Club Hosts Rep. Rebecca Dow, Honors Winners of 2025 Constitution Essay Contest
A crowd of 80+ plus attendees enjoyed tea, fellowship, a variety of foods and desserts at the Sunflower Tea, hosted by the Los Alamos Federated Republican Women (LAFRW). The event was held in the Great Room of the Betty Ehart Senior Center on May 3, 2025. Linda Bullock, President, officiated the event, and after the prayer and pledge, Rep. Rebecca Dow, (District 38: Doña Ana, Sierra & Socorro), gave the keynote address.
Representative Dow discussed her background as coming from a Democratic family but aligning with conservative values. Dow highlighted her own campaign experiences, including flipping a previously Democratic-leaning district and her unsuccessful run for governor. She emphasized the importance of grassroots engagement and advocates for measures like paid poll challengers to address voting integrity concerns. Dow discussed legislative battles over issues like abortion, gender identity, and social welfare programs. She stated, “…having gone to all 33 counties in this state, there is an absolute misalignment between the people who are making the laws and the people they’re supposed to represent…because your neighbors, regardless of their party affiliation, don’t believe in redistribution of wealth.”
She suggested that when conservatives talk to people about politics, “ask them the last time that they read the party platforms because only one party platform mentions God. Only one party platform mentions marriage. Only one party platform mentions a mother and a father.” Dow asserted that New Mexico is trending more Republican, with several counties and districts flipping from Democratic to Republican control.
Another highlight of the event was the presentation of the winners of the U.S. Constitution Essay Contest, now in its tenth year. Aly Martinez (4 th grade) won in the grade school division and received a $100 check. Her winning art depicted a man voting and people cheering. She expressed appreciation to her teachers and family who have taught her.
Matias Rodriguez (8th grade) placed first for grades 6-8 and won a $200 check. He wrote about the different powers vested in our three branches of government and why the concept of checks and balances, as guaranteed by our Constitution, are vital to the preservation of our government. Since Matias was traveling on a choir trip, he was unable to attend the event. His parents accepted his certificate and award check on his behalf.
High School winner, Brooke Smidt, 11th grade, won a $300 check. She read her essay, which addressed the topic of how our First Amendment rights enable citizens to influence the laws of our country or initiate a constitutional amendment and, in so doing, prevent the dissolution of the Republic.
Linda Bullock concluded the event with information about the steady growth of the award-winning Los Alamos chapter, a member of the NMFRW and the National Federated Republican Women (NFRW). Founded in 1938, the NFRW is a grassroots political organization with thousands of active members in local clubs across the nation, making it one of the largest and most influential women’s political organizations in the country.
Article submitted by Linda Bullock, LAFRW President. Article written by Jennifer McKerley, LARFW Member