At the same time the Tibetan Buddhist stupa in the Petroglyph Nation Monument remains unaddressed. According to the Albuquerque Journal’s article of June 13, 2010, we have “No Need for Alarm; Stupa is Staying.” On the other hand, the 1934 California War Memorial Cross on private land in the Mojave Desert was fought against by the ACLU, covered for a decade in plywood, then stolen once it was allowed. Could we at least have a plywood box put over this thing until the ACLU gets around to noticing?

On Tuesday, June 1, New Mexico’s primary election will take place. Only a small percentage of New Mexican’s will vote. However, this election will have major consequences for our state and for the Christian community.

Through various sources, including personal interviews, phone calls and various media outlets, we have compiled the following report on New Mexico’s gubernatorial candidates.

The focus of this report is, “Which candidate will governor from a Christian worldview given their responses to abortion and domestic partnerships.”

We would encourage your to pray for the candidates and for the upcoming election.

Jose Vasquez

CANDIDATES FOR THE
NEW MEXICO GOVERNORSHIP
May 2010

DIANE D. DENISH (D) Recommendation: STRONGLY OPPOSE
Score: 0 (out of 10)
Abortion STONGLY PRO ABORTION
Domestic Partnerships STRONGLY PRO-DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS
National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL) the pro-abortion lobby, has been a major contributor to Ms. Denish’s campaign. When asked last legislative session how she would cast her tie-breaking vote on domestic partnerships, Denish said she would proudly vote in favor of domestic partnerships. Ms. Denish was the 2008 parade marshal for Santa Fe’s Gay Pride Parade.
Diane Denish is in total opposition to a Christian worldview on both issues.

JANICE ARNOLD-JONES (R) Recommendation: OPPOSE
Score: 5 (out of 10)
Abortion: HEDGEING ON ABORTION
Domestic Partnerships: HEDGEING ON DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS
Ms. Arnold-Jones state life is sacred but follows with “abortion is the law of the land.” She states she would “probably” not sign a domestic partnerships bill
Janice Arnold-Jones presents a marginal view on theses issues. There are a number of candidates with much stronger positions.

PETER DOMINICI (R) Recommendation: STRONGLY SUPPORT
Score 10 (out of 10)
Abortion: STRONGLY ANTI-ABORTION
Domestic Partnerships: STRONGLY ANTI-DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS
Mr. Dominici would take a “start over” position on abortion making it illegal again and then deal with the exceptions. He stands strongly for traditional marriage.
Peter Dominici’s stance on re-thinking abortion is refreshing.

SUSANA MARTINEZ (R) Recommendation: SUPPORT
Score 9 (out of 10)
Abortion: ANTI-ABORTION
Domestic Partnerships: ANTI-DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS
Ms. Martinez stands strongly for traditional marriage and against abortion as a current form of birth control.
Susana Martinez’s stance on these issues is consistent with a Christian worldview.

DOUG TURNER (R) Recommendation: OPPOSE
Score 2 (out of 10)
Abortion: WISHY-WASHY ON ABORTION
Domestic Partnerships: WISHY-WASHY ON DOMESETIC PARTNERSHIPS
Mr. Turner libertarian answers to questions are elusive. He told the Santa Fe Reporter “I’m not interested in legislating any definition of marriage,” which is fine in anything other than the real world.
Doug Turner’s middle of the road, non offensive, political-speak makes him a candidate we don’t need.

ALLAN WEH (R) Recommendation: SUPPORT
Score 8 (out of 10)
Abortion: ANTI-ABORTION with the exception of rape
Domestic Partnerships: ANTI-DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS
Mr. Weh has been a member of Calvary Santa Fe for the past 13 years.
Although Weh’s position on abortion is grieves to some in the Catholic community, most would accept his position as realistic.
Allan Weh has consistently presented a Christian worldview and agreed from the start to make these issues part of his campaign.

Following is the New Mexico Watchman’s report on the 5 Democratic candidates and 3 of the 4 Republican candidates* based on what they told the Albuquerque Journal and what we know of their positions.

Albuquerque Journal Question:

“Would you support or oppose a New Mexico law recognizing domestic partnerships that would grant same-sex couples most of the same rights afforded to heterosexual couples?”

KENT CRAVENS (R) Score 10 (out of 10)
What He Said:

“I have continually voted to support marriage between one man and one woman. I will oppose any measure moving the state away from the foundation.”

What We Know: Mr. Cravens has consistently supported traditional family values as a legislator in Santa Fe and has been an effective spokesman against the “progressive” legislative agenda.

JOHN SANCHEZ (R) Score 9 (out of 10)
What He Said: “Oppose.”

What We Know: Mr. Sanchez has been endorsed by the Right to Life Committee of New Mexico and the Catholic Coalition of New Mexico.

BRIAN MOORE (R) Score 9 (out of 10)
What He Said: “Oppose.”

What We Know: Mr. Moore has a conservative voting record as a legislator in Santa Fe. In our interview, Mr. Moore stated he has always believed in the sanctity of marriage.

BRIAN COLON (D) Score: 1 (out of 10)
What He Said:

“Support. As an American who cherishes all of our civil rights, equal protection and equal treatment of all citizens is imperative.”

What We Know: By redefining marriage, domestic partnership legislation creates new rights for a large number of persons based on almost any relationship and real or perceived sexual conduct.

JOSE CAMPOS (D) Score: 1 (out of 10)
What He Said:

“As a state representative, I voted for the domestic partnership bill that would grant same-sex couples the same rights afforded to heterosexual couples.”

What We Know: When addressed as a same-sex marriage issue, which this is, the public has consistently rejected this position.

LAWRENCE RAEL (D) Score: 0 (out of 10)
What He Said:

“I support legislation that ensures that everyone is treated equally under every aspect of our laws. While CAO of Albuquerque, I took action on this belief and extended employment benefits to same-sex couples.”

What We Know: This type of bureaucratic manipulation allows for fraudulent claims against the system for which the taxpayer is responsible. For example, two unrelated persons, same-sex or not, can now apply and receive city medical and retirement benefits.

GERALD ORTIZ Y PINO (D) Score: 0 (out of 10)
What He Said:

“Trick question? Domestic partnerships would benefit all unmarried couples in stable relationships, heterosexual as well as gay. I favor such legislation as a simple matter of equal protection under the Constitution of all New Mexicans.”

What We Know: This is not a trick question. (Mr. Ortiz y Pino knows how politically volatile this question is.) The New Mexico Constitution, until amended in the 1960s, stated marriage was between one man and one women. Mr. Ortiz y Pino could have called for a vote on the current Constitution.

LINDA M. LOPEZ (D) Score: 0 (out of 10)
What She Said:

“I have voted for and will continue to vote for a New Mexico law recognizing domestic partnerships.”

What We Know: Ms. Lopez introduced “anti-bullying” legislation that would have required 15 minutes daily of homosexual indoctrination in grades K-12 for all New Mexico schools.

*DR. J.R. DAMRON (R) was not interviewed but he has taken a very strong stance against domestic partnerships. He would have received a score of 10 in our rating system.

The New Mexico Watchman would like to thank Mr. Clif Green for his assistance in creating this report.

Currently, the state of Hawaii is in the cross hairs.

In 1993 the Hawaiian Supreme Court came close to making Hawaii the first state in the union to legalize same-sex marriage. The effort was halted and in 1998 the people of Hawaii spoke. Once on the ballot, Hawaiians passed a “defense of marriage” constitutional amendment. The amendment defines marriage as being between one man and one woman.

But that wasn’t the end of the story.

Last year, a bill proposing same-sex civil union was introduced in Hawaii. Same-sex civil unions are seen as an initial step in redefining marriage. The result was between 6 and 8 thousand Hawaiians came out in protest, one of the largest if not the largest protests in the state’s history.

Never the less, three weeks ago, on April 29, the Hawaiian House of Representatives voted 31-20 in favor of same-sex civil unions after earlier passage by the Hawaiian Senate.

The bill in now before Republican Governor Linda Lingle for signage into law or a veto. Governor Lingle will meet with both proponents and opponents of the bill next Monday and Tuesday, May 24 and 25.

Please pray for Governor Linda Lingle. We would encourage contacting Governor Lingle’s office and let her know we stand in opposition to civil unions in Hawaii and in our nation.

Thank you and God bless you today.

Jose Vasquez

Contact Information for Governor Linda Lingle is as follows:
The Honorable Linda Lingle
Governor, State of Hawai`i
Executive Chambers
State Capitol
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: 808-586-0034
Fax: 808-586-0006
e-mail: governor.lingle@hawaii.gov
Web Site: http://www.hawaii.gov/gov

The vast majority of us grew up with a Christian worldview. In Santa Fe alone, 85% grew up in a Christian home and 65% still proclaim Jesus as Lord. Back then, decency was the presumed standard and the pervasive challenge to Christian morality was just beginning.

At the time, obscenity laws were on the books and sodomy was a crime. Today sexual perversity is being sold, not only as the norm and acceptable, but also as political enhancing.

In Pennsylvania, State Representative Babette Josephs is running again Gregg Kravitz. Mr. Kravitz claims to be bisexual. Rep. Josephs is accusing Mr. Kravitz of “faking” his “sexual preference” to garner homosexual dollars and votes. The homosexual community, of course, loves the controversy. “We’ve hit a new high point when candidates are accused of pretending to be gay to win a seat.” states Mark Segal, publisher of a local homosexual newspaper.

We must correct our course.

An examination of a Christian Worldview is vital and necessary at this time.

The first annual New Mexico Christian Worldview Summit will be held August 25 in Albuquerque, NM. The event is co-chaired by Archbishop Michael Sheehan and former Congressman Bill Redmond. It will feature Catholic Theologian Michael Novak and Prison Fellowship founder Chuck Colson.

Central to the conference is the Manhattan Declaration. The Manhattan Declaration speaks in defense of the sanctity of life, traditional marriage, and religious liberty. It was written by prominent Christian clergy, ministry leaders and scholars and was released November 20, 2009 in Washington, DC.

The Declaration is a bold call to a Christian worldview. It calls all Christians to adhere firmly to their convictions.

Please mark your calendar, save the date and pray for the survival and success of a Christian worldview. Hope to see you in August.

In Christ,

Jose Vasquez

Please read and sign the Manhattan Declaration: http://manhattandeclaration.org/home.aspx