Tom Mullins for Congress blog

http://www.fms.treas.gov/mts/mts0310.pdf

Don’t be fooled by the 65 Billion deficit for March.  The ARRA (”stimulus”) funding was not fully detailed, which should have added another 100 Billion dollars to the figure.  We spend too much both at the government level and personally.  We must create this wealth in the private sector, the government takes each dollar from the private sector.  Rep. Lujan where are the jobs ?

Yesterday, I attended the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce meeting.  I had a great opportunity to visit with business owners who are active in their communities.  One theme repeated by the many speakers was the power of relationships and networking with businesses that are supporting one another.  There really are synergies that can develop.  Private business is the engine that makes our community flourish.

In Santa Fe, last night, I attended my first Friends of Capitalism meeting at the Rio Chama.  It was inspiring to see so many conservative business seasoned professionals listening and discussing the subject of Venture Capitalism (VC).  As was pointed out these incubated type businesses take many years to become “successful”, but the success that is generated can be revolutionary.  I like to use the name of the “positive black swan” conceptually.  Our founding fathers met (in taverns and pubs) to discuss the issues of the day.  I encourage other folks to get together.  Consider visiting one of the Rio Grande Foundation ‘Liberty on the Rocks’ events around New Mexico, or even better, create your own lunch or after dinner group to strengthen conservative principles and share our knowledge.

True capitalism has lifted more out of poverty than all the socialistic programs and policies put together.  Many refuse to believe it, but watching China’s growth continue must give those doubters pause.

I will be on Jim Villanucci’s radio show starting at 3 pm today.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit with the Santa Fe FRW group, including recent Mayoral candidate Aseneth Kepler.  I was able to share a bit more about my background and the challenges facing the energy industry on the public lands in New Mexico.  Ben Ray Lujan, Jr. has been silent regarding the proposed federal budget with its new tax structure targeting small independent oil and gas companies.  As the price of San Juan Basin natural gas for the month of April 2010 is at $ 3.77 per thousand cubic feet, significantly below the Governor’s budgeted $ 5.60 per thousand cubic feet figure, it is obvious that New Mexico will face another special session not only working out the food tax repeal, but realizing that wishful thinking cannot balance the budget.

Painful cuts to the size and scope of New Mexico government will have to be made.  These difficult cuts must be made at the federal government where irresponsible spending has continued to grow out of control.

As Tea Parties around the nation prepare for rallies, I congratulate them.  A recent article in the Farmington Daily Times highlighted them.  I look forward to attending several of the Tea Parties in the coming days.

The past several days have included stops in Rio Rancho, Clovis, and attending the tax payer’s bawl in Tucumcari.  A special thank you to those who have invested their time to meet with me and the other candidates on the “trail”.

I have been unable to locate Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, Jr. these past few days in order to discuss his health care vote in person and the President’s budget which will harm small businesses and the energy industry.

We will celebrate mass in the Estancia Valley Parish today, followed by stops in the coming days in Rio Rancho, Farmington, and Santa Fe.  If you would like to meet with me as I travel the district, please send us an e-mail or give us a phone call.

We will announce several new sign and literature pick-up locations in Portales, Clovis, and Rio Rancho in the coming days.  Thank you for your support as I work to serve you in Washington.

It was quite an interesting day.  One flat tire delayed our arrival in Santa Fe to hear Senator Jeff Bingaman discuss the recently enacted Health Care Bills to the Santa Fe Chamber.  He used the words Free, Entitlement, Rights, and Benefits many times, but failed to address any of the costs associated with these bills.  He received several pointed questions regarding the Medicare Advantage cuts and the exclusion of the “doc fix” and the overall opinion from several health care professionals that care will end up being effectively rationed by providers who will not want to accept Medicare. 

I just do not agree with the Senator’s assessment that New Mexicans will somehow “benefit” from these bills.  I would recommend that our Senator discuss some of the costs associated with the bill, especially when discussing this subject with the business community.  New Mexicans are not fooled and it was evident that there is significant skepticism regarding the positives of this bill, even in Santa Fe.

I had the honor of attending the Grand Opening of the Santa Claran Hotel in Espanola this afternoon.  A very impressive and wonderful facility that brings convention and destination resort jobs to the valley.  I appreciated visiting with many residents, city officials, and political officials.  I had the honor of meeting with the Governor of Santa Clara Pueblo and members of the Santa Clara Development Corporation.  I congratulate everyone involved with this successful endeavor.

I missed Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, Jr. who I had expected to attend this important event.  He is in the district, but we are at a loss as to where he is spending his time.

A well stated commentary regarding some of the federal regulatory strings that hamper our border security by Stephen L. Wilmeth.  I concur with his assessment that Americans need to have their eyes opened to our self induced border security challenges.
 

May rancher Rob Krentz rest in peace.

Spring time in New Mexico sure does a number on campaign signs.  Maybe that is telling candidates to follow the rules of the various municipalities and counties around the district.  Rules vary on timing of when and where campaign signs can be placed, but in general use common sense.  Your private property and business has greater freedom.  If you would like to have one of our 4×4 or 4×8 signs please e-mail us and we will get these to you and/or install them for you.

Yard signs are available at the link in many communities and we will be adding locations in the coming days.

Last night I had the pleasure to speak with the San Juan County 912 organization for a few minutes reminding them that together we can change New Mexico and our nation, but only if we are willing to work.  Become a registrar at your local clerk’s office such that when you are volunteering for a campaign (attending events, manning booths, knocking on doors) that you can register new voters.  We must build conservative turnout in order to ensure victory in November.

Where is Ben Ray Lujan, Jr. today in the Congressional district?  Today is April the 7th and we don’t know where he will be for the 8th, 9th, or 10th.  If you find out, let us know so I can attend and visit with concerned voters so that they can see the difference between a closed door entitled politician and myself.  I will work for you and listen to you.  Our town hall schedule will be published in the coming days.

Thank you again for your support and please volunteer today on our website.  Your campaign contributions are also greatly appreciated.

We now have several locations around the district where you can get yard signs or bumper stickers.

See the page on mullinsforcongress for more info on the Clovis, Farmington and Santa Fe pick up locations.

Surprise. With little notice our Representative has told us where he is going to be to give you five (5) minutes to meet with him in Clovis, tomorrow, Tuesday, April 6th. I received my e-mail at 11:04 am today, Monday, April 5th.

On Monday and Tuesday, Rep. Ben Ray Luján will visit Portales and Clovis where he hold open office hours, have lunch with students at ENMU, and discuss the economy with local dairy farmers and business owners. On Tuesday, Rep. Luján will also tour Cannon Air Force Base and meet with base officials.

What: Clovis Open Office Hours
When: Tuesday, April 6 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm (MT)
Where: Clovis-Carver Public Library, 701 N. Main St. Clovis, NM
And Wednesday’s, April 7th schedule is: Rep. Ben Ray Luján will visit Mosquero, Roy and Clayton where he will meet with constituents. Entry to all events is on a first come, first served basis. What: Mosquero Town Hall
When: Wednesday, April 7 9:30 am to 10:30 am (MT)
Where: Pat and Erma’s Coffee Shop, 30 Main St., Mosquero, NM

What: Mosquero Town HallWhen: Wednesday, April 7 9:30 am to 10:30 am (MT)Where: Pat and Erma’s Coffee Shop, 30 Main St., Mosquero, NMWhat: Roy Town Hall
When: Wednesday, April 7 11:00 am to 12:00 pm (MT)
Where: Annette’s Café, 325 Chicosa St., Roy, NM

What: Clayton Open Office Hours
When: Wednesday, April 7 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm (MT)
Where: HUD Office, 200 Aspen Street, Clayton, NM

Still no real town hall meeting - note first come, first served on the 7th. He must think your time has no value at all. You can wait around all day to meet with him; just take a number and wait around. This man’s performance is an embarrassment to all the citizens of New Mexico.

Rep. Luján could you please tell us where you might be from the 8th until the 11th? So that we can plan our schedules to meet with you? Your cameo appearances are not real town hall meetings to listen to the people.

I will listen to the people and answer their questions.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed toward the end of our fundraising quarter. The past few days have been quite busy!

I attended the San Juan County Federated Republican Women’s meeting on Thursday, along with an evening visit to Rio Rancho and Bernalillo to talk with supporters. On Good Friday I attended mass and wrote thank you notes to many of you. Without volunteers and contributors, I could not be as successful in representing you. Thank you again!

Today I attended Cope Reynolds’ seminar in Farmington on Disaster Preparedness. Each of us individually can better prepare to take care of ourselves and our family in times of emergency and stress. I encourage everyone to have a 72 hr emergency preparedness kit and to think about how you may have to care for others. Our federal government may not be of assistance right away, so common sense tells us to plan for what we might do without water, electricity, or gasoline for awhile. We have seen unfortunate instances of flooding back East, earthquakes in Haiti and Argentina among other major tragic events. Thank you Cope for the service you perform to our community.

Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. Our Lord Jesus is risen. I give thanks for all the blessings I have been given and for the sacrifices and trials that have tested us all.  Though we continue to face challenges in our nation, I believe that our nation will continue to be blessed if we remember that we do not hold all the power. There is a higher power and I pray he will shine that light of freedom for all of us. May God bless you and your family and all those who are traveling. A special blessing upon our soldiers around the world, especially those in Iraq and Afghanistan.