Estevan Rael-Gálvez
There are more than a few armchair historians among our blog readers, and it seemed just about all of them jumped out of their easy chairs when on Tuesday we posted and commented on controversial remarks from Dr. Estevan Rael-Gálvez, Ph.D., the executive director of the National Hispanic Cultural Center and a former state historian for New Mexico.

Rael-Gálvez dubbed the Spanish legacy in New Mexico "a fantasy" and "somewhat of a fabrication." He added: "Spain may be the least of what has shaped our heritage of converging streams..."

We argued that Rael-Gálvez is the one in a fantasy world and perhaps the cultural center needed to be located next to Disneyland if it was going to engage in make-believe history.

A flood of email supporting the comments of Dr. Rael-Gálvez flooded in, raising suspicions that his friends organized a support group, but we also received comments agreeing with our assessment.

We're going to run some from both camps, but we start off with the most interesting comment of all. It comes from Rael-Gálvez who originally made his remarks in the Alibi, ABQ's alternative news weekly. After apparently getting an earful from the "fantasy" families who claim Spanish ancestry, he issued this letter to the editor apology:

...I wish to apologize for any misunderstandings and...any offense caused by my remarks in the Alibi... This was never my intention. In no way did I intend to deny the origins of our ancestry and certainly not that of Spain, from which a rich legacy flows in New Mexico. As excerpts, these answers were drawn from a much longer conversation.

I have dedicated my professional life to creating open dialogue, even about issues that are the most difficult to talk about, and I will continue to assume the responsibility of raising consciousness through discourse.

The published interview, however, was only a glimpse at a much longer conversation where I was able to more fully elaborate on years of in-depth research and my professional interpretations on identity and consciousness. I stand by that work. Beyond my inability to better contextualize the answers in the interview, the primary intention of my entire response to the question of identity was to recognize the beauty and complexity of who we have become, long after the first points of contact.

I recognize that identity is such a sensitive topic, but as a community we cannot shy away from engaging in open dialogue about race and ethnicity. Neither can we ignore the notion that identity is not static. My hope is that we can continue this especially important conversation...

Well, thanks for that, Doc. We were starting to wonder if a bunch of Tejanos had kidnapped you ad subjected you to mind control.

That apology doesn't make the email any less fascinating so off we go.

From Taos, Sam Herrera writes:

Approximately 16,000 Spaniards (no women) colonized the Southwest in the entire history of colonization. That is Texas, NM, AZ, and California. Thus, any Spanish blood that may have coursed through anyone's veins is gone now. It is just biologically impossible that any "Spanish blood" is left in anyone from around Northern NM. Prior to 1900, the Hispanics around Northern NM called themselves "Mexican." After 1900, when more Anglos were moving to the area, in an effort to combat discrimination against themselves, the Hispanics started emphasizing their white "Spanish" background and de-emphasizing their brown Indian blood. The myth was created that people around here were therefore Spanish, and not Mexican or Mestizo, etc.

Various rationales were bandied about, like we were isolated, our Spanish is different, etc. But ultimately, it was a myth concocted as a hedge against racism. Today, the local "Spanish" people now believe they have no kinship with their brothers south of the border--Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, etc. and discriminate against these peoples. It appears that Dr. Estevan Rael-Galvez is attempting to bring some reality to the situation so that we (Hispanic people) can appreciate and accept our brotherhood with other Latins around the world. As a Hispanic born in Northern NM and whose parents call themselves "Spanish," I believe this farce needs to end. It may have had a good purpose when this myth was created but now it is hurting us and keeping us from progressing. If anything, Dr. Estevan Rael-Galvez, a native of Northern NM, should be commended for his standing up against the tide of historical revisionists.

From a reader who requested anonymity:

Joe, You've been dealing with politicos too long and thus were too dismissive of real academic research. Dr. Rael-Galvez talked about Spanish "heritage" fantasy and you referred to it as Spanish influence. There is a difference. Dr. Rael-Galvez is quite correct is his discussion of the myth of Spanish ancestry. A recent book by Laura Gomez, a native New Mexican, describes that issue in academic depth in her book "Manifest Destiny: The Making of the Mexican-American Race," which focused on New Mexico.

"Mexican" was the term most consistently used in the historical records of the nineteenth century. Second, it more accurately describes the population's mestizo--or mixed Indian/Spanish/African--racial heritage" and "by the early nineteenth century, very few of these people were born in Spain or had parents or even grandparents who were Spanish, although they spoke the Spanish language, were practicing Roman Catholics, and otherwise conformed to cultural practices consistent with having been colonized by Spain.

In terms of ancestry, the vast majority of these people were more indigenous than Spanish, and some of their religious, cultural, and political practices had indigenous origins." There was a lot of opposition to New Mexico statehood at the end of the nineteenth century, much of it because of the number of "Mexicans" in the state that only spoke Spanish. Thus, the effort at statehood included comparing New Mexico settlers with the settlers of the eastern United States -- Europeans and, hence, Spanish became the operative word.

Call it a melting pot or a tapestry, but the insistence by so many New Mexicans that they are "Spanish" (God forbid you call them Mexicans), is not only incorrect, it's also insulting to those of us who acknowledge and are proud of the mestizo or Mexican heritage. Spain is a part of that heritage neither the sole or major part of that heritage...

Ed Romero, former US Ambassador to Spain and Edward Lujan, a founding father of the Hispanic Cultural Center an former chairman of the NM Republican Party (via the Alibi):

...The front page carries the title that states Rael-Gálvez is “the mind” behind the NHCC. This statement denigrates all the present and past staff at the NHCC. It also belittles the inspiration, determination and work of the many people and institutions that made the NHCC what it is today. Simply put, there is no single mind behind the NHCC but many minds.

Second, the interviewee was allowed to edit his answers via the Internet. The reader must assume that he chose his words with care, which gives rise to our third and most troubling concern.

Rael-Gálvez described Spanish identity in New Mexico as “somewhat of a fabrication” after “a mere two centuries of Spanish occupation.” “The Spanish heritage fantasy,” he continues, “is really about denial and not based on history.”

Really? Are not his very names Spanish? Is not Spanish still widely spoken here? Does he not direct the National Hispanic Cultural Center? Does he not live in Santa Fe and work in Albuquerque? Were not both cities founded under Spanish administrations? Didn’t Spain administer New Mexico longer than the United States has administered here? Is not our state constitution written in Spanish and English? Is all this (and more) fantasy, myth, denial and not based in history? Really?

Then, after claiming the myth, he talks about what it means to be “ ‘Hispanic’ in New Mexico” and that New Mexico Hispanics are part of a multicultural tapestry. How can they be a part of anything if they do not exist? This illogic is very troubling, embarrassing and sad when it comes from the executive director of the NHCC, as a self-described “accidental historian.”

Reader Juan Fernandez writes:

Hi Joe, I happen to agree very much with Dr. Estevan Rael-Galvez. Spaniards went all over Latin America, not just to New Mexico. The argument that New Mexicans are "Spanish" and wish to distance themselves from Mexicans is truly misguided, at best. New Mexicans are as much Spanish as Mexicans are. Let's remember that Mexicans have Spanish blood in them and many of them are very white (watch Univision anytime and you'll see). New Mexican customs are much more linked to Mexican customs: the food, the music, the attire and decorations.

All that said, it's unfortunate that as Hispanics we always seek to make up in our minds that one nationality or birthplace makes you "better" than those Hispanics of another area. Instead, Hispanics should come together and seek ways to improve our common problems and challenges.

From the ABQ South Valley and reader Andrew Leo Lopez:

The professor who debunks Spanish influence in New Mexico will next deny the Holocaust or our own civil war! Dementia runs amok among history professors!

Now in random order is the enshrinement of Spanish in the New Mexico Constitution. How about the Catholic religion brought by the colonists and the interesting sidebar of the Penitentes?

The acequia system of irrigation survives to the present as does their system of governance.

The Spanish brought their domesticated animals which I see everyday.

The Spanish were the only Europeans invited back by the indigenous peoples to keep the peace and insure prosperity.

The city of the Holy Faith celebrates its quadcentennial this year. Can the professor count to 400?

The entire Native population and pueblo and reservation sovereignty owe their present existence to the Spanish and the Spanish King.

Finally, a word about the greatest legacy of my Spanish ancestors on both sides of the bed.

My ancestors arrived during one of the most intolerant periods of history known as the Inquisition.Having none of it at a time when defiance was a death sentence, the Spanish brought a degree of racial and religious tolerance to New Mexico unknown in its day that exists to a large degree until the present.The foundation laid down by the Spanish centuries ago exists to the present. The professor is a madman.

Reader Vince Ramos opines:

One of the things which might be worth noting about our inheritances from the Spanish occupation that Dr. Estevan Rael-Gálvez refers to is the essentially feudal patrón/peón relationship that'ss so firmly entrenched in the culture and goverance of Northern New Mexico.

Generally this relationship is characterized as a proscriptive social norm that serves to not only enforce blind loyalty to ethnic leaders but ensures a continuing need to enter into and rely upon secure political or economic positions of dependency, which derives from a preference for a stable hierarchical social system with well-defined strata, roles and utilizations--all of which sustains a continuing resistance on the behalf of Norteños to social, cultural and political changes.

Reader Emilio Sanchez comes with this:

I have been working on my genealogy for over 15 years and have documented numerous ancestors who were born in Spain or the Canary Islands.

If Rael-Galvez has done his genealogy, then he may well have few Hispanic ancestors and is primarily native American. He has not publicized his genealogy therefore I can only guess that he has extensive Native American ancestors.

However, most Sanchez, Chavez, Martinez, Garcia, Marquez, Ulibarri, Padilla, et al, can trace their ancestors through Mexico to Spain. Some of these ancestors married Native Americans, but many married only "Espanoles" or as they were called "gente de sangre pura".

Rael-Galvez has fallen into the mindset of some at the Hispanic Cultural Center who deny their Hispanic heritage and call themselves "Chicanos" rather than "Hispanic American."

Hispanic and proud of it.

Here's blog reader Jacob "Jackie" Block:

Back to the History books. Actually the settlers of New Mexico came from Northern New Spain (Mexico). The Onate expedition actually started in Zacatecas. I am pretty sure that none of the expeditions into what is now New Mexico started in Spain.

Reader Joseph Gurule supports Rael-Galvez:

Dear Joe, I am a proud graduate of NMSU (08). I wanted to take issue with your categorization of Dr. Rael-Galvez' work as "historic revisionism". Having been a history major at State this section of the blog was of particular interest to me. There is indeed an element of fantasy accompanying the "Spanish Heritage" of New Mexicans, particularly in the north. Yes, you are correct in pointing out that New Mexico was settled by Spain 400 years ago, 1598 to be exact. But so was much of the Western Hemisphere at the time. Folks in modern Latin America certainly don't share this "obsession" with "Spanish Heritage" that is just as as much a part of their history and culture, but why is that?

It's ironic that this debate surfaces at a time when New Mexico is beginning it's Centennial of Statehood commemoration. The quest for statehood one hundred years ago is exactly when the notion of "Spanish Heritage" began to take hold in New Mexico. Prior to this, "New Mexicans" more closely identified with Mexico, and Mexican heritage. Remember, much of present day New Mexico was a part of Mexico much longer than colonial Spain. It is in fact New MEXICO, and not New SPAIN as originally named by Spain.

Opponents of Statehood slammed New Mexicans as "inferior" and aligned them with Mexico. It was steeped in prejudice, racism and fear of Mexican culture, sound familiar to any present day debates? Proponents began to stress the "Spanish Heritage" of New Mexico. It was an attempt to align New Mexicans with a more European identification, something Americans could certainly share. It's also ironic this debate is occurring at a time of an increasing populist anti-Mexican mood due to our country's disastrous immigration policy. Sure is a lot easier to call yourself "Spanish" in Northern New Mexico, now more than ever. Perhaps instead of the National Hispanic Cultural Center moving to Anaheim, a new fantasy theme park should be constructed in Santa Fe. It could be called...New Spain.

From blog reader Bill Hume, former editor of the editorial pages of the ABQ Journal:

In reference to your comment on the Spanish influence in New Mexico. I don't completely disagree with your conclusions, but...

"...They (the Spaniards) mated with Mexicans and Native Americans..." Just who were these "Mexicans" -- as distinct from "Native Americans" -- that these Spaniards mated with?

The ethnic and cultural history of New Mexico was essentially identical of that of what is now Mexico up until the Mexican war for independence. Following victory in that, however, what is now New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, California, and parts of Colorado (did I miss any?) was part of the Republic of Mexico only for 25 years, until the U.S. took the territory away in the war ending with the treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo. So, "New Mexico" was only a part of "Mexico" for about a quarter-century, out of the 400-plus years of European interaction.

So in my view, the ethnic and cultural ingredients that formed today's Hispanic New Mexicans of the old families are largely identical to those of the families of today's Mexico--but they experienced essentially none of the cultural history of the modern country of Mexico before becoming part of the United States by conquest.

Still more reader comment and Eddie Martinez:

..The fact is that Dr. Rael-Galvez is correct and your criticism is unwarranted, particularly when facts, history, and culture and other prominent scholars can concur with and support the statements by Dr. Rael-Galvez.

Without going into too much detail here, while it is true that certain socio-cultural elements are residual or reflect Spanish culture, so too does Mexico (especially northern) and many areas of Latin America. This does not mean these people are "Spanish", just like some Americans who may have British ancestry are not "English."

My family (both sides) have lived in New Mexico for over 400 hundred years. The majority of the original settlers were from Mexico, i.e., New Spain and were Mestizo (very few were from Spain, and some of these married Mexican or Indigenous women). My grandparents used to say "somosMexicanos" when referring to New Mexico Hispanics amongst themselves. The "Spanish" referral was an attempt after the American conquest of New Mexico to "whiten/purify" themselves in the eyes of the Anglo Americans. This is where the Spanish fantasy derives from.

Anyway, next time I suggest stopping and taking a good look at us. We're not pure Spanish and neither is the culture. I have been to Spain and enjoyed their "gastronomía," but they sure do not serve posole, red or green chile, or sopapillas (smile). We can thank our pueblo/mestizo brethren for these New Mexican delicacies!

By the way, I have enjoyed your blog over the years and have found it to be very informative and timely.

Hope you enjoyed the discussion. There are few other states like ours that provoke such spirited discussion over their histories. It's another reason we find it so satisyign to be a New Mecian.

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Call it the "passion gap" and it's what Dems across our enchanted land are fretting over. They see their Guv hopeful, Lt. Governor Diane Denish, giving them about as much action as a pacifist's pistol. The mumbling has grown so loud that the Denish campaign brought it up in a recent pitch to their top donors. Take a look:

...I know there are those people out there who say Diane is not passionate enough and does not have the fire. Well those people were not part of the 300+ at our event last Friday at the Lodge at Santa Fe, the 200+ with us in Corrales on Saturday, the 600 people in Las Vegas or the 150 in Santa Fe who saw her on Sunday. If they were, they would have seen a Diane Denish who is fired up and ready to go. So if you have any doubts Diane or run into anyone who does, send them to one of our events and I am confident those worries will disappear...

"Fired up and ready to go?" Didn't they "borrow" that from Obama's '08 campaign? Why not something more original for the Hobbs native, like, "She's as excited as a hen on a hot griddle."

Well, in the next sixty days don't look for Di to come running down the aisle like a contestant on "The Price is Right,"but neither should we confuse the exterior with the interior. This is a hyper-competitive politician who has "burned" a number of political foes over the year.

While Denish could probably step on the excitement accelerator some, keep in mind that many of the state's most successful politicians have exhibited laid back personalities.

Dem Senator Jeff Bingaman immediately comes to mind. Ditto for Dem Sen. Udall. Also, GOP Senator Pete Domenici who was no firebrand. Add to that list ABQ area GOP Congressman Manuel Lujan who served 20 years and southern NM GOP Congressman Joe Skeen who clocked over 20 years in the House.

New Mexicans just seem to like their politicos to speak somewhat softly. After all, this isn't New York where you have to shout to be heard.

WORKING CLASS HERO?

In his latest TV spot Dem Congressman Martin Heinrich calls on his working class roots to connect with economically distressed voters in the ABQ US House district. He says his dad was an electrician and his mom worked in a factory. The spot includes old photos of the Heinrich family--with Dad at work--as Heinrich works to build up his favorables before an expected GOP onslaught.

Speaking of which, Heinrich challenger Jon Barela is coming late to the TV game and that's not going unnoticed by blog readers like Ron Kathman:

The reason Barela is trailing Heinrich in the polls might be due to the fact that so few voters have even heard of him. I've yet to see any of his campaign ads, printed, television, or otherwise. Is he running a stealth race, or does he intend to strike up the bandwagon and make some noise any time soon? He better get loud and soon if he intends to beat Heinrich...

We agree, Ron. Come on, Jon, let's get it on.

WORTH A POINT?

The Dems get the top spot on the ballot, the result of a drawing conducted by Secretary of State Mary Herrera. Is that worth an extra point for Dem candidates? Some think so.

NO SHOCKER

That the University of New Mexico faculty is practically at war with the Regents and administration is well-known, but now it is documented in the form of an in-depth survery commissioned by UNM to dig deeper into the animosity that has plagued UNM.

A whopping 85% of the faculty polled disagreed with the statement: "An atmosphere of trust exists between the faculty and Central Administration."

It may run contrary to their political beliefs and Diane Denish supporters won't like hearing it, but a Governor Martinez, lacking any deep ties to UNM, might be in a better position to use the gubernatorial bully pulpit (and the power to appoint the Regents) to bring about the change so obviously needed on the campus.

GEOGRAPHY LESSON

We always think of Fort Bliss as being in Texas and forget that it extends into southern New Mexico, even though we often talk about its economic impact on the southern part of our state. The issue came up when southern Dem congressman Harry Teague greeted President Obama Tuesday as the Prez prepared for a brief visit to the base. We noted that Teague scored good PR for the visit as El Paso TV serves Dona Ana County, the most critical county for Teague's re-election. Here's the geography lesson from Teague's office:

While you’re right that Fort Bliss is in the El Paso/Las Cruces media market, the base actually does extend into New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, which is why Harry was there. In fact, a majority of the base is here in New Mexico (little known fact).

When we tried to post a link to Fort Bliss, we received a message saying, "This connection is untrusted." So we didn't link it. Maybe they're mad at us down there for getting our geography mixed up..Okay, used our Safari browser and got the link without a warning.

That experience scared us enough that we wanted to call our congressman. Who is that anyway--Steve Pearce or Harry Teague?

ABOUT THAT $14 BILLION

What do Susana Martinez and Diane Denish think about those ideas flying under the radar to increase the amount of money taken from the state's $14 billion in permanent funds to balance the state budget?

They haven't been asked that question directly yet, but it could be on the table in the next four years, especially if oil and natural gas prices stay down, resulting in lower royalty revenue for the state.

If we were in their shoes, we would play it conservative, but leave just a wee bit of wiggle room. Does anyone have any certainty about the economic outlook for the next four years?

DOING HIS PART

Big Bill continues to do his part to help Di, handing out more stimulus money this week to avoid furloughs in the judicial system. Is any of this rubbing off on her? And Senators Jeff and Tom were pleased to announce more education money from the feds that will prevent teacher layoffs in the state.

And they do all of this without even knowing there is an election in 60 days. :)

POWELL VS. RUSH

Dems like their chances to retake the state land office. Ray Powell Jr. is a former land commissioner carrying their banner again and rancher Matt Rush is holding forth for the R's. We've said that Rush faces a tough time because he needs a lot of money to get known. But an in-the-know reader writes:

Ray Powell has only raised about $35,000. His opponent will reap oil and gas money--big time and then defeat Ray. Just wait and see.

Actually, Powell has raised much more than $100,000 but he spent most of it in the primary.
As of July 1 he had about $38,000 in cash on hand, according to state reports.

Unlike the past two Dem nominees Powell is not ethically tainted. And the incumbent GOP land commissioner, Pat Lyons, has been snared in ethics issues.

Also, Powell held the land office for ten years. His name ID is high and Dems normally perform very well on the down-ballot races.

Having said that, we will take our reader's advice and keep the Ray and Matt match-up on our list to watch for future developments.

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Let's kick it off today with the outlook for the state House in Campaign '10. Currently there are 45 Dems and 25 R's in the 70 member House. Based on reports from Alligators, Insiders, Wall-Leaners, Wanna-Be's and other political creatures, it appears the R's could shrink that margin this year, if only a bit.

The no-brainer prediction this cycle is the ABQ mid-NE Heights seat of freshman Dem Rep. Karen Giannini. She won election in 2008 when the Obama wave seeped into this normally GOP district. If Republican attorney and former Senator Domenici aide Nate Gentry doesn't take this one, the predictors will have to eat the broken glass from their crystal balls.

Another freshman--Dem Rep. Ben Rodefer of ABQ's West Side and Sandoval County is #2 on the most endangered species list. R's are solidly behind contractor David Doyle who hopes to reclaim this seat for the GOP which Rodefer won in the Obama wave. Rodefer loves being in the Roundhouse and will fight to the last breath, giving him a chance to hang on to what is a very weak limb.

How about an endangered Republican? We've got one for you. Roswell rancher Candy Spence-Ezzel is facing a spirited challenge from Dem Chaves County Commissioner Michael Trujillo. He is the third-generation owner of El Charro, a tortilla factory and Mexican food store. Candy was first elected in 2004, but this is a swing district.

Julian Luna ousted incumbent Dem State Rep. Elias Barela in the June primary in Valencia County, but now Luna faces a tough campaign to keep the seat in the Dem column. Republican Alonzo Baldonado, a Los Lunas realtor, is the GOP's hope for this one. Definitely on the watch list.

Back in ABQ, both parties are geared up for a battle for the seat of Dem State Rep. Bill O'Neill. He is another member of the D freshman class of 2008. He works for the Juvenile Parole Board, loves politics and is walking the district. Newcomer and Republican Justin Horowitz is an attorney with the Rodey firm who has thrown a bunch of his own cash at the contest. This one is ranked a toss-up.

Putting it all together, a conservative estimate is that the R's pick up two House seats when we're done cleaning up the confetti November 3. A more aggressive estimate would give them four or five. That would still not put them anywhere close to taking power, but it's a whole lot better than falling back.

THE GOVERNOR'S RACE

On the Guv front, several of our campaign watchers were somewhat surprised to see GOP Guv nominee Susana Martinez come with a hard-hitting spot, the tone of which reminded them of some of the stuff she ran in the GOP primary which is dominated by conservative voters.

In this latest piece Susana defends herself from TV charges that she should not have used federal border security funds for staff bonuses at her Dona Ana County district attorney's office. She then smacks Di for not pledging to revoke driver's licenses given to illegal immigrants. Denish has said she will not continue the policy.

All this is delivered with ominous sound effects and an accusatory and stern narration. Well-produced for what it is, but what happened to the softer Susana, the one posing with kiddies in the classroom? At the end of this spot she brings back former Bernalillo County Sheriff and current ABQ Public Safety Director Darren White. He is joined by three other tough-looking lawmen types who walk behind Susana in slow motion. It looked menacing the first time and looks even more like the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse the second time around. (Actually, it is a total of five lawmen parading in slow-motion, but we took poetic license.)

In recent weeks Martinez seemed to have begun talking past her GOP base--to the swing and Dem voters she needs to win. This spot takes her back to what got her in the main event, but it may not be the tone or approach that is going to close the deal.

Denish also came with new TV, defending herself from Martinez's charges that she overused her riding privileges on the state jet. Denish then goes on to zing Martinez on now familiar ground. She says the GOP nominee would "give public school dollars to wealthy private schools."

The Di camp has been hammering Susana for weeks over her switch on school vouchers--or what they say is a switch. The Denish camp received important support on this when the Associated Press pointed out differing statements Martinez has made on the matter.

The more soothing tone in the Denish ad stands in marked contrast to the latest Martinez effort. Susana and her conservative consultants need to not only get comfortable with going to the middle of the political spectrum, they must embrace it emotionally and intellectually. That's not easy when the state GOP has been as far right as it has been the past decade.

JEFF'S BUCKS

Times may be tough for a lot of New Mexicans, but Senator Bingaman has escaped the ravages of the worst recession in decades. The Hill newspaper says Jeff's net worth is around $6.7 million, making him the 42nd wealthiest member of Congress in 2009. From the article which ranked the 50 wealthiest members:

Bingaman played the stock market well in 2009 and saw his minimum net worth rise by almost $2 million...

(He) has investment funds at Goldman Sachs worth at least $1 million and $250,000. His wife, Anne, chips in with an investment fund at Eaton Vance worth at least $1 million...

Bingaman also has property in Santa Fe that is worth at least $250,000 and a 50 percent state in more than 58 acres of land in Alamogordo, NM...

And what of southern NM Congressman Harry Teague who made the Hill's list of the wealthiest members of Congress last year. Well, his net worth has plunged to around $5 million. That's just below the amount the 50th member on the list is worth.

Teague's oil based businesses have suffered from the bear market, a boycott by Republican businessmen in the area and the change in management to his son. Still, Harry is not in the poor house, but is net worth has plunged, according to Politico, from $40 million to $5 million.

MARTIN'S MONEY

One member who won't make the list is ABQ Dem US Congressman Martin Heinrich.The freshman lawmaker enjoys a salary of around $174,000 a year and his wife Julie helps the household budget with a salary from a local government job. But still the Congressman sleeps in his DC office in order to save money.

Jeff, do you think you can spare a loan for Martin so he can get out of that sleeping bag? That is, if he is back there with you after November...

WORST OF THE STORM?

Is the worst over for the Dems? The new Rasmussen survey is being closely eyed by operatives for NM Dem US Reps Heinrich and Teague. It says:

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 45% of Likely Voters would vote for their district's Republican congressional candidate, while 39% would opt for his or her Democratic opponent. The survey data was collected on the seven days ending August 29...

The Republicans have been consistently ahead in the Generic Ballot every week for over a year, but this is the smallest advantage the party has held since mid-July...

But hold your horses. Gallup disagrees with Rasmussen and comes with this:

Republicans lead by 51% to 41% among registered voters in Gallup weekly tracking of 2010 congressional voting preferences. The 10-percentage-point lead is the GOP's largest so far this year and is its largest in Gallup's history of tracking the midterm generic ballot for Congress.

So what's a Dem to do? Well, running like your life depended in it is usually sound advice for a political campaign.

NICE HIT, HARRY

We haven't held back in blogging of the travails of Harry Teague, pointing out time and again (with the help of Politico) his many vulnerabilities. But a score is a score, and Tuesday, when President Obama disembarked Air Force One at the El Paso airport for a brief visit to Fort Bliss, embattled Harry scored.

Even though he does not represent El Paso, Teague was there with a big smile to greet the President who stopped at Ft. Bliss to pay respect to the troops. Teague is a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee. Obama lingered with Teague and two other congressmen and it was carried live at around noontime on El Paso TV. Photos of the meet and greet were sent out on the national and local wires. (The one we have posted is from the El Paso Times which is heavily read in the Las Cruces area).

This is important because Dona Ana County, the largest county in the second congressional district and home to many Dems, get their news from El Paso TV, not ABQ. It was nice advance work by the White House and Teague's team to take effective advantage of such a brief stop over.

Insiders close to Teague tell us he is more energized about the race. He is pleased with his polling and that of the ABQ Journal which shows him three points ahead of Republican challenger Steve Pearce. He told one of our Alligators recently, "We're going to surprise, Steve."

Of course, Harry needs all the optimism and spunk he can get in his tough battle, but if Obama's visit was the start of his fall offensive in Dona Ana County, it was a good one.

ON THE RESPIRATOR

We've been telling you about First Community Bank being on life support in the aftermath of a slew of commercial real estate loans gone bad in the ABQ area and how it is time to pull the plug and end the suffering. Executives at the bank have been pushing back, but now the Feds have given them a 60 day deadline to either raise $150 million to restore the bank's health or sell yourself to another bank.

We've heard the numbers on the congressional and Guv races, but what about the down ballot contests like attorney general, secretary of state and state treasurer, and land commissioner?

Rep. Heinrich
After a summer of uncertainty the first re-election bid of ABQ Dem Congressman Martin Heinrich appears to be back on track. The freshman lawmaker has a six point lead--47% to 41%--over Republican rival Jon Barela in the first ABQ Journal poll and that's a welcome relief to Heinrich and state Dems. Both were freaked out by a SurveyUSA poll July 26 that showed Barela leading the incumbent 51% to 45%.

We said at the time that Barela should enjoy that poll and raise all the money he could from it because it was unlikely to last. Now that it hasn't the GOP challenger has his work cut out for him.

Not that Heinrich is completely out of the woods. Pollster Brian Sanderoff notes the sour national mood for congressional Dems and the danger that poses to a freshman like Heinrich. Also, Barela is scoring 33% of the Hispanic vote to Heinrich's 54%. If Barela could build on that he could be formidable.

Still, Heinrich was scoring 45% with critical independents to Barela's 31%. These voters tend to be on the conservative side and for Heinrich to be so nicely ahead with them this early is perhaps the most significant "tell" in this race. It could cause fund-raising headaches for Jon.

Heinrich has also begun to localize this contest to survive any GOP tsunami wave that splashes down here. His first TV ad is abut the time he spends in the district, not the votes he takes in Washington.

Barela has run a bare-bones campaign thus far and is expected to soon launch media. But he only had about $500,000 in the bank at last report. That would be all right if he were closer, but Heinrich is only three points away from the magic number of 50% and has over a million in cash with more on the way. His 47% beginning reminds us of how former ABQ GOP Congresswoman Heather Wilson started most of her campaigns, and she served ten years.

This poll sets the record straight--Barela is going to need more than the anti-incumbent environment to take Heinrich out. Until he shows us what, if anything, is up his sleeve, Heinrich remains in pretty decent shape to be re-elected.

THE SOUTHERN RACE
Rep. Teague
Harry Teague has been left for dead by every political handicapper from DC to Deming, but somehow the freshman Dem still breathes. In fact, in the Journal poll he does more than breathe. He manages to step on the windpipe of his Republican challenger. He tops Republican Steve Pearce 45% to 42% with 13 percent undecided. That tops expectations as the R's see this as a great pick-up opportunity.

Teague's chief asset is his personality. He is extremely likable and fits the southern good ol' boy district like a glove. And like Heinrich he has been working hard to keep the race away from unpopular national issues and focus on the what he has done in the district and the time he has spent there.

But there could be big trouble to come for Teague in the conservative south. Harry has had major issues with his oil related businesses in Hobbs. Stuff like health insurance being cancelled for his employees while he takes a big bonus.

If the negative message is delivered effectively, it could make Harry of Hobbs much less likable and ultimately less electable.

But former Congressman Steve Pearce who left the seat in 2o08 to unsuccessfully seek a US Senate seat has his own baggage, not the least of which is his decision to leave the House. Also, he is more gruff than likable and a heavy negative attack on Teague is not a sure thing.

The race remains a toss-up. Maybe Susana Martinez running strong for the GOP n the Guv race in the south might be a plus for Pearce, but New Mexicans can be such notorious ticket-splitters that we wouldn't give that much weight.

BIDEN FOR DI

It's a good bet the Prez will touch down here before Campaign 2010 heads to the history books, but first things first--or in this case second things second. That's because it appears it will be Vice President Joe Biden making a political pit stop here before his boss. The Veep will campaign (well, mostly raise money) for Dem Guv hopeful Diane Denish in ABQ's North Valley at historic Los Poblanos on September 30. From the Di invite:

Now is the time to get energized and dig deep. We have a plan to win this race, but we need all the help and resources we can get.

One of the benefits of being a member of the Denish Cabinet is that you get early notice of upcoming events, and I have a special one to tell you about. Vice President Joe Biden will be in Albuquerque on September 30th at a luncheon for Diane that will be held at Los Poblanos...

The suggested contribution for this event will be $1,500 per person for the photo reception and lunch or $500 for just lunch. However, for Cabinet members in good standing it will be $1,000 per person and $1,500 for a couple for the photo reception and $250 per person for lunch...Denish needs to especially energize female Dems. Some observers have suggested that she bring in Hillary Clinton for ABQ and the north. Others thought Dolores Huerta, former president of the United Farm Workers, would be good for a southern swing.

OBAMA TO EL PASO

President Obama will be in the New Mexico media market Tuesday morning. He is stopping at Fort Bliss in El Paso to thank the troops for their service in Iraq. El Paso TV serves Dona Ana and surrounding counties in southern NM.

TO THE TUBE

Diane Denish has to call the Democratic party home or else she's going home--for good. That's the message in the first ABQ Journal poll of the 2010 gubernatorial contest. It shows Democrat Denish trailing Republican Susana Martinez 45% to 39% with 16% undecided.