24-Mar-2011
New Mexico First Accepting Nominations for the Spirit of Bipartisanship Awards
Awardees to be recognized in areas such as education, healthcare, energy, lifetime achievement
Albuquerque, NM - New Mexico First is accepting nominations for the Spirit of Bipartisanship Awards to be presented at the annual First Forum Lecture Series on May 25, 2011. Awards will be given to New Mexico leaders who have demonstrated excellence in areas such as healthcare, education, energy, economic growth, or lifetime achievement.
New Mexico First, a nonpartisan, public policy organization is hosting the 2011 First Forum lecture: The Politics of Good Government. Moderated by ABC newsman Sam Donaldson, the event’s keynote speaker will be Cokie Roberts, best known for her work on ABC and National Public Radio.
The First Form lecturers are a tradition in the state that enables New Mexicans to hear national figures speak about public policy topics. Previous speakers include Justice Sandra Day O’Conner, Tom Brokaw, George Will and Governor Mario Cuomo. This year’s event will be held at the National Hispanic Cultural Center on May 25, 2011 at 6:30 pm.
Nominations can be submitted online at www.nmfirst.org. The awardees will be chosen by the awards committee, made up of New Mexico First board members. The deadline for submitting nominations is April 14.
Past Awardees
In 2010, the following leaders received awards:
- Lifetime Achievement Awards: US. Senator Jeff Bingaman and Retired Senator Pete Domenici
- Odd Couple Awards: Ed Lujan and Ed Romero
Spirit of Bipartisanship Awards:
- NM Representatives John Heaton and Tom Taylor (Economic Development)
- NM Senators Gay Kernan and Cynthia Nava (Education)
- NM Senators Sue Wilson Beffort and Michael Sanchez (Energy)
- The late Patty Jennings, accepted by Senator Tim Jennings (Healthcare)