Rep. Rebecca Dow

T or C State Rep. Rebecca Dow is earning her status as the leading GOP Guv contender thus far, announcing that she has raised $300,000 in the early going and has a campaign chair for each of the state's 33 countries. 

In the grand scheme of things that $300K is a trickle since next year's contest featuring incumbent Dem MLG and the Republican nominee will soar into the millions. 

But Dow is first out of the gate with bragging rights in the field of 8 unknown contenders and that counts for something. 

And in crowing over her cash haul, Dow spiked the political punch bowl with this broadside:

In the race for New Mexico governor, there are just two options: continue with MLG, who is drunk on power and will never end her executive orders while she's in office, or support Dow for New Mexico and give people the power to run their own lives again.

Dow's early seriousness will be noted by R's hoping well-known TV weatherman Mark Ronchetti will jump in the race. 

Ronchetti has been silent since we broke the news September 1 that top R's were discussing a candidacy with him but his wife, Kristy Ronchetti has not. Writing in response to a reader comments on  Facebook in reaction to that NM Politics with Joe Monahan report, Kristy Ronchetti said:

She also expressed discontent that the story was published here but notably her comment does not close the door on her husband running. 

That and other comments from Ronchetti were published on the Facebook page of Republican Michelle Garcia Holmes who highlighted the possibility of his Guv run. Soon after, Garcia Holmes' comments, the reader reactions and those of Kristy Ronchetti were all removed from her page. 

So back to Dow. If she can keep raising early cash and staffing up statewide, R's may start saying: "What's not to like?" Even the Ronchetti's might agree. 

Gabe Vasquez

Southern GOP US Rep. Yvette Herrell didn't waste time launching missiles at Gabe Vasquez, the first Dem to officially announce for the seat. In a Wednesday fund-raising pitch Herrell warned her flock:

We broke the news September 7 that Las Cruces City Councilor Vasquez was among the possible candidates for the Dem nomination for the Herrell seat. Now he is officially a contender, coming into the race with a 90 second launch video (solidly produced) and a progressive economic pitch: 

Republicans are helping the rich become richer, while hard-working New Mexicans fight for scraps. Our economy is more successful when it is more fair. That means New Mexicans need higher wages, we must ensure that the mega-wealthy are paying their fair share in taxes, and we must invest in social services, infrastructure, and education. I will be unapologetic in fighting for the interests of working families -- they are the heart of this district. 

The early announcement from Vasquez, 37, comes as Silver City State Senator Sen. Siah Correa Hemphill weighs a run. Insiders say she's the pick of the DC Dems for the seat, given the outsized success women Democrats have had here in recent cycles. Vasquez's play is putting heat on her to make up her mind. 

Vasquez is a former aide to US Sen. Martin Heinrich and the pair are pictured together in his announcement video but Heinrich has not yet endorsed him.

A wisecracking AlligAtor comments on this week's endorsement of Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber by US Sen. Ben Ray Lujan:

Lujan's approval was at 41 in an August PPP survey. Sen. Heinrich's was at 42 percent. 

The state GOP informs:

The BernCo GOP has been stricken by one of its worst outbreaks of internecine warfare in recent years. Rockwell will be picking up the pieces.

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