Q&A: Democrat: People want change

Editor’s note: This story was edited for clarity, length and style.

Brian Colon was elected in April as the new chairman of the Democratic Party of New Mexico. An

attorney in Albuquerque, he will be in Clovis at 7 p.m. Friday at K-Bob’s Restaurant. The event is open to the public.

Q:You began your “Listening Tour” in northern New Mexico, and eastern New Mexico is the second leg of your tour. What do you hope to accomplish?

A:My goal is to get to all 33 counties to hear what Democrats have to say. I plan on making sure that we are inclusive of Democrats from every part of the state, not just in the counties where we have a high concentration of Democrats.

Q: You were recently in Las Vegas, Mora, Taos and Raton. As you tour the state, what are you hearing?

A: I’m hearing that people are tired of the war, and frankly, people are excited about the potential for change.

Q:Does it help or hurt the state Democratic Party’s mission when the state’s highest ranking

official, Gov. Bill Richardson, is running for president?

A:It’s positive. Gov. Richardson is having an impact in each and every part of the state. People are energized by his campaign.

I think the governor is doing a phenomenal job of showcasing things here in New Mexico. He’s increased people’s awareness of what’s going on in the state.

Q:Speaking of the U.S. Senate, is it the party’s goal to go after congressional seats and, in particular, the long-held Republican seat of Sen. Pete Domenici?

A:Yes. Democrats are disappointed in Sen. Domenici’s recent actions in relation to the firing of eight federal attorneys. Democrats are also disappointed we are still in this war and that he’s not taking a lead in bringing our troops home.

Q:What are your political aspirations?

A:To be the best Democratic Party chairman I can be. It doesn’t get much more political than to support Democrats all the way from school board members to U.S. senators.

—Reported by Chelle Delaney, Freedom Newspapers. CNJ News

Editor Jean Verlich contributed to this report.