Officials optimistic about first rocket launch

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A group of about 200 people gathered Sunday evening at the Hilton Las Cruces for a briefing that revealed the historic nature of today’s planned first launch from Spaceport America northeast of Las Cruces. One of the experiments going into space, which will measure the effect of time on watches, was designed by a group of middle- and high-school students, including sixth graders from St. Paul, Minn. who were in attendance at the briefing. Payloads on the rocket will travel into space in containers designed and manufactured by high-school students. Continue Reading

Scandal leads to independent movements, reform

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On the National level, the Unity08 movement threatens to shake up the two-party system and the extreme partisan split plaguing our nation. In New Mexico, a group has formed that might similarly shake up state politics. Independent Voters of New Mexico’s aim is to elect a split ticket of candidates in the November general election to prevent one-party domination of government at the state and national levels, according to the Associated Press. “This is a chance for people who don’t want to associate their names with any party to be active and make sure their votes will make a difference,” Abraham Gutmann, founder of the political action committee, told the news service. “It’s not in the interests of independents to have any one party dominate any single level of government.” Independents are the fastest growing segment of voters in New Mexico, and with good reason. Continue Reading

Richardson going back to New Hampshire

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Gov. Bill Richardson is heading back to New Hampshire this week. According to the Manchester Union Leader, the governor is one of four 2008 presidential hopefuls who will visit the state to promote the campaigns of local candidates. Richardson will campaign Monday with Rep. Jackie Cilley, a candidate for the state Senate, then attend an event for House Democratic candidates. It’s Richardson’s third visit to New Hampshire this year. He also visited in 2005 and 2004. Continue Reading

BREAKING NEWS: Richardson to attend Whole Enchilada Fiesta despite shooting threat

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Despite threats of random shootings in Las Cruces, Gov. Bill Richardson plans to attend the Whole Enchilada Fiesta Saturday morning. “After consulting with DPS Secretary John Denko and other law enforcement agencies, I am confident this will be a safe, secure, and very successful event,” Richardson said in a news release. “I urge everyone to show their support for the city and the Whole Enchilada Festival and join us for a great weekend of fun, food, and entertainment.” In two letters, an anonymous writer has threatened random shootings if the city didn’t pay an unspecified amount of money by today. The threat has many residents of the city on edge. Police are hunting for the writer, and the National Guard stands ready to respond if necessary. Continue Reading

Commission District 3 hopefuls say they’re both good choices

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The candidates in the Doña Ana County Commission District 3 race agreed during a candidate forum Thursday that either would serve residents well. Because Republican Paul Curry opted against seeking re-election to the position, Republican Mack Haley is facing Democrat Karen Perez on Nov. 7. District 3 encompasses much of Las Cruces’ East Mesa, the New Mexico State University area and south from there through Mesilla Park and Mesquite. Community empowerment Both candidates were asked during the forum in Mesquite how they would help empower communities. Continue Reading

Commission District 1 candidates show differences

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The candidates in the Doña Ana County Commission District 1 race revealed similar goals but different opinions about how to reach them at Thursday’s candidate forum in Mesquite. The seat is currently held by Democrat Oscar Vasquez Butler, who is also president of the New Mexico Association of Counties. Republican John Zimmerman is seeking to unseat Butler. District 1 includes 25 of the county’s 37 colonias and the Picacho Hills area on the east side of Las Cruces. Community empowerment Both candidates were asked how they would help empower communities. Continue Reading