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Dems rally downtown for candidates

Lauren E. Toney Record Staff Writer Sunday August 24, 2008

Members of Working America are recognized for their volunteering contributions during a Democratic Party of Chaves County rally held Saturday at Carpenter Park. Working America is an allied organization of the AFL-CIO which works to build alliances among non-union working people. (Daily Record/Mark Wilson)

Democrats from throughout the state gathered in Roswell Saturday afternoon to show their support for George Peterson, who is seeking the state House District 58 seat, and other candidates during a rally.

"The rally shows that everyone was coming together and working together for a common goal," said Peterson as SOY Mariachi performed and hot dogs and hamburgers were being grilled in the background.

He said that with the support of Secretary of State Mary Herrera, State Treasurer James Lewis, and Democratic candidate for the 2nd Congressional District Harry Teague at the rally "there was a real feeling of unity."

He added, "(Herrera) came to support me and other candidates and let everyone know Roswell hasn't been forgotten, and it won't be forgotten."

Peterson said the message he aimed to get across to voters at the rally was that he's "a working-class guy."

A city employee, Peterson said what constituents need most is health care reform. "I have health insurance, but I'm tired of going to the doctor and having to pay even more. I don't have the money to do that," he said. "I pay $80 a month for dental insurance, but I have to get a root canal, and I'll have to pay (an additional) $1,600 for that. I'm tired of it."

Peterson reported that he's been hearing constituents are tired of it, too. He said a form of universal health care is the solution.

Peterson stated the economy is also hurting New Mexicans as prices continue to rise. "We need somebody to stand up for the working class," he said, adding that his opponent in the general election, Rep. Candy Spence Ezzell, R-Roswell, is out of touch with middle-class New Mexicans.

Progressive Albuquerque Democrat Eleanor Chavez, who is unopposed for the state House District 13 seat, explained what she calls the solution to the growing health care crisis.

The state director of a health care union, Chavez said the New Mexico Health Security Plan, which will be introduced during the next legislative session, would cover almost all New Mexicans by shifting the role of private insurance to a supplemental one.

Public and private dollars would be pooled into one fund to pay for the proposed plan, including current federal and state monies spent on health care. Chavez explained, "Two studies have been conducted - one in the 1990s, and one a year and a half ago - and they found that if the plan had been implemented, millions of dollars would have been saved already."

Chavez said 29 cities and counties statewide have endorsed the plan.

"People don't want to talk about the problem anymore, because everyone already knows what the problem is," she said. "What we need to talk about is the solution."

Ellen Wedum, who is running against incumbent Nora Espinoza, R-Roswell, for the state House District 59 seat, was also present at the event, along with her pooch.

"There are a lot of very enthusiastic people here who have promised me their continued support," she said.

Wedum said her main focus is on water issues and campaign finance reform.

"Our water supply is precious and with my physical chemistry background I will be able to help legislators come to good decisions regarding protecting and distributing it," she said. "It's a very complex issue and it will take a long time to solve."

As for campaign finance reform, Wedum declared, "It's outrageous that two or three people can put $200,000 into a Republican primary. We need to get back to a system where everyone can contribute and feel like their dollars are making a difference."

Wedum cited systems implemented in Oregon where residents can each put up to $50 into one campaign or $10 in five campaigns. [EW—there is a direct tax credit on the Oregon income tax form for this contribution.]

"We need to turn political races into something where the candidates' personality and where they stand on the issues is what counts, not how much money they have in the bank," she said.

Dems rally downtown for candidates Lauren E. Toney Record Staff Writer Sunday August 24, 2008
	Members of Working America are recognized for their volunteering contributions during a Democratic Party of Chaves County rally held Saturday at Carpenter Park. Working America is an allied organization of the AFL-CIO which works to build alliances among non-union working people. (Daily Record/Mark Wilson)
Democrats from throughout the state gathered in Roswell Saturday afternoon to show their support for George Peterson, who is seeking the state House District 58 seat, and other candidates during a rally. "The rally shows that everyone was coming together and working together for a common goal," said Peterson as SOY Mariachi performed and hot dogs and hamburgers were being grilled in the background. He said that with the support of Secretary of State Mary Herrera, State Treasurer James Lewis, and Democratic candidate for the 2nd Congressional District Harry Teague at the rally "there was a real feeling of unity." He added, "(Herrera) came to support me and other candidates and let everyone know Roswell hasn't been forgotten, and it won't be forgotten." Peterson said the message he aimed to get across to voters at the rally was that he's "a working-class guy." A city employee, Peterson said what constituents need most is health care reform. "I have health insurance, but I'm tired of going to the doctor and having to pay even more. I don't have the money to do that," he said. "I pay $80 a month for dental insurance, but I have to get a root canal, and I'll have to pay (an additional) $1,600 for that. I'm tired of it." Peterson reported that he's been hearing constituents are tired of it, too. He said a form of universal health care is the solution. Peterson stated the economy is also hurting New Mexicans as prices continue to rise. "We need somebody to stand up for the working class," he said, adding that his opponent in the general election, Rep. Candy Spence Ezzell, R-Roswell, is out of touch with middle-class New Mexicans. Progressive Albuquerque Democrat Eleanor Chavez, who is unopposed for the state House District 13 seat, explained what she calls the solution to the growing health care crisis. The state director of a health care union, Chavez said the New Mexico Health Security Plan, which will be introduced during the next legislative session, would cover almost all New Mexicans by shifting the role of private insurance to a supplemental one. Public and private dollars would be pooled into one fund to pay for the proposed plan, including current federal and state monies spent on health care. Chavez explained, "Two studies have been conducted - one in the 1990s, and one a year and a half ago - and they found that if the plan had been implemented, millions of dollars would have been saved already." Chavez said 29 cities and counties statewide have endorsed the plan. "People don't want to talk about the problem anymore, because everyone already knows what the problem is," she said. "What we need to talk about is the solution." Ellen Wedum, who is running against incumbent Nora Espinoza, R-Roswell, for the state House District 59 seat, was also present at the event, along with her pooch. "There are a lot of very enthusiastic people here who have promised me their continued support," she said. Wedum said her main focus is on water issues and campaign finance reform. "Our water supply is precious and with my physical chemistry background I will be able to help legislators come to good decisions regarding protecting and distributing it," she said. "It's a very complex issue and it will take a long time to solve." As for campaign finance reform, Wedum declared, "It's outrageous that two or three people can put $200,000 into a Republican primary. We need to get back to a system where everyone can contribute and feel like their dollars are making a difference." Wedum cited systems implemented in Oregon where residents can each put up to $50 into one campaign or $10 in five campaigns. [EW—there is a direct tax credit on the Oregon income tax form for this contribution.] "We need to turn political races into something where the candidates' personality and where they stand on the issues is what counts, not how much money they have in the bank," she said.

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