Our criticism of Sen. Martin Heinrich for boycotting the presidential speech before Congress this week and Rep. Melanie Stansbury's behavior at the joint session brought reader reaction. Like the nation it was quite divided. 

And with that we kick off this edition of the always popular Reader Vox Populi. 

First up is reader Freddie Lopez;

Hi Joe, I must say, this is probably the best blog you’ve written so far. The behavior displayed by the Democrats during the President's Congressional speech was truly embarrassing and ridiculous. Everyone knows where the Democrats stand with President Trump so why the pointless theatrics? If the Democrats simply showed maturity , they could slowly rebuild momentum to possibly retake the House in 2026. But if this continues, Republicans will expand their majority. As you rightfully mentioned, showing respect for the Presidential office does not mean showing respect for the current occupant. Perhaps Melanie and Martin should read your blogs more often. Outstanding analysis! 

 Reader Diane Ochoa sees it differently: 

Yeah right, "respect for the Presidential Office" you say. Where were those words when Trump was being disrespectful to a war torn Ukrainian leader!? Or Republican Reps Green or Boebert yelling out at Democratic Presidents during their speeches? I could go on ad nauseam. Perhaps a little protest sign is more effective than Trump's so called third grader "sharp arrows", you say. Thank you Democratic Representative Melanie Stansbury for your tasteful protest against this felon! No respect for this abnormal person has become the norm in my mind and many others that refuse to be brainwashed by this grifter. 

Reader Ron Nelson comes with this: 

 Great job, Joe. However, I take issue with this one statement - “Stansbury is the brightest bulb in the entire congressional delegation”  What amazes me is the top Democrat pundits were warning them “don’t do anything stupid” at the speech.Y et here we are. They have created a file called “stupid things from our legislature representatives” for the next midterm election. So far their voting record goes against core family values - all 5 voted against the Liken Riley Act and all of them voted against males competing in female sports. That made it through the House but allthe Dems in the Senate shut it down. 

Roberta Winchester writes:

Dear Mr. Monahan, I disagree with your statements about Senator Heinrich and Congresswoman Stansbury. It is great to finally have some Democrats with a backbone. Let’s talk about showing respect. Was it showing respect for DT to call Senator Warren "Pocahontas?" Was it showing respect when Republicans shouted “Liar” during Obama’s speech, or for the toddlers Marjorie taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert to stand up and yell during Biden’s speech? Did they get thrown out of the chamber? No, of course not because Republicans are hypocrites

THE NM GOP writes of Stansbury holding her sign at the Trump speech that read, "this is not normal": 

--Allowing Transgender Surgeries for Kids – Supporting irreversible medical procedures on minors without their full understanding or consent—is not normal. 

--Stripping Away Parental Rights – Advocating for policies that remove parents from critical decisions regarding their children’s education, healthcare, and upbringing—is not normal. 

--Ignoring Women’s Rights – Failing to protect biological women by allowing men to compete in women’s sports, undermining fairness and safety—is not normal.

 RIGHT TO KNOW

One of our Legal Beagles writes with reaction to the continued media and public blackout at those plea hearings in ABQ US District Court in the DWI scandal involving numerous APD and Sheriff's deputies admitting that they took bribes from attorney Tom Clear. From the Beagle:  

Joe, Friday February 25 the US Attorney's office announced that Sheriff's Deputy Jeff Hammerel had pled guilty to charges resulting from the DWI Enterprise. I immediately went to the Federal Court's online search engine (Pacer) where all court records and dockets are posted. Hammerel's name resulted in nothing found. This was at 7 p.m, on February 25. Once the court opened on February 26 I checked again for Hammerel and his entire case was now available, stating every document was filed with the court late on February 25. None of this information was made public prior to Hammerel appearing in court, so therefore no media outlet and no one from the public was in the courtroom.  

The NM US Attorney with the cooperation of federal magistrates seem to be holding “star chamber” proceedings regarding the DWI Enterprise. Where, outside of public view, they charge defendants, do plea deals with them, get release conditions and guilty pleas all at the same time with no one in the media or public given prior notice. The Albuquerque DWI Enterprise is bad enough, we don’t need the US Attorney and federal courts acting in secret.  These dockets should be announced 24 hours in advance on Pacer so the media and interested citizens can be in the courtroom. It causes more harm to the local criminal justice system when the US Attorney and federal judges act in secret. The US Attorney and federal magistrates would do well to remember that the public's right to attend court proceedings are enshrined in the 1st and 6th amendments of the Constitution. 

Previously we reported of at least one media outlet complained to then-US Attorney Alexander Uballez about the lack of notification of the plea hearings. Now the plea to open up the pleas in the scandal falls to Acting US Attorney Holland Kastrin. 

In the meantime there are no "perp walks" of the convicted felons on TV, no reporters questioning them outside the courthouse and no reporting or drawings of the criminal proceedings from inside the court in the largest public corruption scandal in ABQ area history. 

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.        

Rep. Stansbury

This pic of ABQ Dem Rep. Melanie Stansbury protesting Trump's speech before Congress last night is as divisive as it gets. So lets get to it.

Stansbury is the brightest bulb in the state's congressional delegation but she went over the cliff with her out-of-power party last night. 

Trump overpowered the Dems with his messaging while they were diverted by his personalty, sporting little protest signs and colorful dress leaving themselves open to ridicule, bemusement and Trump's always sharp arrows.

Stansbury joined a group of her colleagues in walking out of the speech. To what end? Her fans already know where she stands. There's no need to grandstand.

Simply put, the Dems bombed on the national stage. Everyone knows Trump is "not normal." So, what else you got?  It turns out not much from Stansbury and her fellow Dems who again tripped over themselves--almost comically--just as they did in losing the last election. Let's get serious, Melanie.

HEINRICH GOES MIA

Notably absent from President Trump's congressional speech last night was New Mexico senior Senator Martin Heinrich who explained his absence by declaring:

I’m not going to President Trump’s Joint Address. I’ll start attending when he starts following the law.

This is the latest in a series of maverick actions by Heinrich. 

First, he refused to endorse ABQ Dem. Rep. Melanie Stansbury for a promotion on the House Resources Committee (she didn't get it), then he played cat and mouse with Deb Haaland over running for Governor (he decided not to run) and now he's boycotted a presidential address that the other four members of the state's delegation attended. Do they believe that, unlike Heinrich, Trump is following the law?

The stakes for New Mexico in this year's federal budget battle are nearly immeasurable. Heinrich's new position as the ranking Democrat on the Senate Energy Committee grows more crucial by the day with the White House looking under every rock for budget cuts. 

Heinrich started off on the right foot, getting a promise from the new secretary of energy to make a personal visit to Los Alamos Labs. The new Secretary did that only last month and even went to bat for the state in local media. And this is how you return the favor?

This is not about whether Heinrich believes Trump is following his constitutional duties. If he truly believes that than he should support impeachment. Showing respect for the presidential office does not mean showing respect for the current occupant so you show up. 

As longtime NM Democratic US Senator Jeff  Bingaman said back in the day when asked to boycott one of President George W. Bush's congressional speeches: "I have to go. It's my job." 

MLG VS. EVERYONE

Speaking of doing your job, Gov. Lujan Grisham, who raises important questions about legislative interference in running the Children Youth and Families Department, had six years to reform the troubled agency but either could not do it or would not.

That's why there is HB 5, a rare instance of the legislature ignoring executive authority by proposing to place a Child Advocate in the AG's office to provide intense and independent oversight over the long-troubled CYFD. The bill passed the House unanimously Tuesday and now goes to the Senate, 

Not that the House should be doing any chest-thumping. They turned away from the problem for six years, Only when MLG became a lame duck did they find their courage. 

The bill does have kinks--like placing the Advocate under the AG's wing and also in making sure the rights of CYFD workers are protected.

On the whole this is a badly needed bill. It could aid in getting the department dealing much more effectively with addressing childhood trauma which experts say often leads to adult drug addiction and crime. 

A constitutional amendment that would strip the Governor of her power to appoint the the CYFD director is unnecessary if a truly independent Advocate's office is established. 

MLG could still try to get on aboard with HB 5 and compromise but the train may now be moving too fast.

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.        

The stocks of Maxeon Solar and Virgin Galactic are crashing to more all-time lows, signaling that they may soon be the latest in a decades-long string of failures by state and ABQ economic developers to land the big fish that could improve the private-sector economy.

Singapore-based Maxeon received accolades and promises of millions in incentives from leading politicos when they announced in 2023 their plans to build a $1 billion solar manufacturing facility near the ABQ Sunport. Since then there has been nothing but delays and bad news.

The now seemingly inevitable failure is nearing as Maxeon undergoes a radical restructuring and its market value plummets to a mere $56 million. The hope of an infusion of desperately needed federal grant money is fading while fossil fuels carry the day with the Trump administration whose tariffs are adding to the panic surrounding the company.

As for Virgin, the main tenant at the state's Spaceport America near T or C, they've been promising to send tourists up in space from the site for two decades. But billionaire founder Richard Branson months ago said he would no longer tap his own bank account to keep that dream alive. The company is on its own and this week Virgin stock also fell to record lows with a market value now reduced to $122 million from ten times that not long ago.

Virgin says they continue their work on a new space plane for future launches. But one wonders if that is more like a script for a Star Trek movie than a fact-based documentary.

POVERTY SPIN

The state's inability to build out a robust private sector is no more evident than in the new spin on the state's poverty level.

The Governor now says when federal grants and other public assistance like the state's many tax credits are included in household income, our poverty rae is not among the highest in the nation but sliced by one third.

It is gratifying that the state has come to the aid of those most in need and improved their basic security but that is not true economic success. It's an achievement of the ample welfare state that New Mexico has increasingly become. 

Bringing deprived citizens above the poverty line is essential but improving the quality of life in a more meaningful way requires robust economic development like we've seen in the states surrounding ours. 

That would be something to celebrate. 

Public support for the welfare state with billions in Medicaid dollars, tax credits, tuition breaks, free child care etc. is necessary to keep the motor running. But what looks like the impending doom of Maxeon and Virgin piled atop so many other failures only underscores that we can keep the state's motor running but the car itself is not road worthy.   

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.        

Attorney Tom Clear

Tracking ongoing explosive developments in the massive DWI bribery scandal involving APD, the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department and the NM State Police is the busiest of news beats.

After the reveal that BernCo Sheriff John Allen received a $200 campaign contribution from paralegal and now convicted felon Rick Mendez, we have a look into the campaign contributions of attorney Tom Clear, the kingpin of the scandal that centered on his bribing of law enforcement officers to get his DWI clients off the hook. 

Both Clear and Mendez have pleaded guilty to federal charges and await sentencing.

We track Clear's campaign donations back to 1998, three years after the beginning of the decades-long bribery scheme. The campaign finance site OpenSecrets shows he made considerable contributions to a number of campaigns including two District Attorneys--Bernalillo County DA Raul Torrez and Sandoval County DA Lemuel Martinez. Earlier it was reported that current Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman received a $1,000 donation to his '24 campaign. After the disclosure, Bregman's office said the campaign returned Clear's check. 

Torrez was elected DA in 2016 and re-elected in 2020. In 2022, he ran for attorney general and assumed that office January 1, 2023. According to OpenSecrets, Torres' campaign for attorney general received a total of $3,000 in four separate donations from Clear in 2021 and 2022.

Martinez, who served as Sandoval County area DA for 20 years from 2001-2021 also received four campaign donations from Clear. They totaled $2,000 and were made in 2005-2006.

Thus far the DWI scandal has been centered in Bernalillo County with no cases emerging involving Sandoval County law enforcement. 

OTHER DONATIONS

Former Attorney General Hector Balderas, now president of Northern New Mexico College, is also listed by OpenSecrets as receiving campaign money from Clear. The two donations totaling $1,500 came in 2011 and were made to Balderas' campaign for the Democratic nomination for US Senate against Martin Heinrich. They were made when Balderas was State Auditor, the office he held before becoming AG.

Torrez, Martinez, Bregman and Balderas are Democrats but Clear also made donations to Republicans. 

He gave $2,000 to the 2000 presidential campaign of George W. Bush; $100 to the 1998 campaign of gubernatorial candidate Gary Johnson and $100 to the 2010 gubernatorial campaign of Susana Martinez.

When it was discovered Allen's campaign had received that $200 from paralegal Mendez his campaign spokeswoman said it would "be ridiculous" to think the contribution meant he had any knowledge of the DWI bribery scandal. She said Allen has since donated the $200 to MADD, a group that fights drunk driving, 

Politicians receive campaign contributions from a wide array of individuals and getting one from someone who later gets in trouble with the law is not extraordinary. In this case it does not mean those receiving Clear's contributions had anything to do with the scandal.  But with the state facing one of the worst corruption cases in its history, transparency is the order of the day in all public activities of the now notorious attorney Tom Clear.

ALLEN'S BAD WEEK 

Sheriff Allen and Mendez

Sheriff John Allen has twisted and turned and raged and ranted since his department's role in the DWI bribery scandal has broadened. 

At a boisterous news conference last week (video here), Allen even went after the media, saying he felt "defamed" by the news coverage and in particular a photo that surfaced showing Allen in a shoulder to shoulder embrace with DWI bribery felon Rick Mendez. 

The pic was taken at a lunch also attended by his Undersheriff who has since been forced to resign and is facing legal peril because of the scandal. Also, a Sheriff's deputy has joined the growing list of law enforcement officers copping pleas to federal bribery charges.

Allen denies any knowledge of the scandal at the time of that lunch. In an earlier media interview he described Mendez as "a friend." He now says Mendez is a "piece of crap." 

The photo and Allen's various media appearances demonstrate the devastating optics that this scandal can and will have.

Allen has walked back his criticism of the feds for keeping him out of the loop on their DWI investigation. We questioned why he would expect sensitive information to be shared with him when suspects work in is department.

At the news conference Allen, citing Undersheriff Jareno's ouster and targeting by the feds, said he now "of course" understands why he was kept in the dark.

Allen's bad week--he says it was "a very emotional one"--included an attack on him from Republican Paul Pacheco who ran for and lost the sheriff's office to Allen in 2022. Pacheco is a retired APD cop. While his hit on Allen was politically timely his own service at the corruption-riddled APD would be a story line if he decides to run for Sheriff in 2026.

Sheriff Allen is a newcomer to La Politica, holding an office that is not often under intense scrutiny. But like the Santa Fe sheriff's office that has had to deal with the Alec Baldwin case and now the high-profile death of famed action Gene Hackman, he is being tested on all fronts. His outburst over the reporting of his activities is over the top but nothing that a few deep breaths shouldn't be able to keep in check. 

The Sheriff's task is now to be a reformer as well as a protector of his department. One without the other is not going to cut it. 

Here's more on Allen's really bad week. 

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.        

Here are some clippings that fell to our newsroom floor this week so let's pick them up.

Republicans are jazzed over the prospect of taking back the governorship in '26. They will need a formidable candidate and one possible now appears "pretty doubtful," according to sources. 

Former NM Supreme Court Chief Justice Judy Nakamura has been testing the waters for a run at the GOP Guv nod. She became the last Republican to carry Bernalillo County in a statewide election in 2016. With her now on the unlikely list the two strongest possibles may be Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull, who has publicly confirmed his interest, and former Lt. Gov. John Sanchez who hasn't said anything. 

On the Dem side candidate Deb Haaland continues to roll out endorsements. Recently she came with 50 of them. 

Former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima has said he is exploring a bid and BernCo DA Sam Bregman is a possible but has made no comment. 

We get this from a Democrat of long experience who believes the Dem primary could still be competitive even with Haaland the clear early front-runner: 

Joe, I love Deb. I’d love to see her as governor. Then the inevitable butt. I’m hearing and sensing whispers about her electability. The Dems are desperate not to give back what they have achieved here particularly around women’s healthcare rights. With almost a year and a half to hammer her she could be yesterday’s news by the time the primary comes around. If I was Sam Bregman I’d come in late and hard as a "traditional" Democrat. Way late and way hard. The message would be “ I can get elected." Not one negative word about Deb. She has plenty of time to shoot herself in both feet before he gets in. I actually hope I’m wrong.  

The saying says all will be known in the fullness of time. When it comes the early race to replace MLG we prefer the quote from a song sung by Louis Armstrong: "We have all the time in the world."

GULF OF SOMETHING

Monahan in 2007

This is from Ray Seva, retired PIO for the NM Department of Veterans' Services:

Hi Joe, At lunch, a couple of buddies of mine (one Democrat, one Republican) and I were wondering: in light of the "Gulf of Mexico" name change, do you think a Democrat legislator should have introduced a memorial to protect our state's name from being changed to "New America?" On second thought, maybe Dems would think that would sound very progressive, no? (I've been an avid reader for 21-years now--keep up the great work!)

21 years!? That goes back to the blog's founding in 2003. It's always an honor and pleasure to hear from readers who have stuck with us that long. Thanks very much, Ray. With that kind of loyalty, we'll have to splurge for lunch at Barelas for you and the gang.

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.        

Paul Pacheco

The mind-blowing law enforcement DWI scandal won't only play out in the courts but also the political arena, so let the games begin. . . 

Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen isn't up for re-election until November 2026 but it appears that the Republican who ran and lost against him in 2022 is back on the trail and prepping a campaign to oust Allen as the Sheriff's department becomes more embroiled in the federal bribery investigation. 

Already Undersheriff Johann Jareno--second in command at the department--has been forced to resign and a deputy being investigated was placed on leave, has now also resigned, pleaded guilty to bribery and implicated an unnamed supervisor.

That brought out retired APD officer and Allen GOP rival Paul Pacheco who came with this on social media:

 Sheriff John Allen and the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department are facing serious scrutiny as the FBI investigates allegations of corruption within their DWI unit. At the center of this scandal are Undersheriff  Johann Jareno, who recently resigned, Deputy Jeff Hammerel, who was placed on administrative leave, and Ricardo "Rick" Mendez, a paralegal and longtime friend of Allen, who was recently charged by the FBI. Mendez has been accused of bribing law enforcement officers since 2008 and was also a contributor to Allen's 2022 campaign for sheriff, raising further concerns about his influence within the department. Allen personally elevated Jareno from the rank of sergeant to undersheriff, a significant leap in rank that now raises serious concerns given his involvement in the investigation. With three of Allen's close associates now implicated in misconduct, the integrity of his leadership is under serious fire. 

ALLEN VS. PACHECO

That campaign contribution to Allen from now convicted felon Rick Mendez was for $200. An Allen spokeswoman told us last week:

Sheriff Allen

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. 

A spokeswoman for Allen did not respond to an inquiry for comment on Pacheco's statement. 

Pacheco, a former two-term state representative from ABQ's westside, lost to Allen 54 to 42 with a third candidate getting 4 percent. 

Corruption has always been a gateway issue for Republicans to break the lock on a Democratic hold. Pacheco is obviously putting Allen on notice. 

ABQ Mayor Tim Keller, seeking re-election to a third term this November, has not yet drawn a political opponent seen as a heavyweight contender who could make hay over the scandal. But the year is young and Pacheco has broken the ice. 

RIDING WITH RUSK

Mayors Keller & Rusk

From the city of ABQ:  

Former ABQ Mayor David Rusk, 84, was honored with the dedication of ABQ RIDE’s original transit facility and the KiMo Theatre’s orchestra pit and foyer, now bearing his name. Rusk, who served as mayor from 1977-1981, advocated for smart and inclusive growth, sustainability, and public safety in transit. He was also instrumental in the renovation of the KiMo Theatre. . .into an arts and entertainment center.  

We covered Rusk's mayoral term and recall how one of his first acts as mayor was to announce that he would ride the bus to City Hall each workday from his SE Heights home. He enjoyed meeting people during those rides. Sadly, that might not be a wise choice today.

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.        

Jareno and Sheriff Allen

This is one of the more ironic photos you'll find in La Politica. 

It's a pic of Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen announcing in 2023 his appointment of new Undersheriff Johann Jareno at a DWI command center. That's the same Undersheriff Jareno who has resigned at Allen's urging after it was disclosed that Jareno is under investigation in connection with the FBI probe into the APD/BSCO/NM State Police DWI bribery scandal. 

(The pic is courtesy of crime news site ABQ RAW.)

With the news that the scandal comes within a hair's breadth of the county's chief law enforcement officer, events are taking on an added dimension, one that resembles a tragedy as much as a scandal. 

Law enforcement credibility has been decimated--even if you wouldn't know it by listening to elected officials--or not listening. Comments from them have been few and far between as the Feds go about their task of uncovering what APD watchdog Dan Klein says may be "one of the most widespread corruption cases in the history of US policing."

That may be labeled hyperbole but as the dominoes fall and the casualty count rises, it seems more than reasonable.  

ROUNDHOUSE REACT

State Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Joseph Cervantes did speak out on the latest installment of the corruption scandal, asserting that Sheriff Allen was "cleaning house" by urging the Undersheriff to resign after being notified of the FBI's investigation. Cervantes said on the socials:

I've caught hell arguing the most effective way to combat rampant Albuquerque crime begins with strong leadership - not more unenforced laws. This DWI corruption has gone on decades, and kudos to a decisive Sheriff acting immediately to clean house.

But is this the time for "kudos" for doing the expected or perhaps a time for more legislative interest and oversight in the scandal?

THE FEDS AND ALLEN

Jareno started working with BCSO in March 2009 and served in the DWI Unit from December 2011 until October 2019. He was appointed undersheriff in 2023, so it appears any alleged criminal behavior did not occur while he was the #2 man at the agency.

That's a sliver of good news for Sheriff Allen, who took office in January 2023 and now is grappling with the possibility that even more deputies may be implicated. Jareno is the second. 

Earlier this month Allen criticized the US Attorney's office for what he says was a lack of "communication" about the scandal but he took a more humble tone in addressing the disgrace that fell on his department on Monday, saying: 

We are fully cooperating with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure that all aspects of this investigation are thoroughly addressed. I am grateful for the FBI bringing this new development to my attention directly and due to the ongoing nature of this federal inquiry, our comments must be measured, but be assured that transparency and communication will continue to be a priority of my administration. We are undertaking a thorough review of our internal policies and control mechanisms to prevent such incidents in the future. 

THE HARSH REALITY

Senior law officers in our state, despite impressive credentials and experience, have been reluctant to acknowledge what is happening here.

Three of our police agencies are considered rogue, riddled with decades-long DWI corruption and not to be trusted with confidential information regarding the federal investigation--an undertaking that has led to multiple officers being charged with criminal actions against the laws of the United States.

The federal probe is not a witch hunt. While it took seemingly forever for this scandal to be uncovered, it demonstrates the system of justice is still functioning. Whether it will foster reforms that stick remains in question.

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.        

Sens. Wirth and Sharer (PBS)

With the first half of the 2025 legislative session in the rear view mirror, let's look at the most significant developments.

--The signature piece of legislation this session will be a reboot of the state's inadequate behavioral healthcare system that has roadblocked progress in fighting crime and other social ills, keeping the state ranked at or near the bottom in national rankings. 

But be forewarned, the bills at the Capitol do not offer a quick fix.

In reviewing the legislation (SB 1,2 and 3) portions are exceedingly complicated and bureaucratic. For example, the judiciary will assume major responsibility for implementing the complex rebuild. They've never done that and it will take time for them to adjust. 

Even after the Governor signs the bills (expected soon) uncertainty will prevail over finding enough competent health care workers to service the need.

Another question lingers: whether we can dig deep enough to reach those afflicted, considering the extent of drug addiction ravaging the state and so often impervious to treatment.

But this is a good faith effort, aggressive and well-financed, albeit very late in coming. 

Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth has done yeoman's work pushing this vital need to the top of the agenda. Minority Leader Bill Sharer has ably led his caucus in support. The House under Speaker Javier Martinez has been first on the case. The Governor has pushed forward, assuaging concerns about that novel involvement of the judiciary. 

Everyone is finally pulling together for those left so far behind in an era of nearly unimaginable plenty. It is meaningful bipartisan teamwork only rarely seen at the Roundhouse and it comes in the aftermath of an election that made everyone more pragmatic about state politics. 

We are neither a progressive paradise or a conservative utopia. On matters such as the breakdown in mental health treatment we have to meet in the middle and, by golly, they are doing just that in Santa Fe.

CRIME

There's not much to say about the minor league crime package that is on the way to MLG's desk other than that it seems mostly a political gesture. But the Governor will take what she can get and declare victory. 

Longer sentences for pushing fentanyl will do little to stop the scourge, according to experts. Similar skepticism is heard over the tweaking of the competency laws for defendants. But the public demands something, anything.  

In lieu of the lightweight crime package (with the exception of juvenile code reforms that have stalled) the behavioral health package is the crime package.

TAXES

The Republican argument for permanent tax relief may be gaining ground on the Democrats as the oil gusher shows no signs of stopping and more billions pile up. Their call for the complete elimination of the state personal income tax proved to be a nonstarter but their contention that the bill started a conversation may hold water (or oil if you prefer.) 

Former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima, a conservative Dem who announced late last week that he is considering a run for the '26 Dem Guv nomination, is in favor of returning much of the state surplus to residents.  

The Roundhouse Dems are still talking tax credits --not cash. 

BOOZE TAX

When it comes to the proposed tax hike on booze you may have to go big or go home. That's the message in the fiscal impact report on this year's plan to raise the alcohol tax by 6 percent, including at retail outlets, bars and restaurants. The report says the expected impact on consumption is only a decline of about 1 percent.

The House sponsors are fighting the good fight, but hopes now rest more on the behavioral health remake to address the state's deadly booze addiction rather than a tax increase that could give false hope because of its miniaturized impact. 

OIL TAX

The plan to increase the royalty tax for drilling on oil rich state lands In the Permian to 25 percent from 20 percent has passed the Senate and heads to the House.

That comes at a time when lawmakers can't fully figure out what to do with the stacks of cash already stuffed in the bulging mattresses. They have, however, gone mad for trust funds to trickle out the largess, 

If signed into law, the tax hike would be a feather in the cap of State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard who has led the charge for it and any future political ambitions she may hold (Lt. Gov.?).

That's the way we see it this February Monday. Thanks for tuning in.

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.        

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 he 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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