I guess its not even a surprise anymore when elections are followed by massive lawsuits, the loser always doing anything and everything in his/her power to contest the winner's results.
According to the Wall Street Journal however, the number of lawsuits challenging election procedures could hit an all-time high this year. The majority of these lawsuits are being filed by the Republican party and individual voters in big battleground states such as New Mexico.
The article states that the cases being brought before the courts may not mean anything if Obama wins the country by the margin predicted, but if it's close and it ends up coming down to a couple of states, all of these legal battles could end up making a difference. Should be an interesting couple of days after the election is over and counted.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Obama's Campaign in New Mexico
It is pretty safe to say that Obama's campaign has literally smashed McCain's "campaign" in New Mexico. In a recent article on gather.com, a columnist talks about the lack of Republican campaigning in New Mexico in general, but especially in the small towns.
Its almost like these last couple of weeks have seen McCain in a last ditch effort to try and win the state after he realized he was going to need it to win, only, it was probably already too late. It seems silly to almost entirely abandon a state that voted Bush into office in 2004, but I guess there's a lot of things that seem silly about McCain's campaign.
One things for sure, New Mexico is important, and come election night as the votes are being tallied, people will be looking towards New Mexico to see which way she'll go. I'm not sure how much of a contest it will be though.
Its almost like these last couple of weeks have seen McCain in a last ditch effort to try and win the state after he realized he was going to need it to win, only, it was probably already too late. It seems silly to almost entirely abandon a state that voted Bush into office in 2004, but I guess there's a lot of things that seem silly about McCain's campaign.
One things for sure, New Mexico is important, and come election night as the votes are being tallied, people will be looking towards New Mexico to see which way she'll go. I'm not sure how much of a contest it will be though.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Once again...
In a recent Los Angeles Times article, the importance of the Hispanic vote is once again addressed. Obviously this is especially applicable to New Mexico...
Campaigning Away
It never stops, at least that's how I feel and I'm sure Obama and McCain are thinking something along the same lines.
Yesterday Obama was back in New Mexico, campaigning and trying to insure a vote that increasingly looks like it is, the Hispanic vote. About 45,000 supporters showed up at a rally at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque where Obama talked more about his tax cuts for 95% of Americans and assuring his audience he would focus all his energy on the middle class.
McCain also spent some time in New Mexico yesterday as well as a few quick stops in Texas, where he looks to be ahead but where polls also show his popularity is decreasing. In his stump speeches throughout the Southwest region McCain attempted to push the fact that Obama has never been South of the border and that he, McCain, understood the issues that are important here at a level Obama does not.
Its push time for both candidates now, but they are not done yet.
Yesterday Obama was back in New Mexico, campaigning and trying to insure a vote that increasingly looks like it is, the Hispanic vote. About 45,000 supporters showed up at a rally at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque where Obama talked more about his tax cuts for 95% of Americans and assuring his audience he would focus all his energy on the middle class.
McCain also spent some time in New Mexico yesterday as well as a few quick stops in Texas, where he looks to be ahead but where polls also show his popularity is decreasing. In his stump speeches throughout the Southwest region McCain attempted to push the fact that Obama has never been South of the border and that he, McCain, understood the issues that are important here at a level Obama does not.
Its push time for both candidates now, but they are not done yet.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
10 days to go!
Its hard to believe there's only ten days left until the big day. Everything is sealing up and most states are growing more and more predictable, New Mexico included.
We were all a little surprised when news came earlier this week that announced McCain was abandoning important "swing" states such as New Mexico and Colorado. His campaigns in some states, such as Colorado, have fought back against this news, saying they are not abandoning their state just yet, but a similar backlash in New Mexico has not been seen.
I've posted before about McCain's almost complete lack of a presence in the state and with the removal of his campaign, its pretty clear McCain has faced up to reality and conceded the state I'm not sure he ever really had a chance of winning this election, despite the state's conservative politics and Republican voting history.
According to Pollster.com the Democratic senator Barack Obama leads McCain in the polls 50.4% to McCain's 43.9%.
In several recent studies the issue is said to be McCain's unpopularity with Hispanic voters, due in part, according to a recent New York Times article, to the issues turning other voters away from McCain, things like the faltering economy. Obviously in New Mexico this is a group of voters someone wanting to win the state cannot afford to alienate.
Although it appears to be over, the Republicans surprisingly are not giving up. John McCain is actually making two campaign stops in the state this week, in what seems to be a last ditch attempt to try to win in a state that helped carry George Bush to victory in 2004.
Its close, there's no denying that, and despite rumors of ditching the state and no ready response from the Republicans, McCain is still here, and he's not finished yet. Despite that however, with ten days to go until election day, I would have to say the state's votes will most likely go to Obama, it appears to me that McCain is trying to pick up some votes in a state he lost a long time ago.
We were all a little surprised when news came earlier this week that announced McCain was abandoning important "swing" states such as New Mexico and Colorado. His campaigns in some states, such as Colorado, have fought back against this news, saying they are not abandoning their state just yet, but a similar backlash in New Mexico has not been seen.
I've posted before about McCain's almost complete lack of a presence in the state and with the removal of his campaign, its pretty clear McCain has faced up to reality and conceded the state I'm not sure he ever really had a chance of winning this election, despite the state's conservative politics and Republican voting history.
According to Pollster.com the Democratic senator Barack Obama leads McCain in the polls 50.4% to McCain's 43.9%.
In several recent studies the issue is said to be McCain's unpopularity with Hispanic voters, due in part, according to a recent New York Times article, to the issues turning other voters away from McCain, things like the faltering economy. Obviously in New Mexico this is a group of voters someone wanting to win the state cannot afford to alienate.
Although it appears to be over, the Republicans surprisingly are not giving up. John McCain is actually making two campaign stops in the state this week, in what seems to be a last ditch attempt to try to win in a state that helped carry George Bush to victory in 2004.
Its close, there's no denying that, and despite rumors of ditching the state and no ready response from the Republicans, McCain is still here, and he's not finished yet. Despite that however, with ten days to go until election day, I would have to say the state's votes will most likely go to Obama, it appears to me that McCain is trying to pick up some votes in a state he lost a long time ago.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Paper Ballots
The Guardian, a British blog-site has an interesting post about the status of the voting system in New Mexico. Apparently ballots in New Mexico have a habit of "getting lost."
According to the group VoteTrust USA New Mexico has a sky-high rate of "undervotes," ballots that have been cast but do not include a vote in a particular contest, most often the presidential race. This problem received little attention after the 2004 election because New Mexico's 5 electoral votes would not have mattered in the scope of things, but this election is a different story.
Amidst lawsuits and complaints about the electronic machines responsible for balloting, Governor Bill Richardson signed a state law in 2006 banning the machines and requiring paper ballots.
Hopefully the undervoting problem will not be an issue this election, but people are still going to the polls early and doing whatever they can to insure that their vote is going to count this election as early voting began earlier this week.
According to the group VoteTrust USA New Mexico has a sky-high rate of "undervotes," ballots that have been cast but do not include a vote in a particular contest, most often the presidential race. This problem received little attention after the 2004 election because New Mexico's 5 electoral votes would not have mattered in the scope of things, but this election is a different story.
Amidst lawsuits and complaints about the electronic machines responsible for balloting, Governor Bill Richardson signed a state law in 2006 banning the machines and requiring paper ballots.
Hopefully the undervoting problem will not be an issue this election, but people are still going to the polls early and doing whatever they can to insure that their vote is going to count this election as early voting began earlier this week.
Is McCain giving up New Mexico?
Last night CNN's John King reported that the McCain campaign, while still officially listing New Mexico among several other swing states as target states, has told CNN that the situation "in those states looks increasingly bleak." In other words, the McCain campaign may be virtually giving up their campaigning in New Mexico along with other states such as Colorado, in lieu of more campaigning in the several swing states McCain is banking on to win the election, states which include Pennsylvania and Florida.
This may be foolish and maybe not, while New Mexico is historically Republican, it grows increasingly more Democratic each year and polls show Obama with a substantial lead in the state. However McCain's withdrawal from states such as New Mexico and Colorado, states which would be hard but maybe not impossible for the senator to win, leaves him with little room for error, as the states he in which he is remaining become vital and 100% necessary if he hopes to pull a win in November.
This may be foolish and maybe not, while New Mexico is historically Republican, it grows increasingly more Democratic each year and polls show Obama with a substantial lead in the state. However McCain's withdrawal from states such as New Mexico and Colorado, states which would be hard but maybe not impossible for the senator to win, leaves him with little room for error, as the states he in which he is remaining become vital and 100% necessary if he hopes to pull a win in November.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Dems making substantial in-roads
According to New Mexico political analyst Heath Haussamen New Mexico is a snapshot of the nation as a whole; Democrats are taking over. In his opinion the Democrats could sweep all elections in the state this year and maybe the most surprising is Harry Teague, a Democrat running for congress in a congressional district that has elected Republicans consistently for the last 28 years.
According to several, but not all polls, Mr. Teague is ahead of his opponent Ed Tinsley and this can be attributed to the floundering economy and financial crisis according to Haussamen.
In the other important race in the state, Republican Steve Pearce is trailing his opponent Tom Udall in the polls; the two are running for the senate.
According to Tinsley he still thinks the Republicans have a chance but fears that the economic turmoil does not bode well for the party in general.
It will be interesting to watch as the day gets closer and more polling is done to determine which of the candidates will take the available seats.
According to several, but not all polls, Mr. Teague is ahead of his opponent Ed Tinsley and this can be attributed to the floundering economy and financial crisis according to Haussamen.
In the other important race in the state, Republican Steve Pearce is trailing his opponent Tom Udall in the polls; the two are running for the senate.
According to Tinsley he still thinks the Republicans have a chance but fears that the economic turmoil does not bode well for the party in general.
It will be interesting to watch as the day gets closer and more polling is done to determine which of the candidates will take the available seats.
Ladies for Victory!
Republicans aren't giving up in New Mexico yet. Despite negative polls and other obstacles the McCain campaign faces in New Mexico the Republican National Committee has announced that the 'Ladies for Victory 2008' tour will be stopping in numerous New Mexico towns tomorrow.
The Ladies for Victory tour is led by New Mexico Republican representative Heather Wilson along with several other notable women and will rally support for John McCain on October 18. They will be addressing grassroots volunteers and answering questions during stops in Albuquerque, Sandoval, and Santa Fe.
The Ladies for Victory tour is led by New Mexico Republican representative Heather Wilson along with several other notable women and will rally support for John McCain on October 18. They will be addressing grassroots volunteers and answering questions during stops in Albuquerque, Sandoval, and Santa Fe.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Swing Voters
Everybody counts in the state of New Mexico according to Slate reporter Jacob Leibenflut, check out his article about swing voters in some of New Mexico's smallest counties here.
Victory in sight?
Although George Bush took the state in 2004, all signs are pointing towards Obama in this election. Various reasons have been cited for why New Mexicans have changed their political leanings, things such as McCain's seeming lack of a campaign in New Mexico, Obama's huge campaign in the state, Democratic governor Bill Richardson's unabashed support for Obama, and locals surprising ability to identify with Obama and his campaign.
According to New Mexico-based political analyst Heath Haussamen, the state is now leaning towards Obama as concerns over the faltering economy deepened. And just as New Hampshire and other swing states seem to be doing; polls declare that New Mexico is no longer a toss-up.
History too is on Obama's side, there have only been two instances since New Mexico became a state, in which the winner of the state's electoral votes did not go on to win the election and in recent elections in New Mexico, Republicans can't seem to muster the votes.
According to Haussamen and other experts, McCain could have had a chance in New Mexico based on issues such as his stance towards drilling and immigration reform, but the economy is drowning out talk on anything else, and as is obvious to anyone paying attention, McCain has yet to achieve any coherent message concerning the economy and what he is going to do about the problems we're facing.
The Economic meltdown looks certain to cost McCain New Mexico, the question remains whether it will cost him the election.
According to New Mexico-based political analyst Heath Haussamen, the state is now leaning towards Obama as concerns over the faltering economy deepened. And just as New Hampshire and other swing states seem to be doing; polls declare that New Mexico is no longer a toss-up.
History too is on Obama's side, there have only been two instances since New Mexico became a state, in which the winner of the state's electoral votes did not go on to win the election and in recent elections in New Mexico, Republicans can't seem to muster the votes.
According to Haussamen and other experts, McCain could have had a chance in New Mexico based on issues such as his stance towards drilling and immigration reform, but the economy is drowning out talk on anything else, and as is obvious to anyone paying attention, McCain has yet to achieve any coherent message concerning the economy and what he is going to do about the problems we're facing.
The Economic meltdown looks certain to cost McCain New Mexico, the question remains whether it will cost him the election.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
U.S House Race
The race for the house seat in the 2nd congressional district of Southern New Mexico is shaping up to be an interesting race. The race pits Republican Ed Tinsley against Democrat Harry Teague who is attempting to take the seat which has been filled by a Republican since 1980 according to the Associated Press.
Tinsley is a rancher and owner of a successful steakhouse chain who has an extensive background in business while Teague is billing himself as a populist who comes from blue-collar roots.
The other race that will be interesting is the race between Democrat and Albuquerque city council member Martin Heinrich and Republican and Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White. Heinrich is the favorite in the race but the 2006 race for the seat was extremely close with the seat awarded to Republican Heather Wilson.
According to Heath Haussamen of New West Politics the New Mexicans may not send a single Republican to Washington this year, what was once a divided state has now become nearly a true blue state.
Tinsley is a rancher and owner of a successful steakhouse chain who has an extensive background in business while Teague is billing himself as a populist who comes from blue-collar roots.
The other race that will be interesting is the race between Democrat and Albuquerque city council member Martin Heinrich and Republican and Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White. Heinrich is the favorite in the race but the 2006 race for the seat was extremely close with the seat awarded to Republican Heather Wilson.
According to Heath Haussamen of New West Politics the New Mexicans may not send a single Republican to Washington this year, what was once a divided state has now become nearly a true blue state.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
New Poll - Obama with a 5-point lead
A poll of more than 600 likely voters in New Mexico has found that Senator Obama now has a 5-point edge over Senator McCain.
The poll was carried out by Albuquerque-based Research & Polling, Inc., and was a telephone survey of 659 registered voters who say they are likely to vote on November 4.
The poll was carried out by Albuquerque-based Research & Polling, Inc., and was a telephone survey of 659 registered voters who say they are likely to vote on November 4.
John McCain visits Albuquerque
Senator McCain will probably spend the next couple of the weeks attacking Obama and defending his own credentials like there was no tomorrow. We've reached the final stretch and nearly everyone is in agreement; Senator John McCain's bid for the White House is not looking good.
In a campaign stop in Albuquerque yesterday though, McCain was endeavoring to answer the question 'Who is the Real Barack Obama?'
He talked about Obama accepting campaign donations from Pakistanis, his lack of accomplishments while in government, and blamed Senator Obama for the delayed passing of the bailout bill, among other things.
This is McCain's fifth visit to the state since Memorial Day and took place at the University of New Mexico.
According to local New Mexico senator Pete Domenici, McCain is the best suited to handle local issues such as Native American affairs and stressed the importance of electing a Westerner to office. But young Democrats at the university are still skeptical as some students held a local news conference across the street from the location of McCain's speech after he finished.
In a campaign stop in Albuquerque yesterday though, McCain was endeavoring to answer the question 'Who is the Real Barack Obama?'
He talked about Obama accepting campaign donations from Pakistanis, his lack of accomplishments while in government, and blamed Senator Obama for the delayed passing of the bailout bill, among other things.
This is McCain's fifth visit to the state since Memorial Day and took place at the University of New Mexico.
According to local New Mexico senator Pete Domenici, McCain is the best suited to handle local issues such as Native American affairs and stressed the importance of electing a Westerner to office. But young Democrats at the university are still skeptical as some students held a local news conference across the street from the location of McCain's speech after he finished.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Hispanic Vote
I guess its pretty obvious that McCain's campaign can't hold a handle to Obama's in New Mexico, but there is always the lingering question of how much of the Hispanic vote Obama will be able to corner this election.
There is a historic division between African-Americans and Hispanics, a deep-seated tension that was un-tactfully expressed in de Baca's comments several weeks ago. Regardless of this historic prejudice, it seems to be safe to say that the Democrats have the market cornered in New Mexico this election.
In the 2004 election it is estimated that about 40% of American Hispanics voted for the Republican George Bush, a 9% increase from the 2000 election, but this year its an entirely different story.
This election it appears that McCain is trailing Obama with the Hispanic vote by about 30%, a sizable margin considering that New Mexico's population consists of 37% Hispanics.
This difference owes itself to many things, not the least of which is Obama's concentrated effort to reach out to the Hispanic population, and actually presenting himself as someone they can identify with, something McCain seems to be completely un-concerned with. Another problem plaguing the Republicans and McCain in their effort to get some of the Hispanic vote is Bush's un-popular stance on immigration, and according to some, the border fence was the last straw and many Hispanics can think of no-one they know who is planning to vote Republican.
And to top the cake for Democrats, or rain on the Republican's parade some more, whichever way you want to look at it, Governor Bill Richardson has already predicted an Obama win in New Mexico.
I don't know, but it looks as if its shaping up to be an easy Democratic win in New Mexico this election.
There is a historic division between African-Americans and Hispanics, a deep-seated tension that was un-tactfully expressed in de Baca's comments several weeks ago. Regardless of this historic prejudice, it seems to be safe to say that the Democrats have the market cornered in New Mexico this election.
In the 2004 election it is estimated that about 40% of American Hispanics voted for the Republican George Bush, a 9% increase from the 2000 election, but this year its an entirely different story.
This election it appears that McCain is trailing Obama with the Hispanic vote by about 30%, a sizable margin considering that New Mexico's population consists of 37% Hispanics.
This difference owes itself to many things, not the least of which is Obama's concentrated effort to reach out to the Hispanic population, and actually presenting himself as someone they can identify with, something McCain seems to be completely un-concerned with. Another problem plaguing the Republicans and McCain in their effort to get some of the Hispanic vote is Bush's un-popular stance on immigration, and according to some, the border fence was the last straw and many Hispanics can think of no-one they know who is planning to vote Republican.
And to top the cake for Democrats, or rain on the Republican's parade some more, whichever way you want to look at it, Governor Bill Richardson has already predicted an Obama win in New Mexico.
I don't know, but it looks as if its shaping up to be an easy Democratic win in New Mexico this election.
Controversies in NM GOP
The New Mexico Republicans just can't seem to keep it together this election:
- Fernando C de Baca, GOP chairman in Bernalillo County stepped down after he was quoted in a BBC news blog, "The truth is that Hispanics came here as conquerors. African-Americans came here as slaves. Hispanics consider themselves above blacks. They won't vote for a black president."
- This controversy over de Baca's comments has led to other problems including what state representative candidate Janice Arnold-Jones calls a "smear campaign" being carried out against her campaign because of her support of de Baca. Apparently an angry citizen is giving out her cell phone number and asking voters to call her and say "we expect our state leaders to denounce racist comments, not support them." (see article)
These latest problems encountered by local Republicans in New Mexico is largely representative of the frustration felt by many, as John McCain has virtually ignored the state in his bid for the presidency this election.
- Fernando C de Baca, GOP chairman in Bernalillo County stepped down after he was quoted in a BBC news blog, "The truth is that Hispanics came here as conquerors. African-Americans came here as slaves. Hispanics consider themselves above blacks. They won't vote for a black president."
- This controversy over de Baca's comments has led to other problems including what state representative candidate Janice Arnold-Jones calls a "smear campaign" being carried out against her campaign because of her support of de Baca. Apparently an angry citizen is giving out her cell phone number and asking voters to call her and say "we expect our state leaders to denounce racist comments, not support them." (see article)
These latest problems encountered by local Republicans in New Mexico is largely representative of the frustration felt by many, as John McCain has virtually ignored the state in his bid for the presidency this election.
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