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New Mexico GOP chief accuses Democratic rep of 'contradictory' rhetoric after alleged arson attack

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New Mexico GOP chief accuses Democratic rep of 'contradictory' rhetoric after alleged arson attack


New Mexico GOP Chairwoman Amy Barela called out Democrats’ inflammatory rhetoric Monday after an alleged arsonist targeted the state Republican Party’s headquarters over the weekend.

Her comments came after New Mexico Democratic Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández encouraged Democrats to “respond” to the Trump administration’s changes with a “three-prong project” during a “Republican Ripoff” town hall.

“Legislate. Litigate. Agitate. And you guys are part of the agitate party, so don’t feel like we are hopeless or helpless when we express our outrage,” Leger Fernández told an audience in Santa Fe on Saturday, one day before the attack. 

ALBUQUERQUE GOP HEADQUARTERS TARGETED IN ALLEGED ARSON: ‘DIRECT ASSAULT ON OUR VALUES’

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An arson attack against the New Mexico Republican Party created concerns about inflammatory rhetoric allegedly coming from Democrats. (New Mexico Republican Party)

She brought down the temperature in an X post after the attack on Sunday, calling political violence “unacceptable,” and adding that perpetrators must be “held accountable” so every American can “freely and safely participate” in democracy. 

“At my town hall yesterday, I spoke about love in action – about the importance of showing respect and listening. That is what we need right now,” she added.

Barela was quick to point out the timeliness of the attack, however, pointing to the “agitate” remark as a potential inciter.

“I believe that she changed her statement as soon as I came out to the media and was calling her out on those statements. You’re holding a town hall to discuss about the love of the community, and you use the words ‘agitate.’ I think it’s contradictory,” she said on “Fox & Friends.” 

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15-YEAR-OLD BOY NOW FOURTH SUSPECT CHARGED WITH HOMICIDE IN NEW MEXICO MASS SHOOTING

AFD investigating alleged arson attempt

The Albuquerque Fire Department was called to an alleged arson attempt at the Republican Party of New Mexico’s headquarters in Albuquerque early Sunday morning.  (Albuquerque Fire Department Facebook)

Though the incident is still under investigation, Barela said an incendiary device was planted outside the GOP headquarters’ doorway around 1 a.m. Sunday and was ignited around 5 a.m.

Graffiti reading “ICE = KKK” was spray-painted on the side of the building as well.

Though no one was inside at the time, Barela said she fears for the “safety of [her] staff” in light of a wave of violent protests sweeping the nation.

She called on Democrats to “come to the table and work together” to fix New Mexico’s crime problems instead of “calling out for violence and destruction.”

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Authorities are now investigating the incident as a hate crime, though officials have yet to determine an exact cause or motive, local outlet KOAT-TV in Albuquerque reported.

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Leger Fernández said in a statement to the outlet, “Political violence of any sort is unacceptable, including this attack. The perpetrators must be held accountable. Every American should be able to freely and safely participate in our democracy.”

The Democratic congresswoman condemned the act of violence again, telling the Santa Fe New Mexican her town hall emphasized “the importance of showing respect and listening.”

“It is a ludicrous leap to twist encouraging democratic participation, calling your representatives and showing up at town halls into an insinuation of violence,” she said, per the outlet.

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“The Republican Party’s accusations are themselves dangerous and the ultimate disrespect to our political process. They distract from the real work of bringing people together to build a better future,” she added.



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New Mexico

Rita A. Tafoya Rita Tafoya of Albuquerque, New Mexico,

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Rita A. Tafoya Rita Tafoya of Albuquerque, New Mexico,


Jun. 9—Rita A. Tafoya Rita Tafoya of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away on March 14, 2022, at the age of 79. Born on January 16, 1943, Rita lived a full and vibrant life surrounded by love and laughter. Rita was a devoted partner to Jess Tafoya and a loving mother to her two children, Michelle and Le’Anne. She was also a proud grandmother to four wonderful grandchildren, Samantha, Shelby, Sabrina, and Sidney. Rita had a contagious sense of humor that could light up any room. She was known for her quick wit, bold personality, and all around beauty. Rita will be remembered for her warm smile, kind heart, and unwavering love for her family and friends. Although Rita may no longer be with us, her spirit and love will live on in the hearts of those who knew and cherished her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. A Memorial Service will be held at French Funerals and Cremations (Wyoming) on June 12, 2025 at 11:30am.



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Horse racing fans remember The Downs at Santa Fe as it’s demolished

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Horse racing fans remember The Downs at Santa Fe as it’s demolished


At his home just 5 miles from the recently razed grandstand of the former horse racing track southwest of Santa Fe, Tony Martinez’s mind wandered into the past.

He recalled the names of horses and jockeys from the 1970s — the brigade of swift thoroughbreds raising dust as the finish line approached. Much like the jubilant shouts sweeping through the crowds, they are just memories now, as is The Downs at Santa Fe.

The faded grandstand has been demolished, toppled in the last few weeks to make way for redevelopment plans by Pojoaque Pueblo, which purchased the struggling track in the 1990s and hoped to put it on the map with big races and, later, a “racino” with slot machines that could compete with tribal casinos — including its own operations. Those plans never came to fruition.

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Santa Fe horse trainer and racing enthusiast Tony Martinez talks about his days working at The Downs at in the 1970s with his wife, Lou Martinez. A former horse trainer, the 83-year-old Tony Martinez has almost perfect recall for races run at The Downs.

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‘A sentimental deal’



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The Downs at Santa Fe circa 1976. Racetrack anticipation burned hot in Santa Fe when the track opened in 1971: So popular was The Downs, a $5.5 million, 1-mile oval track, that on its opening day in June a crowd of 11,000 people lured to the events created traffic jams.










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Don Cook, now president of racing at The Downs Racetrack & Casino in Albuquerque, did about everything there is to do at The Downs at Santa Fe during his tenure there, working as a clocker, placing judge, stall superintendent and director of security.

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Out of the gates hot







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Racing at The Downs in September 1982. The racetrack, run by a company called Santa Fe Racing, began to experience financial difficulties even in its early years — doubt was cast on the 1976 racing season, with debts exceeding $3.5 million, according to reports in The Santa Fe New Mexican.



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Making name in Santa Fe



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Santa Fe horse trainer and racing enthusiast Tony Martinez goes through his scrapbook of winners at The Downs last week. “We had some really, really good times at The Downs,” Martinez said. “We really, really miss it. It just gets into your blood.”


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Gambling rise takes toll







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Steven Hollahan at The Downs in 1982.

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Competing with casinos







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Maintenance workers grade the track as trainers start to arrive at The Downs Racetrack & Casino last week. The Albuquerque track is one of five “racinos” in the state — Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino, Zia Park Casino Hotel & Racetrack in Hobbs, Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino and Sunray Park & Casino in Farmington.


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Recent graduate Kaitlyn Lubega brings New Mexico national acclaim in poetry

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Recent graduate Kaitlyn Lubega brings New Mexico national acclaim in poetry





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