MLG and brother (Journal)

What's next on the higher education front after that in-your-face appointment by the Governor of her 64 year old brother Greg Lujan as the new student regent at New Mexico Highlands University? 

Well, how about the appointment of Lt. Governor Howie Morales as the new president of Western New Mexico University at Silver City where Joseph Shepard was forced out because of a spending scandal?

The Governor doesn't actually make that appointment but the school's regents who are appointed by the chief executive do make the pick. Morales has made it no secret that his "dream job" is the WNMU presidency in his native Silver City, an area her served as state senator before becoming lieutenant governor in 2019. He does come with qualifications as his bio notes:

(Morales) is a native of Silver City, where he still resides with his two children. Howie earned a PhD in Education from New Mexico State University – going on to be a classroom teacher and successful coach for a decade.

A Morales appointment would be an insider pick but not the stomach punch lame duck Governor MLG delivered when she chose her brother for that Highlands position in the aftermath of the outrage over Shepard's activities.

Shepard was given an over-the-top $1.9 million cash buyout by the clubby WNMU regents, a buyout still being challenged by the Attorney General. 

And speaking of Attorney General, don't forget that former two termer AG Hector Balderas is now president of Northern New Mexico Community College with Howie perhaps joining the club in the near future. Maybe they can start a poker night (but probably best to leave out the Guv's brother).

Of course, if amiable Howie lands that WNMU post--which pays on the order of $200K a year--MLG would be appointing a new lieutenant governor to fill out the remainder of his term that runs until 2027. Some wags already are advancing freshly-minted gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland as a possible replacement. But Sam Bregman might be more entertaining. 

In any event MLG's lame-duck appointment of her brother yet again frustrates the public as cronyism, wasteful spending and feeble oversight remain cornerstones of La Politica. 

RIDICULOUS OR NOT?

Sheriff Allen

The sprawling APD DWI bribery scandal touched the office of Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen when one of his deputies was placed on administrative leave because of the Federal investigation into the bribery scheme. 

Allen complained in an interview that the Feds were not communicating with him about the investigation. A campaign contribution from one of the scandal ringleaders--paralegal and convicted felon Rick Mendez--was also noted here this week. 

We called that a "red flag" and said all campaign contributions and fund-raisers of those involved and pleading guilty in the scheme should be examined as the scandal grows octopus-like tentacles. 

Allen's campaign manager, Neri Holguin, begs to disagree: 

As a candidate for Sheriff in 2022, John Allen received just $200 from Rick Mendez and nothing from attorney Thomas Clear. To suggest that "red flags" should be raised because Sheriff Allen disclosed that contribution, is ridiculous. Of course John Allen had no idea Mendez was involved in a DWI corruption scheme that involved the city, state and BCSO and he has since donated the $200 contribution to MADD, a group John has supported for years. 

Ridiculous, Neri? 

What is "ridiculous" is the utter apathy by the political class over this corruption. 

Of course, any campaign contributions by the DWI bribery felons to law enforcement or the judiciary should be reported and analyzed. 

That doesn't mean the recipients are guilty of anything but unless we want another 30 year run of bribery and deception at the state's largest police force--and however long it has been nesting in the offices of the sheriff and state police--every rock needs to be turned over.

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Sen. Jeff Steinborn has taken heat over his bill to legalize the hallucinogenic drug psilocybin, with critics citing the mostly disappointing results from legalizing marijuana and the continued damage drugs cause to the state's large fragile population. But Steinborn says the criticism of SB219 is misleading because the measure is akin to medical marijuana not wide-open legalization:

Regarding medical use of psilocybin, the FDA has labeled psilocybin as a "breakthrough therapy" for people with major depressive disorders, and its proven effective for PTSD, and other behavioral health conditions. Unlike cannabis, this will be only be administered in a clinical setting. Given the research, it’s humane to provide this medical option to thousands of New Mexicans suffering with difficult conditions.  

The bill would appropriate $4 million, mostly for personnel to administer the program. Chances of passage this session? About as good as Sen. Peter Wirth downing psilocybin on a Saturday night.

So if that drug seems destined to flame out at the Roundhouse how about ABQ Dem Senator Harold Pope's annual proposal to stop the boozing in the Senate? His SR1 is one of the simplest bills:

No senator shall consume alcohol before or during any floor session or meeting of a committee to which a member has been appointed.

The proposal has been sent to two committees. Chances of passage? About as good as the Bull Ring cancelling happy hour.

As expected, that sweeping GOP proposal to eliminate the state personal income tax was smacked down in committee by House Speaker Javier Martinez, but that doesn't mean there isn't a shot at tax relief for lower income households this session. This bill is starting to advance, say the Dems:

The legislation (HB14) would increase refundable credits for qualifying taxpayers and expand eligibility for those credits, including to single filers without children. It would effectively eliminate state income taxes for New Mexico families making less than $55,000 a year. 

The tax credit plan is to be included in an omnibus tax package. 

THE BROADBAND LAMENT

Leger-Fernandez (Moore, Journal)

Senator Ben Ray Lujan and Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez aren't about to throw business to Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of Starlink that is delivering fast internet to homes across the globe. But perhaps they should. Their comments to the legislature this week expressing frustration with how long the roll out of broadband to the state's rural areas is taking appears out of touch:

(Lujan) urged funding tied to closing gaps in broadband access in the state.“It’s time for the state to start investing these dollars,” Lujan said. “If you don’t believe me, just go back and chat with the folks back at home, and take time to travel down that long, dirt road to that one farm where you know the family but you know there’s no connectivity.” Leger Fernández agreed.“We can’t just have broadband in the big house. We need it in the adobe house. We need it in the ranch house,” she said, generating applause. “We need it in every house in New Mexico.”

Billions have been appropriated for laying expensive fiber in the ground to delver broadband to remote areas but it is taking years and is being left behind by satellite service that our rural kids and seniors could have right now. That is, If our congressional reps would not only urge the state to more rapidly deploy the millions already appropriated but work on legislation to give the state authority to spend more on satellite broadband. Then those ranch and adobe houses that Fernandez laments are still not being served would be.

Starlink covers the entirety of the lower 48 states at a cost of just $120 per month for unlimited residential use. Typical download speed easily exceeds the FCC’s 25 Mbps threshold for “unserved” and often exceeds the FCC’s 100 Mbps threshold for “underserved.” 

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US Attorney Alex Uballez

First his cellphone was turned off. Then the Trump administration turned the lights out on US Attorney Alex Uballez. Soon he will be replaced with a Republican. 

Uballez was forced to resign Monday. Happy Presidents Day, Alex.

That sacking is par for the course for any new President. Uballez was appointed by Biden in 2022 to replace a Republican but this time the switch is accompanied by weighty issues now hanging in limbo: 

--Will the new GOP USA lay down a marker and pledge to aggressively pursue to the end the APD DWI bribery scandal that Uballez has presided over? Any hesitation could inhibit others involved in the scheme from coming forward or worse, the investigation gets slow-walked. On the bright side, the ringleader of the scheme has spilled all the beans and taken a plea bargain so some of the forward motion resolving the scandal is unstoppable. 

--Will Trump appoint a Republican firebrand MAGA as the new USA? In his first term he chose John Anderson, a moderate R with solid legal credentials who did not engage in radical interpretations of criminal justice or target any specific groups. This time the outcome is less certain. 

--If Trump does go with a MAGA member will that mean ABQ's status as a sanctuary city is placed in the bullseye and the deportation of undocumented migrants escalated? 

--Will a Trump appointee make good news when it comes to slowing Cartel drug traffic into the state?

The next step is for an interim US attorney to be selected (usually from the current staff). Later a permanent appointee will be named who must win confirmation from the Republican-controlled US Senate. 

Senators Heinrich or Lujan could put a "hold" on any nomination they found offensive which would cause a delay in the vote but probably not for long. The function of the office with a full-fledged leader is desired by the public and eventually Trump would get his way. 

 MEDIA AND SCANDAL

Tom Clear (Sorber, Journal)

 When the news about Uballez broke we were working on this report about the ongoing DWI scandal. And off we go. . .

Where are the perp walks of the offenders? Courtroom sketches of the plea hearings? Defense attorneys on the steps of the courthouse doing their best to spin the sad outcome for their clients? Where is the in-the-courtroom reporting from the Federal Courthouse?

All of those are ordinary elements of a major scandal such as the federal APD "DWI Enterprise" investigation taking down wayward cops and the lawyer, Tom Clear, who now admits he started put them on the take back in 1995.

But this scandal has been different in public perception. The administration of justice for the lawbreakers is playing out in courtrooms bereft of media representation that is necessary to fulfill the public's right to know. No video of perp walks. No courtroom sketches from the hearings. No on-site access to the prosecutors and attorneys.

US Attorney Alex Uballez has carried the ball for the prosecution with some media interviews but the lack of coverage of the offenders before the arraignments and in the courtroom is glaring and could be viewed as unfair favoritism toward law enforcement.

Such was not the case in other epic scandals that rocked the state, including those involving former state Senator Manny Aragon, two state treasurers caught up in a scandal back in the day. And what about APD itself? They bent over backwards to march their major suspects before the media and public.

Media sources say they have not been informed of the times of the plea hearings of the convicted officers nor of those for defense attorney Tom Clear and his right hand man Rick Mendez where they admitted tier corruption. US Attorney Uballez, they say, told one media outlet that "he would look into it."

He should or else it appears the disgraced public servants are getting an intentional break from the shame they brought on themselves, the city and their honest colleagues. 

BIZARRE INTERVIEW

Sheriff Allen

What to make of that bizarre interview of Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen where he lashes out at the federal prosecutors for not "communicating" with him about the scandal as one of his deputies is implicated? Take a look:

Everyone always talks about relationships and they do it on the feds side. And I take their classes. Um, they might want to take a little taste of their own medicine. Communication is very key.

Shouldn't the chief law enforcement officer of the state's largest county be openly condemning the corruption and urging their federal partners onward instead of fretting about their hurt pride because they are not being kept in the loop? Why would the Feds tell Allen or APD anything when their agencies are the very agencies where the DWI corruption was apparently covered up for decades?

And Allen's disclosure that defense attorney Tom Clear's right arm in the corruption caper, Rick Mendez, gave Allen campaign contributions is a flag more red than the sweaters worn at UNM's homecoming.

Allen's disclosure prompts the need for a complete review of all campaign contributions (including fund-raisers) given by Clear and Mendez for law enforcement and judicial figures. 

Meanwhile, can we at least get Journal cartoonist Trevor into the courtroom for the cop arraignments?  This scandal with the tentacles of an octopus is at the point where some comic relief is in order. 

BACK TO THE FUTURE 

ABQ Federal Court

It was a stunning date drop from defense attorney Tom Clear that did not get much notice. The now convicted felon admitted in his plea bargain that he began the DWI bribery scheme in 1995. 

Stunning to the public at large but not to our blog readers. This January 2024 entry is from one of our Legal Beagles at the outset of the scandal:

Joe, Tom Clear has provided entertainment, food, and drink for ABQ police officers at his home in Tanoan for years. This entertainment was not, to my knowledge, on a strictly quid pro quo basis, but it does not seem to be a coincidence that in, primarily metro court cases, a coterie of officers would fail to show for interviews, trials, and pretrial proceedings when Mr. Clear was on a case. The idea that this is only a decade-long case of corruption is laughable. I first heard of Clear’s shenanigans almost 30 years ago. There are several now retired stars of the APD who were complicit at some level over the years. 

1995. That's when "Dumb and Dumber" was the #1 movie at the box office. How appropriate because that's how those who betrayed their public trust treated the city. They got away with it all these years. 

Until now.  

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With a notable exception the state's congressional delegation has endorsed Deb Haaland for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination and the primary isn't until June 2026. 

Her campaign is now rolling out legislative endorsements and reports she has already raised over $1 million. 

They obviously are working feverishly to keep this a single candidate primary as was the case with Bill Richardson in 2002 and Diane Denish in 2010.

Senator Martin Heinrich is the lone hold out in the DC delegation, refusing to endorse Haaland who only announced her candidacy Feb. 11. 

(He also refused to endorse progressive ABQ Rep. Melanie Stansbury for a House committee leadership post as we explored Dec. 16.)

Heinrich decided against his own Guv run Jan. 24. He passed on a Haaland endorsement when he backed out and still wasn't on board when the Haaland camp promoted the delegation endorsements Friday. 

When asked by POLITICO's E&E News whether an endorsement will be forthcoming, Heinrich replied:

If I do (endorse), I’ll let you know.

That's understandable. 

First, Heinrich's flirtation with a Guv candidacy did not end well, with Haaland appearing to push him out. That also happened when President Biden passed him over for Secretary of Interior and chose Haaland. 

After that, this is no time to bend the knee. 

Heinrich and Haaland

Also, if Haaland does get elected Heinrich will remain the state's senior senator with enormous influence over legislation impacting the state. He will not and should not give his blessing to Haaland until he is good and ready.

Second, Haaland has shown herself more than capable of making mistakes (e.g. her bungled appearances before congressional committees as Sec. of Interior). There is concern that any missteps by her or polling that doesn't live up to expectations could draw a foe or two with some heft.

Heinrich is going to give her plenty of rope to play with and if the unexpected should happen and she trips, his options remain open. 

There is plenty of irony to Heinrich's decision not to endorse. His campaign finance team even picked up on our well-known nickname of him as the "First Endorser" because of his penchant for endorsing candidates in contested Democratic primaries with no regard for the divisiveness that can result. 

However, he was re-elected to a third term by a considerable margin so those primary endorsements did not seem to impact his standing among Democrats.

SAM TOWN

Sam Bregman

Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman is most frequently mentioned as a possible Haaland primary challenger but as a semi-conservative with more past political baggage than American Tourister, he is not seen as a major threat to Haaland. 

Bregman's fortunes could also be getting dragged down by his lobbying for a package of juvenile crime bills that are currently being shunned at the Roundhouse. 

Still, Bregman is a champion publicity hound. If he got in, the race could quickly go from sleeper to best-seller. Anti-Haaland Dems would at least have a vehicle for their dissent and the public would get a contrast of ideas.

Bregman's office deflected a question about running, but did not rule it out:

Right now, I am focused on fighting crime and working with legislators to pass good crime legislation for the safety of New Mexicans.

Bregman's son, famed baseball star Alex Bregman, just signed a $120 million three year contract with the Boston Red Sox. Not that Dad needs a campaign loan but. . . 

FOLLOW THE MONEY

Another note on campaign cash from a Dem consultant who writes: 

Joe, the Haaland campaign announced that just one day after launching she raised $686,323 from 13,394 unique donations. This includes donations from every county in New Mexico totaling $232,625 from more than 2,500 donations. However, there's another way to look at that--only 18% of the donors were in-state and only 34% of the contributions came from NM. The good news is she has a national following but a primary opponent could make hay over the disparity between her homegrown support and that from out-of-state.  

CORONATION OR ELECTION?

So here we are with a November election that revealed some Dem weariness with progressives, Senator Heinrich holding out on an Haaland endorsement, Bregman still hovering and a desire by the public to hear policy specifics from Haaland who has been conspicuously quiet on them.

No-one is yet standing on the railroad tracks to stop the Deb Haaland train. She is the obvious front-runner. The question is whether the primary will be something resembling a coronation instead of an election.

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A sea of discontent. That's what Deb Haaland landed in when she announced her '26 run for the Dem Governor nomination this week. Our observers were a bit taken aback by the extent of the scorching she received on the socials and even in some Dem quarters. But these are not settled times. And her confidants remain confident the rabid hits will not diminish her appeal with Democratic base voters.

Her campaign may have momentarily quieted the critics with the announcement of an ample fund-raising haul since she started her run Tuesday:

The Deb Haaland for New Mexico campaign announced that just one day after launching, she has raised $686,323 from 13,394 unique donations. This includes donations from every county in New Mexico totaling $232,625 in more than 2,500 donations. 

A couple of million for a Dem primary is considerable so Haaland has lived up to her notices that she will be a prodigious fund-raiser and keeps her front-runner status.  

REACTION CENTRAL

Now reaction to the Haaland bid. First from a Senior Alligator at the Roundhouse revealing some dissension in Democratic ranks:

Here we go again. Democrats don’t learn their lesson. They’re marching toward another disaster a la Kamala Harris. Haaland may have a beautiful personal narrative, but very light on substance. She’s been at the right place at the right time. That’s it. Her prior electoral wins came with a universe made up of hardcore Dem party insiders, not regular voters. The next election is way too important to give her a pass. As a longtime Democratic, rural, Hispanic voter, I hope to see a competitive primary. What was supposed to be her kickoff interview on KRQE was cringe worthy. She’s not articulate and can’t deliver a solid message.

We did not find her TV interview "cringeworthy" but she did raise numerous red flags when asked how she would handle things differently than the current Democratic administration:

I feel very confident that by listening to New Mexicans and listening to their ideas and everyone working together to find the solutions, that we can find the solutions. I know people want quick fixes all the time. Sometimes that's not possible. 

There were hints of a Kamala Harris word salad there but "cringeworthy"may be a reach.

What is more concerning is her declaration that the electorate should not be expecting "quick fixes." That's not answering how she would do things differently or signaling in any way a more forceful attack on the generational problems facing the state. In fact, it sounds very status quo. That could be a political problem.

ENDORSERS 

Emily's List came with a robust endorsement of Haaland: 

We’re thrilled to endorse @DebHaalandNM to be New Mexico’s next governor. Deb has a proven track record of fighting for her constituents. She has broken barriers throughout her career and we are honored to continue to support her in this election! 

Patricia Kurz added this on social media:

What New Mexico has been waiting for, for a long time. Well done dear Secretary, we are so proud of you! 

ANOTHER GOP VIEW

Bob Cornelius

Longtime NM and Texas GOP consultant Bob Cornelius weighed in: 

In sports, when you’re near last in all the good columns and near first in all the bad columns statistically, you find a new coach. New Mexico has that opportunity to find a new coach or in this case a new Governor. Unfortunately, although Deb Haaland would be a new coach, she’s running the same old tired plays that got New Mexico where it is today. 

“Fierce” isn’t a game plan. It’s hyperbole. Fierce doesn’t solve crime. Fierce doesn’t create jobs. Fierce doesn’t secure the border or stop the fentanyl crisis. Fierce doesn’t fix CYFD. New Mexico needs a new leader, with a new vision and new ideas willing to solve problems. The search continues. . . 

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Haaland video

Deb Haaland began her long march for the 2026 Democratic gubernatorial nomination emphasizing her storied heritage, service as Secretary of Interior, kitchen table issues and with a noticeable absence of the progressive ideology that catapulted her onto the national stage. (News release here. Video here.)

Her campaign underlined this statement from her announcement video: 

Lowering costs, making rent and housing affordable, strengthening our schools, and preventing crimes so that you feel safe raising a family here. The solutions are there if we are fierce enough to choose them.

Gone were any references to climate change, transgender rights, a woman's right to choose, threats to Democracy or other issues that appeared to cost Democrats votes in the November election particularly among Hispanic northern Democrats. 

Still, her "fierce" slogan that has been with her since her political start is back and apparently tests well with voters. The campaign also calls her "a governor who will change the game for New Mexico. 

The candidate will begin a 19 stop statewide tour Thursday but much of time this year is expected to be occupied by fund-raising. 

Her video was well-produced and the script, as you might expect, stuck to the generic and positive. But when she cited the litany of generational woes afflicting the state it raised the question of just what would be different about her approach if elected: 

Crime, poverty, homelessness, addiction. They will keep pulling us down if we do the same things and expect a different result.

Details on how Haaland, 64, intends to lead the state through that list of woes will be closely watched. Is there truly something different about her candidacy, aside from its historic nature, or will it be a blueprint of the MLG years that nibbled around the edges?

THE SHIFT

Sam Bregman

Haaland's shift to the center is a luxury she can afford. Her path to the nomination is uncluttered by any opponents in the early going and she can pursue a big tent message that has appeal in both the primary and general elections.

Centrist Democrat and Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman is making noise about a run and depending on how that develops could keep Haaland in check when it comes to her attachment to the progressives who launched her career. In 2018 they gave her a resounding win over moderate Democrat Damon Martinez and others for the Dem nomination for the ABQ congressional seat. 

Those votes are probably secure with no need to shout her affinity from the rooftops. Her challenge will be to walk the tightrope between the Left and the Center with an uncertain political climate created by the Trump presidency. 

That's where her appeal as possibly the first Native American female governor in US history comes in as does a calm, nonthreatening demeanor and a personality that has proven voter-friendly.

In some respects it reminds us of former Dem US Senator Jeff Bingaman (1983-2013)who had one of the most liberal voting records in the senate but his personal appeal and low-key approach triumphed over divisions. He had a 30 year run.

Haaland paraded with AOC and company during the peak of progressive politics on the Hill but she had to pull it back when moderate President Biden put her in the cabinet. The change served her well.

GOP STRIKES

Republicans are keenly aware of Haaland's vulnerability on the woke front. They came with this hit from GOP Chair Amy Barela:

Deb Haaland represents more of the same, but worse for New Mexico. . .She had one of the most liberal voting records in Congress and consistently peddled the same failed, progressive ideas that have produced nothing for New Mexicans. As Secretary of the Interior, she made it her mission to target New Mexico's number one industry—oil and gas—impacting the livelihoods of many Navajo allottees. . .She . . . consistently could not answer basic questions about her job. . .Another Democrat in the Governor's Mansion spells disaster: more jobs gone, crime on the rise, endless failures, and New Mexicans left in the dust—again. A Republican governor is the change our state needs, someone who will finally put New Mexicans first. 

That dig about Haaland being able to answer questions is another soft spot. Her less than successful appearances before congressional committees as Interior boss is likely to be a focus of her GOP foes. Conservative critics are already calling into question her intellectual abilities.  

THE GHOST 

The ghost of former Republican Governor Susana Martinez also lurks in the Haaland candidacy. She was the nation's first Hispanic female Governor. She charmed her way into office on a thin record as a District Attorney and a relatable campaign personality that had Hispanic Democrats abandoning their party in droves. Unfortunately, Martinez presided over a mostly failed eight years.

For Haaland, the record is not thin--a former state Democratic party chair, a congresswoman and Secretary of Interior. She has been able to bring people together. The question is whether she can transcend her symbolism and also be an agent of change? Does she want to? Her long campaign march could tell the tale. 

HOLGUIN ANALYSIS

Longtime Dem consultant Neri Holguin came with this analysis of the Haaland run: 

Among the Democratic base, she’s beloved and well known across the state. It’s also hard to imagine who else will be able to compete with her ability to fund-raise nationally and locally.

Scott Forrester. another veteran Dem consultant and recently Chief of Staff for ABQ US Rep. Melanie Stansbury is Haaland's campaign manager. 

THE BOTTOM LINES

We had a heavily caffeinated conversation with Sanra Fe radio host Richard Eeds Tuesday in which we talked about Haaland's candidacy the legislature and more La Politica. . .

On the Monday blog a quote from a TV news report incorrectly stated that APD Chief Harold Medina began his tenure in 2022. Here is the correct time line: Medina was named interim Chief of Police in September 2020, and appointed by Mayor Keller to serve as permanent Chief of Police in March 2021.

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It's not a perfect storm but close enough. The multiple scandals afflicting higher education opens a window of opportunity for legislators looking to make substantial changes in the governing of the state's universities.

The WNMU scandal is widely known with former President Joseph Shepard awarded a nearly $3 million hyper-controversial buyout by the school's regents. He resigned after getting called out for misspending school funds. The outrageous buyout is being challenged by the Attorney General. 

Then there's the con job at NM Tech in Socorro where the regents placed over $46 million in school funds in a very low yielding account at First State Bank. It was the attorney for that bank who was also a NM Tech regent who engineered a whistle blower's firing as president. The sweetheart deal has cost taxpayers millions in interest income. Ex-President Stephen Wells is fighting his firing in court.

NMSU in Cruces had a whopper of a scandal in their athletic department that dragged on for years and was not resolved until a new president took over. 

While not a scandal, unconfirmed word is now circulating at the Roundhouse that MLG has appointed her 64 year old brother, a part-time student, as the new student regent at NM Highlands University in Las Vegas. If so, that is a PR black eye whose timing is kind of jaw-dropping coming as it does on the heels of the WNMU disgrace.

Eliminating some of the state's universities is a goal discussed for over 100 years but it's not going to happen. However, streamlining the governance of the schools is seen as possible by one Santa Fe Wall-leaner long on experience and wisdom:

Joe, there are dozens of Regents and the state Senate doesn't have a vetting process that is thorough enough before their appointments by the Governor are approved. Reducing the number of regents to a dozen to supervise all the schools would get us that needed vetting. This plan is superior to measures that would require Regents to receive training. That is not the issue. The problem we are seeing with the Western and Tech scandals is not training--it is too many Regents appointed who shouldn't be. And that's because they're being approved without enough probing by the Senate. 

Fewer Regents. Better legislative oversight. Let's see if there are any takers. 

TOSS-UP OR LEAN D?

Herrell and Vasquez

It's still a nail-biter, says the in-the-know Cook Political Report in DC of the state's southern congressional seat. Dem US Rep. Gabe Vasquez was re-elected there last November by a margin of 10,000 votes over Republican Yvette Herrell. (Monahan post-election analysis here.)

CD 2 is among just 18 districts that Cook ranks as a toss-up going into the 2026 cycle. 

We moved the seat from toss-up to "lean Democratic" during the heat of the '24 campaign. In '22 Vasquez won over Herrell by only 1,350 votes. His increased margin this time was due to his better performance in the Dem counties of Bernalillo and Dona Ana. 

Vasquez is an improved candidate and that means the Republicans are going to need a stronger act to hold the Dems back. Not that the next race won't be close or that an upset is long odds. However, unseating a first-termer is one thing but with two elections under this belt, Vasquez has improved his weight class from lightweight to middleweight. We'll stick with "lean Dem."

SANTA FE SILLINESS

Yikes! After the legalization of marijuana turned into a quagmire the legislature is now looking at legalizing psilocybin, a hallucinogenic drug used for "therapeutic purposes." 

That's just what the doctor did not order--more drugs unleashed on a population vulnerable to drug abuse and a state bureaucracy that is barely managing to regulate legal pot. 

Maybe the sponsors of this bill ought to have some therapy?

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US Attorney Uballez

The US Attorney appears to be on his way to making major inroads in cleaning up the ABQ police department, crafting plea bargains with two crooked cops and adroitly utilizing stool pigeon Rick Mendez. But a major question lingers.

Mendez was the wingman for the attorney alleged to have gone bad and who masterminded the scandal. The "DWI Enterprise"--as the Feds call it--had greedy officers take the lawyer's bribes in exchange for not showing up for his clients DWI court cases, all to the delight of the attorney, the suspected drunk drivers and the paid-off police. 

But the major question our Legal Beagles have is how far and wide will the USA's dragnet go? Enough to punish members of APD leadership who were part of the years-long Enterprise or engaged in covering it up?

Look at these money lines from one of the plea bargains:  

(Officer) Alba admitted that he, (attorney) Clear and (Clear private investigator) Mendez also asked senior APD officers who had been involved in the scheme “to use their positions and influence” to ensure the officers involved were not exposed, according to the plea agreement. Alba asked these senior officers for help in the fall of 2023 when a complaint was filed against him with the Civilian Police Oversight Agency, his plea agreement stated.

That's the climb up the food chain that has to be making APD Chief Medina and other higher-ups doing some Midnight pacing. For if the Feds do get to the top rungs of the APD ladders it could mark an historic turning point in addressing the cultural rot that has so long infected APD and gone untreated. 

This lack of consequences has fostered more scandals and more looking away by various mayors, city councils, legislatures and a large swath of the public unable to confront the betrayal of trust as crime is feared more than rancid corruption.

While US Attorney Alexander Uballez has done enough so folks can finally pronounce his name and nod with approval, but how impactful will his time at the helm seem years from now? If history is any guide and the APD scandal is put to bed by confining the legal action to rank and file DWI officers, it may be seen as a nice try but no cigar.

WATCHDOG BARKS

APD watchdog and former police sergeant Dan Klein digs a bit deeper: 

Chief Medina placed command staff officers who were part of the DWI Enterprise into ranking positions in Internal Affairs, a commander and major, both of whom resigned or were terminated during the investigation. It clearly shows Medina allowed the fox into the hen house. He assigned command staff officers who were directly involved in the DWI Enterprise to the highest level positions in Internal Affairs where these ranking officers then helped to cover up the DWI Enterprise.  

For his part, Medina continues to deflect when it comes to demanding accountability for the past, present and future of his long-troubled and provably corrupt agency:

Medina, who has led the department since 2020, pointed out (the DWI scandal) didn’t start under his leadership, but ended under his leadership.“This isn’t about blaming the past. This is about this point in time, this chief, this administration got this resolved. We found out about it, we exposed it, we investigated it, and we held people accountable,” said Medina. The chief said he is not blaming past mayors or chiefs, explaining that he had a tough time uncovering the DWI scheme, saying those accused of being involved did well hiding it. According to Medina, the blame should be placed on the officers who participated in the scheme.

The Chief is essentially saying of the past wrongdoing "move along, nothing to see there." The tragedy is that it sounds so familiar and is the culture that has boost record high crime levels.

DAYS OF UBALLEZ

The Trump administration has not yet  given Democrat Uballez his walking papers but he is on the clock.  In his first term, President Trump asked for the resignation of then-USA Damon Martinez effective March 10, 2017, less than two months after his inauguration. Trump will do the same again and appoint a GOP US attorney but when is unknown.

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Time again for another timeless edition of Reader Vox Populi where insightful readers write the blog. 

The contention that we made here Tuesday that Trump's recent dealings with Mexico paid off drew mail and often the ire of readers. First, what we said on that blog:

Mexico has agreed to place 10,000 troops on the US-Mexico border to stop the flow of fentanyl here in exchange for President Trump delaying his plan to impose tariffs on Mexico. Say what you will, but that is one of the most concrete actions taken by any government to interrupt the fentanyl scourge that has ruined the lives of so many New Mexicans and contributed mightily to the high crime rate here. 

Vox Populi kicks into high gear with reaction. We begin with longtime journalist Peter Katel, now retired, who covered Mexico for years for numerous national news outlets:  

Hi Joe, Regarding your comment about Mexico’s deployment of troops to its border with the U.S., this is not a first. Mexico sent even more troops in 2019. The latest deployment offered both Trump and Mexican President Sheinbaum a way to back down from a tariff war that would have (and still might) hurt both sides. Whether it does anything beyond that is questionable. 

If troop deployments were a solution to the fentanyl crisis, then the 2019 action would have made the latest one unnecessary. Granted, the earlier troop move by Mexico was aimed at migrants, not drugs. But unless the newly assigned troops start searching every single vehicle coming through a port of entry - unimaginable, given the traffic volume - this deployment looks like another in the long list of drug-war theatrics. 

As all data make clear, most fentanyl entering the U.S. from Mexico comes through ports of entry, smuggled by American citizens. A well-done summary by the libertarian Cato Foundation concludes: "Policymakers should focus on reducing demand for fentanyl rather than futilely trying to reduce supply."

Former state Senator Jerry Ortiz y Pino writes:

First, the vast majority of the fentanyl entering the US comes through ports of entry and is transported hidden among the containers brought across the border by the hundreds of thousands of commercial trucks which enter daily. That putting 10,000 Mexican troops on the border will do anything extra in stopping that flow is highly unlikely unless those military troops have access to some type of technology that will detect packages of fentanyl buried among the legal products being imported—or unless they are willing to stop every single truck and off-load their contents which will bring traffic at the ports of entry to a complete halt. 

In fact, the number of fentanyl-related deaths in the country have dropped over the past two years. There are still far too many lives being lost, but the efforts of the Biden administration to intercept fentanyl at the border have paid off. That effort was aided by the development of better technology for detecting the presence of fentanyl. . .It is in further improvements in that direction that we will be able to make headway in reducing the availability of this poison—not in the photo op involved in stationing soldiers along the border—doing what? 

BLOG ADDENDUM

Good points from Peter and Jerry. Our position--as explained elsewhere--is that troop deployment can have an impact "when combined with a broader strategy, including intelligence-sharing, addressing the demand for fentanyl, and strengthening partnerships with international authorities." There is no cure-all.

LUJAN AND KENNEDY 

Reader Ricardo Flores writes in defense of Sen. Lujan:  

I think the criticism of Ben Ray Lujan by the MAGA media (over his questioning of RFK, Jr.) is par for the course when it comes to any racial/ethnic minority member of Congress because of racial attitudes that still exist. Even where the details of any law or policy are not fully understood by the public, the MAGA media will sharpen their focus on racial/ethnic minority members who are in the spotlight so that they can launch a full-out attack at the slightest discrepancy, or opposition to their right wing ideology.  

Opposing RFK was the right thing to do given his stated position on vaccines. Senator Lujan did a commendable job of pressuring him to attain some level of disclosure about how he would lead HHS and, more importantly, to expose his loyalty to Trump's divisive agenda. 

On social media, Shoebill McGee wrote: 

No one attacked Benny. We simply pointed out that giving an answer he didn’t like is not failing to answer. Benny boy was rude and his questions weren’t productive. As a huge fan of RFKJ, I’m very happy to see him be questioned, as long as it’s productive. 

THE BOTTOM LINES 

In the first draft of the Wednesday blog the last name of mayoral candidate Mayling Armijo was edited incorrectly several times. We apologize for the error.

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Mayling Armijo

The newest candidate in the ABQ mayoral race immediately went to work on Mayor Tim Keller's soft spot, condemning the city's continuing high crime and homelessness and putting the blame squarely on the shoulders of the two-term incumbent. (Video here.)

Mayling Armijo, a former director of the Bernalillo County Economic Development Office with close ties to former Republican County Commissioner Wayne Johnson, is thus far the only officially announced Keller challenger.

Armijo declared her entry Tuesday at a downtown coffee bar: 

Crime is out of control. . .we deserve better. If you commit a crime in ABQ there will be consequences and, yes, criminals will go to jail. No excuses. It's time to get serious about solutions and restore accountability.

Notably, Armijo, an ABQ native, gave a strong vote of confidence to APD even as it is mired in the worst corruption scandal in its history. She told supporters and reporters:

I understand what it means to wear a uniform. As a (Navy) veteran I know the sacrifices and responsibilities. It's time allow our police to do their job effectively and safely, giving them the resources and supporting their goal of a safer city.

Armijo, who describes herself as a “proud daughter of an immigrant and a Hispanic veteran small business owner," scored the Keller administration over the homeless problem:

Homelessness is a public health crisis not a housing crisis. . .fueled by addiction and worsened by failed leadership. Resources are thrown at the problem with no measurable results.

And on drugs: 

The current administration has not made any progress in the last eight years. . . We need true health treatment and counseling for individuals who suffer from drug addiction or mental illness. A Keller operative responded:

What? She doesn't like the Gateway Center, the first entry into the public health arena the city has ever made? Where was she on behavioral health when Bernalillo County passed a behavioral tax and they could not move the money out the door? The city approved a tax hike and put it to work. Mayling and company failed.  

After her formal announcement Armijo fully embraced a vigorous tough on crime platform in an interview with KKOB radio and their mainly conservative audience, indicating again that she will not be romancing the city's progressives in the November election. 

THE ARMIJO FILE

Armijo, 48, a registered Democrat who, if elected, would be the first woman mayor, is making her maiden bid for public office. 

We blogged January 15 about Armijo's ties to private developers, anticipating her entry into the race. 

Armijo has also served as Deputy County Manager for Sandoval County (under Manager Wayne Johnson) and is currently the Executive Director of Elevated Lending CDC which specializes "in SBA 504 loans, bringing federal funding directly to local businesses. Our personalized approach ensures that every entrepreneur receives expert guidance and tailored financial solutions."

The mayoral race race is officially nonpartisan but Armijo's ties to Johnson who ran and lost against Keller in 2017 were seized on by Democrats to push her to the Republican right. They pointed out that Johnson's wife, Kurstin Johnson, ran unsuccessfully for the start Senate last year and is a prominent in ABQ real estate. 

Armijo's backers says she also worked in economic development under Dem Gov. Richardson.

MONAHAN ANALYSIS

Joe Monahan

Armijo has filed as a privately financed candidate and will not try to qualify for pubic financing.

Keller, 47, will again pursue public financing for his campaign. 

He has the organization to get the many small donations needed to qualify for $755,000 in public money.

As in the past, a separate political committee apart from the campaign is expected and that could push his total funding to over $1 million. That is a high hurdle for Armijo or any challenger to jump.

Keller is seeking an unprecedented third consecutive term. Fatigue and frustration with crime are palpable but so is an air of apathy that may be keeping professional politicos on the sidelines.

In the early going a a pattern is forming that was seen when Keller won re-election in 2021 when two conservative candidates--former Sheriff Manny Gonzales and radio talk host Eddy Aragon--ran against Keller and split the  conservative vote. Democrat Keller managed to get well over 50 percent and avoided a run-off election. 

This time Aragon says he's running again but has not yet made an official declaration with the city. 

And for another dose of dejavu, former BernCo Sheriff Darren White is said to be eying a run. If both get in that could set up another split of the conservative vote and again ease Keller's path. 

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Sen. Lujan

Let's check in on Dem US Senator Ben Ray Lujan Ben Ray Lujan who we blogged about January 7 as he went into cycle for his 2026 re-election bid. 

He is now on the Senate Finance Committee where last week he queried Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. on his nomination to lead the Department of  Health and Human Services. Afterwards Lujan did an interview with NBC News, saying:

One thing I am good at is counting votes and right now I can't count the votes to get him over the top.

Lujan rose to the rank of Assistant House Speaker before securing a Senate seat in 2020. He also led the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee where he was an ace vote counter.

(The Finance Committee Tuesday morning on a party line vote of 14-13 advanced the Kennedy nomination to the Senate floor. )

Lujan's nationally televised questioning (video) of Kennedy was derided in right-wing media and the socials. Examples:

In our January 7th blog we wrote:

There is just enough ambiguity about the Senator that Republicans see an opening albeit a very narrow one. 

Soon after that a Lujan PR blitz--enabled by his new committee slot and the onslaught of Trump's actions--got underway and he now closing the window on that ambiguity.

Unlike the race for Governor, no Republican names are circulating of possible hopefuls to take on Lujan in '26.  

By the way, Lujan was the only one of the the states five member all Democratic congressional delegation  to attend Trump's inauguration. 

The President appeared to do surprisingly well with rural New Mexico Hispanic Democrats as he trimmed his losing margin here to 6 percent. Trump repeatedly says he "loves Hispanics." The message was not lost on Lujan, a native of the north. 

KELLER REBUTS CERVANTES

Chief Medina & Keller

A provocative blog quote over ABQ crime and the crime bills pending in Santa Fe from state Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Joseph Cervantes drew a sharp response from City Hall. First here's that quote again that came from Cervantes in reaction to the APD DWI scandal:   

I've said for years, with lots of opposition, that Albuquerque crime is attributable to an utter lack of accountability and leadership, and outright corruption, which the public and media tolerate. No new laws can solve this. 

And the push back from Mayor Keller's office:   

For any lawmaker to say that 'laws don't matter' totally undermines the point of having a state legislature. It's this kind of flawed logic that holds our state back and is a disservice to New Mexican families who demand action. The Mayor and Chief have been working from day one to clean up the APD, raising the murder clearance rate, reducing auto theft, salvaging the reform process, and generally keeping the department from falling off a cliff. There isn't a corner of our state that isn't affected by fentanyl and violent crime, which is why we need everyone to pitch in and do everything in their power to fight crime. 

Aside from the squabble between Cervantes and Keller, there's the news that Mexico has agreed to place 10,000 troops on the US-Mexico border to stop the flow of fentanyl here in exchange for President Trump delaying his plan to impose tariffs on Mexico. 

Say what you will, but that is one of the most concrete actions taken by any government to interrupt the fentanyl scourge that has ruined the lives of so many New Mexicans and contributed mightily to the high crime rate here. 

Meantime, new Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Monday made the border at Sunland Park, New Mexico his first trip as Pentagon chief, visiting with soldiers stationed there who are assisting immigration personnel with border security.

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