Press Releases

BECLABITO, NM --Democratic candidate for Lt. Governor Brian Colón announced today that his campaign received a unanimous endorsement from the Northern Navajo Agency this past weekend.

"I am thrilled and humbled to receive this endorsement from the Northern Navajo Agency," said Colón. "I will be a strong voice for the Navajo Nation in Santa Fe and will remain committed to the issues important to Native American communities including access to affordable health care, economic development, energy independence, and education."

"Brian Colón's leadership and experience will make him an effective Lt. Governor and voice in Santa Fe for Native American communities in New Mexico," said Harry Descheenie Jr., Vice President of the Gadiiahi /Tokoi Chapter.

Colón addressed the Northern Navajo Agency at its quarterly meeting at Beclabito Chapter near Shiprock on Saturday and met one on one with many of its participants. Over 150 Native American leaders from across Northern New Mexico were in attendance. The Northern Navajo Agency (also known as the Shiprock Agency) is comprised of 20 chapter houses, 13 of which are in New Mexico, representing thousands of voters in Indian Country.

"Lt. Governor Diane Denish and I are the only candidates yet to receive an endorsement from the Northern Navajo Agency, so this is truly an honor," added Colón.

SANTA FE -Brian Colón, candidate for Lt. Governor, solidified his place as the front runner to win the June Democratic Primary by exceeding all expectations during the Democratic Pre-Primary Convention today. Colón swept the convention with 34.35 percentage of the vote, winning the top spot on the ballot.

"I'm honored by this nomination and humbled that so many Democrats from all corners of New Mexico are supporting our campaign because they share my belief that Government should be in the business of helping people. Democratic values are much more than cheap campaign rhetoric. They make a difference in people's lives. I know, because I've lived those values" Colón said just after the results were posted.

During the convention, Colón highlighted his humble beginnings, noting his first job was working with his father at the family flea market.

"Growing up I learned that we help our neighbors when they're down. We make sure every child gets a good education. And if somebody's sick, they get the best health care available. That's what the Democratic Party stands for and that's why I'm working so hard to be Diane Denish's running mate for Lieutenant Governor."

More than 1,800 Democrats cast votes at the convention, Colón won 13 percent more than his closest competitor. The Democratic Pre-Primary Convention brings together Democrats from across New Mexico to vote and show their support for statewide candidates seeking office. Each Democrat votes for their top choice. A candidate must win at least 20% of the vote in order to have their name placed on the June ballot. Candidates receiving less than 20% must collect additional signatures to gain access to the ballot, however no Democratic candidate has ever gone on to win the June primary and received less than 20% support from their party's convention.

ALBUQUERQUE -Brian Colón announced today that he has received the endorsement of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 953 in his bid to become New Mexico's next Lieutenant Governor.

"I humbly thank the Operating Engineers for their support. I promise them and the rest of the people of this state, that as your next Lt. Governor, I will continue my support for workers, and will work to increase the number of high quality of jobs here in New Mexico," said Colón.

The IUOE expressed its strong support for Colón's record, "We want to thank you for your support on issues that help the working families of New Mexico in the past.  We know that we can count on you, as always, when it comes to supporting labor rights," stated Pat Vigil, the IUOE Local 953 Business Manager.

This endorsement follows Colón's previous endorsement from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 244. Local 244 represents 861 members of the Albuquerque Fire Department and the Bernalillo County Fire Department.

International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 244 today endorsed Brian Colón's bid to become our State's next Lieutenant Governor. Local 244 represents 861 members of the Albuquerque Fire Department and the Bernalillo County Fire Department. This is the first major labor endorsement in the 2010 race for Lieutenant Governor.

"Brian Colón has proven to be a strong advocate for the public employees of New Mexico. He understands that fire fighters have a critical role in public safety for our community," said Diego Arencón, President of IAFF Local 244.

"I am honored and humbled to have the endorsement of the membership of Local 244. As a father, a husband and your next Lieutenant Governor, I know just how important it is that our first responders have the resources they need to keep our families safe. In the Roundhouse, I will be a partner with Diane Denish to make that a reality," said Colón.

This endorsement comes on the heels of Colón's announcement last week of his three statewide co-chairs, former Ambassador Edward Romero, Founder and President of the Americans for Indian Opportunity Laddona Harris and former State Representative and Bernalillo County Commissioner Lenton Malry.

Democrat lieutenant governor primary candidate Brian Colón, who kicked off his 2010 campaign last fall, opened his state campaign headquarters office in Albuquerque --on Sunday afternoon.

Colón urged over 150 people who attended the office opening to participate in Thursday's Bernalillo County ward meetings -- where delegates will be elected to the party's state pre-primary nominating convention.

After addressing the crowd, Colón, an Albuquerque attorney and former party chairman, told us that he wants to improve the state's business landscape -- including making sure that local companies, win the big
American Recovery and Re-investment Act contracts.

Colón, who's wife is a teacher, also told us he recognizes that to continue economic development in the state, companies need well-prepared students, and he'll work to improve the state's graduation rates by
putting what ever resources are needed inside classrooms.

To read the rest of Peter St. Cyr's blog post please visit his site.

Brian S. Colón, candidate for lieutenant governor, today announced his campaign co-chairs. Ambassador Edward Romero, Ladonna Harris, and Lenton Malry will serve as advisors and co-chairs. Colón is building a state wide campaign organization and will soon announce his Colón Captains in all 33 counties.

Ambassador Romero served during the Clinton administration as Ambassador to Spain. Ambassador Romero lives in Albuquerque and is active in a number of civic and philanthropic organizations.

"Brian Colón is a New Mexico success story and I am confident he will take his life experiences to help New Mexicans live the American dream. I am honored to serve as a co-chair on his campaign because I believe that Brian will be the perfect partner to Diane Denish to get New Mexico moving again," Romero said.

Ladonna Harris is the president and founder of Americans for Indian Opportunity. She is a national leader on Native American issues and lives in Albuquerque.

"I'm for Brian Colón because he's an inclusive leader. He listens to people with diverse perspectives. He includes and empowers people to help solve their own problems. I support him because that's the kind of leader we need in the Lt. Governor's office," Harris said.

Lenton Malry is a former State Representative and Bernalillo County Commissioner. Malry has had a long and distinguished career as a public servant spanning more than 40 years.

"Whether it was fighting for full-day kindergarten in the legislature or working as a Principal in the Albuquerque Public Schools, I have long believed that the future of New Mexico is our public schools. I am proud to support Brian because I know that he will, as our next Lieutenant Governor,
wake up every day fighting for our schools so that his son and all of New Mexico's children will receive the best education possible," Malry said.

Brian Colon continues to build for success, by winning the first straw poll of the season during Wednesday's Democratic Lieutenant Governor candidate forum. The event was hosted at the Bernalillo Town Hall by the Democratic Women of Sandoval County and the Democratic Club of Sandoval County. Thanks to all of our supporters Brian won the first contest.

Photo by M.E. Broderick. For more information about the Wednesday night straw poll please visit
Democracy for New Mexico.

Albuquerque, NM - Since announcing his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor on August 31, 2009, former Democratic Party State Chair, Brian Colón, raised $277,034 including in-kind contributions totaling $12,831. He has $251,049 cash on hand as of the October 5th filing deadline. No candidate for Lieutenant Governor in recent New Mexico history has raised more than a quarter million dollars this early in the campaign.

“I am humbled by the broad support our campaign received from New Mexicans in each corner of our state,” Colón said. “Folks have lined up enthusiastically behind our campaign because they share my commitment to providing high-quality education, creating new green jobs, and implementing transparency and ethics reform in government.”

Colón raised $264,203 from 667 cash contributions. The campaign averaged more than 18 donations a day and raised more than $40,000 online.

Colón announced his candidacy on August 31st at a kick-off fundraiser that raised more than $50,000 and was attended by more than 500 individuals.

“Our campaign continues to grow both by the number of financial supporters and by the hundreds of New Mexicans who have hit the streets to collect thousands of petition signatures from all 33 counties for filing next spring,” Colón said.