Press Releases

Thank you to all who voted for me. And to those who didn't, I appreciate the spirited support you gave my opponents and I am looking forward to working with you as we strive toward the common goal of electing Diane Denish governor of New Mexico in 2010.

I am honored and thrilled to be on the ticket with Diane.

These are difficult times and difficult times call for the strongest leaders to stand up and take charge.

Diane Denish is the right person at the right time to help New Mexico get back on its feet. How do I know this? Because I have seen her work.

As a small business owner, as a tireless advocate for New Mexico's working families - Diane has always put doing what's right above what's popular.

Diane Denish fought to expand access to early childhood education. She fought to crack down on payday lenders. She took on corruption at the Regional Housing Authorities. She crafted an innovative micro loan program to get capital into the hands of 1,800 New Mexico small business owners.

I could go on and on. But Diane is not about the past. Diane is about New Mexico's future.

She's about results for New Mexico's working families; A real plan to help jump start our economy and create jobs; a commitment to transforming workforce education so that our young people have the skills they need to compete for jobs of the future; investment in green jobs and using technology to better connect our rural communities.

In this election New Mexico voters will have a clear choice.

Susana Martinez talks a big game, Diane has delivered results for New Mexico families.

Susana Martinez is - as Diane has put it - all sizzle, no steak. She has been an ineffective District Attorney who does not deserve a promotion to the state's top job.

Martinez has let 40% of felony murder defendants back on our streets and after promising not to cut plea bargain deals with felony DWI offenders, she did - more than 800 times since making the pledge.

Martinez won the Republican primary by mischaracterizing her record as DA, courting Tea Party activists and getting a timely endorsement from Sarah Palin.

There's another candidate - Diane - who won't make empty promises, but who will work like heck every day to build a better future for New Mexicans.

Regards,

Brian Colón

Albuquerque, NM - United Steel Workers District 12 endorsed Brian Colón's bid to become our next Lieutenant Governor. USW District 12 represent roughly 3000 members in New Mexico.

"Brian Colón understands what we need to get New Mexico's economy moving and has a long history of advocating for working families. His commitment and support for organized labor, education and job training demonstrates his understanding of the issues struggling families across New Mexico are facing," said Chris Youngmark of USW.

"USW shows the promise New Mexico has and how important it is for us to continue to create educational and technical training opportunities that lead to good paying jobs for all New Mexicans. I am honored to have this endorsement," said Colón.

Colón's plans for improved education, expanded job retraining programs, and economic growth garner sixth labor endorsement

Albuquerque, NM - The Communications Workers of America Local 7076- representing fourteen state agencies, UNM, UNMH, and CNM across the state of New Mexico - today endorsed Brian Colón's bid to become our next Lieutenant Governor. The CWA represent over 4,200 members statewide.

"Brian Colón knows the issues facing working families in today's economic climate and has the ability to bring people together to create solutions that will help people now, as well as in the future. His compassionate understanding of the struggles and hopes of New Mexicans is what sets him apart," said Michelle M. Lewis, President of CWA Local 7076.

"The men and women of the Communications Workers of America are employed in critical sectors of our local economy - telecommunications, government, health care and education - and I am honored to have this endorsement," said Colón. This endorsement is the sixth labor endorsement for Colón and represents the support of over 30,000 working New Mexicans.

Albuquerque, NM - Brian Colón released his second TV spot today entitled "College." The ad will air statewide on cable and network television alongside Colón's biographical commercial "Never Knew."

"To bring good jobs to NM we need a well trained and educated work force, and this spot highlights that. It's important for voters across New Mexico to know I've got an education and training plan that prepares our children for the jobs of tomorrow, while creating the necessary learning and training opportunities for those who are facing a challenging economy today" said Colón.

New Mexico's Statewide Public Education Employee Federation Supports Colón's Commitment to Education and Training

Albuquerque, NM - AFT New Mexico, representing more than 9,000+ public education employees, has endorsed Brian Colón for Lt. Governor. AFT New Mexico has 35 affiliates statewide that include preK-12 teachers, higher education faculty, counselors, paraprofessionals, custodians, food service workers and others who are part of the educational system that supports this state.

"Brian Colón understands the importance of quality education for children and job training for recent high school graduates, and adults already in the workforce. As Chairman of the Democratic Party, he was a tireless advocate for public schools and for teachers. His leadership and willingness to include stakeholders in the policy setting process has earned our trust," said Christine Trujillo, President, AFT New Mexico.

"As Lt. Governor, I plan to make education and training my priority, so I am especially honored by the support of AFT New Mexico. Strong schools and training programs are the cornerstone of a strong economy, and I am committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to improve performance, decrease drop-out rates, and prepare all New Mexicans for success," said Colón.

This endorsement follows the release of Brian Colón's Education and Jobs Training Plan. This plan outlines a four-point plan to provide the needed resources for New Mexico classrooms and lays out a plan of support for the many New Mexicans who are struggling to learn new skills in an ever changing economy.

Albuquerque, NM - Brian Colón, Democratic Candidate for Lt. Governor, released his Education and Training Plan today. It outlines a four-point plan to provide the needed resources for New Mexico classrooms and lays out a plan of support for the many New Mexicans who are struggling to learn new skills in an ever changing economy. The plan highlights Colón's ideas to:

• Put Our Schools and Children First.  Brian is committed to ensuring our schools retain the most competent and qualified professionals. New Mexico educators, their teams, and our school facilities should be of the highest caliber.
• Hold Schools, Teachers, Parents, and Students Accountable for Performance. Additional funding, alone, will not help our schools get better. We must hold our schools accountable for increased performance, strengthen the effectiveness of our teachers, and provide avenues for parents and the community to get involved in our children's education.
• Give More New Mexicans an Opportunity for Good Paying Jobs. Every New Mexico child should have a high school diploma, but we also have an obligation to make sure these high school graduates have the skills they need to get good-paying jobs. We need to create options for those New Mexicans who choose not to attend a four-year college to be
  successful in the workplace.
• Put a Priority on Training for the Jobs of Tomorrow. Despite the economic downturn, many jobs in the renewable or "green" industries are available now or could be brought to New Mexico, but we lack the trained workers to fill the positions. Brian knows that now is the time to invest in our people so they are prepared for these jobs.

"Today is National Teachers' Day," said Colón, "and my plan has had input from educators who understand exactly where the needs and weaknesses of our system are. Good education is the gateway to an improved economy in New Mexico, and any solutions for the economy or other social problems that do not include preparing our children and retraining adults for the jobs that are available today, will not lead to real change. Funding our educational system is a good investment, but we also need to make all of the various pieces of the system and those that have a stake in its success work together to gain better results. That is what my plan is about."  

Brian Colón's "Education and Training Plan" can be found here.

Albuquerque, NM - Brian Colón is the first Democratic Candidate for Lt. Governor to hit network and cable television. The Colón Campaign will start airing a thirty second biography commercial this week and is expected to remain on television for the duration of the campaign. The spot will air statewide.

"I'm excited for the next phase of our campaign as we take it to the New Mexico airwaves. We've built a statewide grassroots network that was integral to our victory at the pre-primary convention and now we'll spread our message even further. It's important to me that voters in all corners of our state know who I am and what I'll do as their Lt. Governor because I have a stake in making New Mexico a better place too" said Colón. The spot can be seen at here or below.

Albuquerque, NM - International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 611 and NM 583 today endorsed Brian Colón's bid to become our next Lieutenant Governor. IBEW Local 611 and NM 583 represent roughly 4,500 members in all 33 counties statewide.

"Brian Colón understands the struggles many New Mexicans are going through and has a long record of advocating for working families. His commitment and support for organized labor demonstrates his understanding of the issues working families across NM are facing," said Antonio Cruz, Local 611 Vice President.

"IBEW shows the promise New Mexico has and how important it is for us to continue to create educational and technical training opportunities that lead to good paying jobs for all New Mexicans. I am honored to have this endorsement," said Colón. This endorsement comes on the heels of last week's announcement by AFSCME, NM largest working family union, of their endorsement of Colón.

AFSCME, New Mexico’s Largest Working Family Union, Endorses Brian Colón for Lt. Governor of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM – The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, which represents over 12,000 city, county, state, and university employees along with home childcare professionals, has endorsed Brian Colón to be New Mexico’s next Lt. Governor.

On Wednesday evening, AFSCME New Mexico’s PEOPLE (political action) Committee voted 5-0 to endorse Brian Colón for his understanding of the struggles New Mexican’s are going through because he has been through hard times himself.

“Mr. Colón knows it is irresponsible for Santa Fe to balance the budget on the backs of New Mexico’s working families. The workers are the backbone of this state and we know Brian is the right person to be their voice” said state employee Mary Gustin.

“I’m honored to have the support of AFSCME. This election is about improving the lives of New Mexicans across our state by helping rebuild our economy and investing in our people," said Colón.

ALBUQUERQUE, NM ––Democratic candidate for Lt. Governor Brian Colón will visit business and community leaders in Carlsbad, New Mexico as part of a statewide campaign tour aimed at finding sensible solutions to New Mexico’s public policy concerns.

“I recognize that statewide leaders need to look beyond the I-40 corridor in addressing the state’s needs and to help keep New Mexico moving forward. That is why I have implemented a 33 County strategy - because every city and county in New Mexico is important to me,” added Colón.

Colón will start his day with a tour of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) and then he will head to the New Mexico State University at Carlsbad campus’ ground breaking for the new Allied Health Science Building at 11:00 a.m. In the afternoon, Candidate Brian Colón will join Eddy County Commissioner Roxanne Lara for a Main Street walk in downtown Carlsbad.

“My hope is that I will be able to discuss the needs and issues important to the City of Carlsbad and Eddy County. Specifically, I want to identify ways to retain local jobs, identify new job opportunities and expand and retain existing business,” said Colón of his hopes for his trip.

Colón will also be attending a fundraising event that evening with local supporters.