Hispanic Issues

LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa: Why I'm Endorsing Marty Chavez for Congress

October 13, 2011 by Democracy for N...

This is a guest blog by Antonio Villaraigosa, a Democrat serving as Mayor of Los Angeles, California, the third Mexican American to have ever held office in the city of Los Angeles and the first in over 130 years. He is also the current president of the United States Conference of Mayors. He was first elected mayor on May 17, 2005, and is currently serving his second term.

Raising His Voice

For real change to happen, bold and innovative leaders must step forward to lead. As a former labor organizer, a progressive activist, and Mayor of the great city of Los Angeles, I know what it takes to step forward at critical times to make the tough choices -– and because of that I can spot a leader who gets results when I see one.

Sen. Mary Jane Garcia: Redistricting Process Entails More Than Meets the Eye

October 11, 2011 by Democracy for N...

This guest blog is by State Senator Mary Jane Garcia (D-Dona Ana-36), Senate Majority Whip of the NM Senate, and former member of the 2011 Interim Redistricting Committee. 

Many constituents that I represent have raised their concern that nothing was done during the recent redistricting session, and I believe they deserve a response.

This year's redistricting legislative session was expensive, contentious and has caused much disappointment to many New Mexicans—there is no denying that. I and my Senate colleagues understand the frustration that the public has with the outcome of the session, especially when our constituents wonder why it took nineteen days to develop redistricting legislation that was ultimately vetoed by Governor Martinez.

Tweet Today to Join Sen. Tom Udall on 10/5 Chat for Hispanic Heritage Month

October 4, 2011 by Democracy for N...

From U.S. Senator Tom Udall:
In New Mexico, we celebrate a unique cultural heritage that can’t be found anywhere else. Hispanic Heritage Month reminds us how truly special New Mexico is. It’s a time to look back at the culture and traditions that shaped our state and people, and it’s also a chance for us to look forward at building opportunities for the Hispanic community to thrive in the future.

I’ve seen a number of ideas discussed in Congress on how to create jobs and opportunities in Hispanic communities, and I’ve proposed some of my own too. But I want you to be part of this discussion.

This Wednesday, October 5, at 12:30 PM MDT, take part in a conversation on Twitter about creating jobs and opportunities for Hispanic communities. I'll be joined by contributors from the Center for American Progress and the Hispanic online network, LATISM.

Tweet your questions TODAY and include the hashtag #HHMChat.

Congressman Ben Ray Lujan, State Rep. Moe Maestas, DPNM Chair Javier Gonzales Criticize Republican Hispanic Conference in ABQ

September 23, 2011 by Democracy for N...

On a conference call yesterday, U.S. Rep Ben Ray Luján, New Mexico State Rep. Antonio “Moe” Maestas, and Democratic Party of New Mexico Chair Javier Gonzales responded to a Republican Hispanic gathering in New Mexico.  After the call, they released the following statements:

U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján: “When Jeb Bush and Norm Coleman launched the Hispanic Leadership Network last year, Jeb Bush said Republicans would be ‘incredibly stupid’ to ignore the fastest growing voting bloc in America and that Republicans should ‘tone down’ their rhetoric or else risk alienating it.  What Republicans don't get is that it's not about rhetoric, but about reality, and the reality is that Republicans are not fighting for Hispanics, or their priorities."

NAACP, LULAC Denounce Gov. Susana Martinez's Extremist Allies on Driver's License Issue and Discriminatory Anti-Immigrant Agenda

September 22, 2011 by Democracy for N...

NM Governor Susana Martinez

In a joint press release issued today, New Mexico's chapters of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) said they are concerned and appalled by the involvement of the Americans for Legal immigration PAC (ALIPAC) in New Mexico politics, as well as Governor Susana Martinez's continued attacks on immigrants and her apparent abuse of power.