The Solano for Lieutenant Governor Crew and I headed to Espanola to join the festivities and cruise in the parade! We had a great time, although it was hot, it was fun. Here are some pics from the parade. After the parade the Crew and I went to Joann's Resturaunt for some great Northern New Mexico Cooking! What a great day! Here are some pics from the parade!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Bloggers and media acknowledge my ethics plan.
Weeks after I unveiled my ethics plan, Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish outlined her ethics plan today. It was a good one and it laid out a very good foundation for the State Ethics Commission which we both support. She also supports subpoena powers for the Ethics Commission which I will also add my support as well. She left out my ideas for strengthening the office of the Attorney General, the State Auditor,and the Secretary of States Office. She also did not add public campaign funding for these offices or full time salary for legislators, all included in my plan.
I also proposed web casting of meetings, press conferences, and legislative hearings which she did not mention. She did offer a state web portal which would be a one stop shop for information. One thing I truly believe is transparency and open government has to be the policy and practice from the top down. Those who do not follow that policy should be disciplined or removed. Only then will this be adhered to by all state government. The Governor and Lt. Governor need to set the example.
Bloggers and online media who were first to cover her ethics plan unveiling were quick to note that the Lieutenant Governor and myself are the only ones to put forward plans for ethics reforms. For all the political posturing and ranting the Republicans have done of late they still have taken no actions or put forward anything more than lip service.
Here is some of the initial reports on the ethics plans and their acknowledgment of my plan which was the first to be released.
New Mexico Independent
Green Chile Chatter
Diogenes Six
Heath Haussamen
I also proposed web casting of meetings, press conferences, and legislative hearings which she did not mention. She did offer a state web portal which would be a one stop shop for information. One thing I truly believe is transparency and open government has to be the policy and practice from the top down. Those who do not follow that policy should be disciplined or removed. Only then will this be adhered to by all state government. The Governor and Lt. Governor need to set the example.
Bloggers and online media who were first to cover her ethics plan unveiling were quick to note that the Lieutenant Governor and myself are the only ones to put forward plans for ethics reforms. For all the political posturing and ranting the Republicans have done of late they still have taken no actions or put forward anything more than lip service.
Here is some of the initial reports on the ethics plans and their acknowledgment of my plan which was the first to be released.
New Mexico Independent
Green Chile Chatter
Diogenes Six
Heath Haussamen
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Others follow Sheriff Solano’s lead on Ethics Reform plan.
*****News Release 7-08-09 *****
Others follow Sheriff Solano’s lead on Ethics Reform Plan.
On June 26, 2009 candidate for Lt. Governor Sheriff Greg Solano released his proposed ethics reforms on his website at www.solanoltgov.com. Sheriff Solano realizes that ethics reforms are needed in
Tomorrow Lt. Governor and candidate for Governor Diane Denish joins Sheriff Solano with her own proposals for ethics reform. Sheriff Solano Welcomes Lt. Governor Denish in joining him with her own ethics proposals. Sheriff Solano states “We need a real top down effort to open up state government and have true transparency in state government”. “Only when the highest offices of state government practice open transparent government, will that culture of openness filter down to the lowest levels of state government.” From his website the Sheriff proposed the following:
Ethics in
I believe true ethics reform is needed in
That is what we need in State Government. When the leaders have a policy of open government and require it from the top down only then will staff adhere to that policy. Here are some of the Ideas I support in regards to ethics and open government.
- Creation of an independent ethics commission. The commission should be bipartisan and include citizens and members of all three branches of State Government.
- The State Auditor and Attorney General should continue to be elected positions however their campaigns should be publicly financed in order to remove any appearance of impropriety or pay to play allegations. Their offices need to be adequately funded in order investigate and audit all cases of importance that come to their offices.
- The Secretary of States Office needs adequate funding and Technology assistance in order to have complete and easy access to campaign finance reports. The system needs to be easy to use for both candidates and the public.
- The State should have a department of web casting which would be entrusted with getting as many government meetings and press conferences broadcast on the web as possible. NMStateGov_TV.com or something similar should be created to ensure a one stop shop to find such web casts.
- I also believe political office is a full time job regardless of the position and should be compensated as such. I believe we will attract some who just want to serve and would not be able to afford to do so. This could also provide honest competition for those who just have ulterior motives and those who want to use politics as a stepping stone to big lobby jobs and other high paying positions. The common man or woman who has the knowledge, honesty, wherewithal and ability to run for office should not have to choose between a full time job to support his or her family and serving the public in an elected position.
- Finally transparency and open government has to be the policy and practice from the top down. Those who do not follow that policy should be disciplined or removed. Only then will this be adhered to by all state government. The Governor and Lt. Governor need to set the example.
Sheriff Solano states “our citizens need to have faith that their government is open, honest and transparent”. “While I believe great strides have been made in the last few years, more can be done”. Sheriff Solano goes on to say “These proposals would go a long way to ensuring confidence in state government”.
Sheriff Solano intends on updating his website with more issue statements in the near future. Sheriff Solano is running an “open campaign as well” citizen can find him chatting on twitter, http://twitter.com/gregsolano and on Face book at http://www.facebook.com/people/Greg-Solano/1796213852 you can also follow his blog at www.solanoltgov.blogspot.com.
Sheriff Solano is running the first truly interactive State Wide Campaign, while other candidates have these sites as well, Sheriff Solano has active accounts where he posts daily and chats with citizens on the sites. Citizens can post comments, ask questions and truly interact with the Sheriff in ways unseen in a
Candidate for Lieutenant Governor
PH. 505-990-1850
Saturday, July 4, 2009
My trip to Rio Rancho for July 4th Parade
Antoinette, (my wife) and I just got home from the 4th of July Parade in Rio Rancho. It was a lot of fun and we saw several old friends. The parade organizers put our float in position just in front of one of my opponents. I don't know if that was planned or coincidence but we had fun. The two campaign camps introduced ourselves to each other and it was very cordial both before and after the parade. I can tell that this will be a very cordial and non mud slinging campaign as least between the two of us, but I think it will be with all the current candidates. That is comforting since over the last three election cycles I have had both cordial issue oriented campaigns and opponents who liked to sling some mud. I have always tried to keep campaigns about myself and ideas and not my opponents.
My Granddaughter Marilyn joined my daughter Sylvia, her boyfriend Jessee, and myself on the parade route. The parade route was nice in that it was not too long. I have been in parades that last 3-4 hours and those can be hard on everyone. This one was about 1 hour long and since we were towards the front (float number 16) we got started early and were done pretty quickly.
After the parade we headed out to Jack in The Box on Alameda. Still long lines after it has been open a few weeks. If you follow my twitters you would know I am a big Jack in the Box taco fan. I used to get off the plane when in Nevada, Arizona, or California and head straight to the nearest Jack in the Box. If you are reading this corporate office of Jack in the Box, We need one in Santa Fe now!
Next its back to Santa Fe for an evening visiting a few friends and families houses. I want to try to get to Las Vegas NM on Sunday as they are having their fiestas this weekend also. Until next time be safe and we'll see ya on the Campaign Trail!
Happy Fourth of July!
Happy Birthday USA! Happy 4th everyone. Be Safe and Have fun! Look for me in the Rio Rancho July 4th Parade! The Undersheriff , Robert Garcia will be at Santa Fe's Pancake Breakfast on the Plaza.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
New Mexico A Buzz over Solano's Ethics Plan!
Bloggers and News Media cover Sheriff Greg Solano's Ethics Proposals posted on his Website! New Mexico is a buzz with Sheriff's Solano's latest posts on his Solano for Lt. Gov. Website!
Links and some quotes from the articles are posted below.
Roundhouse Roundup-
New Mexico Independent-
Diogenes Six Blog-
Links and some quotes from the articles are posted below.
Roundhouse Roundup-
Some of his ideas like an independent ethics commission have been debated for years now and the idea of having a Secretary of State's Web site that actually works is sheer fantasy on the level of Tolkien. (If that was really possible they'd have already done that by now, right?)
But there's some other ideas such as having public financing specifically for attorney general and state auditor are new. Solano also wants a "Department of Webcasting." A new "department" is probably a little far-fetched, but having one central state agency in charge of that is certainly worth discussing.
New Mexico Independent-
Greg Solano, the Santa Fe County Sheriff and an announced candidate for lieutenant governor, unveiled an ethics plan on his campaign Web site today.
In a post on his Twitter account, Solano wrote that he would endorse the ethics plan if he becomes lieutenant governor.
Solano’s Web site says he would support the creation of an independent ethics commission, a goal that ethics reform supporters have wanted for years.Solano is also in support of a “department of webcasting.” The department of webcasting “would be entrusted with getting as many government meetings and press conferences webcasted as possible.”
In addition to this, Solano says that he believes the positions of state auditor and attorney general should remain elected positions and not be appointed by the governor.
Sheriff Greg Solano is the first
statewide candidate to step up with
a comprehensive plan to end the
culture of corruption at once and
for all.
This is the candidate we have been waiting for.
Voters finally have a straight up choice; real reform or,
the same old, same old.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Sheriff Solano Releases list of Ethics Reforms he would support on his web site.
*****News Release*****
Sheriff Solano Releases list of Ethics Reforms he would support
on his web site.
Sheriff Greg Solano candidate for Lieuteant Governor of New Mexico on the Democratic Ticket has released his proposed ethics reforms on his website at www.solanoltgov.com. Sheriff Solano realizes that ethics reforms are needed in
Ethics in
I believe true ethics reform is needed in
That is what we need in State Government. When the leaders have a policy of open government and require it from the top down only then will staff adhere to that policy. Here are some of the Ideas I support in regards to ethics and open government.
- Creation of an independent ethics commission. The commission should be bipartisan and include citizens and members of all three branches of State Government.
- The State Auditor and Attorney General should continue to be elected positions however their campaigns should be publicly financed in order to remove any appearance of impropriety or pay to play allegations. Their offices need to be adequately funded in order investigate and audit all cases of importance that come to their offices.
- The Secretary of States Office needs adequate funding and Technology assistance in order to have complete and easy access to campaign finance reports. The system needs to be easy to use for both candidates and the public.
- The State should have a department of web casting which would be entrusted with getting as many government meetings and press conferences broadcast on the web as possible. NMStateGov_TV.com or something similar should be created to ensure a one stop shop to find such web casts.
- I also believe political office is a full time job regardless of the position and should be compensated as such. I believe we will attract some who just want to serve and would not be able to afford to do so. This could also provide honest competition for those who just have ulterior motives and those who want to use politics as a stepping stone to big lobby jobs and other high paying positions. The common man or woman who has the knowledge, honesty, wherewithal and ability to run for office should not have to choose between a full time job to support his or her family and serving the public in an elected position.
- Finally transparency and open government has to be the policy and practice from the top down. Those who do not follow that policy should be disciplined or removed. Only then will this be adhered to by all state government. The Governor and Lt. Governor need to set the example.
Sheriff Solano states “our citizens need to have faith that their government is open, honest and transparent”. “While I believe great strides have been made in the last few years, more can be done”. Sheriff Solano goes on to say “These proposals would go a long way to ensuring confidence in state government”. Sheriff Solano intends on updating his website with more issue statements in the near future. Sheriff Solano is running an “open campaign as well” citizens can find him chatting on twitter, http://twitter.com/gregsolano
and on Face book at http://www.facebook.com/people/Greg-Solano/1796213852
you can also follow his blog at www.solanoltgov.blogspot.com. Sheriff Solano is running the first truly interactive State Wide Campaign, while other candidates have these sites as well, Sheriff Solano has active accounts where he posts daily and chats with citizens on the sites. Citizens can post comments, ask questions and truly interact with the Sheriff in ways unseen in a
Candidate for Lieutenant Governor
PH. 505-990-1850
Cochiti Special Olympics Golf Tournament
I visited the Special Olympics Golf Tournament this morning in Cochiti just to show my support. Corporal William Pacheco from my office helped to organize the effort on behalf of the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office. It was a lot of fun but really hot and humid today. I need to learn how to play golf, keep saying that but have not gotten out and done it.
Golfers getting instructions before the shotgun start.
New Mexico Attorney General Gary King and myself just before he headed
onto the course.
Corporal William Pacheco with one of the 2009 Gold Medal
winners for the Special Olympics.
My brother Gerald Solano a Lieutenant at the City of Santa Fe Police Department played in the tourney and was teamed up with one of my Sheriff's Investigators Detective James Yeager.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
In Albuquerque tonight for Social Media Group Meeting
I always say "I will show up to the opening of an envelope". Its a way of saying that when campaigning you need to show up to any group meetings you can get to. Anytime you can meet with a group its a good thing. The big plus is when you meet with a group of great, intelligent people who are blazing new trails in New Mexico.
Ashley Drake Gephart organized the meeting which was the first monthly meeting of the Social Media New Mexico Group. Ashley is the Guru of social media, if your company or your political campaign wants to explore using Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, Web sites, and much more) visit her website and give her a call. The group was primarily made up of business owners, members of the traditional media and business managers, along with authors and writers. It was a fun and informative meeting which I really enjoyed. Tonights speaker was William C. Reichard of CrossCut Communications LLC, his talk was very informative especially for the business owner trying to use social media for networking or to enhance thier business. If you are interested in the group go here to learn more and find the next meeting.
Tomorrow night its off to Los Alamos, then on to Questa NM for a party on Saturday, Sunday I will head to Grants, then home to Santa Fe.
Ashley Drake Gephart organized the meeting which was the first monthly meeting of the Social Media New Mexico Group. Ashley is the Guru of social media, if your company or your political campaign wants to explore using Social Media (Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, Web sites, and much more) visit her website and give her a call. The group was primarily made up of business owners, members of the traditional media and business managers, along with authors and writers. It was a fun and informative meeting which I really enjoyed. Tonights speaker was William C. Reichard of CrossCut Communications LLC, his talk was very informative especially for the business owner trying to use social media for networking or to enhance thier business. If you are interested in the group go here to learn more and find the next meeting.
Ashley Drake Gephart and myself
William C. Reichard and Ashley Drake Gephart address the group.
Tomorrow night its off to Los Alamos, then on to Questa NM for a party on Saturday, Sunday I will head to Grants, then home to Santa Fe.
Santa Fe County Democratic Reception with Speaker Ben Lujan
Just got home (midnight) from a long night. Started out with leaving a busy day at the office and heading to The Bishops Lodge Resort. At 5:30 the resort hosted a reception and fundraiser for the Santa Fe County Democratic Party hosted by Speaker of the House Ben Lujan. The large room was jam packed with loyal democrats who showed up in force to support the party.
Undersheriff Robert Garcia was there working the room as candidate for Sheriff (yes to take my job). He is the man for the job and I am supporting him 100%. I was the only statewide candidate in attendance although there was representatives from the Diane Denish Campaign. However most local Democratic Elected Officials were in attendance, many of them running for re-election next year. There were also many legislative elected officials in attendance but I know if I start listing them I will forget someone since I did not take notes.
The reception started with a small silent auction and fruit and cheese platters. There was plenty of time to network, shake hands, and it was great seeing old friends.
Next County Chair Richard Ellenberg spoke to the crowd and made introductions.
Following the Chair was Speaker Ben Lujan who urged the crowd to be ready to support Democrats and not take any race for granted. He reminded all how important fundraising is at the local levels.
The speeches ended with local Real Estate Developer and loyal Democrat Steve Flance who spoke a little more about Santa Fe County fundraising efforts and the importance of getting involved.
It was a good meeting with a great crowd, I tried to personally shake every hand in the room and probably only missed a few who left early. The crowds reception of my candidacy for Lieutenant Governor was very positive and I obtained two commitments for future fundraisers and numerous commitments for campaign volunteers.
Next a small group of Santa Fe Democrats headed to Osteria restaurant in downtown Santa Fe for some great Italian Pizzas and great campaign related discussions. Met new people (great to meet you Jim and Paul) and reminisced and talked politics with old friends. Got home at midnight and hit the laptop in bed for this update. After what looks like a busy day at the office tomorrow then I am off to Albuquerque for a couple of small coffees and then an appearance at the New Mexico Social Media meeting.
.
Undersheriff Robert Garcia was there working the room as candidate for Sheriff (yes to take my job). He is the man for the job and I am supporting him 100%. I was the only statewide candidate in attendance although there was representatives from the Diane Denish Campaign. However most local Democratic Elected Officials were in attendance, many of them running for re-election next year. There were also many legislative elected officials in attendance but I know if I start listing them I will forget someone since I did not take notes.
The reception started with a small silent auction and fruit and cheese platters. There was plenty of time to network, shake hands, and it was great seeing old friends.
Next County Chair Richard Ellenberg spoke to the crowd and made introductions.
Following the Chair was Speaker Ben Lujan who urged the crowd to be ready to support Democrats and not take any race for granted. He reminded all how important fundraising is at the local levels.
The speeches ended with local Real Estate Developer and loyal Democrat Steve Flance who spoke a little more about Santa Fe County fundraising efforts and the importance of getting involved.
It was a good meeting with a great crowd, I tried to personally shake every hand in the room and probably only missed a few who left early. The crowds reception of my candidacy for Lieutenant Governor was very positive and I obtained two commitments for future fundraisers and numerous commitments for campaign volunteers.
Next a small group of Santa Fe Democrats headed to Osteria restaurant in downtown Santa Fe for some great Italian Pizzas and great campaign related discussions. Met new people (great to meet you Jim and Paul) and reminisced and talked politics with old friends. Got home at midnight and hit the laptop in bed for this update. After what looks like a busy day at the office tomorrow then I am off to Albuquerque for a couple of small coffees and then an appearance at the New Mexico Social Media meeting.
.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Lieutenant Governor Candidate Predictions
The New Mexico Independent is following twitter predictions from candidates in the Lieutenant Governors Race. It all started when Steve Terrell, political reporter from the New Mexican saw Senator Ortiz y Pino and asked him how many candidates he thought would end up running and he said seven or eight. Steve Terrell put that on his twitter and I responded on my twitter with my prediction of 5 to start, 4 after petitions start in October and 3 that will make it through the State Democratic Party Pre-Primary Convention Meeting in March.All candidates have to start gathering petitions from across the state in October of this year. The number of petitions needed will be determined by the Secretary of States Office and has not yet been announced. Then In March there will be a vote at the Pre-Primary Convention of the Democratic Party. Any candidate who receives at least 20% of the vote in the election will go on the ballot in the June Primary. Those who do not receive 20% must go back and collect more signatures to try and get on the ballot. No candidate who has not received 20% of the Pre-Primary Convention has ever won the office they sought. You can read more about the predictions here.
Of Course I added on additional prediction. I predicted I would make it all the way to the June Primary and win. It may seem a little pretentious but no one should run for office if they don't believe they can and will win.
.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Learning to Facebook, Happy Fathers Day!
Up late, very very late, learning to Facebook. Is there such a thing as Facebooking like tweeting? Anyway, Happy Fathers Day All! You can see my Facebook page here.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Dems across the State Volunteer in Day of Service.
Democrats across the state volunteered today to in a statewide day of service. I had several meetings today but got to stop by Kitchen Angels where I met up with several Santa Fe County Democrats cleaning and painting a storage room for Kitchen Angels. Kitchen Angels prepares and delivers food for people who are home bound and have life challenging conditions. Since 1992 these volunteers have really made a difference in Santa Fe to many people who really need the help.
Below I listed some of the events that occurred throughout the State.
Pic of loyal Democrat Dan Mayfield (painting volunteer) and Pawan Singh Dhindsa (owner of India House) who donated food to the volunteers.
Santa Fe County Democratic Party Chair Richard Ellenberg
Art Bonal longtime loyal Democrat hits the walls with a fresh coat of paint.
Below I listed some of the events that occurred throughout the State.
Jun 20, 2009 DPNM Statewide Day of Service- Bernalillo County Service event at PB&J Family Services. More |
Jun 20, 2009 DPNM Statewide Day of Service- Lea County Service event at the Washington Park Juneteenth Celebration. More |
Jun 20, 2009 DPNM Statewide Day of Service- Chaves County Service event at the Long-Term Care Center. More |
Jun 20, 2009 DPNM Statewide Day of Service- Santa Fe County Service event at La Familia Medical Center More |
Jun 20, 2009 DPNM Statewide Day of Service- Colfax County Service event at Long-Term Care Facility More |
Jun 20, 2009 DPNM Statewide Day of Service- Sandoval County Service event-Adopt a Highway for Democratic Women More |
Jun 20, 2009 DPNM Statewide Day of Service- Eddy County Service event at San Jose Senior Citizens Center More |
Jun 20, 2009 DPNM Statewide Day of Service- Colfax County Service event at Colfax County Medical Center More |
Jun 20, 2009 Statewide Day of Service- San Juan County DPNM will be hosting a Day of Health Care Service on June 20th across the state. More |
Feedback from Bernalillo County Dem Party Meeting
I have begun to receive feedback from my appearance at the Bernalillo County Democratic Party Meeting Thursday Night. I received some tweets about it and Ched Macquigg talked about my appearance on his blog Diogenes Six. Many were not happy with Senator Linda Lopez answer to an ethics question and Diogenes Six talked about that here, while Peter St. Cyr of 770 KKOB Radio Talked about and had a video excerpt here.
You can follow my tweets @gregsolano
I recieved my first camaign donation via Act Blue, Thanks! I belive it was also a result of someone who saw me at the Bernalillo County Democratic Party meeting. Can you spare a dime? LOL, I really would like to have primary funding for this campaign come from small donations from you the public, lets see if we can do this together, $5, $25, $50 or more donations from many supporters accross this state can really add up. If you can help I Thank You!
Now I am off to lunch with a good friend who wants to throw a fundraiser for me.
You can follow my tweets @gregsolano
I recieved my first camaign donation via Act Blue, Thanks! I belive it was also a result of someone who saw me at the Bernalillo County Democratic Party meeting. Can you spare a dime? LOL, I really would like to have primary funding for this campaign come from small donations from you the public, lets see if we can do this together, $5, $25, $50 or more donations from many supporters accross this state can really add up. If you can help I Thank You!
Now I am off to lunch with a good friend who wants to throw a fundraiser for me.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Bernalillo County Democrat Party Meeting UNM Law School
Just got back from Albuquerque where I spoke at the Bernalillo County Democratic Party Meeting at UNM Law School. The meeting was well attended (good job BCDP). Two of my opponents spoke at the meeting and I was last to speak. At first I thought being last might be good as I heard the questions the others were asked and I expected some of the same questions. However, I did not get the same questions and my question and answer period seemed a little shorter than the others probably because the meeting was running late.
Because I expect to speak to the party members again at a later date I decided to spend most of my five minutes I was allotted to give a speech introducing myself and letting the group know who I was, how I was raised and how I ended up as a candidate for Lieutenant Governor. I briefly spoke on some issues and issue questions from the audience including ethics reform, drug legalization, and Peter St Cyr hit me with a question on whether I would make a pledge to adhere to the new campaign finance donation limits passed in the last legislative session. The limits are not to take effect until after the 2010 election because some candidates had already accepted huge donations and amassed almost 2 million dollars when this bill was passed. Therefor the unannounced candidates and candidates who had not yet begun fund raising (like me) would be at a disadvantage.
I promised to consider the pledge and respond in my blog after I looked into it. The question was unexpected from me and my first instinct is to say yes since I don't expect to collect huge donations and my campaign is really trying to be lean and mean and funded by the public at large with lots of smaller donations. I do need to look at my opponents war chests and since they are currently state elected officials who can use money they have raised in thier current positions to run for Lieutenant Governor and I need to make sure I am not crippling my campaign and putting it in a disadvantage if my opponents already have taken large donations and do not pledge to limit thier donations. I have already pledged to not accept big lobby donations and I will keep that pledge. I wish Peter St Cyr had asked my opponents the same question but he did not.
Now it may seem that if I believe in these limits that I should just make the pledge out of principle. However, the truth is that I need to manage a campaign that keeps me on as even a playing field as I can considering the facts that sitting state legislators have funding resources that are well established and much greater than I currently have. I am still going to mull this over and will make a decision soon.
Speaking of funding, As I said I am trying to run a lean mean grassroots progressive campaign and I would like to show New Mexico politics as usual that you can win a state wide race with out taking huge campaign donations from companies that do business with the state or from big lobby interests. So to do that I need your help. Here is a link from Act Blue which will allow you to make a donation to my campaign. We can use any thing you can give whether it is $5 or $500 or more. I thank you for all you can do .
Finally I thought the meeting went really well especially since I was right in the middle of both my announced opponents home territory. At the end of the evening I had garnered a few commitments of support and even two small donations from Bernalillo County Dems in attendance. Next it was off to the Flying Star Cafe where I spoke strategy and politics with one of the attendees as well. It was a late night by the time I got back home to Santa Fe but well worth it and probably not the last late night this campaign will bring me.
P.S. Thanks to BCDP Chair Ana Canales and the rest of the officers for allowing me time to speak at your well run meeting. It is good to see the party is in good hands in Bernalillo County.
Photo of me speaking at the BCDP Meeting in Albuquerque Thur, June 18, 2009
Because I expect to speak to the party members again at a later date I decided to spend most of my five minutes I was allotted to give a speech introducing myself and letting the group know who I was, how I was raised and how I ended up as a candidate for Lieutenant Governor. I briefly spoke on some issues and issue questions from the audience including ethics reform, drug legalization, and Peter St Cyr hit me with a question on whether I would make a pledge to adhere to the new campaign finance donation limits passed in the last legislative session. The limits are not to take effect until after the 2010 election because some candidates had already accepted huge donations and amassed almost 2 million dollars when this bill was passed. Therefor the unannounced candidates and candidates who had not yet begun fund raising (like me) would be at a disadvantage.
I promised to consider the pledge and respond in my blog after I looked into it. The question was unexpected from me and my first instinct is to say yes since I don't expect to collect huge donations and my campaign is really trying to be lean and mean and funded by the public at large with lots of smaller donations. I do need to look at my opponents war chests and since they are currently state elected officials who can use money they have raised in thier current positions to run for Lieutenant Governor and I need to make sure I am not crippling my campaign and putting it in a disadvantage if my opponents already have taken large donations and do not pledge to limit thier donations. I have already pledged to not accept big lobby donations and I will keep that pledge. I wish Peter St Cyr had asked my opponents the same question but he did not.
Now it may seem that if I believe in these limits that I should just make the pledge out of principle. However, the truth is that I need to manage a campaign that keeps me on as even a playing field as I can considering the facts that sitting state legislators have funding resources that are well established and much greater than I currently have. I am still going to mull this over and will make a decision soon.
Speaking of funding, As I said I am trying to run a lean mean grassroots progressive campaign and I would like to show New Mexico politics as usual that you can win a state wide race with out taking huge campaign donations from companies that do business with the state or from big lobby interests. So to do that I need your help. Here is a link from Act Blue which will allow you to make a donation to my campaign. We can use any thing you can give whether it is $5 or $500 or more. I thank you for all you can do .
Finally I thought the meeting went really well especially since I was right in the middle of both my announced opponents home territory. At the end of the evening I had garnered a few commitments of support and even two small donations from Bernalillo County Dems in attendance. Next it was off to the Flying Star Cafe where I spoke strategy and politics with one of the attendees as well. It was a late night by the time I got back home to Santa Fe but well worth it and probably not the last late night this campaign will bring me.
P.S. Thanks to BCDP Chair Ana Canales and the rest of the officers for allowing me time to speak at your well run meeting. It is good to see the party is in good hands in Bernalillo County.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Campaigning in Hobbs NM
Me at the entrance to the city. Yes I had a mustache and beard but its gone now.
June 2 through the 5th 2009 I spent in Hobbs New Mexico with a short trip to Roswell as well. Hobbs was hosting the New Mexico Association of Counties Conference and the New Mexico Sheriffs Affiliate held its meetings in Hobbs at the same time. The conference allowed me to meet with almost all 33 Sheriffs from across the state as well as county officials and employees from all across the state. While in Hobbs I also met with local business leaders and made a short trip to Roswell to visit with local leaders there as well.
The meetings were fruitful and I came away with lots of names, numbers, emails, and commitments. I promised to return soon and I will be doing so.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Campaigning at the State Central Committee Meeting
I attended the New Mexico Spring State Democratic Central Committee Meeting on Saturday April 25, 2009 both as a voting member and as a candidate for Lieutenant Governor. My weekend started for my wife Antoinette and myself at the Albuquerque Country Club on Friday afternoon where State Auditor Hector Balderas had a reception to honor State Chair Brian Colon. Afterward there was a welcome reception at the Hyatt Regency Hotel hosted by Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish. My Wife, a good friend and I had a late night and then checked into a reasonably priced hotel for a few hours of sleep.
The next morning we were on our way to the Kiva Room at the Albuquerque Convention Center. The three of us passed out business size cards with information on the Lieutenant Governor Race and my run for it in 2010. For the first time I had a potential opponent out handing out stickers with an announcement she would be running for Lieutenant Governor as well. I took some pictures in between shaking hands and talking to old and new friends. Below I have some of the pictures.
Here the crowd shuffles into the 3 floor of the convention center.
Governor Richardson showed up for a short time to greet Democrats in the lobby but never gave a speech in the auditorium.
Brian Colon was re-elected as Party Chair.
The Audio Visual Guy keeps things moving along.
Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish speaks to the crowd.
Senator Tom Udall makes a point in his speech.
State Treasurer James B. Lewis demonstrates his great speaking abilities.
Congressman from my district Ben Ray Lujan addresses the crowd.
Here I share a laugh with my local Ward Chair Connie Salazar
State Auditor Hector Balderas takes the stage.
Secretary of State Mary Herrera gives her report to the Democrats.
Here I catch both Representative Brian Egolf and the New Mexican Reporter Steve Terrell Twittering. (or is it tweeting?)
Congressman Harry Teague addresses the crowd as Chair Brian Colon looks on.
The Santa Fe New Mexican Reporter Steve Terrell sits near Albuquerque Journal Reporter Dan Boyd and the two watch the speeches from a safe distance.
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The next morning we were on our way to the Kiva Room at the Albuquerque Convention Center. The three of us passed out business size cards with information on the Lieutenant Governor Race and my run for it in 2010. For the first time I had a potential opponent out handing out stickers with an announcement she would be running for Lieutenant Governor as well. I took some pictures in between shaking hands and talking to old and new friends. Below I have some of the pictures.
Here the crowd shuffles into the 3 floor of the convention center.
Governor Richardson showed up for a short time to greet Democrats in the lobby but never gave a speech in the auditorium.
Brian Colon was re-elected as Party Chair.
The Audio Visual Guy keeps things moving along. 
Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish speaks to the crowd.
Senator Tom Udall makes a point in his speech.
State Treasurer James B. Lewis demonstrates his great speaking abilities. 
Congressman from my district Ben Ray Lujan addresses the crowd.
Here I share a laugh with my local Ward Chair Connie Salazar
State Auditor Hector Balderas takes the stage.
Secretary of State Mary Herrera gives her report to the Democrats.
Here I catch both Representative Brian Egolf and the New Mexican Reporter Steve Terrell Twittering. (or is it tweeting?)
Congressman Harry Teague addresses the crowd as Chair Brian Colon looks on.
The Santa Fe New Mexican Reporter Steve Terrell sits near Albuquerque Journal Reporter Dan Boyd and the two watch the speeches from a safe distance.Monday, June 23, 2008
New Mexico Association of Counties June Conference
After our trip in the rugged desert between Las Cruces and Mexico I attended the New Mexico Association of Counties June Conference. The majority of the conference was at The New Mexico State University Campus. I really enjoyed attending the conference and spent the days introducing myself or greeting old friends from all the 33 counties across the state. I reminded everyone I was running for Lieutenant Governor in 2010 and lined up pledges from over 20 different counties for local support, fund raisers, and campaign organizers. It really boosted my spirits and filled my palm device with all kinds of new contacts and supporters.
I visited with several pecan farmers and spoke to them about water issues. One of the owners of a huge pecan farm told me a story about how he met with Governor Richardson and discussed the importance of water rights for agriculture. He told me that he relayed this message to Governor Richardson "you can take our wifes and kids, don't touch our water". He said this with a smile but lying underneath was a serious message as those in the agriculture business fear the loss of a tradition handed down from generation to generation. I must say I was in envy of the man as we sat under the shade of a large pecan tree at the center of hundreds of acres of pecan trees. I know it is not an easy life but a man can't help but want to own such beautiful acreage and know that you are living off the land and helping to feed a country.
Several candidates with races much sooner than mine were in attendance at the joint sessions of the conference as well as representatives from several candidates. Present at the conference were 2cd Congressional District Candidate Harry Teague, 3rd Congressional District Candidate Ben Ray Lujan, Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish, Hector Balderas, and Senate Pro Tem Tim Jennings. Representatives were on hand from Senate Candidate Tom Udall, Senate Candidate Steve Pearce, and Senator Jeff Bingaman. Even though he was not present Association of Counties President Mike Anaya called for a Standing Ovation for retiring Senator Pete Dominici and the crowd gave a enthusiastic standing ovation.
Richardson in the last regular session tried to convince the legislature that the 400,000 New Mexicans without health insurance must have it by 2010. Legislators balked at the costs and complexity of his plan. Diane Denish as Lieutenant Governor oversees the Senate Side of the legislature and the Senate seems so be the most resistant to the plan. Lieutenant Governor Denish seems to be having the same reaction to the special session that most legislators seem to have, they are not looking forward to it.
Hector Balderas spoke about the auditors office, He described himself to the crowd as the least known bald politician. I have seen Hector at a lot of public events and political events lately so I guess he is trying to do away with being little known through out the state. He is up for re-election in 2010 and there has even been rumors of him running for another office instead of re-election to the auditors office.
I spent four days in Las Cruces attending the convention during the day and meeting with the Sheriff's Affiliate in meetings that are among the most informative that I have each year. I spent the off hours while in Las Cruces meeting the locals and spending time with county employees and elected officials from through out the state. It was a great four days in which I came back with information that was invaluable to our local sheriff's office as well as myself.
I visited with several pecan farmers and spoke to them about water issues. One of the owners of a huge pecan farm told me a story about how he met with Governor Richardson and discussed the importance of water rights for agriculture. He told me that he relayed this message to Governor Richardson "you can take our wifes and kids, don't touch our water". He said this with a smile but lying underneath was a serious message as those in the agriculture business fear the loss of a tradition handed down from generation to generation. I must say I was in envy of the man as we sat under the shade of a large pecan tree at the center of hundreds of acres of pecan trees. I know it is not an easy life but a man can't help but want to own such beautiful acreage and know that you are living off the land and helping to feed a country.
Several candidates with races much sooner than mine were in attendance at the joint sessions of the conference as well as representatives from several candidates. Present at the conference were 2cd Congressional District Candidate Harry Teague, 3rd Congressional District Candidate Ben Ray Lujan, Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish, Hector Balderas, and Senate Pro Tem Tim Jennings. Representatives were on hand from Senate Candidate Tom Udall, Senate Candidate Steve Pearce, and Senator Jeff Bingaman. Even though he was not present Association of Counties President Mike Anaya called for a Standing Ovation for retiring Senator Pete Dominici and the crowd gave a enthusiastic standing ovation.
Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish gave an excellent speech in which she discussed gas and water issues and thanked the County Clerks in attendance for the excellent job they did in the recent June Primary Election. I hope she remembers the great job county clerks did when we look at the next democratic presidential caucus in four years. I am very much in favor of putting the caucus or a primary election back into the hands or our county clerks who have the knowledge and resources to do it right. Diane joked that she is looking forward to the next 60 day session of the legislature in January. The joke part came when she added " I am not looking forward to the upcoming special session". The crowd laughed in unison at her comment. As you all may know Governor Richardson is calling a special session to deal with health care issues. Members of the legislature have balked at the special session with many of them feeling that a compromise has not yet been reached between the Governors proposals and the Legislatures plans.
A photo I took with my cell phone of Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish addressing the crowd.
Richardson in the last regular session tried to convince the legislature that the 400,000 New Mexicans without health insurance must have it by 2010. Legislators balked at the costs and complexity of his plan. Diane Denish as Lieutenant Governor oversees the Senate Side of the legislature and the Senate seems so be the most resistant to the plan. Lieutenant Governor Denish seems to be having the same reaction to the special session that most legislators seem to have, they are not looking forward to it.
Hector Balderas spoke about the auditors office, He described himself to the crowd as the least known bald politician. I have seen Hector at a lot of public events and political events lately so I guess he is trying to do away with being little known through out the state. He is up for re-election in 2010 and there has even been rumors of him running for another office instead of re-election to the auditors office.
I spent four days in Las Cruces attending the convention during the day and meeting with the Sheriff's Affiliate in meetings that are among the most informative that I have each year. I spent the off hours while in Las Cruces meeting the locals and spending time with county employees and elected officials from through out the state. It was a great four days in which I came back with information that was invaluable to our local sheriff's office as well as myself.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
ATV Tour of the Mexico - New Mexico Border.
I attended the New Mexico Association of Counties Conference being held at New Mexico State University at Las Cruces. The conference was great giving me the opportunity to meet with county officials and employees from all 33 counties across New Mexico. I started the conference on Tuesday morning June 17, 2008 with an ATV trip across rugged desert country with about 20 sheriff's from throughout the state. We toured an area where law enforcement and border patrol often encounter drug smugglers, and human smugglers as well as illegal border crossings from Mexico. Even though this route is longer and more rugged than some of the closer border crossings this route also avoids many of the checkpoints and more closely watched border areas. Planes often fly into this area late at night and drop drugs to be picked up by waiting criminals on the U.S. side. Many loads of drugs are also found on the backs of people trekking miles through the 109 degree or higher heat. Many bodies are found each year, those who have succumbed to the heat and desert.
Here we are at the starting point for the tour.
As we left the rendezvous point the heat was tremendous and we passed around the sun block and prepared for the tour in which we would trek a little more than an hour into the desert. Local Sheriff's Todd Garrison from Dona Ana County and Sheriff Raymond Cobos of Luna County tell us through out the tour of the problems they encounter with illegal activity from the border. We pass cattle and torn up tires and rims from those passing through this rugged terrain, sometimes with actual passenger cars which are literally driven through the rough terrain until they are in pieces on the desert ground. We pass crosses left by family or friends of those who's last hours on this earth were spent in this desert.
Here we are at the starting point for the tour.
At a break I admired the Guadalupe County ATV.
Thats me standing up in the back of the ATV with Santa Fe County Under Sheriff Robert Garcia at the wheel.
I grew up in Santa Fe where public opinion is much different in regards to illegal immigration. We don't experience the problems that the border counties encounter and it was very enlightening to see first hand the rough terrain and difficulty law enforcement has patrolling and policing this area. As we debate fences and walls across the border you can see first hand how difficult it really is to secure the border.
Thats me standing up in the back of the ATV with Santa Fe County Under Sheriff Robert Garcia at the wheel.The area we primarily toured was all in Dona Ana County. The county comprises 3,804 square miles in south-central New Mexico, and borders El Paso County, Texas, to the east and southeast. The county also shares its borders with the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, directly south, Luna County to the west, Sierra County to the north and Otero County to the east. Much of the drugs that come through this area are spread through out the nation including heroin which ends up in northern Santa Fe County and Rio Arriba County. As many of you know this area has the highest rate of overdose deaths in America per capita. We constantly battle the influx of heroin, meth, marijuana, and other illegal drugs coming across the border and into Santa Fe County, much of it across the very ground we toured on this trip.
All the photos and video were taken with my cell phone so the quality is not great. Below is a short video of an area we went through which was being leased from the federal government and used to graze cattle.
I learned a lot on this trip and I thank the Sheriff's who arranged for this trip and gave us the information, and provided the ATV's. I know all the Sheriff's who attended learned a lot and stand ready and willing to provide what ever help we can to those on the front lines along the border.
All the photos and video were taken with my cell phone so the quality is not great. Below is a short video of an area we went through which was being leased from the federal government and used to graze cattle.
I learned a lot on this trip and I thank the Sheriff's who arranged for this trip and gave us the information, and provided the ATV's. I know all the Sheriff's who attended learned a lot and stand ready and willing to provide what ever help we can to those on the front lines along the border.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year!
I hope every one has a great new year and may all your dreams and wishes come true!
Greg, Antoinette, Aaron, Sylvia.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Decision is made on Congressional Race.
I have made a decision in the Northern Congressional Race. I sent out this News Release today.
NEWS RELEASE- 12-10-07
Sheriff Greg Solano announces today that he will not run as a candidate for the northern congressional seat being vacated by Representative Tom Udall. Sheriff Solano will continue with his run for Lieutenant Governor in the 2010 Primary Election. Sheriff Solano states “ My family, supporters and I have weighed the issues and the races of Lieutenant Governor and the House seat and have decided the place where I can best serve the citizens of New Mexico is in the Lieutenant Governors race. “
Sheriff Solano went on to say “I feel confident the Democratic Party will prevail in the Northern Congressional Seat and I look forward to supporting the Democratic candidate in the general election”. “Now is the time for New Mexicans to make real changes in Washington by electing Democrats for President and into all of the Congressional Races. We must turn away from those who have supported President Bush’s failed policies and wars”. Sheriff Solano wants to thank all those who emailed and called him expressing support for a congressional run. “It was very humbling to be asked by citizens and my peers to consider the run and I am very thankful for the support”.
NEWS RELEASE- 12-10-07
Sheriff Greg Solano announces today that he will not run as a candidate for the northern congressional seat being vacated by Representative Tom Udall. Sheriff Solano will continue with his run for Lieutenant Governor in the 2010 Primary Election. Sheriff Solano states “ My family, supporters and I have weighed the issues and the races of Lieutenant Governor and the House seat and have decided the place where I can best serve the citizens of New Mexico is in the Lieutenant Governors race. “
Sheriff Solano went on to say “I feel confident the Democratic Party will prevail in the Northern Congressional Seat and I look forward to supporting the Democratic candidate in the general election”. “Now is the time for New Mexicans to make real changes in Washington by electing Democrats for President and into all of the Congressional Races. We must turn away from those who have supported President Bush’s failed policies and wars”. Sheriff Solano wants to thank all those who emailed and called him expressing support for a congressional run. “It was very humbling to be asked by citizens and my peers to consider the run and I am very thankful for the support”.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
In or out of the Congressional District 3 Race?
I know this blog is about my run for New Mexico's Lieutenant Governor seat. However, it is no secret that I have been considering the District 3 Congressional seat which is being vacated by Representative Tom Udall as he runs for the Senate seat being vacated by Senator Pete Dominici.
As recently as last night I was and still am, campaigning for the Lt. Governor position. I spent last night meeting with law enforcement from across the state as they were gathered in Albuquerque for the Policing in the 21st Century conference. Since I started this blog to chronicle my run for this office I think something would be amiss if I did not talk about what is happening at this point in the campaign. In march 2007 before Senator Dominici even announced he would vacate his seat I was mentioned as a possible candidate for Tom Udall's House seat should Dominici not run again and Tom Udall run for his seat. It was in an article in the Washington based newspaper Roll Call (subscription required to view link). It was flattering and unexpected. Also mentioned was Ben Ray Lujan, Javier Gonzales, Geno Zamora and Roman Maes.
I have to admit this was the first time I even considered a run for congress. Fast forward to today and Ben Ray Lujan is about to formally announce his candidacy, Geno and Javier have announced they will not run and Roman Maes has never been mentioned again since the Roll Call article. The only one left to announce anything is myself. As I consider this race three stars have to align for me to jump in.
Not in order of importance because I believe all three have to be in place for a run, the three things are:
Family- My family has to be accepting of the run and the job that would follow if elected.
Community- What would really be best for the communities I would serve. How can I best serve New Mexico and the Democratic party.
Strategy- What is the best strategy to get in a position where I can serve. Does it make sense from a strategy standpoint to abandon the race for Lt. Governor? Is the chosen race winnable and can we raise the money required in the time allotted? How will the 20% rule come into play in the March State Central Democratic Party meeting?
I decided to blog about this decision today because I want your input, but also because I thought it would be interesting for voters who are not part of the candidate process to get some insight into what goes into a decision to run.
So lets start with family. I have a wonderful wife of 23 years, a 15 year old daughter and a 22 year old son. We have all spent our entire lives in Santa Fe and really I was married and on the way to building a family before I ever went outside of New Mexico. When I first spoke to my wife about the congressional race the largest part of our discussion was the time away from home when I would be in Washington. My daughter is in Santa Fe Public Schools and wants to graduate from her high school. I have a granddaughter whom we love very much and I want to spend as much time as I can with her. The discussion over the Congressional Race in my home was much more in depth than the Lieutenant Governor race which would keep me at home in New Mexico as part of the day to day job duties. My family has decided to support me in what ever I decide to do and I am a very lucky man to have such a supportive family. They have always been there for me and I am surely blessed by them.
Next we look at community. I have spent a lot of time working on local issues in my capacity as Sheriff, President of the Sheriff's and Police Association, Vice President of the Fraternal Order of Police, as well as my union days as president of the local police union. I have always kept abreast of national issues as part of my interest in politics and keeping track of how national issues affect our local government and union membership. I have never been as dismayed with the way Washington is headed as I have in the Bush years. The reason I have been a public servant since 1988 is my desire to make a difference in our community. So the big decision I need to make is where can I best serve New Mexicans? Should I run for Lt. Governor and try and work on state and local issues or do I try to get to Washington and work on New Mexican issues at the national level? I am still somewhat up in the air on this. I do feel that I can serve in either capacity and would be ready and willing serve should the voters allow me to do so.
Finally the strategy portion. This is a year unlike any other for many reasons. First and foremost is the 20% rule. In the past someone who wanted to run for office gathered petitions, went to the pre-primary convention and if they did not get the required number of delegate votes at the convention they only had to return to the voters get more petitions and run for office. Our legislature quietly and without much discussion changed the rules and if a candidate does not get 20% of the delegates at convention then their opportunity to run for office ends there. Steve Terrell of the Santa Fe New Mexican wrote an article describing how there was no provision for a candidate if the field is crowded and no one gets 20% of the delegates. In my opinion it is more likely that a candidate could with the right circumstances garner 50-60% of the delegates and in a field of 4 or more candidates the rest may not garner the required 20%. In the 3rd Congressional District this could mean the election (not just the primary but the entire election including the general election) could be over before a single vote is cast by the public. The State Central committee members could elect our next member of congress all by themselves.
Chances are that at least two candidates would emerge however it is not beyond the realm of possibility that the election could be over in March. So what are the right circumstances in which something like this could happen? How about the son of the Speaker of the house, one of the highest positions held by a democrat running for office? Take a look at just who the State Central Delegates are. The majority are your county and local elected officials, those that are not elected officials are those who work to get those elected officials in office. All of these people go to the legislature at some point and time to get things passed or obtain capital funds for their local jurisdictions.
In no way am I alleging arm twisting or back room deals however, how many are likely to donate money, outwardly support a candidate, or give their very important delegate vote to anyone who opposes the son of the speaker of the house. Would a candidate be willing to play Don Quixote and attack the windmill? Of course I have considered these and other factors, and by the same token the one thing that comes to mind is a favorite quote of mine by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
Will voters long for an serious alternative candidate to one who may be considered the obvious front runner? Ben Ray Lujan ran an effective campaign for the Public Regulation Commission but who can forget that he was even endorsed by Governor Bill Richardson in the Democratic Primary. In doing so Governor Richardson snubbed other democrats in what at the time was a pretty unprecedented move for a sitting governor to get involved in a lower level state race prior to the general election. Finally I feel good about the kickoff of my Lieutenant Governor race and have no doubts that I am ready to continue this race.
I have given you my readers some insight into my thoughts on the issue. If after reading this you have thoughts, ideas, or considerations I have not mentioned feel free to post comments on this blog or if you would rather communicate with me in a more private manner feel free to email me at solanoltgov@aol.com. I have to announce my intentions in the next few weeks as the clock is ticking. I hope this has allowed some insight into what considerations are taking place although I have not discussed each and every issue my campaign is considering but I have tried to touch on the key factors.
As recently as last night I was and still am, campaigning for the Lt. Governor position. I spent last night meeting with law enforcement from across the state as they were gathered in Albuquerque for the Policing in the 21st Century conference. Since I started this blog to chronicle my run for this office I think something would be amiss if I did not talk about what is happening at this point in the campaign. In march 2007 before Senator Dominici even announced he would vacate his seat I was mentioned as a possible candidate for Tom Udall's House seat should Dominici not run again and Tom Udall run for his seat. It was in an article in the Washington based newspaper Roll Call (subscription required to view link). It was flattering and unexpected. Also mentioned was Ben Ray Lujan, Javier Gonzales, Geno Zamora and Roman Maes.
I have to admit this was the first time I even considered a run for congress. Fast forward to today and Ben Ray Lujan is about to formally announce his candidacy, Geno and Javier have announced they will not run and Roman Maes has never been mentioned again since the Roll Call article. The only one left to announce anything is myself. As I consider this race three stars have to align for me to jump in.
Not in order of importance because I believe all three have to be in place for a run, the three things are:
Family- My family has to be accepting of the run and the job that would follow if elected.
Community- What would really be best for the communities I would serve. How can I best serve New Mexico and the Democratic party.
Strategy- What is the best strategy to get in a position where I can serve. Does it make sense from a strategy standpoint to abandon the race for Lt. Governor? Is the chosen race winnable and can we raise the money required in the time allotted? How will the 20% rule come into play in the March State Central Democratic Party meeting?
I decided to blog about this decision today because I want your input, but also because I thought it would be interesting for voters who are not part of the candidate process to get some insight into what goes into a decision to run.
So lets start with family. I have a wonderful wife of 23 years, a 15 year old daughter and a 22 year old son. We have all spent our entire lives in Santa Fe and really I was married and on the way to building a family before I ever went outside of New Mexico. When I first spoke to my wife about the congressional race the largest part of our discussion was the time away from home when I would be in Washington. My daughter is in Santa Fe Public Schools and wants to graduate from her high school. I have a granddaughter whom we love very much and I want to spend as much time as I can with her. The discussion over the Congressional Race in my home was much more in depth than the Lieutenant Governor race which would keep me at home in New Mexico as part of the day to day job duties. My family has decided to support me in what ever I decide to do and I am a very lucky man to have such a supportive family. They have always been there for me and I am surely blessed by them.
Next we look at community. I have spent a lot of time working on local issues in my capacity as Sheriff, President of the Sheriff's and Police Association, Vice President of the Fraternal Order of Police, as well as my union days as president of the local police union. I have always kept abreast of national issues as part of my interest in politics and keeping track of how national issues affect our local government and union membership. I have never been as dismayed with the way Washington is headed as I have in the Bush years. The reason I have been a public servant since 1988 is my desire to make a difference in our community. So the big decision I need to make is where can I best serve New Mexicans? Should I run for Lt. Governor and try and work on state and local issues or do I try to get to Washington and work on New Mexican issues at the national level? I am still somewhat up in the air on this. I do feel that I can serve in either capacity and would be ready and willing serve should the voters allow me to do so.
Finally the strategy portion. This is a year unlike any other for many reasons. First and foremost is the 20% rule. In the past someone who wanted to run for office gathered petitions, went to the pre-primary convention and if they did not get the required number of delegate votes at the convention they only had to return to the voters get more petitions and run for office. Our legislature quietly and without much discussion changed the rules and if a candidate does not get 20% of the delegates at convention then their opportunity to run for office ends there. Steve Terrell of the Santa Fe New Mexican wrote an article describing how there was no provision for a candidate if the field is crowded and no one gets 20% of the delegates. In my opinion it is more likely that a candidate could with the right circumstances garner 50-60% of the delegates and in a field of 4 or more candidates the rest may not garner the required 20%. In the 3rd Congressional District this could mean the election (not just the primary but the entire election including the general election) could be over before a single vote is cast by the public. The State Central committee members could elect our next member of congress all by themselves.
Chances are that at least two candidates would emerge however it is not beyond the realm of possibility that the election could be over in March. So what are the right circumstances in which something like this could happen? How about the son of the Speaker of the house, one of the highest positions held by a democrat running for office? Take a look at just who the State Central Delegates are. The majority are your county and local elected officials, those that are not elected officials are those who work to get those elected officials in office. All of these people go to the legislature at some point and time to get things passed or obtain capital funds for their local jurisdictions.
In no way am I alleging arm twisting or back room deals however, how many are likely to donate money, outwardly support a candidate, or give their very important delegate vote to anyone who opposes the son of the speaker of the house. Would a candidate be willing to play Don Quixote and attack the windmill? Of course I have considered these and other factors, and by the same token the one thing that comes to mind is a favorite quote of mine by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
Will voters long for an serious alternative candidate to one who may be considered the obvious front runner? Ben Ray Lujan ran an effective campaign for the Public Regulation Commission but who can forget that he was even endorsed by Governor Bill Richardson in the Democratic Primary. In doing so Governor Richardson snubbed other democrats in what at the time was a pretty unprecedented move for a sitting governor to get involved in a lower level state race prior to the general election. Finally I feel good about the kickoff of my Lieutenant Governor race and have no doubts that I am ready to continue this race.
I have given you my readers some insight into my thoughts on the issue. If after reading this you have thoughts, ideas, or considerations I have not mentioned feel free to post comments on this blog or if you would rather communicate with me in a more private manner feel free to email me at solanoltgov@aol.com. I have to announce my intentions in the next few weeks as the clock is ticking. I hope this has allowed some insight into what considerations are taking place although I have not discussed each and every issue my campaign is considering but I have tried to touch on the key factors.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Democratic Party State Central Committee Meeting,
My wife Antoinette, daughter Sylvia and I attended the New Mexico Democrat Party State Central Committee meeting at Smith-Brasher hall in Albuquerque yesterday. We were there to meet Central Committee members and introduce my Lt. Governor Campaign and myself to them. It was a packed house that attracted more media attention than usual. Representative Tom Udall was slated to give a speech and a rumor quickly spread that he might announce a run for Pete Dominici's Senate seat. He did not announce but did say he would decide in a few weeks after speaking to his constituents.
I watched the other announced candidates who seemed somewhat demoralized as the crowd chanted "Run Tom Run" over and over while holding up signs which said the same. Early Thursday after word came out that Rep. Udall was reconsidering a run for Senate I began getting calls asking me to consider running for Rep. Udall's seat in Northern New Mexico. I have to admit I considered that scenario back when Roll Call mentioned me as a possible candidate in March of this year.
Here is a link to the Roll Call story although a very expensive subscription is required in order to read it.
I did receive a copy of the story and here is the excerpt that mentions me as a possible candidate.
Politics in Northern New Mexico a Family AffairBack in March as I said, I briefly considered a run for the 3rd Congressional District House seat should Rep. Udall jump into the Senate race. Until a few days ago I did not consider the scenario likely Meanwhile I decided to run for Lt. Governor and forgot all about the House Race. Both the media and constituents are calling me now about a possible run. My heart is still in the Lt. Governor race but I would also do what is best for New Mexico. I do have to say that my family is leary not only about the race which is attracting many possible democratic candidates but of the time away from home I would spend in Washington should the voters decide I would represent them. My daughter is a sophomore in High School and I have to consider my families wishes and feelings.
March 20, 2007
By Josh Kurtz,
Roll Call Staff
The first name mentioned when a vacancy in the 3rd district is discussed is former Santa Fe County Commissioner Javier Gonzales (D). Gonzales was a political wunderkind who was elected to the county commission in 1994 at the age of 27. He is now the president of the Board of Regents at New Mexico Highlands University, works for a national lobbying firm and also runs a popular bilingual radio station. He father is a former mayor of Santa Fe.
But Gonzales is unlikely to have the Democratic field to himself. Two other ambitious young Hispanic politicians in northern New Mexico are Public Utilities Commission Chairman Ben Ray Lujan, son of state Speaker Ben Lujan (D), and attorney Geno Zamora, a former aide to both Udall and Richardson who lost a Democratic primary for Attorney General last year.
Political observers also would not be surprised to see the media-savvy Santa Fe County Sheriff, Greg Solano (he has his own blog), run for Congress. And ex-state Sen. Roman Maes (D) always has expressed an interest in the 3rd district seat.
(photo from Democracy for New Mexico which also has an excellent blog post on the Democratic party State Central Committee Meeting)
I spent a few minutes talking one on one with Representative Udall yesterday and he is adamant about taking two weeks to decide. That gives all potential candidates time to mull things over and see how it all shakes out. I spoke to two other potential candidates one on one yesterday and at least one of the two is probably guaranteed to run. Besides my family, and some of the constituents who have called me I also do not want to be seen as flip flopping or unable to decide what I want to run for. I did not take any part in spreading my name to the media or others as mulling over a candidacy however I do make myself accessible at all times to the public and the media so it was not hard for them to ask me the questions. We are still actively campaigning for Lt. Governor and nothing has changed in that respect.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Domenici decision will affect many federal, state, and local races.
Senator Pete Domenici has decided not to run for office and finish out his final term ending in January 2009. I have spoken earlier about how I made my decision to run for Lieutenant Governor and the strange dynamics around this and other state wide offices. Things were strange enough with Governor Richardson's run for the Presidency and what would happen if he left the Governors office early for what ever reason. Now Pete Domenici leaves office, not early allowing for a chosen successor to be anointed as many including me thought would happen if he did not run, but rather vowing to finish his term and leave his seat entirely in the hands of the voters.I was headed home from a day at the office when I received a phone call from a local reporter who asked me whether a Senate race was in my radar screen now that Pete was out of the way. This set my mind reeling as I thought about the scenarios that Pete's departure would create through out New Mexico. I let the reporter know I would not consider a run for Senator Domenici's seat at this time and tried to pay attention to my driving as my mind wandered with the thoughts of this news and its implications on New Mexico Politics.
Even more surprising to me was Lieutenant Diane Denish announcement she would consider a run for Senator Domenici's seat. I find it hard to believe she would give up a virtual lock on the Governors seat for a wide open run on Senator Domenici's seat that is sure to attract many strong candidates on both the Republican and Democratic sides. Albuquerque Mayor Marty Chavez is also considered to be a possible candidate for Senator Domenici's seat. If he decides to run Diane would be the anointed Governor. If Diane were to run for Domenici's seat Marty would take the lead in the Governor's race and probably finally have a chance at winning a race that seemed beyond his reach only yesterday.
Some of the people attracted to becoming my opponents for the Lieutenant Governor race would also be very interested in Representative Tom Udall's seat should he decide to jump into the Senate race. Actually I would have to consider that race as well. Should my potential opponents jump into Udall's old seat race after he jumps into Pete's old seat race it could make things easier for my race. And if those last two sentences don't make your head spin I don't know what will. I know my old high school English teacher Mrs. Mecklem (hope I spelled it right) would put big red marks on my blog if she was reading this right now.
Then there are the other potential candidates, former Attorney General Patricia Madrid, Republicans Steve Pearce, and Heather Wilson. Heather Wilson entering the race sets off a whole other bomb of what ifs. Would Patricia Madrid step in to run for Heathers abandoned seat? would Marty Chavez decide to take the easier road to a higher office and run for Heathers seat? One thing Republicans really have to consider is that should Heather run for Pete's seat and with the anti Republican moods across the country what if both races were lost to the Democrats? That sentence makes me feel warm and fuzzy.
Would Heather Wilson do better running for re-election in her own seat than she would do running in Pete's Abandoned seat? I think she is extremely vulnerable either way but probably has the best chance running for re-election in her own seat. Current candidates for Senator Domenici's seat deserve some mention. Democrat Don Wiviot promises to press on but this new wrinkle makes a primary race much tougher for him. Democrat Jim Hannan who's race has so far failed to take off really would need to kick it into high gear as the race has taken on a whole new look. Finally everyone is waiting for one man to clearly and without a doubt announce a decision. Governor Bill Richardson would probably jump into the race to fill Pete Domenici's seat as a front runner whose lead would seem unsurmountable should he decide to do so. Opponents would scatter like mice when the lights are turned on should he jump into the race.
This decision would have to weigh heavy on the Governor who really would like to see his way through the February Democratic Presidential primary's and caucus's scheduled in the U.S.. Yet the Senate seat and the Governors ability to take an immediate lead in the seat would have to make him think twice about not jumping in. There also is probably pressure from the National Democratic Party for Governor Richardson to secure this seat for the Democrats. The 2008 elections are expected by many democrats as the best chance in many years to take back the Senate in Congress and end Republican rule in Washington.
So the political junkies are reeling and everyone is running these scenarios through their heads. I predict one of the largest turnouts New Mexico has ever seen in the 2008 General Election. It will be great to see democracy in action and to see voters energized. I also predict a Democratic sweep across the nation as the pendulum swings back with a majority in both houses of Congress as well as a Democratic President. It will be a great time to be a Democrat, if you are not a registered Democrat get to your county clerks office and jump on board the train. It promises to be a great ride.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Finally, pics from the Santa Fe Fiesta Parade
I got kinda busy the last week and only today got around to putting up pics from our entry in the 2007 Santa Fe Fiesta Hysterical-Historical Parade. Click on this link to see the rest of the pics along with our ever growing albums from other events.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
My Tribute to the Victims of September 11, 2001
Today marks the six year anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center. Today I want to honor the Police, Firefighters, and Americans who lost their lives in the September 11 attacks. To begin with I want to show you a video tribute to the children of those who died. This originally was an animated video posted on the internet. Someone changed the scenes to photos however they kept the original soundtrack. It brought tears to my eyes and I bet it will to yours also.The first thing that comes to my mind is where I was when the attacks first were announced on the news. It comes to my mind because I was driving my daughter to school. She was nine years old and I was driving down San Mateo Street near the intersection of St Francis Drive when I heard about the first plane striking the World Trade Center on 77 KKOB Radio station. I thought it was odd and a horrible accident. I dropped my daughter off at elementary school and headed home.
At the time my wife and I worked out of our home. I called my wife and told her to turn on the TV as I headed home. I got home and a short time later we watched horrified as the second plane struck the second tower. My wife cries at movies and I remember the look on her face as the tears fell from her eyes. My son was in high school at the time and she wanted me to go get both kids from school. I argued against it and we decided, (maybe I decided) to leave them at school.After the attack on the pentagon I remember thinking this was the beginning of World War 3. It seemed a lot like the kamikaze pilots at Pearl Harbor. I really thought the missiles or other military strikes were coming next. I remember this day vividly and it must be like the day President Kennedy was shot, or Pearl Harbor to our generation. I always remember my mother talking about the day President Kennedy was shot and what she was doing. She was driving me home from the hospital one week after my birth. She heard of Kennedy's assassination on the radio just like I first heard of the September 11 attacks. Where were you when the planes struck? Use the comment section to talk about it.
2948 Victims died on that day.
The youngest victim was 2 year old Christie Hanson, the oldest was 85 year old Robert Grant Norton.
333 Firefighters and 60 Law Enforcement Officers, and 125 members or our Armed Forces died that day.
Alfred Gilles Padre Joseph Marchand- The only New Mexican to die in the September 11, Attacks. He was a retired Alamogordo Police Officer who wanted to be a pilot someday. He was working as a flight attendant on United Flight 175 which was crashed into the World Trade Center South Tower.
Names of those Killed in the September 11 Attacks.
Today I pay tribute not only to all who lost their lives on September 11, but to those who were left behind. 3251 Children lost a parent on that day. Thousands more lost loved ones, friends, and hero's. Those that remain are the true legacy left by the victims of September 11, 2001.
For the Firefighters, Police and EMS who died saving others, it is not how they died that makes them hero's, it is how they lived.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Balancing Between Politics and Family.
Today is my son Aaron's 22 Birthday, Happy Birthday Aaron! Santa Fe Fiesta's always reminds me of Aaron's birthday because when he was born in 1985 it was one of the few burning of Zozobra we missed as we spent that Friday night (back then Zozobra burned on Friday night), watching it on the TV in the hospital room. We almost lost Aaron at birth and we spent the whole first week of his life in a hospital room with him.
After a full day at the Sheriff's office I headed over to a fund raiser, meet and greet for Democrat Don Wiviott at Flying Tortilla Restaurant in Santa Fe. Don is running in the Democratic Primary to face Pete Dominici in the general election race for U.S. Senate. It was well attended by many prominent Democrats from both Santa Fe and Albuquerque. I spent a little more time there then I intended to but it was worth it. I then missed the next event I was invited to and headed over to meet my family for a birthday dinner at Maria's Restaurant. The time of the birthday dinner was set to allow me time to attend Don Wiviott's get together.
I always keep my obligations to my family but they do get scheduled in my trusty Palm Treo around my obligations to the Sheriff's Office and political events. Its a balancing act but its no different than those who have to work around their jobs and work schedule and balance work and family every day while still trying to make a living. Its part of life for every American not just politicians. Tomorrow I will head over to the burning of Zozobra and once again I will balance. I take my family with me, make sure they are settled in to watch and then I will walk around in uniform and make sure my deputies are set and everything is running smoothly so all the families including mine are safe while they enjoy the show.
It is all part of the balancing act between work and family and trying to ensure I take care of both. For some who have pondered how I can run for Lt. Governor and still ensure the county is taken care of, spend a day or two with me. I would never let any of my obligations slip, One of the things I have always told my kids is there is always a way to do the things you need to do. As Henry Ford once said: "whether you think you can or cannot you are right !"
After a full day at the Sheriff's office I headed over to a fund raiser, meet and greet for Democrat Don Wiviott at Flying Tortilla Restaurant in Santa Fe. Don is running in the Democratic Primary to face Pete Dominici in the general election race for U.S. Senate. It was well attended by many prominent Democrats from both Santa Fe and Albuquerque. I spent a little more time there then I intended to but it was worth it. I then missed the next event I was invited to and headed over to meet my family for a birthday dinner at Maria's Restaurant. The time of the birthday dinner was set to allow me time to attend Don Wiviott's get together.
I always keep my obligations to my family but they do get scheduled in my trusty Palm Treo around my obligations to the Sheriff's Office and political events. Its a balancing act but its no different than those who have to work around their jobs and work schedule and balance work and family every day while still trying to make a living. Its part of life for every American not just politicians. Tomorrow I will head over to the burning of Zozobra and once again I will balance. I take my family with me, make sure they are settled in to watch and then I will walk around in uniform and make sure my deputies are set and everything is running smoothly so all the families including mine are safe while they enjoy the show.
It is all part of the balancing act between work and family and trying to ensure I take care of both. For some who have pondered how I can run for Lt. Governor and still ensure the county is taken care of, spend a day or two with me. I would never let any of my obligations slip, One of the things I have always told my kids is there is always a way to do the things you need to do. As Henry Ford once said: "whether you think you can or cannot you are right !"
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Road to New Mexico Lt. Governor Photo Albums now up!
My daughter Sylvia, Me, Wife Antoinette, Son Aaron.Thanks to my good friends Victor Lioce and Larry Martinez who took the pictures and sent them to me we now have online photo albums with pics from the campaign trail. Enjoy, pics and additional albums will be added as we march on. Check back often for new pics at www.solanoltgov.shutterfly.com
Thanks to Eric Scott !
Eric Scott a long time blogger on the Free New Mexican Web site has added his endorsement to a list which is growing fast. Eric's blog posts are often thought provoking and interesting.
Thanks Eric!
Thanks Eric!
Monday, September 3, 2007
Preparing for Parades
The first day of the State Fair is four days away, the annual New Mexico State Fair Parade is five days away ( I have not gotten used to calling it Expo New Mexico) . We have been busy preparing for the State Fair Parade on Saturday, September 8, 2007 and the Santa Fe Fiesta Hysterical Historical Parade on Sunday September 9, 2007. While my campaign committee led by my amazing wife Antoinette took care of the parade preparations my staff and I prepared to assist the City Police Department with preparations for the burning of Zozobra on Thursday and the whole weekend of fiesta celebrations.
Normally we ride in parades in a stagecoach driven by my good friend Rusty of Santa Fe Western Adventures. This year the coach is being used in a movie on Saturday so we went to plan B, I will hold off on showing plan B until the parades.
Other than preparations for the parade things have gone well for the first two weeks of the campaign. The response from the public has been very positive. The worst thing said to me so far is "what will we do for Sheriff ?". That is a hard question for me only because I have enjoyed Sheriff so much and I could be Sheriff for many more years except for the fact that New Mexico is one of only a very few states that have term limits for Sheriff. One thing I have never understood is how it is the Legislature passed term limits for all County and State Officials except themselves. How did the public allow that to happen?
I can understand some reasoning behind term limits but isn't that what elections are for? Don't we decide on how long elected officials should be in office just by deciding on their re-election? Anyhow, all indications are that my Under Sheriff Robert Garcia will run when my term runs out. He has been one of my mentors since he was my partner and training officer when I first became a detective. In those days we were a lot like Robert Duvall and Sean Penn in the Dennis Hopper movie Colors (without all the car chases and shootouts), real police work is not quite like the movies.
I was promoted to detective and assigned to work in the juvenile division where Robert was one of the old pro's in the division. Soon after I was assigned to handle all gang cases and the two of us would go out and help each other with our cases. Youth gangs were just starting to take hold in the City of Santa Fe with young kids emulating what they saw in movies like "Colors" and "The Warriors". During this time Robert was also head of the City Police Union and I was a board member and eventually became his Vice-President. Later the roles were reversed and I became President with him as my Vice-President. I often joke with him about how long he has been in Law Enforcement (about 25 years), I will make cracks about the days he rode his horse to work or how hard it was chiseling citations in stone.
He will make an excellent Sheriff and even though I am his boss I still consider him my mentor and someone who taught me a lot about police work, management, and people. We have always been on the same wavelength and think a lot alike. It is almost midnight, guess I better wrap up todays post, see you at the parades and que viva la fiesta!
Normally we ride in parades in a stagecoach driven by my good friend Rusty of Santa Fe Western Adventures. This year the coach is being used in a movie on Saturday so we went to plan B, I will hold off on showing plan B until the parades.
Other than preparations for the parade things have gone well for the first two weeks of the campaign. The response from the public has been very positive. The worst thing said to me so far is "what will we do for Sheriff ?". That is a hard question for me only because I have enjoyed Sheriff so much and I could be Sheriff for many more years except for the fact that New Mexico is one of only a very few states that have term limits for Sheriff. One thing I have never understood is how it is the Legislature passed term limits for all County and State Officials except themselves. How did the public allow that to happen?
I can understand some reasoning behind term limits but isn't that what elections are for? Don't we decide on how long elected officials should be in office just by deciding on their re-election? Anyhow, all indications are that my Under Sheriff Robert Garcia will run when my term runs out. He has been one of my mentors since he was my partner and training officer when I first became a detective. In those days we were a lot like Robert Duvall and Sean Penn in the Dennis Hopper movie Colors (without all the car chases and shootouts), real police work is not quite like the movies.I was promoted to detective and assigned to work in the juvenile division where Robert was one of the old pro's in the division. Soon after I was assigned to handle all gang cases and the two of us would go out and help each other with our cases. Youth gangs were just starting to take hold in the City of Santa Fe with young kids emulating what they saw in movies like "Colors" and "The Warriors". During this time Robert was also head of the City Police Union and I was a board member and eventually became his Vice-President. Later the roles were reversed and I became President with him as my Vice-President. I often joke with him about how long he has been in Law Enforcement (about 25 years), I will make cracks about the days he rode his horse to work or how hard it was chiseling citations in stone.
He will make an excellent Sheriff and even though I am his boss I still consider him my mentor and someone who taught me a lot about police work, management, and people. We have always been on the same wavelength and think a lot alike. It is almost midnight, guess I better wrap up todays post, see you at the parades and que viva la fiesta!
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Those who would be Lieutenant Governor
I went on a three day trail ride at the Quinlan Ranch near Chama New Mexico. Normally this would be a story for my other blog since this blog is about the race for Lieutenant Governor. However, something interesting happened when I got to the ranch. This ride is a yearly event and many people from through out New Mexico and several neighboring states attend. After driving up and unloading the horses and our gear I walked up to the campfire and sitting around it were none other than former Attorney General Candidate Geno Zamora, Former County Commissioner Javier Gonzales, and Mayor Marty Chavez. This would be an interesting three days. Needless to say politics was discussed on several occasions .Also in attendance was Land Commissioner Pat Lyons, Santa Fe County Commissioner Mike Anaya and several other notables. The political discussions ranged from the trouble recruiting police officers to who would run for what, when (mostly hypothetical discussions). We all got along great and it did not go unnoticed when Javier, Geno, and I sat around the campfire and talked for some time.
We all get along great and while Javier and I go way back, Geno and I go back about 2 to 3 years. I took a few photos with Javier and Geno and then joked that I would email them back to my wife who would have campaign literature and endorsements from both of them printed before they returned to Santa Fe. We all got a laugh out of that one. My next joke was to challenge the two to a measure off. We would each be measured for height and the shortest one would stay in the race while the other two would back off. As you can see by the photo below I had them beat on that one. For more about the three day trip see my other blog where I will give an overview of the trip in more detail soon.
We all get along great and while Javier and I go way back, Geno and I go back about 2 to 3 years. I took a few photos with Javier and Geno and then joked that I would email them back to my wife who would have campaign literature and endorsements from both of them printed before they returned to Santa Fe. We all got a laugh out of that one. My next joke was to challenge the two to a measure off. We would each be measured for height and the shortest one would stay in the race while the other two would back off. As you can see by the photo below I had them beat on that one. For more about the three day trip see my other blog where I will give an overview of the trip in more detail soon.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Gabrilels Reception, Steve Terrell addresses what if's.
Last night we had our first gathering and reception. My good friend Syd Gabriel of Gabriel's Restaurant and his wife Clair hosted a small reception in his gallery. If you have never eaten at Gabriel's you are missing out. Their claim to fame is the guacamole made to order at your table. Somehow Gabriel's has the most perfectly ripe avocados no matter when you go. Their was a great turnout although we had limited the invitations due to the size of the venue and our wanting this to be a smaller reception.
There was plenty of candidates and individuals representing candidates for the 2008 election and even one who attended on behalf of a 2010 candidate. I knew most of the candidates who came but was surprised to learn that Santa Fe County Clerk Valerie Espinoza has drawn opposition in her re-election bid, Gilbert R. Martinez was passing out cards and campaigning for the post. District Attorney Candidate Doug Couleur was on hand as well as a representative for A.J. Salazar also running for the First Judicial District. New Mexico Court of Appeals Judge Ira Robinson who is on the retention ballot for 2008 joined us as well as Ralph Jaramillo candidate for District 5 Santa Fe County Commission. The county races in 2008 are heating up and candidates are out hitting the campaign trails. Rounding out our guests who were running their own campaigns was a representative for Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish. As for my campaign we definitely hit the ground running and are preparing for up coming parades and planned trips to Bernalillo, Las Cruces and other areas of the state. It was good to kick things off in my home county now we are off to parts where I may not be as well known.
Steve Terrell has hit a lot of nails on the head in his column "Roundhouse Roundup" in today's New Mexican. It really helps explain some of the unusual dynamics surrounding the Governor and Lt. Governor Race's in New Mexico. For more on the dynamics in the 2010 races look at these earlier blog posts.
"with gov on campaign trail Denish steps up"
"Vigil Jiron wants to be Lt."
All the what ifs have been like a jigsaw puzzle where all the pieces are the same shape. That is really why I decided not to do some kind of exploratory committee or play around with testing the waters. I decided I wanted to run and I was going to run regardless of who else jumped in the race. Once that decision was made there was no reason to not jump in with both feet and show everyone I was serious and in the race to stay. This will be a long race and my getting in so early makes it a marathon and not a sprint to the finish. Like the tortoise and the hare I will pace myself and get to the finish line first.
There was plenty of candidates and individuals representing candidates for the 2008 election and even one who attended on behalf of a 2010 candidate. I knew most of the candidates who came but was surprised to learn that Santa Fe County Clerk Valerie Espinoza has drawn opposition in her re-election bid, Gilbert R. Martinez was passing out cards and campaigning for the post. District Attorney Candidate Doug Couleur was on hand as well as a representative for A.J. Salazar also running for the First Judicial District. New Mexico Court of Appeals Judge Ira Robinson who is on the retention ballot for 2008 joined us as well as Ralph Jaramillo candidate for District 5 Santa Fe County Commission. The county races in 2008 are heating up and candidates are out hitting the campaign trails. Rounding out our guests who were running their own campaigns was a representative for Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish. As for my campaign we definitely hit the ground running and are preparing for up coming parades and planned trips to Bernalillo, Las Cruces and other areas of the state. It was good to kick things off in my home county now we are off to parts where I may not be as well known.
Steve Terrell has hit a lot of nails on the head in his column "Roundhouse Roundup" in today's New Mexican. It really helps explain some of the unusual dynamics surrounding the Governor and Lt. Governor Race's in New Mexico. For more on the dynamics in the 2010 races look at these earlier blog posts.
"with gov on campaign trail Denish steps up"
"Vigil Jiron wants to be Lt."
All the what ifs have been like a jigsaw puzzle where all the pieces are the same shape. That is really why I decided not to do some kind of exploratory committee or play around with testing the waters. I decided I wanted to run and I was going to run regardless of who else jumped in the race. Once that decision was made there was no reason to not jump in with both feet and show everyone I was serious and in the race to stay. This will be a long race and my getting in so early makes it a marathon and not a sprint to the finish. Like the tortoise and the hare I will pace myself and get to the finish line first.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
First day of the Lieutenant Governors Race
Well all the rumors have been answered. I am running for Lieutenant Governor. Today at 2:00 p.m. I made the announcement at the Rotunda of the State Capitol. For some reason I was not nervous all day until I walked up to the podium to give my speech. I think I kind of fumbled through the first few paragraphs and then fell into my usual speech giving mode. It has been a busy few weeks. About three weeks ago we decided to appear in the Santa Fe Fiesta Parade and the State Fair Parade in Albuquerque as a candidate for Lieutenant Governor. We then decided that if we were going to do that then we needed to have a formal announcement prior to us just showing up in the parades.
That began a series of meetings and decisions. Where would we announce? If we did kick this off we would need faxes, a campaign phone, email, a web site, etc, etc. Things began rolling along and fell into place quickly. Several web site domains were purchased, an email account set up (solanoltgov@aol.com) . A toll free fax line was set up(866) 307-2681, and a campaign phone was set up (505) 470-4731. Syd Gabriel my good friend at Gabriel's Restaurant pitched in and offered the use of his gallery for our first reception and is providing the appetizers and refreshments. Invitations went out and we were on our way.
Next I needed banners for the news conference and parades. My good friend Dave at Daddy Daves Engraving provided those, even delivering them to the State Capitol one hour before the conference began. On the Friday before the news conference the press had gotten wind of my announcement. I wanted to make the official announcement to all the media at once so I declined to confirm that I would be running for Lt. Governor. Kob TV decided to run the rumor story anyway on Saturday and on Sunday the New Mexican did the same.
On Monday we sent out the press releases for the Tuesday news conference. We took great pains to make sure all campaign items were handled outside of the Sheriff's Office. There for we used the new Fax lines and email address. This was the first gaffe of the campaign. At the same time that I was neither confirming or denying reports that I was announcing for the Lieutenant Governors race, we sent out News Releases from an email address of solanoltgov@aol.com. Blogger Heath Haussamen was the first to catch this gaffe and reported it on his blog.
The next gaffe was at the news conference a reporter asked me for my cell phone number and I gave out the Sheriff's Office cell phone number which all the press has and uses to call me day and night for news at the Sheriff's Office. As many of you know I have no Public Information Officer at the Sheriff's Office I am it. I have always felt that the public elected me to keep on top of things and to keep them informed. For this reason I personally handle all press calls in the office through this cell number 24-7 unless I am unavailable. We do have a separate number for the campaign but I forgot to use this. Immediately a reporter caught on and asked me about it. Oh well, I really have taken great pains to separate the campaign from the Sheriff's Office and I will be more careful in the future.
The announcement is now behind me and I have recorded or done live interviews on four difference radio stations. Next I sat down to write this blog post. My intention is to have this blog be an accurate and honest accounting of my campaign and what it is like to run for a state wide office. I am hoping this journal will one day be read by my great grandchildren who will read with interest about when grandpa ran for Lieutenant Governor. This blog will not be about crafting political writings and making policy statements, my web site will serve that purpose.
Day one is complete, only about 900 or so left. I am posting below the text of my announcement speech. I hope you all will keep tuned in as I keep you up to date on my campaign.
That began a series of meetings and decisions. Where would we announce? If we did kick this off we would need faxes, a campaign phone, email, a web site, etc, etc. Things began rolling along and fell into place quickly. Several web site domains were purchased, an email account set up (solanoltgov@aol.com) . A toll free fax line was set up(866) 307-2681, and a campaign phone was set up (505) 470-4731. Syd Gabriel my good friend at Gabriel's Restaurant pitched in and offered the use of his gallery for our first reception and is providing the appetizers and refreshments. Invitations went out and we were on our way.
Next I needed banners for the news conference and parades. My good friend Dave at Daddy Daves Engraving provided those, even delivering them to the State Capitol one hour before the conference began. On the Friday before the news conference the press had gotten wind of my announcement. I wanted to make the official announcement to all the media at once so I declined to confirm that I would be running for Lt. Governor. Kob TV decided to run the rumor story anyway on Saturday and on Sunday the New Mexican did the same.
On Monday we sent out the press releases for the Tuesday news conference. We took great pains to make sure all campaign items were handled outside of the Sheriff's Office. There for we used the new Fax lines and email address. This was the first gaffe of the campaign. At the same time that I was neither confirming or denying reports that I was announcing for the Lieutenant Governors race, we sent out News Releases from an email address of solanoltgov@aol.com. Blogger Heath Haussamen was the first to catch this gaffe and reported it on his blog.
The next gaffe was at the news conference a reporter asked me for my cell phone number and I gave out the Sheriff's Office cell phone number which all the press has and uses to call me day and night for news at the Sheriff's Office. As many of you know I have no Public Information Officer at the Sheriff's Office I am it. I have always felt that the public elected me to keep on top of things and to keep them informed. For this reason I personally handle all press calls in the office through this cell number 24-7 unless I am unavailable. We do have a separate number for the campaign but I forgot to use this. Immediately a reporter caught on and asked me about it. Oh well, I really have taken great pains to separate the campaign from the Sheriff's Office and I will be more careful in the future.
The announcement is now behind me and I have recorded or done live interviews on four difference radio stations. Next I sat down to write this blog post. My intention is to have this blog be an accurate and honest accounting of my campaign and what it is like to run for a state wide office. I am hoping this journal will one day be read by my great grandchildren who will read with interest about when grandpa ran for Lieutenant Governor. This blog will not be about crafting political writings and making policy statements, my web site will serve that purpose.
Day one is complete, only about 900 or so left. I am posting below the text of my announcement speech. I hope you all will keep tuned in as I keep you up to date on my campaign.
It’s amazing that I am here in this state landmark building today. As a young child my grandmother worked as a custodian for over 20 years in this very building. In the summers when school was out I would come with her to work. Child care costs were beyond my family’s budget so I often went to work with a family member. As a child I roamed the halls of this building. Legislators and Governors would buy me candy from the vending machines. I remember playing in Governor Bruce King’s office on the fourth floor. He always was my favorite governor as a child.
From my humble beginnings as the oldest of four children cared for by a single mother, to the upbringing of my own children with my wife Antoinette we have lived a life of modest means in this great state. When my mother Sylvia passed away in an untimely accident my wife and I at the age of 21 began raising my teenage brother and two sisters. It was a hard struggle but one that made us stronger as a family.
I have never been a man of money. I have been a man who works hard to make an honest living while trying to make a difference in my Community, in my State, and in my Country. I want our children and grandchildren to continue to have a chance to live, work and make a difference in our state.
So many politicians are men and women of great wealth and high power. How often does one of the masses run?
How many of the candidates know what its like to get a late notice from the electric company? How many know what its like to make a decision between health insurance deductions from their paychecks and having enough money to pay rent, buy groceries, fill up the car with gas and have enough left to make sure you can buy your teenager that cool but expensive back pack that they want for school.
We need a
We need a
For twelve years I have protected our streets, our homes and our children as a City Police Sergeant and Sheriff of
Today I announce my candidacy for the Democratic Primary race of Lieutenant Governor of the great State of
As your Lieutenant Governor I will protect:
* Our Children
* Our Families
* Our Future
* Our Way of Life
I am running because I care, I care about the future of
As Sheriff my office and its records have always been open to the public and the media. I am a firm believer in open government. As Lieutenant Governor I will work to enhance voting rights, and open government in
I will to work with the legislature and the Attorney General to strengthen ethics laws in State Government and give law enforcement the tools they need to prevent and prosecute corruption.
I will continue
I will continue to battle D.W.I., domestic violence, gangs, drugs, and property crimes in our state.
Together with the Governor, the Legislature, and the citizens of our great state I will work to keep New
As we work to extricate ourselves from the
Some may ask why I am starting this campaign early. I am starting early to allow time for the rest of
This will be a campaign for the masses, one where each individual vote will make a difference and a campaign where New Mexicans will come before special interests.
I have met with my family and they are ready to support me in this endeavor. My Wife of 23 years Antoinette, My 21 year old son Aaron, and my 15 year old daughter Sylvia are all ready to undergo the scrutiny and hardships of a campaign of this magnitude. Campaigning for elected office is hard on your friends and family. They have always stood by me through three previous campaigns and all the challenges that holding elected office entail. For this I thank them from the bottom of my heart. To all of my friends and family in the audience I thank you from the bottom of my heart. This is for you; this is for my grand daughter Marilyn and all of your children and grandchildren. Together we will make a difference. Together we will change
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