state police officer who used his squad car to deliver shin guards to his daughter playing soccer in Bernalillo has been disciplined for leaving his assigned patrol area. In January, the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy Board revoked his certification as an officer for 18 months.

Following a set of hearings, William Cunningham was also put on probation from his job until January 2015.

Cunningham and his attorneys are now asking the state District Court to overturn the decision. “Because of the way the hearing was handled and the underlying facts, he should not be subject to any discipline at all,” Eric Loman said Monday.

Albuquerque attorneys Loman and Sam Bregman allege that Nathan Korn, the board’s hearing officer, was biased against Cunningham.

. . .

Cunningham left Santa Fe, his assigned patrol area, on Feb. 21, 2010, for one hour and seven minutes to take the shin guards to his daughter.

The order of revocation was not made official until Jan. 23, and will run through July 2013.

For more on this from Nico’s article, here is the link:

• Officer claims revocation is harsh, biased

Well she was back in the news in southern New Mexico this week, even if she wasn’t even there, for the sentencing of 75-year-old Marjorie Reese Stewart, the 75-year-old disgruntled reader/grandma who assaulted Meeks in a federal courthouse in September. Stewart on Thursday was sentenced to one year of probation, a $250 fine (that’s like two weeks pay for a journalist) and 10 hours of community service for the misdemeanor assault conviction.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office on Thursday sent out the following update:

LAS CRUCES – This morning, Marjorie Reese Stewart, 75, a retired attorney from Kingston, N.M., was sentenced to a one year term of probation, a $250 fine and 10 hours of community service for her misdemeanor assault conviction.

Reese Stewart was charged in a criminal complaint filed on September 29, 2011 that alleged that Reese Stewart physically assaulted a Las Cruces Sun-News reporter in the federal courthouse in Las Cruces on September 19, 2011.  Reese Stewart was convicted of simple assault on January 4, 2012 after a bench trial before a U.S. Magistrate Judge on January 4, 2012.

The evidence at trial established that on the afternoon of September 19, 2011, Reese Stewart and the reporter attended a proceeding in the case United States v. Reese, during which a U.S. District Judge overruled an order permitting defendant Remington Reese from being released to the custody of his grandmother, Reese Stewart, and ordered Remington Reese detained pending trial.  After the proceeding, while the reporter was standing outside the courtroom, Reese Stewart elbowed the reporter “hard” in the stomach as Reese Stewart walked out of the courtroom.  Shortly thereafter, as the reporter approached a female acquaintance with the intention of greeting her, Reese Stewart extended her right arm and hand and grabbed the reporter by the neck and left shoulder.  Reese Stewart then shoved the reporter away from the female without saying a word to the reporter.  Reese Stewart walked away after speaking briefly with the female.  One of the security cameras in the courthouse recorded Reese Stewart’s actions as she grabbed the reporter and shoved her away.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales said that the case was investigated by the U.S. Marshal’s Service and the U.S. Federal Protective Service, a federal agency responsible for conducting general federal police duties and enforcing federal law on federal property.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan.

Sam Bregman, one of New Mexico’s more highly-connected defense attorneys, represented Stewart and told the Sun-News he thought it was a joke the federal government was seeking a jail sentence for the incident.

“I am disappointed that the government thought it would be appropriate to put this 75 year old woman in jail,” Bregman told the Sun-News. “I don’t know what purpose that would have served.”

And here, for your viewing/reading pleasure, is a list of past posts I had from Meeks’ coverage at the Sun-News:

• Ashley Meeks subject search on this blog

Carlos Fierro, serving a prison sentence for vehicular homicide, testifies Monday in court at the vehicular homicide trial of his passenger, Alfred Lovato. (Jane Phillips/The New Mexican)

State District Judge Michael Vigil on Monday afternoon tossed (again) the vehicular homicide case against Alfred Lovato, a former state cop who was a passenger in a car that struck and killed pedestrian William Tenorio in 2008.

Vigil, some may remember, tossed this case before saying there was no legal grounds to charge the passenger with the same charge as former attorney Carlos Fierro was charged with (Fierro was convicted of vehicular homicide in a jury trial in 2009 and is currently serving a prison sentence in Los Lunas).

The Court of Appeals, basically, sent the case back to Vigil’s court saying a passenger could, in fact, be charged with vehicular homicide under certain circumstances. That’s a pretty huge ruling and one that Assistant District Attorney Donna Bevacqua-Young felt was worthy of using this case as a good test run for.

The problem is I talked to a dozen or so people familiar with the case over the past month or so and didn’t hear one — not one — other than Bevacqua-Young think this case was even remotely close to the proper test case for charging a passenger with vehicular homicide.

The back and forth grandstanding and showboating between her and defense attorney Sam Bregman over the past several months has been entertaining, but I’m afraid it’s been at the expense of taxpayers as it seemed apparent to most this case didn’t have the legal legs to stand on as charged. Obviously the AGs Office disagreed.

Monday, after the state rested its case, Bregman asked the judge for a directed verdict and Vigil agreed there is no reason to ask the jury to even consider the vehicular homicide charge as there was not nearly enough evidence in his mind to even waste their time with such deliberations. It is a legal tactic often asked for at trial for by defense attorneys after the state rests its case, but one I don’t see a judge go with often, instead usually letting the jurors hearing the evidence make  the decision on guilt.

Lovato still must stand trial for another day (the case will wrap up on Tuesday Bregman says) as he still faces a fourth-degree felony charge of leaving the scene of an accident (up to 18 months in prison).

Here are some past stories in the Lovato case:

• (Monday) Judge dismisses vehicular homicide charge against former state cop
• (May 2011) Court rejects ex-cop’s appeal in vehicular homicide trial
• (March 2011) Ex-state cop faces reinstated criminal charges
• (December 2009) Lovato pleads not guilty in pedestrian death

Alfred Lovato, the former state police sergeant riding in Carlos Fierro's passenger seat when he struck and killed a man in 2008, was back in court Friday as he now faces criminal charges in that case. (File photo by Jane Phillips/The New Mexican)

Alfred Lovato was back in court Friday.

The former state cop who was a member of former Gov. Bill Richardson’s security detail, was a passenger in the car driven by attorney Carlos Fierro, who has been convicted of vehicular homicide for being drunk and driving his car into William Tenorio in downtown Santa Fe in 2008.

The New Mexico Court of Appeals in March overturned a decision to dismiss criminal charges against Lovato — a decision made by State District Judge Michael Vigil. The Court of Appeals ruling essentially established Lovato, despite not being the driver, can face criminal charges.

Lovato, who learned he could face trial in November — his jury selection has been scheduled for Nov. 15 with a specific trial date note yet set — was originally charged with being a party to a crime and of vehicular homicide.

“My client was simply a passenger in a vehicle where there was a terrible accident,” Albuquerque-based attorney Sam Bregman told The New Mexican in May after the state Supreme Court refused to hear the Lovato appeal. “My client did not commit vehicular homicide.”

Friday, alongside the usually outspoken Bregman, Lovato dawned a dark suit and stood in silence as Vigil and attorneys set upcoming court dates. Bregman said he still needs more evidence disclosed from the state and will also have to interview all the witnesses from the case before going to trial.

The New Mexico Attorney General’s Office, whose special DWI prosecutor Donna Bevacqua-Young is prosecuting the case for the state, has said Lovato’s “accessory liability” in the death of Tenorio warrants criminal charges.

Fierro was convicted of vehicular homicide in 2009 and is incarcerated in the Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Los Lunas.

Police said Fierro, after a night of drinking in Santa Fe bars with Lovato, had a blood alcohol level nearly three times the legal limit when his car hit Tenorio, 46, of San Felipe Pueblo as Tenorio crossed Guadalupe Street in front of the now-defunct WilLee’s Blues Club on Nov. 26, 2008.

Here are some past stories:

• State Supreme Court rejects ex-cop’s appeal in vehicular homicide trial
• Ex-state cop faces reinstated criminal charges
• Charges dropped against passenger in fatal DWI
• Former officer pleads not guilty in pedestrian death

Congratulations to Chairman Javier Gonzales who was elected to another term at chairman of the Democratic Party of New Mexico. The election total was 192 votes for Gonzales, 180 for Sam Bregman and 9 for Leticia Montoya. Gonzales avoided a run-off by 1 vote.

The announcement capped off a long and sometime intense campaign. It is nice to see that, despite some negativity in the campaigns, that both candidates were able to come together after the election with no hard feelings. Chairman Gonzales deserves credit for this maneuver to promote party unity.

As well he should. Sam Bregman gave a passionate speech highlighting the grand values of the Democratic Party. He was the only candidate to mention the contributions of and necessity to extend a hand to the Cherokee, Navajos and Pueblo people who are nearly always registered Democrats. He ran a race the captivated nearly half of the voting members of the State Central Committee. I doubt there’s been as much excitement in a state convention in a while. What a wonderful way to captivate the young people!

Bregman, a former city councilor, would be wise to run for another public office under the banner of the Democratic Party. It would be a great lost to this state to not have his leadership qualities and public speaking ability in public office.

This brief display of unity made me “damn proud to be a Democrat”. It is easy to get bogged down in the partisan mud slinging you see on all the 24 hour news networks in today’s media. This simple gesture is a reminder of what politics is truly about. Community. Working together to solve the problems that ail our neighborhoods. I’m proud to be part of a political party that understands this.

While Chairman Gonzales was cool and calm, Sam Bregman was fiery-headed and outgoing. His personality gave State Central Members an easy choice. This was evident throughout his campaign and into his final speech at the State Central Committee meeting. This was clear as soon as he took the stage as he started with “I’m Sam Bregman and I’m damn proud to be a Democrat!”

Bregman also touched on the important issues and relevant groups to the Democratic Party. He had the firefighters union give his nomination speech which was a nice party touch. He was the only candidate to mention the Cherokee, Navajo and Pueblo people in his speech and they went absolutely wild when he did.

The crowd was on their seats and the Bregman supporters were going wild throughout his speech. Many carried two signs, at least, and jumped up-and-down enthusiastically throughout his speech. The signs reading “Give em hell Sam” were a nice touch. They easily outnumber the Gonzales supporters, however, not everyone in the Democratic Party gets to vote. Only those elected as State Central Committee members were allowed to vote. Despite having more supporters present, the election was won by a majority of these voting supporters by Chairman Gonzales.

The process starts at the county level. Typically, depending on the county, ward chairs and precinct chairs get to vote at the County Central Committee meetings which take place a month prior. They vote on county officers and also for members to vote in the State Central Committee meeting a month later. It requires a certain number of votes, this year 3 for men and 2 for women, from fellow county members. The discrepancy comes from the fact that the Democratic Party encourages diversity so the number of State Central Committee members is equal between the two sexes.

This is Chairman Javier Gonzales’s speech at the State Central Committee Meeting. The gathering took place at the Albuquerque Convention Center this past weekend.

The purpose of this was to elect new officers of the Democratic Party of New Mexico as well as vote on resolutions. The main event was the chairman’s race. The heated race took place between current Chair Javier Gonzales and Albuquerque attorney Sam Bregman. Bregman is also the owner of the Albuquerque Thunderbirds.

The style between the two has been detail greatly in The Albuquerque Journal. While Gonzales is more diligent and articulate, Bregman is bold and passionate. This is apparent in both of the candidate’s speeches.

Gonzales is the current chair and has been so for the past 19 months. He took over when Brian Colon resigned to run for Lieutenant Governor in 2009.

The officers were given the pot-burgers when they bought them from a drive-through Burger King in Los Lunas, New Mexico on October 8.

Burgers: cure for, and cause of, the munchies

Presumably not being familiar with the sort of pranks that populated Eighties teen movies, the officers had already eaten half of their whacky whoppers before noticing the extra garnish they’d been given.

In other burger news: Burger King’s monster 923 calorie burger

Three Burger King employees – Justin Armijo, 19, Robert Nuckols, 21, and 33-year-old manager Joseph Ledesma – were arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and aggravated battery on an officer after the incident, and are awaiting trial.

‘It gives a whole new meaning to the word “Whopper”,’ said the policemen’s attorney Sam Bregman, nonsensically. He did not elaborate what the new meaning of the word ‘Whopper’ was.

Bregman added: ‘The idea that these hoodlums would put marijuana into a hamburger and therefore attempt to impair law enforcement officers trying to do their jobs is outrageous.’

But also funny.