By Ed Yoon, Campaign Manager
As just reported by Democracy for New Mexico (DFNM), recent comments on local New Mexico blogs point to the Republican's fear of Eric Griego in the general election.
It's clear that someone, apparently the local Republican Party, is trying to influence the Democratic Primary by attacking Eric while supporting his more conservative opponents. Why would they want to do that?
Because Eric's progressive record and strong campaign organization would make him a nightmare for the Republicans in Congress -- and in the general election.
Let's follow the comment trail.
First, "Mary Martinez", a supposed Democrat, writes on New Mexico Telegram of her support of Eric's more conservative opponent. She also writes that Republicans "want the weakest candidate in the general."
She also posts a long list of progressive bills that Eric has fought for, that the Republicans and conservative Blue Dog Democrats have refused to pass.
Second, "Mary" posts a nearly-identical comment on DFNM.
Finally, she posts the same comment once again on DFNM, under a new name, "Tommy Jones". This time, when you click on Tommy's name, you're taken to the Republican Party of Bernalillo County. This was an oversight on Tommy/Mary's part, as when you comment on DFNM, it pre-fills the contact information from earlier sessions.
Here is a screenshot. Click here to see a larger image.
Republicans and their Wall Street allies don’t want to see Eric Griego in Congress because he would be a leader in the fight against their disastrous agenda to end Medicare for seniors, wage war on women, and coddle millionaires and Wall Street bankers.
They also know that Eric’s proven progressive record of fighting for middle class jobs and taking on Big Oil and powerful corporate interests appeal to the voters. And they know that our powerful grassroots organization will be tough to beat in the general election.
We have out-organized Eric’s two more conservative opponents at the March 10th State Democratic Pre-Primary Convention to defeat them by 8 and 15 points, respectively. And we’re leading in endorsements from traditional Democratic allies in the labor, environmental, progressive, and netroots communities.
Just read these comments made by Eric's earlier opponent, Tea Partier Dan Lewis, upon bowing out of the race, the day before Eric was to deliver more than 5,000 petition signatures from people asking him to oppose the Ryan budget plan.
"The democrats have made it clear they will hold nothing back, true or not, to cling to this congressional seat. Their candidates have already raised over a half million dollars."
Eric is making national headlines -- most recently in the
U.S. News and World Report -- for his efforts to hold the Republicans accountable for their irresponsible budget to end Medicare for seniors while protecting tax cuts for millionaires. The buzz on the ground is that Eric has the momentum -- but it’s going to be close, and we’ll need to match our opponents’ spending in the final stretch on communicating with the voters.
Eric's race is the next major primary for the progressive community, and this is the last day of the quarter. We need your support now. Will you head over to our website and sign up to join our campaign?
Thanks for all you do.
Ed Yoon
Campaign Manager
Griego for Congress (NM-01)