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Ward Meetings and County Conventions Tonight
Tonight, Thursday, February 4th, Democrats across the state will be attending their ward meetings and county conventions. If you live in Bernalillo County, the City of Rio Rancho, San Juan County or McKinley County, I need your help.
All registered Democrats are invited to attend their ward meetings and county conventions. This is your chance to make your voice heard. If you are a registered Democrat, you can run to be a delegate to the State Pre-Primary Convention - all you need to do is attend your ward meeting or county convention tonight!
Give us a call at the campaign office, 505.888.2623, if you don't know what ward you live in, or want to help us in Bernalillo County, the City of Rio Rancho, San Juan County or McKinley County. Thank you for your continued support.
With your help, I promise to fight to create more jobs here in New Mexico, provide high quality education for all of our children and ensure a more prosperous future for all New Mexicans.
Sincerely,
Brian S. Colón
P.S. State Central Committee members are already delegates to the State Pre-Primary Convention, so please go to your ward meeting or county convention and vote for a Colón supporter.
Action Alert: City of Rio Rancho and Bernalillo County Ward Meetings
Brian Colón, Democratic Candidate for Lt. Governor, needs your help this week. The City of Rio Rancho and Bernalillo County ward meetings are on Thursday evening at 7pm and this is your opportunity to help Brian secure the top spot on the ballot.
If you live in one of these communities, Brian needs your help. We need you to participate in your upcoming ward meeting. You can be an important part of electing Brian Colón to be our next Lt. Governor with the following two easy steps:
- Attend your ward meeting to vote for another Colón supporter or run to be a delegate yourself. Either option will increase Brian's delegate count for the pre-primary convention.
- Contact us at info@electcolon.com or 505-888-2496 to let us know if you can attend your ward meeting thisThursday or need additional information about your specific meeting
date, time or location.
Thank you for your continued support.
Help the Victims of the Haiti Earthquake
On January 12, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit outside of the capital of Haiti, causing widespread destruction to homes, hospitals, schools, government buildings, roads, and lives. Emergency responses from the United States, the American Red Cross, and others has been quick, but Haiti needs your immediate support to provide food, shelter, and other relief supplies.
We are asking everyone to give what you can to help the people of Haiti respond and recover from this disaster.
- Donate $10 to the American Red Cross – charged to your cell phone bill – by texting "HAITI" to "90999."
- Contribute online to the Red Cross
The odds are in Colon's favor
Dear Friend,
The new year is already off to a fantastic start. On Monday, Joe Monahan made us the favorite to secure the Democratic nomination for Lt. Governor, setting our odds of winning above all others! Now, I'm not a betting man. But, when you couple Joe Monahan's projections with our recent straw poll victory at the Sandoval County Lt. Governor's Forum, our campaign certainly has a reason to smile.
These recent victories prove that our hard work is paying off. We won't let the momentum slip away. We are on the campaign trail every day talking to New Mexicans about the future of our state. We are working county by county to earn the support of all New Mexicans and ensure our success at the pre-primary convention on March 13th. In the very near future, we'll be announcing our 33 county captains who will lead our local efforts in each part of our state.
This isn't a horse race-it's serious business. Joe Monahan is placing favorable odds on our success just like you did when you became one of my strongest supporters. How about doubling down by visiting our website to make a contribution today!
Will you take this bet? I want this campaign to be a "sure thing" for New Mexico's future, but I can't do it without your help and support. Together, we can build a future for all New Mexicans -a future with strong schools, strong communities and strong values.
Thank you,
Brian Colón
P.S. As the established front runner we have a huge bull's-eye on our backs, and I need your help to stay in the lead. Please donate now so that we can continue this momentum with a win at the pre-primary convention.
Sandoval County Democratic Party November 2009 Newsletter
As I met with Brian Colón, I have to admit, I was a little intimidated. He has been the Democratic State Party Chair for the last three years and his reputation for being a man for the people precedes him. When I sat down with Brian, he was very charismatic. Brian is a man of vision and action. From the moment we met, he was full of energy and very candid about how "humbled he is by the outpouring of support for him from all over the state."
Brian is committed to equal rights for all, yes, that includes gay rights, marriage equality. He is so inclusive with his commitment to the people of New Mexico in wanting everyone treated fairly and it shows. There was no question off the record and he answered every question. But most impressive is how he is able to separate his religious beliefs from his governing beliefs. He is about serving the people not the propaganda. When you talk with Brian Colon expect answers not excuses. He is committed to affordable health care for everyone; high-quality education; accountability and ethics; a robust green economic development and working with organized labor for fair wages and safe workplaces.
After our conversation, I was privileged to watch Mr. Colon interact with a group of young democrats. He was engaging, remembering everyone's name after one introduction. He asked questions of them to find out what issues are important to them and what roadblocks they may be facing as students. Some weren't even old enough to vote and yet his compassion and intrigue held their attention for the entire time I was there. It was great to see such a human experience from a candidate.
Connecting People with Government
Our update is a day delayed so we could bring you a great story written by Heath Haussamen, which was posted on the NM Independent and Heath’s blog, NM Politics—check it out here:
http://newmexicoindependent.com/41379/colon-wants-to-be-conduit-between-people-and-government
or
http://www.nmpolitics.net/index/2009/11/colon-wants-to-connect-people-to-their-government/
This past week we celebrated the anniversary of our incredible victories during the 2008 cycle and the same energy that led to our victories in 2008 can be felt in our campaign to be your next Lt. Governor. We are working incredibly hard to execute on our 33 county plans to put our excitement and enthusiasm to work. Nearly 100 volunteers have already taken petitions to ensure we are placed on the June 1st ballot. It is my goal to have the necessary signatures returned to our office (address above) by the winter holidays so we can focus on the pre-primary convention in March 2010.
Our campaign had several great events over the weekend, but the week also brought sad news of the passing of a judicial giant—Justice Gene Franchini. We honored him on Friday night at our Colón’s Crew kick-off with reflections and a moment of silence. I will miss his laughter as he enjoyed performance after performance at Popejoy Hall with his wife, Glynnie, as their season tickets have been right behind Aleli and me for nearly a decade. He set a true example for so many of us in the practice of law and in life. God bless you Justice Franchini and our prayers are with Glynnie and the Franchini family.
http://www.governor.state.nm.us/press.php?id=1397
At the Colón’s Crew kick-off more than 100 folks (ages 16-76) came out to show us support and they signed up to help with the pre-primary convention, took petitions and provided campaign contributions. Thanks to everyone—especially to the great folks at Sapien Law Offices for hosting a memorable and successful evening.
Yesterday was a busy day, which started down in Valencia County with a packed pancake breakfast with Tomé volunteer firefighters. It was great seeing teachers and friends I hadn’t seen in years! Thanks to the great volunteer firefighters that keep our rural communities and families safe—first responders—never to be taken for granted. We then had a great dinner and fundraiser at the lovely home of Nancy Bearce and Charlie Bennett. Thanks to Charlie & Nancy for hosting two dozen folks for delicious fajitas, homemade guacamole and Charlie’s famous Kentucky Derby Pie!
Aleli, Rafael and I finished the evening at the National Hispanic Cultural Center where we helped celebrate Diwali—Festival of Lights—with the India Association of New Mexico! Thanks to Pawan Dhindsa for facilitating a wonderful closing event to another great weekend on the campaign trail!
This will be another busy week, but we should all take a minute on Wednesday (and everyday) to thank our veterans for their invaluable service to our country at home and abroad. Please share the sentiments of Veteran’s Day with your family—especially our children. It isn’t just another day off from school. Here’s a link with a schedule of events from the NM Dept. of Veterans’ Services:
http://www.dvs.state.nm.us/events_calendar.htmlAs always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions as this campaign moves forward to our optimistic goal of securing the Lt. Governor nomination on June 1st, 2010!
Contact Chris Salas at chris@electcolon.com if you can volunteer and help me make a difference. Have a great week!
Hitting the Streets, Gathering Signatures
I hope this finds you well after a great Halloween weekend! We start this update with a reminder about our all-important “Colón’s Crew” kick-off THIS FRIDAY—Miami Nights!
Please support this great group of folks coming together on Friday…I hear our mojito bar will be the talk of the town that night!
It has been nearly one month since we started our petition gathering efforts across the state, and many of you have been busy getting signatures from friends and family members. Please send your initial results to our offices this week. As you can see from the photo, I have been hitting the streets getting signatures as well!
Our week began on an excellent note as my friend and community leader, Theresa Trujeque, arranged meetings with a wide range of community members in Sandoval County. I was able to meet with grassroots leaders to discuss their efforts to keep the momentum from the 2008 elections alive and well in a very competitive county.
The next evening, Joe Conte and Friends hosted a wonderful dinner party in our honor. This proved to be a great opportunity to connect with many friends—old and new.
Thursday, I traveled to Ohkay Owingeh to participate in the Regional Economic Development conference. Experts from many northern counties, municipalities and local governments have dedicated tremendous efforts to ensure that we are focused on creative solutions for these difficult economic times.
Friday, I spent the day in my home county of Valencia visiting with political and community leaders. It was great returning to Los Lunas and Bosque Farms to spend time with friends and supporters.
By 5:00am on Saturday, I was on the road to Anthony, New Mexico to attend a parade and community festival. I then drove to Las Cruces for the Democratic Women of New Mexico luncheon. I have always been an advocate for this organization and its members. They do a tremendous job. Congratulations to President Kathy Duffy, DWNM leadership and members on a terrific gathering of New Mexico Democrats. As I often say, “when women vote, Democrats win, and when Democrats win, we are able to govern with Democratic values that make our state strong.
I then drove straight home to take Rafael trick-or-treating in our neighborhood. He was scary!
Today, Joel Omdahl hosted a great gathering of friends for brunch. Thanks to Joel and all who attended!
UPCOMING EVENTS & ACTION ITEMS
- November 6th: Inaugural Colón’s Crew Event! (Invite above and attached)
- November 8th: Nancy Bearce & Charlie Bennett will host a fundraiser for us—one week from today. (Invite below and attached)
- Petition forms are still available. We need your help gathering petitions, if you would like to help, please contact Chris Salas at Chris@ElectColon.com .
- If you have collected signatures, please send your competed petitions to:
Committee to Elect Colón,
PO Box 1001
Albuquerque NM 87103.
Contact Chris Salas at Chris@ElectColon.com if you would like to volunteer and help me make a difference. Have a great week!
Report from Las Cruces
The Compton Kids @ Coffee & Cake with Colón!!!!
It has been another incredible week on the campaign trail! We continued to travel the state and meet New Mexicans who have amazing ideas, energy and commitment for us to reach our goals. This same energy and commitment will ensure we elect the strongest team of public servants to lead NM in 2010.
The grassroots energy has really set the tone for our campaign. Our online presence continues to grow as we passed the “300” mark on Twitter and nearly 2,000 friends on Facebook! These tools are proving to be invaluable for our organizing efforts around the state.
I started the week visiting our women and men of organized labor in New Mexico. I spoke at the New Mexico Building & Construction Trades Council. It was a very comfortable discussion as these are the same individuals that supported the Democratic Party in our success in 2008. As chairman of the Democratic Party, I worked each day with these leaders and they have become my friends and confidants. I look forward to visiting with the individual locals and earning their trust and support.
Wednesday was a busy day as I attended a UNM College Dems’ meeting where we received the support of some wonderful young Democrats and then went over to Bernalillo to meet with the Democratic Women of Sandoval County. I ended the evening by hosting more than 40 volunteers at the downtown Flying Star in ABQ to talk about the critical weeks ahead. What a day! Thanks to everyone who turned out for these events and signed on to our campaign—I am truly humbled.
Thursday, I traveled to beautiful Las Cruces to attend the Progressive Voter Alliance (PVA) meeting. It was a terrific opportunity to connect with nearly 100 members of a longstanding and successful progressive organization in southern New Mexico. I was privileged to share my story and vision for NM during this homecoming trip to Las Cruces. Las Cruces is the birthday place of our son, Rafael, and Holy Cross Church where Aleli and I were married.
Friday, I started with a 7am coffee at our supporter’s restaurant (Kevin McGrath’s Burger Time) with several Dems who educated me about issues important to the area. Then we went over to the Shed and by chance got an opportunity to visit with the owner, Mr. Mendoza, who also came on board to support our efforts. I had a great conversation with political writer/blogger, Heath Haussamen http://www.nmpolitics.net/index/, and that rounded out the morning. We then spent time meeting with many friends and more community leaders, discussing issues unique to the area.
Later that evening several co-hosts and supporters held a terrific event at the Pickett Law Firm in Downtown Las Cruces. More than 75 folks came by to provide financial support and volunteer for our campaign ahead. The day proved to be an excellent opportunity to connect with leaders of a community I called home for over a decade.
Saturday, I continued to celebrate NMSU’s Homecoming week with a breakfast for members of the Doña Ana County Central Committee. Gayle Radom hosted a fantastic event, which rounded out our trip to Doña Ana County. I then got on the road for Rafael’s all-important 12th birthday party back in Albuquerque.
On Sunday, the weather was perfect for a morning Coffee & Cake with Colón hosted by the Compton family. This was a fun introduction and “friend-raiser,” which ended up being a great little fundraiser as well.
Thanks to all who worked hard to make this last week a tremendous success for our campaign. We will continue working hard to spread our message and become acquainted with both rural and urban communities in our great and diverse state.
ACTION ITEMS
- Wednesday October 28th. Join us at the home of Joe Conte. Please see invite attached for more information.
- Petition forms are available. Please let us know if you are able to assist with the petition drive. Contact Chris Salas at Chris.s.salas@gmail.com . If you are already collecting Signatures, we hope you can send your competed petitions by Nov 1st: Committee to Elect Colón, PO Box 1001, Albuquerque NM 87103.
- SAVE THE DATE—NOV. 6th. Please block off the evening of November 6th as it will be the inaugural event for Colón’s Crew! This will be a group of young professionals and folks coming on board to support us @ the Democratic Party Pre-Primary Convention in March. Details will be sent out later this week.
Contact Chris Salas at chris.s.salas@gmail.com if you can volunteer and help me make a difference. Have a great week! Please don’t hesitate to contact me with suggestions for our campaign. I look forward to hearing from you anytime.
Leading the Pack
When I decided to live my dream to serve the people of New Mexico, I knew it would be impossible without your support. Your support allowed us to break each of fundraising goals. We filed the strongest finance report in a race against six strong contenders. The campaign averaged more than 18 donations a day and raised more than $40,000 online. This would not have been possible without you—our grassroots supporters. We had nearly 600 donors providing contributions of less than $500.00!
Here are some articles about our efforts:
Colón tops funding for state's No. 2 seat
"It might not be the million-dollar race that the 2010 gubernatorial contest has become, but the New Mexico lieutenant governor's race won't come cheap, either. Of the nine announced contenders for the No. 2 executive post, at least four made personal loans to their campaigns, according to reports filed Tuesday....
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
UPDATED: Ex-Demo Boss Tops Lieutenant Governor Fundraising
http://www.abqjournal.com/news/state/apltgovfundraising110-14-09.htm
Great blog post at Democracy for New Mexico:
Brian Colón Raises $275,000+, Tops Lawrence Rael in Fundraising for 2010 Lt. Governor Race
And post at Heath Haussamen:
CLICK NMPOLITICS ARTICLE HERE
These reports set off a firestorm of activity from people who want to get involved. We are grateful. Over the last six weeks we built a statewide campaign with tremendous capacity. This would not have been possible without the support of you and your families.
Our campaign has now moved into the “petition phase” and we need everyone’s help. Please let me or Chris Salas know if you are willing to gather 20 signatures for our campaign.
It was a pleasure to host so many of you at our 6th annual Balloon Fiesta Brunch at Casa Colón. The opportunity to visit with you and your families served as an excellent reminder of why I am running to be the next Lt. Governor of our great state. Thank you to everyone who made the event a terrific start to an exciting week.
Friday, I had the chance to meet with Democratic leaders from across the state in Las Vegas at the Dem Party Executive Committee meeting. I took this opportunity to listen to issues important to New Mexicans in all thirty-three counties. Thank you to Chairman Javier Gonzales and the Democratic Party for hosting this wonderful event. It was my privilege to serve as a sponsor for this DPNM event.
Your support means a great deal to the campaign. Every donation allows me to reach out to New Mexicans in every city, village, tribe, pueblo and community in our state. I have dedicated this campaign to reach out to every corner of New Mexico, and with your continued support I will be able to accomplish this goal.
ACTION ITEMS
- Grassroots Volunteer Event in Albuquerque. Join us as we nurture the grassroots effort that has made this campaign so strong. This event is on Wednesday, October 21st at the Downtown Flying Star. (Invite Below)
- Homecoming in Las Cruces. It is my pleasure to be a product of two great New Mexico universities. To celebrate NMSU’s Homecoming week, I will be visiting Las Cruces. Friends in Southern New Mexico, please join me Friday Oct. 23rd from 5:00-7:00pm at the Pickett Law Firm.
- Petition forms are available. Please let us know if you are able to assist with the petition drive. Contact Chris Salas at Chris.s.salas@gmail.com . If you are already collecting Signatures, we hope you can send your competed petitions by Nov 1st: Committee to Elect Colón, PO Box 1001, Albuquerque NM 87103
Again, my family and I are grateful for the warm and enthusiastic reception you continue to provide our campaign.
Contact Chris Salas at chris.s.salas@gmail.com if you can volunteer and help me make a difference. Have a great week!
