Postcards from the Swing States: New Mexico
Added November 3rd, 2008
Sending a greeting to the South Bay from the Land of Enchantment-New Mexico. I've been on leave from SEIU Local 1877 acting as the state director of our SEIU campaign here. We've been on the ground since mid August with SEIU members from 1877, 24/7, 1021, 721, 99, and UHW. With the hard work of our members we can count on New Mexico and the 5 electoral votes here to go solidly for Obama. But we know that the President can not move forward with a progressive agenda without having a strong Congress so we've also focused our efforts on picking up a Senate and Congressional seat that are currently held by Republicans.
But we're not taking any vote for granted. Since October 18th we've been encouraging Obama supporters to vote early-and we've succeeded with more than 65% of Albuquerque voters voting early. This will make our job on election day that much easier. We've faced some challenging terrain here-snakes, coyotes, cows, dirt and rural roads, ardent and angry McCain supporters and as always dogs but through it all our members have proved that labor and our members know how to get the job done!!!
With less than 24 hours till the polls open-we're all excited, hopeful, filled with anticipation for the change we're going to see in this country on election day to move forward on issue that are important for our members and communities-access to affordable and quality health care for all, comprehensive immigration reform, and reform of our labor laws through the Employee Free Choice Act.
Can't wait to get back and share these amazing experiences with you all. Here are some pictures from the trail.
Si Se Puede!
Sylvia Ruiz, SEIU Local 1877
Need to search endorsement info on the go?
Former Teamsters President Jimmy Hoffa disappears. Presumed to be dead, his body has never been found.