GOP to make Bingaman's Gonzales vote an issue in '06

[Freddie Stubbs]

By Peter Savodnik

New Mexico Republicans may not have a candidate to run against Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) next year, but they do have an issue: Alberto Gonzales.

Bingaman, who announced this week that he will seek a fifth term, voted Feb. 3 against Gonzales’s nomination for attorney general. Gonzales was confirmed by the Senate 60-36 and was sworn in Monday.

Republicans in New Mexico and Washington say that vote could cost Bingaman his seat. With more than 40 percent of the electorate being Hispanic, they reason, opposing the first Hispanic to become the nation’s top law-enforcement officer was impolitic.

“I think that’s really going to hurt him,” said Cheryl Garcia, a member of the state GOP’s Executive Committee. Another New Mexico Republican said the party would likely blanket the state’s airwaves with ads spotlighting the vote.

more: http://www.thehill.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Campaign/021605_bingaman.html

[TlalocW]

1. That's what I love about republicans

They just don't get what not being racist is. As if a nominee's ethnicity is all that ethnic group cares about. As if they don't have any other concerns or even the intelligence or political savvy to care about more than that. Now THAT is racist. So now whoever runs against Bingaman will essentially be going up to Mexican-American voters and saying, "Hey, how 'bout Bingaman not voting for your boy?" And when asked what boy, "You know - Alberto Gonzales - he's one of you Mes-kins, ain't he?"

TlalocW

[mmendoza01]

2. Please....

They will try anything they can but I seriously doubt that will work. Bingaman has been a huge proponent of Billingual Education, Healthcare, and helping the poor. If that vote were to sink him, I'd be shocked. NM isn't dumb enough to elect a wack-O like Heather Wilson to the Senate (at least I pray that).

Jeff is safe, I don't see anyone beating him. I hope Wilson runs against him, is defeated and a democrat takes her seat.

[all.of.me]

4. who ARE all those people who keep voting for her?!?!?!

"I hope Wilson runs against him, is defeated and a democrat takes her seat."

yes......

she's not even my rep, and i can't stand her!!

(edited a typo)

[fnottr]

5. honestly

Bingaman has served as senator for over 20 years now, I think if he were prejudiced against Hispanics in any way someone would have figured it out by now

[all.of.me]

3. ooh, scary!

sounds like an empty threat!! anything to stir up some shit. i think it's great bingaman voted nay. if someone votes for ethnicity without considering the whole picture, then that is shallow. sounds very republican, doesn't it?! hahahahaha

[Cybergata]

6. Heather is slated to take over Domenici's seat.

Pete isn't well. I always thought Heather was Pete's chosen successor. OH poor New Mexico, so far from Heave, so Close to Texas....and with Heather as our Senator! <SCREAM!>