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.