My Blue State '08

Blueprints for success

Thank you visiting MyBlueState2008.com, your resource for a blue state in 2008.

The role of the Democratic Party is to empower its membership is by mobilizing Democrats in every precinct in every county in every state, to vote on election day.

The greatest tool any party organization can provide the people who work to make this goal a reality is information. That's why I've put this site together. Here you can find:

• Maps, charts and graphs on voting trends in New Mexico

• DPNM By-laws

• Proposals for a statewide volunteer program and Regional Headquarters

New information is always being added. Sign up to receive notifications of when new data is posted, by entering your email and zip code on the right.

Voting Machines Used in N.M. Elections Decertified by CO Secretary of State due to programming errors and lack of security

Following an internal assessment of voting machines used in 2004 and 2006, Colorado Secretary of State Mike Coffman fired off letters to major voting machine vendors informing them that their products had been decertified for use do the detection of serious flaws in their programming that could jeopardize the integrity of the 2008 vote count.

Listed below are the machines decertified and the primary reasons for their disqualification. Note that Precinct Optical Scanner, M100, decertified due to an "inability to complete testing threshold of 10,000 ballots due to vendor programmer errors," is the same model used in every precinct in the state of New Mexico.

Note that the ES&S iVotronic systems were decertified due to "vulnerability to security attack" and "failure to provide audit-able data to detect security violations." The iVotronic was used exclusively on election day 2004 in San Juan County, NM… no other NM County used this equipment. The election day undervote rate in precincts with >50% Native American populations was 5.8%. The election day undervote rate in precincts with >50% Anglo populations was 2.3%.

In addition, Colorado decertified Sequoia Voting Systems (CO Sequoia Decertification.pdf ) for "failure to operate in a secured state requiring passwords" and "failure to provide auditable data to detect security violations." Sequoia Voting systems were used throughout New Mexico during the 2004 election. To see exactly where, check out this link.

To learn more about irregularities in the 2004 election due to e-voting, check out this study of the 2006 elections results, published on Brad Blog.

Worm attacked voter database in notorious Florida district

Worm attacked voter database in notorious Florida district:
May 16, 2007 (Computerworld) -- The computer database infrastructure of Sarasota County, Fla., was attacked by a notorious Internet worm on the first day of early voting during the 2006 election, which featured the now-contested U.S. House race between Democrat Christine Jennings and Republican Vern Buchanan in Florida's 13th Congressional district.

In the early afternoon hours on Monday, Oct. 23, 2006, an Internet worm slammed into the county's database system, breaching its firewall and overwriting the system's administrative password. The havoc brought the county's network -- and the electronic voting system which relies on it -- to its knees as Internet access was all but lost at voting locations for two hours that afternoon. Voters in one of the nation's most hotly contested Congressional elections were unable to cast ballots during the outage, since officials were unable to verify registration data.

Otero County Dem Party Chair Responds to Taos County Election Post

Hello, I am Ellen Wedum, newly elected Chair of the Democratic Party of Otero County.

While the tactics used by the people who were running the DPOC prior to our election were in no way as extreme as those experienced in Taos, they were disturbing in some aspects.

1) I was working in Santa Fe during the legislative session.  It was well known that I was planning to run for chair, and also I was, and am, a precinct chair (Pct 8A).  In spite of this, the County Convention  was held on March 6, PRIOR to the end of the session. So I had to take a day off work to come to the meeting-- a four-hour drive each way.

2) The calculations of CCC members for each precinct were done incorrectly, apparently by one of the DPNM field workers.  They were NOT posted to our dpoc email list ahead of time, which would have provided me and my supporters with time to correct the error.  (One reason I want to be on the Rules committee is to clarify the wording, and intention, of the CCC member calculation process.)

3) I won the election even with the (accidentally, I think) rigged vote, although in one precinct the chair, the sister of one of the candidates, demanded that every vote be cast for her relative. You know that each CCC member has an independent vote.  So 2 of my supporters got bullied into casting their votes in opposition to their wishes, and complained to me about this afterward.

4)  We used the paper ballots provided by the DPNM, and I have no complaints about them because they were stolen between the evening of March 6 and the morning of March 8 and I never saw them.  We worried about this, because according to the DPNM rules we are supposed to have them available for inspection for 90 days, but Matt Farrauto said not to get upset.  I think Matt just tries to get along with everyone, as indeed I have,  so there have been no accusations by me about either the early scheduling of the election or the stolen ballots, which I carefully refer to as 'missing.'

As a result of #2 and #4, we do not have a valid CCC, and when we revise our County Rules, we will have to hold another convention before we can do so (our rules have not been revised since 1989, and indeed are not even in electronic format, except that I personally typed them into the computer this spring).  In our small county we do not pay any attention to the CCC, we are happy to just get people to come to meetings!  so everyone who comes gets a vote.  However, in order to vote on a major, and much needed, revision of our County Rules, I think we should have a valid CCC.

I add my minor complaints to the very serious complaints of the Taos group, and strongly recommend that Taos County be required to hold another county convention prior to the fall SCC meeting in order to elect properly credentialed officers and delegates.

I also think that more guidance is needed in the election process, and the specific problems experienced in Taos county need to be seriously investigated and an attempt made to take preventative measures prior to the next set of elections.

Ellen Wedum
dpoc chair
www.oterocountydemocrats.org

Note To Reader: Email Not From Me

Dear Readers,

An email is circulating containing a recent post on My Blue State '08 regarding the Taos County Democratic Party elections.  I have been made aware of this email because the anonymous sender who sent you the email has been forwarding me your responses. Because of the content of the message, understandably many recipients thought I was the sender and responded.

The number of responses that have been forwarded to me suggests that the issues involved in the Taos County challenge deserve further airing, analysis and discussion.

If you would like to submit your opinion or insights into the Taos County Elections or your own experiences in navigating party rules and processes, please know this is the place do it. Opinions, expressed with respect for fellow Democrats will always be given space here.

A Taos County Democrat's Letter to the New Chair of the DPNM

Dear Readers,


It is my belief that transparency of process in the Democratic Party is what makes us a democratic party and that disagreements, like competition, when respectfully aired and dealt with on the merits of the issues make for a stronger party.

To that end, I am publishing a letter forwarded to me two days ago from Democrat Bonnie Korman of Taos County, to  Brian Colon, the new chairman of the Democratic Party of New Mexico, regarding a challenge to the Democratic Party of Taos County's election of party officers.

Sincerely,

Gideon Elliot

May 5, 2007

Brian Colon, Chairman
Democratic Party of New Mexico
500 Marquette Ave., NW, Suite 700
Albuquerque, New Mexico  87102

Dear Mr. Colon,

Congratulations on your election to the NMDP Chair.

I know there is optimism in some quarters that you can restore fairness and trust in our state party. After the last weeks in Taos, however, and the debacle of the Taos County Central elections, and the Credentials meeting, I have to tell you there has been significant damage to the local party here and even greater loss of credibility for the DPNM leadership.

Let me introduce myself. I am a 35- year plus resident of Taos and lifelong Democrat, former SCC member, current CCC member. In the last two election cycles I campaigned for a presidential candidate, then coordinated the volunteers at the Taos County Dem HQ. With a few other progressives, including Billy Knight (former Taos County Chair), we also organized a grass roots campaign for Kerry, as well as participating in the coordinated Kerry effort.

In '06 I assisted in the unprecedented (for a mid- term election) Taos County HQ again, and feel proud of our outstanding success for the state, local and national campaigns. Much of this effort was originated by Billy Knight, once again, and joined by many in our grass roots progressive group, consisting mainly of very loyal, active Dems. We also engaged a wider spectrum of  traditional Taos Democrats with a long legacy of political participation.

But in the spring of '07, much has gone wrong and fallen apart in the Taos party, starting with precinct elections. The opposition to Billy Knight, Chuby Tafoya, and his followers, organized a very strong campaign and really inspired a lot of people to support him at the individual precinct level. However, the tactics used were all about rule- breaking, changing votes, registering voters illegally, cheating, and intimidation-- to name a few.

While the situation after the precinct elections seemed shockingly bad, and utterly against all democratic principles and rules, the worst was to come. Billy Knight's followers went to great length, following the proper procedures, to document challenges to the outcomes in several precincts. The challenges were ignored and the entire credentialing process was subverted, requiring a separate Credentials meeting. The state DPNM leaders were requested to oversee and conduct a Credentials meeting where challenges could be heard.

At this point, in my opinion, the entire process reached its nadir. The Credentials meeting and ensuing challenges was orchestrated by Robert Beck, Matt Farrauto, and Joe Casados as a complete kangaroo court-- denying all challenges and motions from Billy Knight's supporters and even denying speech of  witnesses with signed affidavits. Elected CCC members and other participating Democrats were ridiculed, intimidated and denied a hearing. The only challenge by Chuby Tafoya was his own precinct, and it was not only upheld, but disqualified all the CCC electors from that precinct, one of Taos' largest.

I would like to say I am experienced enough in life, and the politics of northern NM, so as not to be easily surprised or shocked, but I admit here, I have been stunned by the reckless disregard of the rules, of loyal, honest Democrats' participation in the process, and of common decency and civility. I  spoke directly to Mr. Farrauto and Mr. Casados at the Credentials meeting and stated my opinion that their conduct and leadership of the meeting was a sham and shameful. Furthermore, I pointed out that at least half of the crowd had left the farce they dared call a Credentials meeting. And I feel very confident that most of those who left are not coming back to participate with the Democrats in Taos.
I know this because quite a few people have said so.

My views have not altered, but have instead intensified with the repeat performance of the Judicial Council appeal last week in Albuquerque, featuring many of the same actors, including Robert Beck, Matt Farrauto, and John Wertheim. It is simply not acceptable that the unprincipled, illegal tactics and actions of some Taos Democrats should be encouraged and legitimized at the highest level of the NM Democratic Party.

My question to you in your new leadership position is this: what is your response? The DPNM has alienated and betrayed some of the most, energetic, effective, committed Democrats in Taos County, which means, in New Mexico. What is your plan for redress of our grievances?

Respectfully,

Bonnie Korman,
CCC member, Taos County

PO Box 80,
Taos, NM    87571

Taos County Challenge

Who spends What on Getting Out The Vote

According to the Center for Public Integrity, less than 1% of all campaign expenditures during the 2004 election cycle went towards mobilizing voters through traditional Get Out The Vote (GOTV) activities, such as van transportation for disabled or elderly voters. To see a break down of where the money did go, check out this summary of Spending By Candidates and Committees and this report on Campaign Consultants by Sandy Bergo of the Center for Public Integrity

Judicial Council Meeting to Hear Taos County Dems Challenge to Delegates

I received the following emails from the State Party regarding a challenge to the Taos County delegation:

Dear Judicial Council Members:

Below is a letter from Chairman Wertheim to Vice Chair At-Large Annadelle Sanchez, who, as you know, serves as the Chair of the Democratic Party of New Mexico (DPNM) Judicial Council.  The letter describes a challenge that Chairman Wertheim is referring to the Council's jurisdiction.

A meeting of the Council has been set for 3PM on Thursday, April 26th at the DPNM headquarters, 1301 San Pedro NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110.  Council members ought to have already received an email notification from readycall.com about accessing the Council hearing via conference call.

The staff at the DPNM will be placing copies of this letter in the mail tomorrow.  However, given the time frame, I wanted to let you know about this matter via email.  In addition, because some of the exhibits provided in the challenge are on legal paper, while others are on regular (8.5"x11") paper, I am unable to scan these exhibits or fax contiguous pages.  Copies are available at the Democratic Party of New Mexico and can be faxed (half of a legal page per regular page) to a fax number you provide.

Please do not hesitate to call with questions or to confirm your attendance or participation via conference call.  (505) 830-3650.

Best,

Matt

CC: Announced candidates for DPNM Chair


DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF NEW MEXICO

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Annadelle Sanchez
Vice Chair At-Large, Democratic Party of New Mexico
920 Denton ST
Espanola, NM 87532

Dear Madame Vice-Chair:

I write to you in your capacity as chairperson of the Judicial Council of the Democratic Party of New Mexico and hereby invoke my authority under Rule 14-1(B) to request the Judicial Council interpret the party rules and review a challenge.  Specifically, I request the Judicial Council interpret party rules as they were applied in the recent Taos County precinct elections, the Taos County Credentials Committee Meeting and the Taos County Central Committee Meeting.  Additionally and also pursuant to my authority under Rule 14-1(B), I am placing the enclosed Challenge to the Taos County Delegates[sic] under the Judicial Council’s review and jurisdiction.

First, although I applaud what appears to be record setting participation in the recent Taos County Democratic Party elections, possible irregularities in some precinct elections have been brought to my attention that, in fairness and if true, deserve an airing before the Judicial Council with appropriate admonishment or other remedy.  I have no information that any of these alleged irregularities were outcome determinative in either the election of Taos County officers or of members to the state central committee hailing from Taos County.  That being said, however, persons with more knowledge than my own second- and third-hand information may wish to present it to the Judicial Council.  I want to give any and every Democrat in Taos a chance to do just that.

Second, a law firm representing a group of individuals calling themselves Taos Democrats for Clean Elections (TDCE) hand-delivered a challenge to the Party Headquarters earlier today, April 24, 2007, a copy of which is enclosed.  Although the challenge--because it neither had been previously presented to the Taos County Central Committee nor otherwise contained the signatures of five county chairs--lacked the required elements under Rule 14-1(B) to be filed before the Judicial Council on its own, I decided to place it before the council myself.

Here’s why: Although I disagree with the challenge for several reasons, I also recognize its proponents feel seriously aggrieved.  I have every reason to believe in their good faith, and they deserve to be heard by the Judicial Council.

Curiously, shortly after delivering the challenge to headquarters, one of the TDCE’s lawyers called to tell me that the challenge had been withdrawn.  This call came before I was even aware of the challenge.  I do not know why the group withdrew the challenge or if they all reached a consensus to withdraw.  So I am submitting the challenge notwithstanding this phone call.  Additionally, TDCE may have decided that their requested remedy—to unseat the whole county delegation and re-run the election—was overly severe.

There are other, less draconian, remedies available, however.  If the Judicial Council believes that the precinct apportionment in Taos violated party rules, it can offer appropriate admonishment or refer the matter to the Rules Committee for appropriate changes or clarification of the apportionment issue.

Any admonishment the Judicial Council chooses to issue with regards to the challenge should be directed solely to me.  I personally reviewed the apportionment recommendation, approved it and directed Matt Farrauto and Joseph Casados to implement it.  My beliefs about the issue are thoughtfully contained in Mr. Farrauto’s email included as Exhibit “C” to the challenge.

Sincerely,

John Wertheim
Chairman
Democratic Party of New Mexico

CC (without enclosures):         
John Boyd
Sarah Berger
Robert Bishop
Margarita Denevan
Kelen Emery
Eugena Hauber
Theron Horton
Judith Hovetter
Suzy T. Kane
Thomas J. Kane
Bonnie Korman
Richard Montreau
Harvey Solomon
Kay Solomon
Charles Strong
Janet Webb
Linda Yardley
CC (with enclosures): 
Brian Colon
Gideon Elliot
Michael Olguin
William J. Knight
Thomas “Chuby” Tafoya
Robert Beck
Melinda Whitley
Jason Bousliman
Agnes Maldonado
Stephanie Dubois
D. Matthew Runnels
Conny Maki
Martin Suazo

How to Increase the Youth Vote in the Democratic Party of New Mexico

In discussions with Democrats across the state, I've heard a consistent  concern over the increasing number of young voters registering without any party affiliation and the absence of youth in the party organization. On Tuesday I was in Deming meeting with the County Chairs and Vice-Chairs of Luna, Grant and Sierra counties and they put the question to me; "how can we get more youth involved in the party?"

We talked about several ideas but nothing really concrete. However,  yesterday, looking at the number of DTS voters in each county and our state party's delegate selection plan for 2008 Democratic National Convention, I came up with one  possible solution: let the youth vote in our caucus.

Youth who will be 18 years of age, on or by November 4th, 2008 and who registerer as a Democrat before the caucus on Feb. 5th, 2008, should be allowed to vote and have that vote counted in the Democratic Party of New Mexico's Presidential caucus. This would allow anyone born before November 4th, 1990 and after Feb 5th, 1990--mostly high school seniors, (current juniors) to become active in the party.

However, what would be even better, would be if we could allow students 16 years of age and older participate in the caucus as well, since this would allow students in their second year of high school to participate in two election cycles before graduating, the second being 2010.

Interestingly, our Delegate Selection Plan for 2008 actually provides for 2 Youth delegates to the national convention. If we have Youth Delegates in the plan, it would seem only fair that we allow youth participation in our caucus.

Wellstone Action - Training Program

Wellstone Action - Training Program:
Wellstone Action’s Advanced Campaign Management School (ACMS) is an intensive 4.5 day training for individuals with some electoral experience who want to step up to become managers or senior campaign staffers. The purpose of this training is to teach the fundamentals of winning electoral campaigns, build the skills of a new generation of campaign managers, and develop leaders and professionals for long-term involvement in the progressive movement. ACMS is led by a training team with years of experience winning electoral campaigns.