Congressman Martin Heinrich at Bernalillo County Convention

Time to get the party fired up and ready to vote!

Rodefer to Run for John Sapien's State Senate Seat

Ben Rodefer will Challenge John Sapien in June Primary

"Today, Ben Rodefer announced his candidacy to represent Senate District 9 in the New Mexico State Legislature. He will face incumbent John Sapien in the June 5, 2012 primary election.

Rodefer, a Democrat, served the area as State Representative from 2008-2010. During that period, he led the successful charge to block a $400 million taxpayer giveaway to bankrupt California developers Suncal. Rodefer also fought to increase clean energy jobs and to close the loophole in New Mexico’s tax code that allows out-of- state corporations to get out of paying the same state taxes that New Mexico companies pay."

Broadband Internet for Small New Mexican Towns

If the governor was serious about providing jobs and open government in this state, she could start by providing internet services to every small town. It would not have to be done overnight or all at once.

The governor could start with the small town with the highest unemployment rate and work her way down the list. Internet access could provide a market for small startup businesses. People could be trained on how to use the internet to sell their goods and services.

Just think what our country would be like today if governors refused to build highways and utilities in the early days because of the cost. With a small investment, this state could become a shining example of what could be done with the information highway. Small countries the size of states are expanding internet access in order to promote job growth.

We could take this state from dead last to one of the top ten in the country with the right leadership. The question is: Where is that leadership? The fourth floor in Santa Fe appears to be lacking a leader for that office.

New Mexico Web Infrastructure

Governor Martinez is very “gun ho” to use advanced web technology for open government. The problem is where is her support in providing the correct Web Infrastructure so that small towns and non-urban communities can access those videos. What good is a streaming video if no one in the smaller communities in this state gets to see them?

She is dead wrong when she screams that government cannot create jobs. The basic way to create small businesses in this state that could thrive would be to provide them with the advanced web infrastructure, which would allow them to sell their goods in the global market place.

Basic web infrastructure would allow students to more effectively access coursework from larger colleges and universities thereby leveling the playing field for all New Mexicans. It would allow colleges and universities to provide training online to students where a brick and mortar campus would not make a profit.

If we want to build small businesses in this state then we need to provide the support and assistances to help entrepreneurs get their companies off the ground. The state and federal government can do a lot to encourage small businesses and entrepreneurs by providing them with the type of connectivity that large cities have in this state. If more small businesses shipped goods out of state and out of country than our mail service could be ensured of more income as well. Our state could be collecting taxes on those sales that would help pay for government programs.

Super PAC Money

Super PAC Money

Just look at all the money being spent on Republican Candidates.

Can we say Citizens United