Crooks & Liars Welcomes Blue America's Martin Heinrich
By Howie Klein Monday May 26, 2008 4:00pmIf you live in Albuquerque, today you have an opportunity to get your picture taken with Bush... for $5,000. He's in town raising money for Darren White, the wannabe rubber stamp Republican extremist who chaired the Bush-Cheney campaign in Bernalillo County. While most sane Republicans are running as fast and as far from Bush and his toxic policies as they can, White is running around town yelling "Four more years!" One respected Republican who worked for the Bush Regime in New Mexico, former U.S. Attorney David Iglesias explained to the NY Times on Sunday why he considers himself a disallusioned Republican. A few days before he explained on video why he feels Darren White is unfit for public office. Today Crooks & Liars is very proud to welcome Martin Heinrich, president of the Albuquerque City Council-- who made his bones passing an historic minimum wage law for his city and by working with Governor Richardson on some of America's most forward-thinkig conservationist policies. Blue America has endorsed Martin and John and I want to urge you to donate to his campaign at our ActBlue page, especially today when Bush is in Albuquerque scooping up Republican dollars for White. Today we're debuting Martin's latest video on which he explains his position on Bush's occupation of Iraq. Stick around and ask Martin question in the comments section.
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Hi all. Thank you for having me.
Hi all. Thank you for having me.
Martin-- welcome to C&L. Can you explain how you've managed to explain the FISA issues to your constituents
I ask because although most Democrats seem to agree that warrantless wiretaps of American citizens is a bad thing and that retroactive immunity is an abysmal idea, few people have actually been campaigning on the issue-- except you.
Welcome Martin, thanks for joining C&L!
Yes, FISA....So many have run from it, but Congress is starting to step up better on this issue.
FISA is a law and order issue. Anyone who violates the law should be held accountable, and big corporations are no different. My grandparents didn't risk everthing to bring my family to America from Nazi Germany so that I could go to Congress and sell out the very Constitutional protections that make our nation unique.
Hi Martin,
Where do you stand on nuclear energy?
If you haven't already, make sure to check out this video that we launched earlier this year:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWwLUMjn51c
I'm proud to protect our Constitution and I appreciate that you are taking notice. Thanks.
That's quite a story Martin. Can you tell us a little bit about your family?
Greetings Martin. I'm in Albuquerque and I want to vouch that Mr. Heinrich is one of those much needed More And Better Dems we're always talking about. He's the real deal.
barbwire @ 11:
How's the McCain/Bush fundraiser going? lol
What is your opinion on thermal depolymerization? (that is a self-contained process for turning garbage into gasoline, fertilizer, and raw elements for those of you who do not know)
What about legalizing hemp production in the united states? (currently the ONLY NATION ON EARTH that has it illegalized)
Hi Martin. Welcome and best of luck in your campaign.
To expand on something someone else asked, how do you take complex issues to your constitutes? We live in a world of sound bites, where the media never delves into some of the complex issues, the pros, cons, etc. Do you get into issues and if so, how?
If he is elected, who will Mr. Heinrich be replacing?
It's an open seat. He'll be replacing Heather Wilson.
Hey Martin, just wanted to stop by and say good luck from one of the bloggers out here in the land of enchantment.
And to everyone who isn't here, you're missing a great day.
For those of you who haven't seen Martin's FISA video, check it out.
Heinrich Campaign @ 16:
Matt, any reports from the Bush-McCain-White fundraiser there in Albuquerque?
Martin just had a little technical difficulty and lost everything he was writing. He's still working though and should have answers shortly.
Bush reportedly raised $317,000 that'll be split between Darren White and the NM GOP. It was $1000 to get in, $5000 if you wanted a photo with George. The Dem Party of NM organized a protest nearby - as close as they let anyone get anyway. Local KRQE News has some video of George arriving and of the protest:
http://www.krqe.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=2529546&at1=Political&rnd=79541978
We're frantically looking for a photo of Bush with White, but I'm afraid we'll come up empty!
Hi Martin and greetings from sunny and funny Florida. Since you have worked on conservation policies, may I assume you are also concerned about the environment? Do you have any thoughts you would like to share regarding the "fence" and the environmental effects that would have on wildlife in the area?
barbwire @ 21:
How many photos were taken? haha
DownWithTyranny @ 19:
We know that the security is costing New Mexico taxpayers thousands! It was reported earlier this morning by Joe Monahan that it would raise ~$300K.
Regarding complex questions, I think it is important to communicate through many mediums. That is one of the great things about the internet, it allows a greater level of detail. I've always (even on the City Council) used web sites to allow the interested public to delve deeper into policy questions.
barbwire @ 21:
What about McCain. His coattails have been the kiss of death for all the candidates he's campaigned for so far this year. Any pictures of him with the other two clowns?
Heinrich Campaign @ 24:
Hey, we don't quote Joe Monahan in progressive circles in NM -- he badmouths most of our candidates, like Martin Heinrich, and calls us chardonnay sippers disconnected from working America.
Your ad is very good that we've included in this post...Very smart and focused..
Martin Heinrich @ 25:
We're also using online advertising and web video to bring New Mexicans to the campaign website and make sure they know where Martin stands on the issues.
They're being very careful about keeping any photos of Bush and White and/or McCain together, but we're still hoping something will leak out.
I've worked on numerous conservation measures in New Mexico. Some of the measures I am most proud include helping to pass the Ojito Wilderness Act, working to protect New Mexico's Valle Vidal (100,000 acres of high altitude paradise) from coal bed methane drilling, and funding the acquisition of several new Open Space areas in the Sandia Mountains.
I was working down on the border in 1996 about the same time that Warner Glenn photographed a jaguar that crossed into New Mexico from Mexico and it is that kind of connectivity that the border fence threatens. We can do a lot more for security with personnel and technology without cutting off wildlife corridors in places like the Peloncillo Mountians.
I would imagine some right winger will post a photo on Flickr soon enough. They will want the whole world to see them all together.
Thank you for helping our Country.
I read a very important article today describing the blatant disregard to our Justice system by former advisor Karl Rove.
One of the keys to our system of checks and balances is the ability of Congress to oversee the activities of the executive branch and to seek testimony where appropriate.
When asked whether he planned to testify about his role in the suspicious prosecution and imprisonment of former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman by the U.S. Department of Justice, Rove said that he had no intention of complying - even after being issued a subpoena by the House Judiciary Committee.
Serious crimes have been committed for over seven years. The democrats have subpoenaed and called for hearings.
Many have refused to appear under oath.
We have also been following the story that the President weakens espionage oversight.
The very board that Ford created following the 1975-76 investigations by Congress into abuses by
Nixon's intelligence agencies, assassination operations, and illegal domestic spying.
Many are wating for Justice. How will this all end?
John Amato @ 32:
ROTFLMAO... maybe that poor woman with the singing child who writes about right wing talking points all day
Why is it anyone who has a clue is a chardonnay drinking, latte sipping, liberal elite? When did being smart become a bad thing? Why can't people see what lack of smarts has done to this country?
And why do the taxpayers have to keep funding this kind of crap?
Rhetorical venting...sorry.
Martin, are the Republicans trying to drill anywhere near you for more oil? It seems suddenly that in their minds Anwar will save us from the energy crisis.
I'm not an expert on thermal depolymerization, but I can tell you that at the City of Albuquerque we were able to capture methane off our landfills and use it to generate an amazing amount of electricity. Even though there was some CO2 released, the impact on the atmosphere was far less than what would have occurred as the methane escaped into the atmosphere.
I've read a little about thermal depolymerization and it sounds promissing. We need to focusing our research dollars on many of these emerging technologies.
These days george bush is like Typhoid Mary to everyone in the republican party except those who aren't aware of what typhoid is.
For most politicians, having their picture taken with bush now is akin to political suicide, as far as their opponent is concerned.
Again, to add on to another poster, do you feel that Congress should continue to look into wrong-doing by the current administration after January '09?
Martin Heinrich @ 31:
Good for YOU! If I lived where you are running, you would have my vote. You already have my admiration. Thank you!
We need people with the balls of a Boris Yeltsin in this country, not spineless bastards who let a wanna-be Stalin rule America for Rightist Stalinism.
People call Bush a fascist, but it's not so much fascism that the parallels are eerie with...
he almost seems to be playing out of the Dzugashivili playbook. Wonder who the Kirov assassination analogue will be..
barbwire @ 27:
To be fair, i DID go to the wine festival yesterday...
John, I have been a leading advocate for protecting the Valle Vidal and Bisti Wildernesses from drilling for oil and gas.
Mr. Heinrich,
I've heard several pundits comment recently that Iraq is a "rear view mirror" issue that voters want to forget about. When meeting with voters in NM, how important do they currently feel Iraq is relative to the housing crisis, the economy, etc.? Are you sensing any shift in the average American's views on Iraq? Thanks.
LP @ 42:
Yeah, but did you drink chardonnay or something even more subversive and, well, progressive? Don't tell me you tasted the champagne....
Bush and Cheney have vastly overreached in the area of executive power. Mr. Heinrich, how would you propose to help return the proper balance among the three branches of government?
John Amato @ 36:
FYI all: while I understand calling it "ANWR" is for shorthand reasons, many in the environmental community are now using "Arctic Refuge" as shorthand, because it is a constant reminder that it is a REFUGE, something that doesn't come across with "ANWR." This is so those who might be in favor of drilling in Alaska, but balk at drilling in a refuge, are aware that this IS a refuge.
Just sayin'....
#46...good question! Seconded!
Rusty Shackleford @ 46:
Yes, I'd like to know this as well. How would you also propose to marginalize the American Far Right like the Far Left was?
barbwire @ 45:
I tried just about everything. Had to get my $15 worth. The green chile wine was... interesting.
Matt in Texas @ 47:
Very understandable. I watch the Saturday morning FOX stock shows for a laugh and they blame all our oil troubles on the Arctic Refuge.
General_Rennenkampf @ 49:
We need to get him elected first.
LP @ 50:
I tend to side with humorist Dave Barry: "My approach to wine is like my approach to beer. I finish what's in my glass, then look around for more."
Iraq and the economy are the #1 and #2 issues that I hear about. Concern is not waning at all. People are outraged that we are spending billions in Iraq, but not taking care of Americans here at home. I talk to people everyday who cannot pay their mortgage, or cannot afford heath care, or cannot afford to put gas in their tank to get to work.
Just today we had to do $2000 worth of auto repair to my wife's car. I don't know about you, but for me $2000 is alot of money. With the economy as bad as it is, health insurance premiums so high for my family, and the cost of gas at $4, that was difficult. I know many are struggling even more than I am. We have to end the failed war in Iraq and focus the billions we are spending there on fixing our economy here.
John Amato @ 51:
The switch to "Arctic Refuge" began with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees for the aforementioned reason.
Martin Heinrich @ 54:
I think many Americans are seeing this too Martin, that's why McCain keeps giving National Security speeches. Trying to scare Americans into continuing the war no matter what the cost is to our families. It's not working..
MsJoanne @ 35:
Bravo for your comment! I'll sip chardonnay with you any day. Hell, let's throw in martinis too. We share the same thoughts. When did it become in vogue to be dumb as a rock?
Martin--
I wanted to thank you again for taking the time to come onto BlogTalkRadio today to chat with us.
Good luck with the campaign and if there is anything we can do to help the campaign, please don't hesitate to reach out!!
I hope everyone will donate to Martin's campaign today-- even if it's just a small amount. If you add one cent to your contribute it goes towards a vote for Martin so that he gets a check from DownWithTyranny and AirAmerica. You can donate here and if you want to know more about the contest, all the info is here.
Hey Martin,
Where do you stand on nuclear energy? (Don't mean to nag....)
Rusty,
When I take office in 2009, we will have a Democratic President and a Democratic Congress. We will bring balance back to our three branches of government by ending the failed Bush-Cheney legacy, investigating what they have done thoroughly, and passing reforms to ensure it will never happen again.
The idea of investigations is very appealing. Maybe a good campaign commercial..lol.
John Amato @ 62:
Yes indeed. I do like the sound of that.
General,
The Far-right will be under the microscope this year, and I believe that when the public sees their platform, they will reject it. They are not representative of the average American and New Mexicans are savvy enough to see that when they are presented with the facts.
Martin, how can you go about reversing executive orders if the executive doesn't want to revoke them? What about the secret EO's which even members of Congress who have clearance have been denied access to?
How do we get the government back into the public eye? FOIA and all that....
Martin Heinrich @ 61:
Can you tell me how to help marginalize the far right like they succeeded in doing to the far left? And can you tell me how the Democratic president will avoid the temptation to keep Dubya's enhanced power? As far as I'm aware, politicians never give up power easily.
While we're on the energy crisis issue, can someone explain how peak oil production was moved from the previously projected year 2050 to this decade? I did a research paper on alternative fuels back in 2003 and all the statistics I had, all the graphs I found in various sources indicated that peak oil production won't be reached until 2050. What's changed since 2003? Is the new data credible? Are we REALLY that close to peak oil production?
John Amato @ 62:
Here's what we've aired so far. Here's our bio ad that introduces Martin to voters and here's one we launched on Bush days before his visit.
Nuclear energy is a part of our short and medium term energy solution. I actually worked in a nuclear reactor. Nuclear energy, however, is a mature energy and I believe that we need to focus our financial and tax incentives on clean, renewable energy sources such as solar. Renewable energy has to play a key role in our long term plan.
Martin, tell us about the sheriff that is running against you?
Many americans are so misinformed due to the state of the media.
How can americans across the country help Albuquerque and in New Mexico to bring awareness to progressive news sources there?
I believe many of the problems we are experiencing across the country can be attributed to Bush court and Judicial appointments.
What is the state of the courts in New Mexico?
Has there been discussions or actions about Cheney's still secret energy meeting in New Mexico?
With my tinfoil hat slightly ajar, I feel the administration and fools like Ted Stevens are just sitting back and letting oil prices rise to the point the American public will cry "uncle" and decide to hell with the environment if they think it will result in relief at the gas pump. They'll okay drilling anywhere off our coasts, state parks, the Arctic Refuge, anywhere they think there might be one drop of oil here in the US. It makes me sad as hell to think about this but I fear it's coming.
Martin Heinrich @ 64:
Considering how the average American has fallen prey to their boogeymen with two Red Scares, I'm not so sure they aren't.
As a Democrat, what type of Leftist are you? American Left or a real Leftist like the Europeans? I hope it's the latter, as what we call an alternative in America today is nothing but a pale shadow of the GOP.
American Leftism of the Kennedy-LBJ variety (paranoid as much as the Right is and starting a gigantic war because of it) we don't need. I'm not trying to be rude or anything.
The idea of investigations is VERY appealling. First the constitution must be removed from the shredder and taped and glued back together. We sent people to the House and Senate in 2006 to get us out of the war and nothing has been done. They continue to borrow funds for this war and appease Bush and the neocons. It must stop.
There also needs to be regulations put back in place to stop the oil speculators from running up the prices of oil.
We need your help Martin. Now more than ever we need change.
pissed off patricia @ 72:
We do have a field in North Dakota that has more oil than all of Saudi Arabia. We don't have the technology to extract more than 1% of it. Developing that technology, and using that as a stopgap to ramrod throught alternative energy sources with as much pressure as necessary would be great. Just drilling anywhere and devastating wildlife and Indians that live there would be just downright stupid.
General_Rennenkampf @ 73:
Don't know exactly why, but this made me laugh out loud (and scared the cat off the desk.)
We can't say accurately whether we are at Peak Oil or not, but it is in the interests of big oil to overstate the reserve amounts. I believe that is what they have done.
John Amato @ 70:
He was the 2004 Bush/Cheney campaign chair in Bernalillo County (Albuquerque area) and consistently carried water for the President and his policies during that campaign. He was one of ten people chosen for the ceremonial honor of informing Bush of his official nomination at the 2004 RNC. In 1999, 89% of New Mexico Stat Police voted no confidence in his leadership. He's a George Bush Republican through and through.
What? Oil companies lie to us? Sorta like, "....but we don't make any money at the pumps...." crap.
Also, Sheriff Darren White (and certain other law enforcement agencies here) have an ACLU suit filed against them that stems from Bush's last visit to NM, to raise money for Pete Domenici when he was still in the race. White and others kept peaceful protestors away so Bush couldn't see them while permitting pro-Bush demonstrators with a sign saying God Bless Bush or something to be right across the street from the house where the fundraiser was being held.
I would love to continue chatting, but I have an event I have to attend now in response to the Bush visit. Thank you so much for having me and I look forward to returning soon!
Martin
I've problem with the "faith-based initiatives" guise, how about reinvigorating programs like VISTA, Job Corps, and The Peace Corps? How do you propose regaining the idea of a valued and nurturing citizenship?
Martin Heinrich @ 77:
On the second pass, why would oil companies OVERstate the reserve amounts? Wouldn't they make more money (and get more buy-in to drilling anywhere) if they UNDERstated the reserve amounts?
Please explain.
Damn, a day late...
People across the country are united against Bush and Cheney policies and all of their state connections at this point.
With the power of youtube, I believe all the honest candidates have
to do is show the connections to Bush and Cheney in radio, tv and youtube ads.
Is there a youtube account for the Henrich Campaign that the people of New Mexico can be directed to help inform people?
The Smiths @ 71:
1) We have some great blogs in NM - NMFBIHOP.com, DemocracyforNewMexico.com and a newly launched online news site, NewMexicoIndependent.com. Martin's campaign has supported NM progressive blogs with advertising and we are part of the blogosphere ourselves with our official campaign blog at www.martinheinrich.com/blog - we get people to our site through email, word of mouth and online advertising.
2) On the federal level, we all know David Iglesias' story, and, unfortunately, judicial appointments are up to the President and the Senate, not the U.S. House. On the state level, our judges are elected and Democrats tend to do well.
3) I haven't heard anything about them recently. But, big oil and gas still plays a major role in funding right wing candidates in New Mexico.
Thank you Martin, and good luck!
Matt in Texas @ 76: