Nella Domenici

Is the third time the charm? Twice before offspring of the late US Senator Pete Domenici have attempted to replicate his political success and failed. Now comes the third try as Domenici daughter Nella Domenici, 63, announces she will seek the Republican nomination for the US Senate held by Democrat Martin Heinrich.

But Domenici's entry into the race was hardly an announcement. In fact, she was already being outmaneuvered by state Democrats who spotted the paperwork she had filed with the FEC and broke the news of her run Monday afternoon--and they did so on their terms:

Between a scandal-plagued Sheriff turned MAGA extremist and an East Coast elitist, New Mexico Republicans’ Senate primary is sure to be brutal. Party infighting will show how out-of-touch Republicans are with New Mexicans’ values. If Nella Domenici survives the dogfight, her close ties to Wall Street and her work for a mega-hedge fund that laid off American workers while investing in China will all face extensive scrutiny as Republicans’ primary intensifies. Democrats have won every Senate race in New Mexico since 2006, and we are confident Senator Heinrich will be reelected.”

Unprepared for the moment the political newcomer is now forced to play catch-up and rebuke a multi-layered narrative the Dems are already circulating:

--That she is a carpetbagger who has little connection to the state and that her true home has been New York City. (She has a home in Santa Fe).

--That her aforementioned role achieving significant wealth as Chief Financial Officer for the giant hedge fund Bridgewater Associates makes her out of touch in a poor state.

--That she may try to buy the Senate race with her wealth.

--That she is all hat and no cattle, running on her famous last name that today is not as famous as it was when Senator Domenici left the seat in 2009. 

CATCHING UP

Sen. Heinrich

In her catch-up release Domenici, a Georgetown Law graduate, works to outrun that narrative and also signals that she will mainly self-finance her campaign:

I’m in this fight to win, which is why my husband and I are dedicating substantial resources, effort, and time to this race. We can and must do better. 

She says she will launch her campaign with an initial $500,000 personal donation.

On being a carpetbagger:

New Mexico is my home. I was born in Albuquerque. . . I began my education at Our Lady of Fatima. .  I am the devoted mother of two, step-mom of four, and the wife of a Navy Veteran. My family’s roots run deep in New Mexico and it is here that I have always returned. My husband Pat and I enjoy our family home in New Mexico that we have owned for nearly twenty years.

On being a lightweight on public policy: 

. . .I have been a warrior for those who most need an advocate: for women competing in academics or business, for families dealing with mental illness, and for those without access to quality healthcare or education. . .My professional experience and education enables me to deeply understand inflation, taxation. . .

On why she is pursuing a campaign that some GOP consultants see as futile:

The cost of living is up, we have a crime and drug crisis, the border is wide open, and our public education system is leaving our kids behind. . .It is clear that the political environment in New Mexico is favorable to Republicans. Over 70% of voters believe the country is on the wrong track. There is massive dissatisfaction with the economy, our border, and the misguided policies from Washington. 

The other major GOP candidate in the race is former BernCo Sheriff Manny Gonzales. He is taking hits over a national gun scandal but argues it is politically motivated. 

Most important, Gonzales is tight with Trump and Domenici is not expected to express fondness for the ex-president. She comes from a moderate wing of the GOP that is nearly out of existence but presently exemplified by presidential candidate Nikki Haley.  

And what about abortion, Nella? Uh, please don’t ask.

A GOP consultant opines: 

Joe, state Republicans will have to decide between an ethically-challenged Sheriff who just switched from the Democrats and a wealthy Manhattanite who has just parachuted in.

True but the question is whether Gonzales will have the funds to compete with Domenici. 

TRUMP'S SHADOW

The GOP nominated anti-Trumper Mark Ronchetti for the 2020 US Senate nomination. He went on to lose to Dem Ben Ray Lujan.

Ronchetti came back for the Governor's race in 2022, again spending millions only to lose again in blue New Mexico, this time to Michelle Lujan Grisham.

The lesson being that money alone is not enough for a Republican to win a general election. There must be gravitas to a candidacy. 

National Republicans can encourage Domenici and they don't have to give her money but hope to see her force Heinrich to spend down the $3.2 million he has already banked.

Domenici has hired Rival Strategy of ABQ for her campaign. They are also working on Yvette Herrell's southern congressional candidacy against Dem Rep. Gabe Vasquez but not as the main consultants. 

PETE'S LEGACY

Domenici's father, who had nine children and died in 2017 at 85, was the last Republican to be elected to the US Senate from New Mexico and that was for his final term in 2002.

DC pundits rate the ‘24 NM Senate race as "solid Democratic."

Nella Domenici's brother, ABQ attorney Pete Domenici, Jr. ran for the 2010 GOP Governor nomination but finished back in the pack, another example of New Mexico voters not being comfortable with dynasty politics. 

Another Nella Domenici brother, half-brother Adam Laxalt, won for attorney general in Nevada but came up short when he sought a US Senate seat in 2022.

Adam Laxalt's birth was the result of an extra-marital affair Senator Domenici had with a DC lobbyist that was only revealed after he left the Senate. It cost him much goodwill. Since Nella Domenici is relying on the family name the negatives of her father will surely circulate on social media. 

A THIN PRESENCE

Sen. Domenici

Domenici's involvement in the state is thin, consisting of stints on various boards, despite her statement that she has been a "warrior" for those most in need.