WOW!! New Mexico Democrats

[onetexan]

A couple days ago as the hubby & i were roadtripping to Taos, on the way we passed through a small town called Mora. Many residents had lined the main road we were on waiting eagerly for a parade to come by. This as we would learn later is one of many fiestas throughout NM. One bunch of residents had a big sign that read 'Mora Democrats'. Recognizing we had something in common with these good townspeople, i instinctively rolled down the car window, waived my hand at them & yelled 'Hello fellow Democrats!' to the shock & laughter of my hubby & college age daughter. A few of the stunned residents smiled & waived back. They probably thought i was nuts but i had to show them my support.
Then earlier today as we went into Taos historic district there was another fiesta - this parade longer with alot more floats & residents out to revel. To my further surprise there were quite a few Democratic candidates & their supporters taking part in this fiesta - Michelle Lujan Grisham for governor, Tom Udall for US senate (i believe for reelection), Ben Ray Lujan for US congressional reelection, & at least 4 more Dems candidates for local & state positions. In contrast there were no GOP candidates. The Taos Democratic society members were also out marching proudly with a large sign & float as well. With all thats transpired over the past couple days i needed this picker upper, & couldn't be more proud to be a Democrat. Clearly New Mexicans weren't shy about flaunting their party affiliation. They've given me the inspiration to keep up the resistance in my own home town.

[FarPoint]

1. Thanks for sharing...

Maybe you could add a few more paragraph spaces... reading the post is all squeezed together....more responses may follow with formatting.

[onetexan]

2. apologies using my mobile

so formatting isnt so good 😊

[FarPoint]

4. Well....

That makes sense....I understand the challenges.

[TexasProgresive]

3. One Texan to another. This is the 1st post I've seen from you, so Howdy!

You mention down below that you made this post on your mobile. Congratulations on a well put together post. You painted a clear an interesting picture. I imagine your surprise at seeing people who are proud to be Democrats, and to see candidates.

I would like to compliment you on your use of complete sentences with perfect spelling. My dear wife is from Connecticut where she insists they speak perfect English, not like us Texans. So are you a native? LOL.

[onetexan]

12. sorry to disappoint i'm a transplant

but i've made north Tx my home since '86 so i consider myself Texan ☺. Ahh if only we can get left leaning folks out to vote more here & turn this state blue...

[marked50]

5. It's great for people to recognize that New Mexico is truly a Democratic state.

We are sandwiched between Arizona and Texas (no aspersion to you onetexan) and many think of this state as being as "red" as those states. Ain't so.

New Mexico (and you don't need a passport to visit) is quite progressive if you don't link the entire state to the bottom one-third, which is, sad to say, very "red"-although there have been moments of sanity.

I think that much of the progressiveness of this state is related to the high level of Hispanic and Native population that actually has been here longer than any Anglo presence.

This has given rise to an understanding and tolerance of others that you don't get in the more traditional (anglo) thinking of most western states (and not talking about the coast states- California has a similar background-hence-tolerance).

If you want to look at what can be a place where diversity is not only tolerated, but celebrated, then New Mexico is your test ground. It is what took hold of me over 40 years ago and I have never regretted it.

So, thanks for your observation of Mora and Taos, onetexan, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your visit in this political oasis.

[onetexan]

13. in deed, it was so refreshing to be around an

overwhelming majority Dems population, & agree its def'ly due to the larger numbers of Hispanic & native americans. Diversity was also wonderfully reflected in the parade - a real celebration of community where most everyone old & young of every color came out to support each other. The weather is lovely here. We are heading to Santa Fe tomorrow so hopefully it will remain nice.

[panader0]

6. I know Taos a bit,

hell, my last marriage was there. The place is either native New Mexicans, who
usually vote Democratic, or East Coast arty liberals.

[onetexan]

18. i hope memories of the ex didnt deter u from returning to Taos lol

but yes its a charming & artsy town for sure, and full of culture.

[MoonRiver]

7. I have lots of family in NM!

And btw am originally from TX!

[onetexan]

14. awesome, u must visit often then

it's lovely here in the mountains

[randr]

8. I was in Taos during Obamas' first run

Signs were everywhere and people were talking him up everywhere we went.
People in Taos are not afraid to openly express their views.

[onetexan]

16. yes i get a strong vibe of libs here

people were clearly also supportive of the candidates as they walked in the parade as well. Many came up to shake their hand or give them a hug. Others waved in support. It was truly inspiring.

[mountain grammy]

9. My husband grew up mainly in New Mexico

Jal, just 8 miles from the Texas border. His family has all moved to Texas and consider themselves Texans, but my hubby is all New Mexico and proud of it. We go there at least twice a year. Eagle's Nest for the lake, and Ruidoso and Hobbs for the horse races. I love New Mexico, reminds me of Colorado 30 years ago.

[onetexan]

19. yes this northern part of NM does remind me alot of

Colorado. I heard Ruidoso is also a very scenic city.

[TygrBright]

10. El Norte has a proud Democratic tradition.

Had you been visiting Hobbs or Carlsbad you'd have seen plenty of GOP folks and very few Dems.

We are a purple state.

But getting blue-er!

appreciatively,
Bright

[onetexan]

20. this is our first time visiting NM

we had driven thru before on way to Colorado. Hobbs & Carlsbad are probably like many of the rural Tx cities here - deeply red.

[duhneece]

11. We have two truly amazing US Senators-Udall & Heinrich, destined for national recognition one day

...I hope. They both are likeable (more electable!) and effective. I couldn't be prouder.
The northern part of the state are Dems (mostly) and the southern part are Repubs (mostly), except for Las Cruces a beacon of hope for the rest of us 'southern' residents like me in Alamogordo. I ran for state rep; our county has not elected one single Dem to a partisan office in well over 20 years, but I won't back down and will run again.

[onetexan]

17. keep trying

there can never be enough Dems candidates

[oasis]

15. Good to hear.

[niyad]

21. thank you so much for sharing --it does give one hope!