Democratic Party of Otero County, New Mexico Holds Convention

February 20, 2016

A number of Democrats met at the First Presbyterian Church in Alamogordo, New Mexico for the Democratic Party of Otero County (DPOC) Convention to select delegates to attend the New Mexico State Democratic Pre-Primary Convention in Albuquerque on March 12, 2016.

Several people came from around the state including Mariaelena Johnson from Chaparral who checked everyone in and ascertained their voting eligibility. Also, Eric Spitty came to represent the Mescalero community. Neomi Martinez-Parra, Secretary of the State of New Mexico Democratic Party drove all the way from Lordsburg, New Mexico. Patsy Duran and her brother, Paul Duran, were here from Tularosa, New Mexico. Stephen Jones, representative of the State Central Committee from CD2/Photographer came from Las Cruces, New Mexico. Stephanie DuBois, a representative of the State Central Committee from CD2/also running for the post of Otero County Clerk and her father, Doc DuBois were here from Tularosa, New Mexico.

The venue was lovely and Judy Pingel, DPOC Treasurer, rushed around in the well appointed kitchen at the church and created some delicious food for everyone.

Nadia Sikes, Chair of DPOC conducted the meeting with Stephen Jones explaining how the delegates are selected and what happens at the Pre-Primary Convention in Albuquerque. Other speakers were Mariaelena Johnson and Neomi Martinez-Parra. Denise Lang spoke of her decision to run for Democratic Representative from Otero County and Stephanie DuBoise talked of her decision to run for Otero County Clerk. Jeff Swanson gave a report from the Financial Committee of the State Democratic Party telling us how thankful he is that the debt they inherited is almost paid.

Eric Spitty from the Mescalero Community

L to R: Judy Pingel with her back to us, Patsy Duran and her brother Paul Duran

L to R: Kenna Stormogipson, Bill Wheatley, Carla Kerr, Linda Barker, Tina, AJ and unknown man

94 Year-old Doc DuBois, our favorite WWII Veteran and loyal Democrat

Carla and Donna Swanson

L to R: Ken, Eric and Denise Lang

Neomi Martinez-Parra talking with Nadia Sikes, DPOC Chair

Nadia

Stephen Jones

Mariaelena Johnson

Denise Lang

Stephanie DuBois

Jeff Swanson

Neomi Martinez-Parra

Doug and I are now delegates to the Pre-Primary State Convention in Albuquerque that takes place on March 12, 2016 and we are excited. Thanks so much to Judy Pingel for the tasty food and all her hard work and preparation. Thanks to Douglas A. Kerr, Photography for the great photos.

This is all I have to say for now.

Flag Day Celebrated by New Mexico Democrats

Saturday, June 14, 2014 - 6:00 p.m.

A fun and creative Flag Day fundraiser dinner was enjoyed by a large number of Democrats from all over the State of New Mexico hosted by the Democratic Party of Otero County (DPOC). The venue was the Tulie Cafe in Tularosa situated in a lovely adobe building.

The event led off with all standing and singing a spirited rendition of The Star Spangled Banner and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the New Mexico State Pledge. DPOC Chair Nadia Sikes led the meeting with able help from her team, Liz Watson, Karen Hutchison and former Mayor Steve Brockett.

We dined on steak or green chili chicken and both were delicious and well prepared. These were accompanied by salad and mashed potatoes. Dessert was cherry cheesecake and the waiters kept our ice tea glasses  and coffee cups filled. Excellent service was had from the wait staff. We will be going to the Tulie Cafe again in the future.

Liz Watson and Nadia Sikes had an "Arts and Crafts" day and created a star banner for DPOC. Three outstanding Democrats were each recognized with a star on the banner and presented with a certificate. (See photos below)

Several speakers gave us their thoughts on the state of affairs here in New Mexico including State Senator Linda Lopez of NM District 11, Mariaelena Johnson running for NM House District 53, Rod Saint running for Otero County Sheriff, Rocky Lara running for U.S. House of Representatives District 2, Mary Lee Soules, former candidate for PRC and Stephanie DuBois running for Otero County Commissioner District 2.

DPOC Chair Nadia Sikes looking very patriotic

Mary Lee Soules and her "Cabana Boy"

Carla Kerr, a proud Democrat

Senator Lopez greeting Rob Saint, candidate for Otero County Sheriff

L to R: Mariaelena Johnson, Senator Lopez and Rocky Lara. There is so much estrogen in this photo it's a wonder it doesn't just jump off the page at you. Nothing like female power!

A random shot of the group at one end of the room

Joel and Diana Hamilton in deep discussion with their table mates

L to R: Vice President and President of LULAC at NMSC-A

A random shot of the crowd at the other end of the room

DPOC Chair Nadia Sikes at the podium

Rod Saint, candidate for Otero County Sheriff

Eric Spitty representing the Mescalaro Apache area and his friend

Another random shot of the attendees

Rocky Lara running for Congress from District 2

Our lovely Liz is moving away to Wright-Patterson AFB. She will be missed!

DPOC Secretary Karen Hutchison

Attendees giving a rousing rendition of The Star Spangled Banner

DPOC Star Banner created by Liz Watson and Nadia Sikes

L to R: David Townsend, Nadia Sikes and Karen Hutchison. A certificate was awarded to Dave and posthumously to his wife, Linnie Townsend, along with a star on the newly created DPOC Star Banner

L to R: Nadia presenting certificate representing a star on the banner to Paul Duran with Liz looking on

Liz presenting certificate to Stephen DuBois representing his star on the new banner

Speaker Senator Linda Lopez of NM District 11

Speaker Mariaelena Johnson, Candidate for NM House District 2

Speaker Rod Saint, Candidate for Otero County Sheriff

Speaker Stephanie DuBois, Candidate for Otero County Commissioner, District 2

Now, if we could just get all these good Democrats in Otero County out to vote on November 4, 2014 we surely could make a difference in our fabulous State of New Mexico.

Thanks to Douglas A. Kerr for his great photography.

Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this event the success it was.

This is all I have to say for now.