Here are some clippings that fell to our newsroom floor this week so let's pick them up.

Republicans are jazzed over the prospect of taking back the governorship in '26. They will need a formidable candidate and one possible now appears "pretty doubtful," according to sources. 

Former NM Supreme Court Chief Justice Judy Nakamura has been testing the waters for a run at the GOP Guv nod. She became the last Republican to carry Bernalillo County in a statewide election in 2016. With her now on the unlikely list the two strongest possibles may be Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull, who has publicly confirmed his interest, and former Lt. Gov. John Sanchez who hasn't said anything. 

On the Dem side candidate Deb Haaland continues to roll out endorsements. Recently she came with 50 of them. 

Former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima has said he is exploring a bid and BernCo DA Sam Bregman is a possible but has made no comment. 

We get this from a Democrat of long experience who believes the Dem primary could still be competitive even with Haaland the clear early front-runner: 

Joe, I love Deb. I’d love to see her as governor. Then the inevitable butt. I’m hearing and sensing whispers about her electability. The Dems are desperate not to give back what they have achieved here particularly around women’s healthcare rights. With almost a year and a half to hammer her she could be yesterday’s news by the time the primary comes around. If I was Sam Bregman I’d come in late and hard as a "traditional" Democrat. Way late and way hard. The message would be “ I can get elected." Not one negative word about Deb. She has plenty of time to shoot herself in both feet before he gets in. I actually hope I’m wrong.  

The saying says all will be known in the fullness of time. When it comes the early race to replace MLG we prefer the quote from a song sung by Louis Armstrong: "We have all the time in the world."

GULF OF SOMETHING

Monahan in 2007

This is from Ray Seva, retired PIO for the NM Department of Veterans' Services:

Hi Joe, At lunch, a couple of buddies of mine (one Democrat, one Republican) and I were wondering: in light of the "Gulf of Mexico" name change, do you think a Democrat legislator should have introduced a memorial to protect our state's name from being changed to "New America?" On second thought, maybe Dems would think that would sound very progressive, no? (I've been an avid reader for 21-years now--keep up the great work!)

21 years!? That goes back to the blog's founding in 2003. It's always an honor and pleasure to hear from readers who have stuck with us that long. Thanks very much, Ray. With that kind of loyalty, we'll have to splurge for lunch at Barelas for you and the gang.

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Paul Pacheco

The mind-blowing law enforcement DWI scandal won't only play out in the courts but also the political arena, so let the games begin. . . 

Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen isn't up for re-election until November 2026 but it appears that the Republican who ran and lost against him in 2022 is back on the trail and prepping a campaign to oust Allen as the Sheriff's department becomes more embroiled in the federal bribery investigation. 

Already Undersheriff Johann Jareno--second in command at the department--has been forced to resign and a deputy being investigated was placed on leave, has now also resigned, pleaded guilty to bribery and implicated an unnamed supervisor.

That brought out retired APD officer and Allen GOP rival Paul Pacheco who came with this on social media:

 Sheriff John Allen and the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department are facing serious scrutiny as the FBI investigates allegations of corruption within their DWI unit. At the center of this scandal are Undersheriff  Johann Jareno, who recently resigned, Deputy Jeff Hammerel, who was placed on administrative leave, and Ricardo "Rick" Mendez, a paralegal and longtime friend of Allen, who was recently charged by the FBI. Mendez has been accused of bribing law enforcement officers since 2008 and was also a contributor to Allen's 2022 campaign for sheriff, raising further concerns about his influence within the department. Allen personally elevated Jareno from the rank of sergeant to undersheriff, a significant leap in rank that now raises serious concerns given his involvement in the investigation. With three of Allen's close associates now implicated in misconduct, the integrity of his leadership is under serious fire. 

ALLEN VS. PACHECO

That campaign contribution to Allen from now convicted felon Rick Mendez was for $200. An Allen spokeswoman told us last week:

Sheriff Allen

John Allen had no idea Mendez was involved in a DWI corruption scheme that involved the city, state and BCSO and he has since donated the $200 contribution to MADD, a group John has supported for years. 

A spokeswoman for Allen did not respond to an inquiry for comment on Pacheco's statement. 

Pacheco, a former two-term state representative from ABQ's westside, lost to Allen 54 to 42 with a third candidate getting 4 percent. 

Corruption has always been a gateway issue for Republicans to break the lock on a Democratic hold. Pacheco is obviously putting Allen on notice. 

ABQ Mayor Tim Keller, seeking re-election to a third term this November, has not yet drawn a political opponent seen as a heavyweight contender who could make hay over the scandal. But the year is young and Pacheco has broken the ice. 

RIDING WITH RUSK

Mayors Keller & Rusk

From the city of ABQ:  

Former ABQ Mayor David Rusk, 84, was honored with the dedication of ABQ RIDE’s original transit facility and the KiMo Theatre’s orchestra pit and foyer, now bearing his name. Rusk, who served as mayor from 1977-1981, advocated for smart and inclusive growth, sustainability, and public safety in transit. He was also instrumental in the renovation of the KiMo Theatre. . .into an arts and entertainment center.  

We covered Rusk's mayoral term and recall how one of his first acts as mayor was to announce that he would ride the bus to City Hall each workday from his SE Heights home. He enjoyed meeting people during those rides. Sadly, that might not be a wise choice today.

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Jareno and Sheriff Allen

This is one of the more ironic photos you'll find in La Politica. 

It's a pic of Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen announcing in 2023 his appointment of new Undersheriff Johann Jareno at a DWI command center. That's the same Undersheriff Jareno who has resigned at Allen's urging after it was disclosed that Jareno is under investigation in connection with the FBI probe into the APD/BSCO/NM State Police DWI bribery scandal. 

(The pic is courtesy of crime news site ABQ RAW.)

With the news that the scandal comes within a hair's breadth of the county's chief law enforcement officer, events are taking on an added dimension, one that resembles a tragedy as much as a scandal. 

Law enforcement credibility has been decimated--even if you wouldn't know it by listening to elected officials--or not listening. Comments from them have been few and far between as the Feds go about their task of uncovering what APD watchdog Dan Klein says may be "one of the most widespread corruption cases in the history of US policing."

That may be labeled hyperbole but as the dominoes fall and the casualty count rises, it seems more than reasonable.  

ROUNDHOUSE REACT

State Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Joseph Cervantes did speak out on the latest installment of the corruption scandal, asserting that Sheriff Allen was "cleaning house" by urging the Undersheriff to resign after being notified of the FBI's investigation. Cervantes said on the socials:

I've caught hell arguing the most effective way to combat rampant Albuquerque crime begins with strong leadership - not more unenforced laws. This DWI corruption has gone on decades, and kudos to a decisive Sheriff acting immediately to clean house.

But is this the time for "kudos" for doing the expected or perhaps a time for more legislative interest and oversight in the scandal?

THE FEDS AND ALLEN

Jareno started working with BCSO in March 2009 and served in the DWI Unit from December 2011 until October 2019. He was appointed undersheriff in 2023, so it appears any alleged criminal behavior did not occur while he was the #2 man at the agency.

That's a sliver of good news for Sheriff Allen, who took office in January 2023 and now is grappling with the possibility that even more deputies may be implicated. Jareno is the second. 

Earlier this month Allen criticized the US Attorney's office for what he says was a lack of "communication" about the scandal but he took a more humble tone in addressing the disgrace that fell on his department on Monday, saying: 

We are fully cooperating with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure that all aspects of this investigation are thoroughly addressed. I am grateful for the FBI bringing this new development to my attention directly and due to the ongoing nature of this federal inquiry, our comments must be measured, but be assured that transparency and communication will continue to be a priority of my administration. We are undertaking a thorough review of our internal policies and control mechanisms to prevent such incidents in the future. 

THE HARSH REALITY

Senior law officers in our state, despite impressive credentials and experience, have been reluctant to acknowledge what is happening here.

Three of our police agencies are considered rogue, riddled with decades-long DWI corruption and not to be trusted with confidential information regarding the federal investigation--an undertaking that has led to multiple officers being charged with criminal actions against the laws of the United States.

The federal probe is not a witch hunt. While it took seemingly forever for this scandal to be uncovered, it demonstrates the system of justice is still functioning. Whether it will foster reforms that stick remains in question.

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Sens. Wirth and Sharer (PBS)

With the first half of the 2025 legislative session in the rear view mirror, let's look at the most significant developments.

--The signature piece of legislation this session will be a reboot of the state's inadequate behavioral healthcare system that has roadblocked progress in fighting crime and other social ills, keeping the state ranked at or near the bottom in national rankings. 

But be forewarned, the bills at the Capitol do not offer a quick fix.

In reviewing the legislation (SB 1,2 and 3) portions are exceedingly complicated and bureaucratic. For example, the judiciary will assume major responsibility for implementing the complex rebuild. They've never done that and it will take time for them to adjust. 

Even after the Governor signs the bills (expected soon) uncertainty will prevail over finding enough competent health care workers to service the need.

Another question lingers: whether we can dig deep enough to reach those afflicted, considering the extent of drug addiction ravaging the state and so often impervious to treatment.

But this is a good faith effort, aggressive and well-financed, albeit very late in coming. 

Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth has done yeoman's work pushing this vital need to the top of the agenda. Minority Leader Bill Sharer has ably led his caucus in support. The House under Speaker Javier Martinez has been first on the case. The Governor has pushed forward, assuaging concerns about that novel involvement of the judiciary. 

Everyone is finally pulling together for those left so far behind in an era of nearly unimaginable plenty. It is meaningful bipartisan teamwork only rarely seen at the Roundhouse and it comes in the aftermath of an election that made everyone more pragmatic about state politics. 

We are neither a progressive paradise or a conservative utopia. On matters such as the breakdown in mental health treatment we have to meet in the middle and, by golly, they are doing just that in Santa Fe.

CRIME

There's not much to say about the minor league crime package that is on the way to MLG's desk other than that it seems mostly a political gesture. But the Governor will take what she can get and declare victory. 

Longer sentences for pushing fentanyl will do little to stop the scourge, according to experts. Similar skepticism is heard over the tweaking of the competency laws for defendants. But the public demands something, anything.  

In lieu of the lightweight crime package (with the exception of juvenile code reforms that have stalled) the behavioral health package is the crime package.

TAXES

The Republican argument for permanent tax relief may be gaining ground on the Democrats as the oil gusher shows no signs of stopping and more billions pile up. Their call for the complete elimination of the state personal income tax proved to be a nonstarter but their contention that the bill started a conversation may hold water (or oil if you prefer.) 

Former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima, a conservative Dem who announced late last week that he is considering a run for the '26 Dem Guv nomination, is in favor of returning much of the state surplus to residents.  

The Roundhouse Dems are still talking tax credits --not cash. 

BOOZE TAX

When it comes to the proposed tax hike on booze you may have to go big or go home. That's the message in the fiscal impact report on this year's plan to raise the alcohol tax by 6 percent, including at retail outlets, bars and restaurants. The report says the expected impact on consumption is only a decline of about 1 percent.

The House sponsors are fighting the good fight, but hopes now rest more on the behavioral health remake to address the state's deadly booze addiction rather than a tax increase that could give false hope because of its miniaturized impact. 

OIL TAX

The plan to increase the royalty tax for drilling on oil rich state lands In the Permian to 25 percent from 20 percent has passed the Senate and heads to the House.

That comes at a time when lawmakers can't fully figure out what to do with the stacks of cash already stuffed in the bulging mattresses. They have, however, gone mad for trust funds to trickle out the largess, 

If signed into law, the tax hike would be a feather in the cap of State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard who has led the charge for it and any future political ambitions she may hold (Lt. Gov.?).

That's the way we see it this February Monday. Thanks for tuning in.

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