Press Kit Democratic National Convention

DPNM Press Contact: Felicia Salazar Felicia@nmdemocrats.org (505) 750-2585

Interview Requests:
In person, phone, or on-camera interviews may be available upon request. Studio 2016 in Wells
Fargo Arena, provides interview facilities for delegates. The studio will include: TV satellite and
radio interviews (with local affiliates & key states)
For all interview requests please email Felicia@nmdemocrats.org with the following information:
Name of reporter making the request
Media outlet name
Topic of interview
Phone number
Email
Deadline
Will Television services be needed

Daily Schedule Themes & Speakers:

Monday: United Together
Featuring first lady Michelle Obama, Sen. Bernie Sanders and DREAMer Astrid Silva
Gavel time expected at 3:00 p.m.
Monday will focus on putting the future of American families front and center and how we're stronger
together when we build an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top and when
everyone has a chance to live up to their God-given potential. DREAMer Astrid Silva will share her story
and her fight to keep families together.
Tuesday: A Lifetime Of Fighting For Children And Families
Featuring President Bill Clinton and Mothers of the Movement
Gavel time expected at 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday will feature the roll call vote and how Hillary Clinton has spent her entire career working to
make a difference for children, families and our country. The Mothers of the Movement participating
include Gwen Carr, mother of Eric Garner; Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin; Maria Hamilton,
mother of Dontr Hamilton; Lucia McBath, mother of Jordan Davis; Lezley McSpadden, mother of
Michael Brown; Cleopatra Pendleton-Cowley, mother of Hadiya Pendleton; Geneva Reed-Veal, mother
of Sandra Bland.
Wednesday: Working Together
Featuring President Obama and Vice President Biden
Gavel time expected at 4:30 p.m.
On Wednesday speakers will take an in-depth look at just how high the stakes are in this election and
how Hillary Clinton has the experience and steadiness to bring people together to tackle the big
challenges and get real results.

Thursday: Stronger Together

Hillary Clinton and Chelsea Clinton
Gavel time expected at 4:30 p.m.
On the final day of the convention, Hillary Clinton will speak about her vision for the country her
belief that we are stronger together and that America is at its best when we work together to solve our
problems.

Democratic National Convention on Social Media

Follow the conversation by using #DemsInPhilly! Below is where you can find the DNCC online:
DPNM Social Media
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NMDEMS
Twitter - @NMDems
Snapchat - @NMDems
Instagram - @NMDems
DNC Social Media
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/demconvention
Twitter - @DemConvention
Instagram - @DemConvention
Snapchat - @DemConvention
Medium - @DemConvention
Spotify - spoti.fi/1TuxWjk
YouTube - DemConvention

Meet the New Mexico Democratic National Convention Delegates

The New Mexico Delegation to the Democratic National Convention is full of diversityranging in age
from 18 to 93 and representing the diversity New Mexico prides itself on embracing.

Carla ArellanesLas Vegas

Carla was born and raised in beautiful, historic Las Vegas, New Mexico.
Upon graduation, she attended New Mexico Highlands University and
Luna Community College. During her twenty-six years of public service
with the State of New Mexico, she worked for the Office of the
Secretary of State and for the NM Department of Transportation. As a
single mother, she raised two daughters who have blessed her with two
beautiful granddaughters and three grandsons. Currently, she is
enjoying my retirement with her family.

Sara AttlesonAlbuquerque
Sara has just completed her 39th year as a school librarian and has
been a proud and active union member since her first day as an
educator. She is committed to electing Democratic candidates who
support public education, labor values, and working families into
national, state and local offices through candidate recruitment,
canvassing, and making phone calls.

Nicole BaggLas Cruces

Nicole Bagg is a lifelong advocate and activist. She serves on the

Platform Committee and is fighting to represent the low income,
elderly and disabled who are severely underserved and most
gravely affected by our current system.

Seamus BerkleyTaos
As a naturalized US citizen who emigrated here with his family from Ireland,
Seamus grew up during a time when middle class families could own a home
and thrive on an average income and their children could attend college,
work part time, and graduate without student debt. His work as a portrait
painter reflects his deep concern for people; especially young people who no
longer have these opportunities available to them and more than anyone
face the dire consequences of climate change.
Kathleen BurkeAlbuquerque
Kathleen Burke, an Albuquerque resident, devotes much of her time to
street-level outreach and advocacy for the women of Albuquerque's
International District whose lives have been reduced to homelessness and
drug addiction. Her work is primarily accomplished through the
organization Street Safe New Mexico, of which she is the volunteer
Assistant Director of Operations, and the New Mexico Advocacy Coalition,
of which she has been a member for two years. Burke is an avid hiker and
participant in the arts, primarily dance.
Ricardo Carlos Caballero Albuquerque
Carlos is a lifelong Democratic activist and volunteer. He is a retired
educator, member of AFT and he currently is the Public Education
Commissioner- Elect for District 1. He has been working on Democratic
campaigns for over 20 years.

Eleanor ChavezAlbuquerque
Eleanor Chavez is a long time union and community organizer. She
is a former state representative and currently sits on the Public
Education Commission representing District 1. Eleanor is a native
New Mexican and holds a MSW from the University of Washington.

Priscilla ChavezLas Cruces

Priscilla Chavez is a life-long Democrat and party activist from Las
Cruces. After raising her four children, she was appointed by Governor
Bill Richardson to serve on the Childrens Trust Fund board in 2003
where she continues to serve. Previously, Priscilla attended the
Democratic National Convention in Charlotte in 2012.

Diane Denish Albuquerque

Diane Denish served as New Mexicos first woman Lt.
Governor. A native New Mexican, she was the first woman to
be a Democratic nominee for Governor in 2010. In both her
public and private lives Diane has been an advocate for women
owned and small businesses, investment in Early Childhood,
universal, affordable Healthcare, and womens rights to equal
pay and making their own health care decisions.
Gina Naomi DennisAlbuquerque
Gina Naomi Dennis lives in Albuquerque: she started her career in
Washington, DC, and about 12 years ago, Gina became an
Environmental Lawyer. She is deeply involved in community
outreach to revitalize neighborhoods and improve the local
economy. She serves on the Governing Board of a Charter School in
Albuquerque, and is a Board member of an organization that
serves 17,000 families in New Mexico.

Steve DuffyRuidoso
A native Philadelphian, Steve has lived in New
Mexico for over 25 years in the northern,
central and southern parts of the state. Steve
is a grant writer, fundraising consultant, and
event planner for a variety of nonprofits
whose missions address challenges faced by
many New Mexicans, including hunger,
domestic violence, and homelessness as well
as organizations dedicated to the arts,
economic development, and social justice.
John Dyrcz Albuquerque
John Dyrcz is a resident of Albuquerque, and first-time
delegate to the National Convention. He is the State Affiliate
Political Organizer for the American Federation of Teachers
New Mexico, and is a veteran of many political campaigns in
the state. Outside of work, he enjoys being active in DPNM as
Chair of the State Platform and Resolutions Committee, and is
Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Albuquerque Social
Club. He and his partner, Jesus, enjoy visiting local breweries
and have three cats Murphy, Maxx, and Oreo.

Teva Gabis LevineAlbuquerque

Raised in the Philadelphia area, Teva currently resides in
the Silver Hill neighborhood of Albuquerque. A lifelong
Democrat, this is his first national convention.

Andr Gonzales Las Cruces

Andr Gonzales is a youth advocate from Las Cruces who has
worked to pass youth-friendly legislation as well as re-engage
students as stakeholders in their own education. This year he was
selected as one of two students to represent the state of New
Mexico as a delegate to the United States Senate Youth Program
and was recently named an American Graduate Champion by the
Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Andr will begin attending
The George Washington University in the fall and looks forward
to having the opportunity to give back to his community.

Joni Marie Gutierrez Las Cruces

Joni Marie Gutierrez is a native New Mexican from Las
Cruces and is a registered Landscape Architect. She
was elected to the New Mexico State Legislature in
2002. She served eight years and currently serves as
New Mexicos Democratic National
Committeewoman.

Debra HaalandAlbuquerque
Debra A Haaland is an enrolled and active member of the
Pueblo of Laguna. She is a graduate of UNM School of
law and has worked as a volunteer and a staffer for
Democratic candidates getting out the Native Vote for
over 15 years. Debra has long-worked for and advocated
heavily for Indian issues. She ran for Lt. Governor in 2014
and now serves as the Chair of the Democratic Party of
New Mexico.

U.S. Senator Fred HarrisCorrales

Former Sen. Fred Harris served in the U.S. Senate from 1964 to
1973 and was elected by the state of Oklahoma. Harris was
passionate about restoring land to the Taos Pueblo after it was
taken by President Theodore Roosevelt in the early 20th
century. He left politics to pursue an academic career,
becoming a professor of political science at the University of
New Mexico and publishing many books about politics.

U.S. Senator Martin HeinrichAlbuquerque

Senator Martin Heinrich has been the junior senator from New
Mexico since Jan. 2013. Senator Heinrich is a strong advocate
for middle-class families, a long-time friend and staunch ally of
Indian Country, and a champion for New Mexicos treasured
public lands.

Michael HuertaLas Cruces

Michael Ray Huerta is a lifelong New Mexican from Las
Cruces. In 2008, Michael worked as the press secretary
for Congressman Harry Teague. Michael currently works
for In-Flight Service at Delta Air Lines and has spent the
past 3 years working and traveling to nearly 50
countries around the world!

Kristine Kooch JacobusAlbuquerque

Kristine, a native Hispanic New Mexican, resides in

Albuquerque. When she retired from education, she worked
for Senator Jeff Bingaman in his Albuquerque office as a Field
Representative and education advisor. After she left the
Senators office, she worked with Governor Bill Richardson in
successfully passing the educational amendment to the NM
Constitution

Denise LeeSanta Fe
Denise R. Lee was born and raised in Seattle
and moved to New Mexico in her 20's. She is
honored to be the single mother of three
wonderful children Olivia, Sophia & Oliver Lee.
Her siblings Jennifer, Kyle, Madeline &
Jeremy along with her mother and children
have always encouraged her to reach higher.

Brian LeeGallup
Brian Lee is a member of the Navajo Nation, originally from
Shiprock, and now lives in both Gallup and Farmington.
Brian is a lifelong Democrat who began his public service
working for N.M. Governor Bruce King. He is currently
working for U.S. Representative Ben R. Lujan, after working
for Albuquerque Mayor Martin J. Chavez and Arizona
Governor Janet Napolitano.

U.S. Representative Ben Ray Lujn Nambe

U.S. Representative Ben Ray Lujn has been a member of the U.S.
Congress since 2009. U.S. Representative Lujn has showed his
passion for helping New Mexico families during these difficult
economic times by voting to provide tax cuts for families and small
businesses, working to reform our broken health insurance system,
and fighting to reform Wall Street.

U.S. Representative Michelle Lujan GrishamAlbuquerque

U.S. Representative Michelle Lujan Grisham has been a member of
the U.S. Congress since 2013. She has dedicated her life to serving
her community, fighting for seniors and veterans, and building an
economy that works for all New Mexicans. As a long-term advocate
for the most vulnerable citizens, Congresswoman Lujan Grisham is
working to lift the state out of poverty by creating opportunities for
New Mexico families.

JD MathewsAlbuquerque
JD grew up with the union family values of fairness, economic
justice, and never leaving anyone behind. He is lucky enough to
have the choice of being a stay-at-home dad for his daughter,
Carys and his partner Elsie, who is a music teacher. JDs focus is
community building, getting money out of elections, and making
systems of government and voting more fair and transparent.

Joe McCaffreyLas Vegas

Joe was born in Albuquerque and graduated from St. Mary's High
School. He received a BS and MS from New Mexico Highlands
University and a PhD from Colorado State University. He worked thirty
years for the Naval Research Laboratory and five years at Mississippi
State University. His achievements during this period were
documented in a Memorial declaring February 21, 2013 as Dr. Joe
McCaffrey Day in the New Mexico Senate.

John MeadeSanta Fe
A primary focus of Johns life, until recently, has been raising three
children as a single parent. He has been politically active on past
Democratic Party campaigns, Occupy actions and numerous
environmental and social justice causes both locally as well as with
international organizations. John loves dancing, singing, outdoor
adventuring, travel, and various sacred, shamanic, meditative, yogic
and martial practices.

Tarin NixLos Alamos

Tarin Nix is the owner of Voter Research-- a political consulting company
specializing in targeted swing seats in New Mexico. Along with her service
to YDNM as National Committeewoman, Tarin serves as Communications
Director for the League of Women Voters of New Mexico, Membership
Chair for the League of Women Voters of Los Alamos and Board Member
of Santa Fe Safe. Tarin remains committed to proactively engaging voters,
ensuring a representative Democracy, and keeping New Mexico BLUE.

Davena NorrisLas Cruces

Dr. Norris is a clinical pharmacist and faculty member of a family
medicine residency program in Las Cruces. She has been an
advocate for quality, team-based, accessible, and cost effective
health care that also addresses social barriers to wellbeing. She
will continue to push for economic, social, racial, and
environmental justice.

Diana Orozco-GarrettSanta Fe
Diana is an attorney licensed in New Mexico and Texas. A
resident of Santa Fe for 16 years, Diana became involved in
arts education in the public schools and began to teach
dance with a non-profit organization. She also worked as a
WHO Program (child victimization issues) volunteer giving
bilingual presentations to children in Santa Fe Public Schools.

John PadillaAlbuquerque
John Padilla is a resident of the Near North Valley
neighborhood in Albuquerque. John is a long time Democratic
party activist working and living in Ward 11a one of most
active and productive wards in New Mexico. He is a Democrat
because he believes in our core values of inclusiveness,
equality of opportunity, and respect. His plan is supporting
the entire Democratic Ticket in the general election.

Rusty PearceLas Cruces

Rusty Pearce was born and raised in Austin, Texas where he
became a strong advocate for LGBT rights at a young age. After
graduating college, he received jobs at high tech companies and
ended up in the public school system where he now helps students
with technology. He feels strongly that leading by example is the
best way to make change.

Nicole Renee PetersTaos

Nicole Renee Peters is a lifelong social and
environmental political activist who has done
humanitarian-centered volunteer work
internationally and locally. She has made her
home in Taos, where she is completing her
studies in Integrative Health Education at the
University of New Mexico.

Marcus PorterAlbuquerque
Marcus is a 30 year old millennial and a lifelong Democrat,
advocating for LGBTQ rights, education reform, and overall social
and economic equality. Although a native Baltimorean, Marcus has
spent most of the last decade trying to improve the financial literacy
of New Mexican children and ending the homeless epidemic in
Albuquerque.

Charles PowellAlbuquerque
Charles Powell is an Air Force veteran and retired postal worker
who has lived in Albuquerque for 30 years. With a BS in Social
Science, he was a social worker, personnel representative, and a
veterans service officer. As president of the Albuquerque
Chapter of Veterans For Peace, he now spends most of his time
and energy working for justice and world peace. This will be
Charlesa lifetime progressive Democrat first Democratic
National Convention.

Timothy Raftery Roswell

Tim Raftery was born in Detroit, Michigan, was raised in a large
military family, and lived at U.S. Army bases in the U.S. and
Europe. Tim received a B.S. in Finance from the University of
Illinois in 1971, an M.A. in Elementary Education from the
University of New Mexico in 1976, and an Ed.S. in Educational
Administration from UNM in 1980. He was an educator in the
Public Schools of New Mexico for 33 years, and served as a
Superintendent of Schools for 8 years.

N.M. State Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero Albuquerque

Patricia is a New Mexico State Representative, and is the
current chair of the House Democratic Caucus. She is a
Community and Labor Organizer with UFW/AFL-CIO,
AFSCME, American Garment Workers of America, and
United Steelworkers of America.

Trish RuizHobbs
Trish Ruiz is the Chair for the Democratic Party of Lea
County, and the Chair for the DPNM Affirmative Action
Committee! She is the Commissioner Elect for the Public
Education Commission for District 9, on the Board of
Trustees for Con Alma, and a National Social Justice
Trainer. She is a first-time delegate to a Democratic
National Convention.

Juan Sanchez IIIBelen

Juan DeJesus Sanchez III is a 10th generation New
Mexican from a ranching family in Belen. At the age of
24, Juan is the youngest Vice Chair of a major state
political party in New Mexicos history and currently the
youngest in the nation to serve in that position. Juan
works as a brain trainer for children with learning
difficulties and helps run his family ranch.

Raymond SanchezAlbuquerque

Raymond Sanchez has practiced law in New Mexico since 1968.

He earned his BA from the University of New Mexico in 1964
and his J.D. from UNM in 1967. He was member of the New
Mexico House of Representatives for 30 years and was the
Speaker of the House for 16 years. He is presently the
Democratic National Committeeman from New Mexico, a
position he has held for 8 years.

Twana SparksSilver City

This 62 year old author and surgeon was raised and educated in
New Mexico, and has been practicing medicine since 1985. She
lives in Silver City with her spouse, Martha, and two
Chihuahuas. She walked across the US in 1993 to get better
acquainted with her country.

Dylan StaffordAlbuquerque
Dylan was inspired at a young age by the 2008 presidential
election; and is absolutely fascinated and intrigued by our
nation's politics. He has been fortunate to work for several
campaigns and feels we really can better life for Americans
when we work together. As sad as he is to leave two brothers
and his mom in Albuquerque this fall, he is thrilled to begin
school at the University of Chicago, where Dylan hopes to study
the Middle East and History.

Donna SwansonAlamogordo
Donna Swanson is humbled and honored to serve New Mexico
and Otero County as an At Large Delegate to the DNC National
Convention. She currently lives in Alamogordo and one of the
issues that she cares about is reviving the worker class.

Sally Alice ThompsonAlbuquerque

Sally Alice Thompson was born October 15, 1923. She is a retired
elementary school teacher, a mother, a WWII veteran, and an
activist for peace and justice. She participated in the Great Peace
March for Global Nuclear Disarmament, a walk across the country
from Los Angeles to Washington DC in1986, and from Leningrad to
Moscow in 1987. Sally Alice has traveled in every continent north of
the Equator.

Rita TrivizLas Cruces

Rita Triviz has campaigned for various candidates and causes since
she was a childeven sending her allowance money to the John
Kennedy for President headquarters! Triviz dedicated her
professional career to educating children attending schools with
70-80% poverty rate, in addition to advocating for their well-being
as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer.

Theresa TrujequeCorrales
Theresa served as Deputy Assistant Secretary Human Resources
Management, Department of Interior in the Bill Clinton
administration. She also held the positions of Deputy Chief
Administrative Officer, City of Albuquerque and Executive Director of
the Hispanic Culture Foundation. She is a ward chair, member of the
state central committee and member of the Central New Mexico
Hispanic Caucus.

U.S. Senator Tom UdallSanta Fe

U.S. Senator Tom Udall has been serving as a U.S. Senator since 2009. U.S.
Senator Udall is working to reform government and Congress, continuing
his commitment to a more open, transparent government that can work
together to get things done for the American people. In Congress, he
continues to be a strong advocate for New Mexico families, for a clean
energy economy and the environment, for affordable and accessible
healthcare, and for our nations veterans.

Stephen VerchinskiAlbuquerque
Stephen Verchinski lives in Albuquerque. He worked at the New
Mexico State Parks Division for approximately 17 years.

N.M. State Rep. Sheryl Williams StapletonAlbuquerque

Dr. Sheryl Williams Stapleton is a state representative for district 19
in Albuquerque. State Representative Williams Stapleton has been
serving in the New Mexico legislator for 20 years. She is a career
educator and administrator. She is married to Ed Stapleton and has 3
children, EJ, Veronica, and David. State Representative Williams
Stapleton was an interim State Party Chair, Vice Chair, and Vice
president of the Association of State Democratic chairs.