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Rep. Jeff says she will ‘never back down’ again
Rep. Sandra Jeff (Photo copyrighted by LeRoy N. Sanchez)
Democrat from Crownpoint is asserting herself this session; as a result, she has played a key role on several high-profile bills
State Rep. Sandra Jeff used to return to her district following legislative sessions feeling disgusted with herself because she let intimidation from within her political party stop her from standing up for what she believed was right.
Never again.
“I will never back down. … I want to go home with a clear conscience,” Jeff said in an interview with NMPolitics.net. “It has nothing to do with disrespecting the speaker. I’m not here for him, I’m not here for the majority leader, I’m not here for anyone other than my constituents.”
Jeff, a Democrat from Crownpoint who represents District 5, has proven her newfound independence this session. Along with Dona Irwin, she was one of two Democrats to break with her caucus and vote against the budget, which passed the House by one vote. She was also an independent voice in the debate about changing the state’s film incentive program.
And, again along with Irwin, Jeff was one of two Democrats who cast the critical votes in favor of a rare procedural move that forced a House vote on a bill that would outlaw giving driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants. She later voted for the bill.
Irwin’s independence has been no surprise. She and three other Democrats – Joseph Cervantes, Mary Helen Garcia and Andy Nuñez (now a registered independent) – stood against their party earlier this year to support a Cervantes-led attempt to overthrow Speaker Ben Luján that was unsuccessful.
But Jeff’s assertiveness has caught many of her colleagues off guard.
‘I just ended up following’
Jeff was first elected to the House in November 2008. During her first session in 2009, she told NMPolitics.net, she didn’t stand up for what she thought was right. She said she “just went along” as she learned the ropes.
But the Navajo and former legislative staffer had run for office because she didn’t see any other lawmakers standing up for Native Americans. During her second year, in 2010, she finally took a stand in opposition to her party because Democrats were proposing taking funding from projects that would benefit Native Americans.
As a member of the House Taxation and Revenue Committee, she broke with her Democratic colleagues and expressed opposition to a bill that would have taken back funding that had been set aside for capital outlay projects to help balance the budget.
But many find it difficult to stand on their own in the Roundhouse. After what Jeff described as coming “under attack from my colleagues who are Democrats,” she eventually backed down and voted for the bill, which the committee approved on a party-line vote.
“I ended up just following,” Jeff said. “I thought that… my own party would come after me.”
Standing up to intimidation
Jeff said she has faced similar pressure this year, but she’s not backing down. In fact, she very publicly demanded an apology from the speaker’s chief of staff on the House floor last week.
After she voted in favor of the procedural move that forced a vote on the driver’s license bill, Jeff chastised Regis Pecos for approaching her on the House floor and making intimidating and derogatory remarks. Pecos denies the allegation and has not apologized.
Such intimidation is frequent among the House Democratic caucus, Jeff said. Asked if it comes directly from the speaker, she said others would have to explain where it originates. But she said she believes Pecos was acting on his own.
Asked to describe other examples of intimidation, Jeff brought up a December 2009 situation involving Rep. Patricia Lundstrom D-Gallup. Lundstrom filed a police report accusing Jeff of slugging her three times in the arm during a heated argument in the Roundhouse.
State police concluded a criminal investigation without filing charges against Jeff, saying the evidence didn’t support Lundstrom’s allegation. A surveillance camera showed no physical contact between the two women, according to the Navajo Times.
Jeff said she has also received e-mails from Democrats belittling her and threating to run a candidate against her in next year’s primary because of her recent stands against the majority of House Democrats.
“They thought that they could still control me, so they used every avenue to try to break me,” Jeff said. “It didn’t happen. I stood firm.”
Voting her conscience
Jeff said she voted against the budget in part because it stripped funding for junior colleges. She said she is also concerned about other programs that would be cut.
While many Democrats wanted to leave the film incentives as they are – with the state reimbursing 25 percent of expenses – and the governor wanted to reduce the percentage paid to film companies, Jeff was one of the lawmakers who forced a compromise that would leave the incentives at 25 percent but cap annual payouts at $45 million.
She said she believes the film industry creates jobs in New Mexico, but she wants to see the industry give a little so programs don’t have to be cut.
Jeff’s most controversial vote came in forcing the House to vote on the driver’s license bill. She told NMPolitics.net she doesn’t believe people who are in the United States illegally should have more rights and opportunities than Native Americans.
For example, she said it’s not fair that undocumented immigrants can qualify for the lottery scholarship, but she and others have been working, without success, to pass a law that would allow the scholarship to be used at tribal colleges.
“I feel like we’re the illegal immigrants of our own country, and services are being taken away from us,” she said. “What about my people? They’re still hauling water. They still don’t have electricity.”
“Those are my concerns, to take care of the citizens of the United States, of New Mexico, before we take care of the citizens of another country,” Jeff said. “I’m not saying I’m not compassionate to their needs. I understand they have needs too, but what about our needs?”
Setting an example
In spite of her negative experiences with some of her Democratic colleagues, Jeff said she’s a “die-hard Democrat.”
But she said voters are tired of partisan divisions and believe politicians are putting their party affiliations above doing what’s right. She said she won’t take part in that any longer.
Jeff said she hopes her actions will inspire other Democrats in the House to stand up to the intimidation and become more independent.
“If it takes voting with the Republicans, I will vote with the Republicans. If it takes voting with the Democrats, I will vote with the Democrats. But we need to come together at some point,” Jeff said. “Maybe others will see this as an example.”
In her own words
You can watch Jeff talk about the confrontation with Pecos and other issues here, courtesy of Capitol Report New Mexico:
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Brava Jeff.
@ justaUNMstudent:
For the record, there are 4 tribal colleges in the state (SIPI, NTC, Dine’ College, IAIA). Only one, Dine’ College is based in AZ, but has branches in NM and students from NM. It’s not that hard to identify students from NM who attend college branches in NM. So that argument fails. The bills are focused on colleges within NM. Read them! If you need a map to find them, I’m sure you can Google them.
Second, all the tribal colleges are accredited, except for SIPI, which recently lost their accreditation. I also understand that they are on track to get their accreditation back. In order for a school or students to get the Lottery Scholarship, they would have to attend a school that is accredited.
And nope, I do not make it sound like Native students can’t go to college anywhere else in state. Tribal colleges are a cost effective and viable option for incoming freshmen students to utilize before they make the transition into a 4 year institution. Tribal colleges are also relatively cheap and provide students with the skills and ability to succeed and go on to a 4 year institution in the state. Tribal colleges also have a much higher success and retention rate for native students than other institutions in the state. Again, these colleges also provide their students with the skills they need to succeed and make the transition to a 4 year school.
Just as there was a security camera showing that Jeff did not attack Lundstrum as Lundstrum charged, wouldn’t it have been nice to have a camera on the floor of the House showing the encounter and we could see the body language? While the Senate has created a very good camera system for their floor (while still declining to have audito in committees), the legislative web site still contends that the cameras for the house floor are temporarily out of service … fifty days into the session.
This is not about Native Americans against Hispanics or Native Americans against Democrats. It’s about something much bigger and better for New Mexicans.
For years, Democrat Legislators have been herded like mindless sheep and Speaker Lujan was the Shepard. Listen to the Shepard or fear retribution, rather than speak for your constituency and do what is right for New Mexico.
Rep. Jeff does not fear the Speaker any more. What freedom!!!
Let’s hope more Legislators see the light!!
@ Dr J,
hmm, democrat? is that what you call yourself?
The native american lawmakers have become to the democrats of our state, what the tea party is to Republicans on the Hill. Crossing the line only on contentious issues when, after throwing a tantrum, they dont get their way. It is good that the native block sided with the Republican on this issue, but lets see if the republicans will side with them on issue such as increased funding for native american schools? or more money for native hospitals or roads? Or how about some appropriations to fix the Pine Hill Chapter House. Doubt it.
Speaker Lujan should not have sicked the dogs on her either. He should have quietly pushed every bill with her name on it to the back burner, and deep into committees that are designed to kill the bill.
If the native block wants to be a pain in the democratic party’s side, them be one, but don’t whine when you have a primary challenger who is raising money at fundraisers held by speaker Lujan, and his wealthy out-of-town guests.
@dartmouthdude,
You make it sound like native americans can’t go to College in NM, Like they are trapped on the rez without any escape. They can go to College just like every other New Mexican who graduates from a NM high school. They Tribal Lottery Scholarship Bill has been killed because it would allow our NM Lottery money to fund out of state schools. If the bill would narrow its focus to Tribal schools within the NM Border, it would probably get passed. Another reason it gets killed is the fact that most native colleges do not have accreditation through the college accreditation counsel. SIPI on the westside of Albuquerque is on their way to being accredited and the NM Lottery Counsel will give their student’s scholarships once they have gained accreditation.
Interestingly, most Native American lawmakers or lawmakers representing heavily Native American districts in the state voted for HB 78. Those people are Sandra Jeff, Ray Begaye, and Business and Industry Chair Debbie Rodella. Even a person that Sandra Jeff allegedly slugged, Patty Lundstrom, lol, voted for the bill. In this whole immigration debate, no one has ever asked Native people where they stand on this issue. The Democrat party bosses just assumed that Native American lawmakers would fall in line and toe the party line. That’s one of the biggest mistakes of Speaker Lujan and his cronies.
Sandra Jeff is not all that in my opinion. As passionate as she may come across speaking for navajos on the House floor, you should see how bad she votes on her committees. Just listen the B& I committee on the legislative wesbite. She has voted to kill many ethics reform bills along with the Rodella-Garcia thugocracy. In doing so, she showed herself to lack much of a compass at all, other than to in fact take her orders from corrupt people in the Legislature. Yes, she says she’s all for native americans, but seems to be indifferent and even antogonisitic towards other ethnic issues. Until she consistently starts really voting and behaving like a leader, she shouldnt be called one. Given her complete voting record, the state would be much better off with a real democrat in the seat.
Lujan should be ashamed of himself. I am proud of Jeff, that takes leadership and courage. The mentality Lujan brings to public service is awful, and that is exactly what the people are tired of in New Mexico.
It’s about time people start acting on behalf of the people that elected them, not the will of Lujan.
@ G:
Sandra Jeff’s district is heavily Native American (Navajo). She has no fear of any backlash against her from Hispanics and in fact, she has recieved substantial support from her own people on this vote. She explained to them why she voted the way she did. And Sandra Jeff is right, her own Navajo people get treated like illegal immigrants and that is not right.
Besides, illegals can’t vote for or against her anyway. She is also right on the lottery scholarship bill. Illegals can get the scholarship, but students who go to the 4 tribal colleges in the state, can’t. It’s DEMOCRATS like Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez who has repeatedly killed the bill.
I think Rep. Jeff and the few other brave Democrats have put Speaker Lujan and the Democrat Party Politburo on notice that they should take Native American votes and lawmakers for granted.
Talk about a Profile in Courage….right out of the JFK playbook!
If I were a constituent of hers I would be proud to call her my rep. Precisely the type of courage and integrity we need in all our elected officials regardless of party affiliation. I hope she runs for statewide office sometime as I’d be honored to support her.
I would have liked to hear a direct question posed to her: is it fair, in her mind, to link the issue of repealing drivers license for one particular population to whether another population is eligible for a lottery scholarship? This is a rather obvious apples and oranges problem; and I wish someone would ask her to explain why she would pit these two minority groups against the other.
I also applaud independent minded elected officials who are not mindlessly following a party line. But we do have political parties for a reason. Fighting for the dignity of immigrants and the public safety that drivers license and insurance provides all of us is a noble and necessary cause that must be taken up by someone and I am glad the democratic leadership was willing to help on this issue. This is why Democrats draw their support from diverse segments of society that come together to unite for the common good. We may not have the most money in the political process but in New Mexico we have strength in numbers.
It’s fine to break away from the pack if it means voting AGAINST your constituents interest. If Jeff would like to see more access to scholarships for her constituents that’s an admirable and worthy cause. But she should explain why she sees stripping licenses (and insurance) from 80,000 new mexico drivers helps her constituents.
Very proud that N.M. State Rep. Sandra Jeff (D-Crownpoint) is standing up for our Dine’(Navajo) people, even if it means taking on her own party. She is right: Illegal aliens shouldn’t get better treatment than our own First Americans, especially Navajo people when it comes to the provision of services from the state. For example, Illegal aliens can qualify for the NM Legislative Lottery Scholarship, whereas our own LEGAL students who go to tribal colleges can’t even get the Lottery Scholarship. Surprisingly, it’s a Democrat! Sen. Majority Leader Micheal Sanchez, who always kills the bill.
The Democrats are also very out of touch by supporting the film industry, while also voting to cut funding for the states community colleges, forcing students to pay higher tuition rates and making college and higher education even more unaffordable!!! Julia Roberts, Lyndsay Lohan, and Charlie Sheen don’t deserve these expensive tax breaks! Good job Rep. Jeff for being independent, and voting for what you think is right.
I respect Sandra Jef, she is one of the best legislators we have in Santa Fe. I am a Republican and have only voted for a Democrat a handful of times. However if Sandra Jeff was in my district I would support her whole heartily. It is amazing what the state can get done when politicians put political banter and the next election aside to do what is right just because it is right.
I am very impressed by her, even though I probably don’t agree with her the majority of the time, I can easily respect her.
Rep. Sandra Jeff should be commended for her views, and complimented for the stance she has taken against round house bullies, Ben Lujan and Regis Pecos. In today’s political arena at the state and national level, it is rare to find an honest politician. Usually, they go in with the right intentions and then get co-opted by the system, becoming just another “good ole boy” or victim of the patron system of politics in New Mexico. If they choose to not go along, they become ostracized, and few, if any, of their own legislation gets approved.
What is so compelling about Rep. Jeff is her independence, coupled with her desire to do what is right for her constituents even if it means voting with the other side. We could use many more representatives like her here and at the national level. As she said, “. . . to take care of the citizens of the United States, [and] of New Mexico, before we take care of the citizens of another country.” Yep, she has my independent vote!
Every time I’ve seen her in action in the Roundhouse, I’ve been very impressed.
She’s speaks bluntly and courageously. Overall, an excellent role model for other legislators.
Too bad there aren’t more of her.
Fantastic woman! She is a true Democrat, the kind who makes me proud to be a Democrat, why are there so many left wing ones with no spines?
Regis Pecos needs to be reined in immediately.
We’ll see if the voters of HD 5 prefer to be represented by Ben Lujan instead of Sandra Jeff.