Labor Day Weekend was a busy one. We went on quite an adventure around Southern New Mexico. On Saturday, we rode in the Republican Party's float at the Socorro County Fair. Our support is strong in Socorro County!

On Sunday, we attended the Cottonwood Festival in Alamogordo. It was great to see so much activity at the Republican Party's booth. So many people showed up to register, and send Washington a message in November!

On Labor Day, we stopped by KUPR studios in Alamogordo for an in-studio interview with my friend Bob Flotte. We were also in Carrizozo for the Street Fair Parade. We rode with the local party's float, and greeted so many supporters. Special thanks to Fred Huff for taking the time to build the float!

September 1, 2010

I was making my way toward Las Cruces yesterday when I saw a long time friend along the highway, and stopped to visit with him and his wife. Tom and Pam are ranchers east of Mayhill.  They have endured the rigors of ranching for decades in this very rural part of New Mexico. 

Tom told me yesterday that government regulators had completely wiped out the sheep ranching business in New Mexico. The US Fish and Wildlife Service implemented new regulations that prohibit ranchers from controlling the population of nearby predators, such as mountain lions and coyotes. As a result, Tom and Pam have completely quit raising sheep. Just a year or two ago New Mexico had 20,000 sheep grown and marketed here. Now it is zero. The jobs are gone. 

The revenue to the state is gone. The vitality of our nation’s economy is shrinking and prosperity is disappearing, because of our own government.   

On Saturday, we made a visit to the annual Valencia County Community Expo. It was great to see so many supporters, and to get the opportunity to watch a Zuni dance performance. Thank you to the fantastic people of Los Lunas!

We then moved on to Belen for a fundraiser at the home of Mike and Mary Merrell. Congressman Pete Sessions, head of the National Republican Congressional Committee, was the guest speaker. We had supporters of all ages in attendance. The Monette Family came out in full force!

Special thanks to the Merrells for hosting us!

2nd Congressional District candidate also touts war experience in Vietnam

By Duane Barbati

Last night we held a town hall at the Sgt Willie Estrada Memorial Civic Center. In case you missed it, you can watch the video at AlamogordoLive.net.

On Saturday, I spent the morning in Lovington at the Lea County Livestock Show. I spoke with many supporters, and was lucky enough to be the winning bidder on a beautiful new cow.

A cake was auctioned for $1,000 to benefit the Cutter Davis Foundation. Cutter is suffering from cancer.

In the afternoon, I went to Alamogordo to meet with voters at the Otero County Fair Parade. Our support is strong in Otero County!

On Thursday, I joined other New Mexico Veterans and various Roswell area businesses to help with the demolition of Ernie Burgos' home. Ernie is a disabled veteran whose house was severely damaged by mold. After hearing his story at our veterans meeting, a group of Roswell veterans and I came together to try to alleviate Ernie's situation.The good people at The Home Depot are providing materials to construct a new, more energy efficient home that will save him almost 70% on his bills, according to the Roswell Daily Record.

Then, I made a trip to Dean Baldwin Painting. I was fortunate to get a tour of their facilities where they paint airplanes. I met with employees, saw how operations ran, and saw the special relationship between the company and its employees. Many thanks to Jim Burress and all of the staff at Dean Baldwin for the tour!

Tuesday's travel took me to Alamogordo in the morning, where I chatted with Les, Mike and Jean on the Morning Show on KRSY 1230 AM. We talked at length about jobs, immigration, and other issues important to New Mexico.

I was honored to meet with members of the Committee of Fifty, which is a group of local community leaders. We discussed the future of Holloman Air Force Base.

From there, I went to a meeting with local veterans. It's always great to talk with those who have sacrificed so much for our liberty. After that, I went to the Forum Luncheon, where I met with more community leaders, and listened to a talk by General Hanson Scott, who spoke about the role of the military and its future in New Mexico.

Yesterday’s travel took us to Zuni Pueblo.  They are long time friends and associates who live in one of the most beautiful parts of New Mexico.

Zuni is host to one of the few Eagle Sanctuaries in the US.  With approval from the sanctuary’s administrator, visitors can walk right in among the Eagles.  The Golden Eagle and Bald Eagles are right there with you, spikes as talons and a beak that can penetrate your hand.  Stafford let me pet one.

Currently they have 28 eagles in the sanctuary.  Most have broken wings but one had all her tail feathers chewed off by a predator.  

Cynthia and I completed the 15 hour conceal carry class last weekend.  Cynthia got my attention with her shooting. Using a .45 caliber Kimber automatic, she shot a 4" pattern with 24 shots at the center of the target and the bridge of the nose being the objective for the one high round.