Category Archives: Election

Election

Shannon Bulman for Santa Fe County probate judge [spread the word]

Shannon Bulman co-authored the latest edition of Life Planning in New Mexico, written by former Bernalillo County Probate Judge Merri Rudd. In Santa Fe, Shannon’s opponents include the wife of the current probate judge and the clerk of the current judge. (In Bernalillo, vote for the incumbent Judge Willow Parks.Keep Judge Parks.)

Three vie for Santa Fe County probate judge position | Albuquerque Journal News

Shannon Bulman

Shannon Bulman
OCCUPATION: Attorney
PARTY: Democrat
CITY/TOWN OF RESIDENCE: Santa Fe
AGE: 51

POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT/JUDICIAL EXPERIENCE: Practiced law before New Mexico Courts for 24 years; trained probate judges and staff at state-wide conferences in 2012 and 2013; assistant general counsel, state Human Services Department, 1991-1993;  assistant general counsel at state Department of Public Safety, 1990-1991; law clerk to Chief Judge William W. Bivins, New Mexico Court of Appeals 1989-1990.

Suppose your father dies unexpectedly and you don’t have thousands of dollars to pay for his burial. You go to the probate court late Thursday to be appointed personal representative so you can access his bank account to pay for the burial, but you’re told that the judge won’t be available until the following Tuesday afternoon. What are you going to do?

The Santa Fe Probate Court must be made more accessible to our residents. The court is currently in session only three hours per week. I commit to working harder for Santa Fe. The probate judge can and should provide education about the probate process to our residents and thoroughly train the full-time court staff to better serve the public. District Courts and the Bernalillo County Probate Court provide online access to court records.

The Santa Fe Probate Court should provide the same level of transparency to families and the public. There is work to be done to professionalize and improve access to our probate court. The probate judge needs to understand probate law to better serve families during a time of loss. My qualifications include:

– Representation of countless families in Northern New Mexico to probate the estates of their loved ones.

– Provided legal training to probate judges from across the state; co-author of 5th edition Life Planning in New Mexico, a book explaining estate planning and probate to non-attorneys.

– The only probate judge candidate awarded an AV Preeminent rating, the highest possible rating, by the Martindale-Hubbell peer review process. This rating signifies legal ability and ethics that are highly regarded by attorneys and judges in our community; and routinely acknowledged for pro bono work in our community.

I would be honored to utilize my experience and energy to serve the residents of our county as probate judge.

Three vie for Santa Fe County probate judge position | Albuquerque Journal News

Elect Shannon Bulman for Probate Judge on June 3! – Home

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Elect Shannon Bulman for Probate Judge on June 3! – Home

Election, loco

Lopez points to her experience, background | Albuquerque Journal News

Lopez points to her experience, background | Albuquerque Journal News

By James Monteleone / Journal Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at 12:05 am

Copyright © 2014 Albuquerque Journal

For Linda Lopez, running for governor means offering New Mexicans more than a decade of experience as a state legislative leader and the viewpoint of a Hispanic woman.

Lopez, 50, was first elected to the state Senate to represent southwest Albuquerque in 1996, and after one term was tapped to serve as chairwoman of the high-profile Senate Rules Committee.

She says her political experience, ethnicity and gender mean she is best-suited among the five Democratic gubernatorial candidates to challenge Republican Gov. Susana Martinez – the nation’s first Hispanic female governor – in November.

It also means she’s better-prepared to collaborate with the Democratic-controlled Legislature than Martinez, Lopez says.

Lopez points to her experience, background | Albuquerque Journal News

Election, loco

Democratic Governor Candidates | Albuquerque Journal News

Governor (D) – Howie Morales | Albuquerque Journal News

By Stephen Williams / Asst. Politics Editor
UPDATED: Monday, May 12, 2014 at 11:11 am
PUBLISHED: Friday, May 9, 2014 at 11:11 am

Howie Morales

POLITICAL PARTY: Democratic

OCCUPATION: Educator/administrator at Gila Regional Medical Center (currently on leave); New Mexico state senator, Senate District 28

CITY/TOWN OF RESIDENCE: Silver City

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Member of Legislative Finance Committee; Grant County clerk from 2005 to 2008; special education teacher in Silver City from 1995 to 2000; special education and transition coordinator for Cobre School District from 2000 to 2005; LULAC Educator of the Year in 2005; longest-serving Big Brother in New Mexico

EDUCATION: B.A. in biology and special education from Western New Mexico University; M.A. in bilingual education from Western New Mexico University; Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from New Mexico State University

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: Morales4NM.com

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: I am running for governor because we deserve better for our state. We need to create new solutions for our problems that reflect the new reality that we are facing. As governor, my top priority will be to create an education system that will offer a world-class education to all children beginning before birth and will be available to everyone. I will also focus on getting New Mexicans back to work and ensure that our workers are paid a fair wage with equal pay between men and women. Together, we can move New Mexico forward.

Governor (D) – Howie Morales | Albuquerque Journal News

Governor (D) – Alan Webber | Albuquerque Journal News

By Journal Staff
UPDATED: Monday, May 12, 2014 at 11:11 am
PUBLISHED: Friday, May 9, 2014 at 11:11 am

Alan Webber

POLITICAL PARTY: Democratic

OCCUPATION: Author, entrepreneur

CITY/TOWN OF RESIDENCE: Santa Fe

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: My experience is in entrepreneurship— in fostering innovative business models for small and midsize businesses. Before co-founding Fast Company magazine, I worked in city and federal government and as editor of the Harvard Business Review.

EDUCATION: B.A. from Amherst College; Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Boston Architectural College

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: www.AlanForNM.com

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: New Mexico needs great schools, with early education for every child. We need a minimum wage that pays $10.10 an hour. We need clean energy jobs from New Mexico’s plentiful wind and solar. As an entrepreneur, the tiny magazine I started out of my garage grew to become the most successful tech publication in American history. We can do all this and more if we stop giving tax breaks to big out-of-state corporations, and start listening to what New Mexicans want, rather than what the Koch brothers and tea party want. A better future starts right here with us.

Governor (D) – Alan Webber | Albuquerque Journal News

Governor (D) – Gary King | Albuquerque Journal News

By Stephen Williams / Asst. Politics Editor
UPDATED: Monday, May 12, 2014 at 11:11 am
PUBLISHED: Friday, May 9, 2014 at 11:11 am

Gary K. King

POLITICAL PARTY: Democratic

OCCUPATION: New Mexico attorney general

CITY/TOWN OF RESIDENCE: Moriarty

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Married to Yolanda Jones King. Maintained private practice as an attorney; served for 12 years in the New Mexico Legislature. U.S. Department of Energy, director of the Office of Worker and Community Transition.

EDUCATION: Attended New Mexico State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Received Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Attended law school at the University of New Mexico; received J.D.

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: www.garykingforgovernor.com

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: I was raised in a family where public service was a way of life. I watched my father speak for those with small voices, fight for those unable to fight for themselves and lend a hand to those who needed one without worrying if it was a handout or a hand up. As a young legislator, I wrote laws to protect everyday hardworking New Mexicans. As attorney general, I’ve focused on protecting our families from ruthless corporations, big insurance and power companies. I’ve focused on protecting our children from Internet predators. That’s what politics is to me — serving you.

Governor (D) – Gary King | Albuquerque Journal News

Low-key King runs his own race | Albuquerque Journal News

By Deborah Baker / Journal Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: Monday, May 12, 2014 at 12:05 am

Low-key King runs his own race | Albuquerque Journal News

Governor (D) – Lawrence Rael | Albuquerque Journal News

By Stephen Williams / Asst. Politics Editor
UPDATED: Monday, May 12, 2014 at 11:11 am
PUBLISHED: Friday, May 9, 2014 at 11:11 am

Lawrence Rael

POLITICAL PARTY: Democratic

OCCUPATION: Consultant

CITY/TOWN OF RESIDENCE: Albuquerque

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE: Thirty-five years serving New Mexico, creating jobs and growing local economies as: director, U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Services Agency; president, New Mexico Green Chamber of Commerce; director, Mid-Region Council of Governments; chief administrative officer, city of Albuquerque.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of New Mexico and a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in public finance, also from UNM. Attended Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government as part of a program for senior executives.

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: www.raelfornewmexico.com

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: I have spent my life creating jobs, expanding opportunity and making New Mexico a state we can all be proud to call home. I’m tired of New Mexico being last on all the good lists and first on all the bad lists. Changing this requires a governor who knows how to bring people together to get things done. From developing transportation infrastructure, to collaborating with farmers and ranchers to conserve water, to recruiting companies to New Mexico  — I have what it takes to put New Mexico back to work and on track to prosperity. I’d appreciate your vote June 3.

Governor (D) – Lawrence Rael | Albuquerque Journal News

Election, loco

What qualifies this guy to judge 800 probate cases per year?

From his lofty language, you’d think this guy is running for the Senate. He’s running to be a judge. But his blog post sounds very much like this is a stepping stone, not a job.

Judge Willow Parks, the incumbent, worked her way out of poverty and through law school. She is very qualified and experienced. She deserves your support. Please spread the word about how important this primary election is. Keep Judge Parks

Dominic Levi Lafayette shared his status update. – Dominic Levi Lafayette

That’s why I am running for office. It’s time we no longer elect the elite to office. We are not like the Ancient Romans who elected rich, noble patricians to the senate. Roman society rotted from the inside, and died.

Dominic Levi Lafayette shared his status update. – Dominic Levi Lafayette

abqjournal, Election, NADA - New American Dark Ages, WTF?!

Keystone XL pipeline would be a disaster

Keystone is NOT about energy independence or security for the US. (Oil is NOT about the future.) Keystone makes money for Canada, China, and somebody in the US who is already sickeningly rich. This columnist has a puzzling tone for a union rep. He might as well argue that there will be jobs cleaning up the spills, pollution, and dead wildlife. KILL Keystone!

Keystone XL pipeline derailed by billion-dollar man | Albuquerque Journal News

By Terry O’Sullivan / Special To The Washington Post
PUBLISHED: Monday, April 28, 2014 at 12:05 am

Upon the latest exasperating delay of the Keystone XL pipeline project, our union – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – suggested that the Obama administration grow a set of antlers or take a lesson from Popeye and eat some spinach.

After all, the evidence points to federal approval of the pipeline. After nearly six years of delay, thousands of pages of research, five environmental impact statements confirming the evidence and millions of public comments, a pipeline that could put thousands of Americans to work and help ensure our nation’s energy security remains stalled.

The evidence is clear: It’s the politics that are tricky. And that’s where courage comes in. [mjh: barf] 

No one seriously believes that the administration’s nearly-dark-of-night announcement last week, on Good Friday, that the pipeline would again be delayed was anything but politically motivated.

For the record, our union was among those that twice supported the Obama-Biden ticket, and we continue to support many of the president’s initiatives. But that does not negate our right and obligation to speak out when, because of politics, the administration fails to stand up for working people and the men and women we represent.

It’s not the one-person, one-vote politics that underpins the administration’s actions on Keystone. Public opinion surveys have consistently found strong majority support for the project, while not a single poll has shown majority opposition. Rather, the kind of politics the administration claims to disdain has taken control.

Keystone XL pipeline derailed by billion-dollar man | Albuquerque Journal News

A majority of the US favors a lot of stupid and dangerous things, especially when they are lied to about benefits and risks. KILL Keystone!

Election, NADA - New American Dark Ages, WTF?!

Were 60s radicals half as bad as today’s Radical Right?

Those who were out to destroy the government 50 years ago pale in comparison to those who are out to destroy the government today. The Radical Left was outside. The Radical Right is deep inside. Violence? Somehow it was avoided in Nevada, where the loonies claim to own public land. However, I’d like someone to compare the body count for the Weathermen vs the anti-abortion zealots. Meanwhile, no 60s radical has made it onto the Supreme Court, which every day serves the agenda of the Koch Brothers, ad nauseum.

Webber support from ex-radical slammed | Albuquerque Journal News

By James Monteleone / Journal Staff Writer
UPDATED: Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at 6:46 am

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alan Webber is drawing criticism from Republicans after a news report that the Santa Fe entrepreneur’s campaign is backed by a former member of the Vietnam-era radical leftist group Weather Underground.

RUDD: Renounced Weather Underground role long ago

Mark Rudd, a longtime Albuquerque-area resident and retired instructor at Central New Mexico Community College, was a co-founder of the group, known for bombing dozens of government buildings and banks across the country during the late ’60s and early ’70s in protest of the Vietnam War. Rudd years ago renounced his involvement in the Weather Underground.

Rudd, in a telephone interview Tuesday, said he endorsed Webber in the New Mexico governor’s race after hearing the candidate speak during a fundraiser hosted by his wife, Marla Painter, at the couple’s South Valley home on April 12. The event raised about $1,100 for Webber’s campaign, currently against four Democratic opponents.

Webber, in a prepared statement this week on Rudd’s endorsement, said: “I just met Mark Rudd. Of course I denounce terrorism and understand Mark Rudd regrets his involvement with the radical anti-government group from the 1960s. For over three decades Mark Rudd has been a teacher at CNM, a community activist, and an advocate of nonviolence. If Gov. Martinez wants to discuss her supporters, she should start with the Koch brothers and Sarah Palin.”

Webber support from ex-radical slammed | Albuquerque Journal News

Kudos to Webber for that last remark.

Election

Republicans kiss votes from women goodbye – The Washington Post

Dana Milbank: Republicans kiss votes from women goodbye – The Washington Post

It takes chutzpah to observe Equal Pay Day by sacking the low-wage employee you’ve been snogging. …

The Democrats’ accusation of a GOP “war on women” sticks not because of what Democrats say but because of what Republicans do — and the big problems aren’t personal pratfalls but rather public policy. [Accusations of a war-on-women] gain traction because of proposals Republicans are advancing.

Dana Milbank: Republicans kiss votes from women goodbye – The Washington Post