Rio Rancho Voting Lines, THE DUST BOWL, & APS Dual-Language Learning Program

Ep.620: This week, NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS looks back at Election Day voting problems and looks forward to Ken Burns’ THE DUST BOWL, airing this Sunday, Nov. 18 at 7pm and again at 9pm on Ch. 5.1.

Host Gene Grant and the Line opinion panel examine the political fallout from the hours-long lines in Rio Rancho and ask whether election officials should use the case as an example to reform the state’s voting system or if it’s an isolated incident, confined to Sandoval County.

Javier Gonzales, Chairman of the Democratic Party of New Mexico, is in-studio to talk about his political party’s strategy in New Mexico’s 2012 elections. Gonzales will also look ahead to the legislative session and detail the priorities Democrats will carry with them to the Roundhouse in January.

Julie Dunfey sits down with Gene Grant to preview the upcoming PBS special THE DUST BOWL. Dunfey is a co-producer and spent months on the road tracking down the stories from survivors that give voice to the documentary.

Finally, the American Graduate series returns as the dual-language learning program in Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) is highlighted.

GUESTS:
Julie Dunfey, Co-Producer, The Dust Bowl
Javier Gonzales, Chairman, Democratic Party of New Mexico

THE LINE GUEST:
Trip Jennings, New Mexico in Depth

THE LINE Panelists:
Jamie Estrada, Former U.S. Commerce Department Official
John Wertheim, Former Democratic Party of New Mexico
Dan Foley, Former New Mexico House Republican Whip

Correspondent: Matt Grubs

Host/Commentator: Gene Grant

The Producer of NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS is Matt Grubs. Associate Producer is Kathy Wimmer. Funding for this program was provided in part by the McCune Foundation. Subscribe to the New Mexico in Focus Podcast on iTunes.