There will be a Democratic reaction to the Trump presidential win when the Legislature meets in January. Wall-Leaners say a proposal first given voice here calling for tax relief for lower income New Mexicans is in the works on the D side. It will come in the wake of many Hispanic voters in the state going over to the Trump side with the economy being a central concern for the move.

It was suggested here that earners reporting less than $45,000 in annual income owe no state income tax and that the cut could easily be covered by the enormous surpluses piling up from the oil and gas boom. What the specific Dem bill will propose is not clear yet--but one is coming. 

Jeff Apodaca, whose NM Project pushes for more Hispanic representation in state offices, comes with this analysis of the Trump win:

Hilary Clinton gave us Donald Trump for the first time The progressives have given us Donald Trump for a second time! The progresses have pushed Latino and black men out of Dem party. I'm not saying they love Trump, they're just voting Republican because of the progressive Dems. 

Apodaca confirms that he is mulling over a race for ABQ mayor next year and should have a decision in January.

Reader Freddie Lopez adds:

Legislative Republicans should make their focus eliminating taxes on all Social Security income as well as eliminating the state income tax on certain households during the session. Many Hispanic voters are citing inflation as one of their main concerns. By Republicans addressing the economic uneasiness that voters have, it would also make the Democrats talking points about Republicans wanting to eliminate abortion moot because their priority is the economy, not abortion. 

The Democrats could beat the R's to the punch, if they can see it in their progressive hearts to directly recognize the concerns of lower income households for a change and give abortion, climate change and transgender rights a little rest. 

NEW GOP LEADERS

Farmington Senator Bill Sharer has been in the Senate for nearly 25 years but can he moderate his often ultra-conservative tone now that he is the new state Senate GOP Minority Leader? From the GOP caucus: 

The Senate Republican Caucus unanimously elected new leadership with Senator Bill Sharer (R-Farmington) as the new Minority Leader, Senator Pat Woods (R-Broadview) as the new Minority Whip, and Senator David Gallegos (R-Eunice) as the new Caucus Chair.  “I am honored to be chosen for the position of Caucus Leader,” said Senator Sharer. "I intend to usher in an era of unity and conservative principles.The overtaxed and hard-working men and women of New Mexico will have a voice in this caucus. Now is not the time to sit idly by."

So Bill, show us the tax cut for all those non Republicans not pulling down six figures.

TOM RUTHERFORD

Tom Rutherford was a political boy genius who grew into an elder statesman of La Politica. 

He was only 25 when first elected to the state Senate from ABQ in 1972. He went on to serve there for 24 years, until 1996, when he departed with the title of Senate Majority Leader. 

Rutherford's defining legacy was probably outside of politics. He was a radio announcer at KOB radio in 1972 when he co-founded what today is known as the ABQ International Balloon Fiesta. That event has become one of the world's major tourist attractions, bringing pleasure to untold millions and an integral part of the state economy. 

That early act was tough to top but Rutherford went on to earn a law degree in 1982 while building his 24 year stretch as a state senator, which he followed with two terms on the Bernalillo County Commission. 

Blessed with a velvety baritone, a keen intellect and a political pedigree nurtured by his father who also served in the legislature, Rutherford brought star power to the Senate. But his one and only effort to go statewide did not take. The young senator lost a battle for the 1978 Democratic lieutenant governor nomination.  

After nearly 30 years in elective office, in 2004 he switched to the lobbying arena, joining with his son Jeremy to form the successful Rutherford Group.

Rutherford's health failed a number of years ago and forced him to withdraw from public life.

It was those rising star years that former NM House Speaker Raymond Sanchez recalled when he informed us of Rutherford's death that took place Tuesday evening:

He was an outstanding New Mexican and member of the Senate. Senate President Ike Smalley (a conservative) christened him Lancelot when he first arrived. Ike asked me to please try to get Tom and Senator Manny Aragon (another ambitious rising star) to be more cooperative with him. Ike thought I could work it out. Not a chance! Tom will be missed. 

Tom Rutherford was 77.

THE BOTTOM LINES

Mayoral candidate Eddy Aragon tells us he is a registered Republican again after announcing in a news release he had switched to independent. When he becomes a liberal Democrat we’ll let you know that, too.  

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.