That's because it will be all about the money which will makes voters' eyes glaze over but will be closely scrutinized by political junkies for signs of strength or weakness as well as for clues on how the candidates--one of whom will eventually be governor--manages their money.
So before the glazing starts, let's get to it. . .
If the early spending from Dem hopeful Deb Haaland is indicative of how she would manage the state budget, she won't be a skinflint.
Haaland reported in April already signing checks for $1.17 million on a campaign that she launched in mid-February. And expensive TV ads were not among the bills.
Most of the large outlay went to consultants who revel in what is now a
nonstop political cycle where spending for the next election begins as
soon as the last one ends. In fact, Haaland and other candidates now pay vast sums to groups and individuals who charge them for raising even more vast sums.
Haaland appeared forced into the race early to dissuade Senator Heinrich from getting in which started the money clock. The spending included a collection of videos and digital ads that will be forgotten faster than yesterday's newspaper (they still have those, don't they?).
Haaland now reports her total fund-raising has hit $3.7 million. She dearly hopes that she can bank most of that money for an eventual general election but there is a little problem. . .
Well, he's not little but Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman got Haaland's attention when he announced his Guv fund-raising hit the $1 million mark in the first five weeks of his campaign.
Bregman has always been a prodigious fund-raiser so his fast start out of the gate is no surprise to insiders.
The problem for Haaland, the frontrunner for the nomination, is the more Bregman raises the more she has to spend or so those well-fed consultants will whisper in in her ear.
More Democrats are expected to join the party but they may be poverty stricken compared to the Sam and Deb show.
Las Crucs Mayor Ken Miyagishima is expected to make his bid official in the next month.
Lt. Governor Howie Morales is keeping his name circulating as a possible. But why? He seems to have the inside track for the presidency of Western NM University and if he gets it he won't have any money worries--as long as he doesn't use the Dr. Shepherd accounting method.
DUKE'S DOUGH
Our report on possible GOP Guv candidate and marijuana magnate Duke Rodriguez got the anti-pot Republicans off the bench. Several of them pointed to Duke's $10,000 in donations to MLG's 2018 campaign as reason enough to disqualify him from the Republican nomination. MLG isn't the only Dem Rodriguez gave ample donations to. Details are on the SOS website.
Hmm. Republican Darren White, candidate for ABQ mayor and fellow marijuana merchant, also donated money to MLG's campaign. Wonder how Republicans will feel about that?
This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.