Before we break for the holidays, one last look at the year that was and the top five political stories that provided major drama for fans of La Politica. 

1. Harris carries New Mexico but Trump comes within six points, the best any Republican presidential candidate has done here since 2004. In doing so he put up impressive numbers in several northern and Hispanic-dominated counties, making the state's minority party wonder how they can build on that performance in local races.

2. The '26 race for Governor burst into '24. The behind-the-scenes posturing by Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland and Sen. Martin Heinrich went public, with Haaland looking like a definite candidate while Heinrich continues to weigh a decision. Either way. the early positioning sent a stern message to Republicans that the majority party is bent on again winning the state's top office and they will need a major player to stop them. (Here's a DC take on the Haaland-Heinrich drama.)

3. The southern congressional district re-elects Democratic US Rep Gabe Vasquez. No more taking turns between the parties holding the 2nd District and with that a watering down of the area's swing district status in the years ahead. The new gerrymandered district barely went for Vasquez in '22 but his margin grew to 10,000 votes this year, depriving Republicans of a needed victory and continuing their shutout from all major state offices.

4. The mighty oil boom continued yet another year. That meant the state's coffers were again flooded, adding more billions to the state's various savings accounts and permanent funds and bringing their total to over $55 billion. While the money freely gushes and the state budget grows ever larger, New Mexicans reflect on how a state with such vast resources can continue to rank near the bottom in so many of quality of life indicators including public education and child well-being. 

5. MLG is staying. Gov. Lujan Grisham's hopes of getting a major position with a Kamala Harris administration were dashed Election Night, leaving her to complete her second four year term in its entirety. A departure could have meant significant shifts in public policy. Still, as a lame-duck who can't seek another term, the Legislature will loom larger over that policy and her administration in her final two years.

And that, gentle readers, is a wrap and a take on what was. As for what's to come, we'll pick up on that when the calendar turns to 2025. Thanks for your continued interest this year. It is greatly appreciated.

Reporting from Albuquerque and wishing you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, I'm Joe Monahan. . . Frank, it's all yours.

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.        

With a potential rivalry between Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland and Senator Martin Heinrich for the 2026 Democratic gubernatorial nomination getting more attention as we head to the critical months where key decisions will be made, where do things really stand?

As we've reported, Haaland appears to be "all-in," to use the words of a source close to her. We're told she is expected to begin hiring staff for the June '26 primary in the March-April time frame. As for fund-raising, that should also gear up then. With her national and local standing should not be a problem.

Heinrich is not as close to pulling the trigger as Haaland. A loss to her could prove devastating to his future and treading carefully is the order of the day. 

Whether Heinrich likes or dislikes his Senate job is a question that needs to be asked of him because he is expected to become the ranking member on the powerful Senate Energy and Natural Resources  Committee. If that doesn't satisfy his ambition, then the Governor's chair will be more alluring,

His time frame for an official decision is seen by insiders as next summer. He just won a third term and announcing too soon risks insulting voters.

Polling of course will be be key to who stays in. Haaland is perceived as the progressive favorite for the nomination and therefore the early front-runner, But Heinrich is coming off a big win, has name ID high and accompanied by the ability to easily raise the money, 

So Haaland is all-in and Heinrich on the fence is where we stand. 

That's uncomfortable for a lot of Democrats who don't relish a potentially ugly battle between these two forces in the state party and there will be much lobbying to prevent one. 

Even if the fight occurs, the Democrats may not have much to fear from Republicans taking advantage. The minority party still has no names equivalent to either Haaland or Heinrich who are positioned to take on either one of them.  

BEN RAY'S TAKE

Sen. Lujan

Sen. Ben Ray Lujan, who will be on the 2026 ballot if he seeks a second term, seems to be tilting toward Haaland in the Governor's race. Or does he?:

They’re both very popular. Deb Haaland is well-liked in New Mexico, well-liked in so many spheres. Martin is going to come at this with resources, but Deb has a strong base with people back home. When Deb runs, Deb wins, she finds a way to win. 

Haaland could be expected to boost Native American turnout in the election, a big plus for Ben Ray who has not yet announced his re-election intentions. Still, Heinrich is no slouch attracting the electorate as seen in the November results and that could also help Lujan.

RIDICULOUS? 

A veteran Republican weighs in on Rep. Melanie Stansbury's loss this week of a hard-fought battle ]for the top Democratic slot on the House Natural Resources Committee: 

Joe, It's ridiculous to believe that Stansbury hasn't created long term problems for herself if the race was as bitter as you suggested. Senior members aren't going to forget a newbie attacking a much more senior member.

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.        

Rep. Stansbury

ABQ Dem Rep. Melanie Stansbury was the loser in what DC insiders described as a "bitter, personal and brutally contested" battle for a top position on the House Natural Resources Committee, but if she doesn't extend that bitterness going forward her unsuccessful run could aid her future chances for leadership. 

The House Democrats Steering and Policy Committee--reportedly on a 44 to 17 vote--picked the more seasoned and moderate Rep. Jared Huffman for the position of ranking minority member on the committee. Stansbury, 45, could still take the battle to the full House Caucus but decisions of the Steering panel are rarely overturned.

Huffman, 60, had her beat on seniority. She only came to the House in June of 2021. He has been been there since 2013. Also, her progressive stripes could not carry the day as they didn't for AOC whose bid for a ranking spot on another committee was also rejected. Huffman appealed to the many moderates making the decision. 

Rep. Huffman is now positioned to become chairman of the committee if the Democrats can take back the House majority. Meanwhile House committees will be chaired by Republicans.

Stansbury, if she doesn't burn any bridges over the defeat, stands to enhance her and the state's status in Washington and put herself in position for a future leadership spot.

As for the battle between her and Huffman getting "bitter," that will sit fine in her home district. Things can get that way when you're fighting over something worth having--as long as you don't carry a grudge afterwards.

THE HEINRICH FACTOR

As we discussed Monday, senior Sen. Martin Heinrich refused to make an endorsement in the Stansbury-Huffman contest even as the rest of the state's DC delegation gave her the nod. That set off speculation that Heinrich is still eyeing a run for the '26 Dem Guv nomination and that backing Stansbury did not fit into that plan. 

Certainly not a theory to be disregarded but the Heinrich camp does point out that he is about to be the ranking Democrat on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and must work closely with his House counterpart. In addition, they say he has worked with Huffman for better than a decade.

It is uncommon for the state's congressional delegation to have such a public split but they can ill-afford any lingering animosity with Trump set to take power next month and literally billions of dollars of federal funding hanging in the balance. 

CRABS AND LOBSTERS

Reader John Rey has a final word on the matter: 

Joe, this snub is what is wrong with the Democrats. “I’m in it for me and the rest be damned" is tearing the party apart. Heinrich as the senior member from New Mexico should show more class and support those in his party as they seek even better positions. But this is why NM is last in everything. We can’t get passed the lobsters in the bucket situation.

Hey John, we used to call that the "crabs in the barrel" pulling one another down. But we're sure our delegation will appreciate the upgrade. (Don't worry, Alligators. Were not going to replace you.)

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.        

Haaland and Heinrich

Some say if it walks, Martin Heinrich endorses. In fact, the state's senior senator has endorsed so many candidates up and down the ballot in recent years--in defiance of previous tradition--that we nicknamed him "The First Endorser" and it has stuck. 

No wonder then that when Sen. Heinrich refused to endorse his congressional colleague Rep. Melanie Stansbury for a top leadership post on the House Natural Resources Committee jaws hit the floor. 

It prompted speculation that Heinrich is starting to weigh his congressional actions with an eye on his possible run for the Democratic nomination for Governor in 2026 as well as that year’s general election where he would want to stake out centrist positions away from the progressive path Stansbury follows. Still, his caution seems sheepish.

While the rest of the delegation--Sen. Ben Ray Lujan and Reps. Gabe Vasquez and Teresa Leger Fernandez--heartily endorsed their colleague for the ranking member position on the committee, Heinrich begged off, saying:

That brought this Alligator retort: "Wish her the best? With a dagger in her back?"

So what's going on? 

Stansbury is closely aligned with the progressive camp of Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland who, according to our reliable Alligators, is "all in" on her own run for the '26 Democratic Guv nomination. 

If that primary turns into a Heinrich-Haaland match-up, female progressives like Stansbury are expected to flock to Haaland while Heinrich would plant his flag with the rest of the party. 

Stansbury appears to be taking Heinrich's rejection personally with a source close to her saying of Heinrich's snub:

What a sad response by our Senior Senator.

Stansbury & Haaland

Heinrich's refusal to endorse Stansbury is a blow to unity for our small congressional delegation that needs to deliver for a state dominated by federal spending. 

Heinrich has readily broken with tradition to endorse Dem candidates in contested primaries in legislative and many other contests and thumbed his nose at those who disagreed. 

His refusal to endorse Stansbury has critics accusing him of hypocrisy and putting his ego and ambitions above the needs of New Mexico.

If Heinrich had already ruled out a Guv run, his decision on Stansbury would have caused only a ripple but with Haaland watching from the sidelines, he gets no rope to burn. And if neither Heinrich or Haaland blinks and gets out of the race, the prospect of a bloody and damaging Democratic primary could loom.

Haaland, who started off her term in Biden's cabinet like a deer in the headlights as she withered while facing congressional committees, has shown growth in the last year.

That was evident when she appeared for a 15 minute friendly interview on The Daily Show this month. She was much more sure-footed and informed than in the past which has to be making Heinrich's team more anxious about making the unprecedented choice to try to leave the Senate to become Governor.

The House Democratic Caucus is scheduled to vote on their ranking committee members today. Stansbury has strong opposition for the position and may or may not prevail. The Heinrich-Stansbury relationship may stay on the rocks no matter the outcome.

Then there's the possibility of Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman seeking the Dem Guv nod and splitting up votes with Heinrich. But we'll save that for another time.

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.        

More property tax breaks veterans? Who would say no? Well, not many as it turned out at the November election when two more property tax breaks for veterans were approved by voters. 

That approval has drawn more scrutiny since then. Several of our readers and experts criticize the cuts for not helping homeless veterans of which there are many. 

More significant, they point out the tax breaks will shift more of the tax burden to other property owners to make up for lost revenue including seniors on fixed incomes. In Bernalillo County that could amount to an extra $100 a year in property tax per homeowner, says the County Assessors Office which did not take a position on the amendments. 

After all that, it's time for the flip side of the coin as reader Bob Carroll takes up the cause in favor of the amendments. 

Joe, I read with dismay your December 4 article on the recently passed Constitutional Amendments on tax breaks for veterans. As you noted, the amendments were approved by a substantial majority of the voters, 83% for HJR 5 and 73% for HJR 6. The amendments recognize the sacrifice that the veterans have made for the good of our nation. It is also important to note that neighboring states have even more generous provisions for veterans (Texas, for example).  The Department of Defense, in making its determinations on which bases will receive more missions, and which bases will remain open, places a heavy weight on which states have military friendly laws for service members, veterans and their families.

The first Constitutional amendment (HJR 5) ties a property tax reduction for veterans based on the percentage of their service-related disability. The previous provision only granted an exemption for veterans with a 100% service related disability. If you had a 60% or 40% disability, you were out of luck.  Under this bill, if you have a 40% disability then you will get a 40% reduction on your property taxes.  

About a quarter of New Mexico veterans have some level of service-connected disabilities. The average reduction in the tax bill for these veterans will be about $767 and will cost taxpayers about $14 a year (see legislative FIR, or Fiscal Impact Report). Other states have similar deductions for partially disabled veterans (Texas, for example).  The FIR assumes that every veteran takes advantage of this amendment, which never happens, and the impact is likely to be far lower.

The cost of the second amendment that reduces the bills that veterans receive for property taxes is de minimis. The amendment provides that the exemption, which was pegged at $4,000 in 2006 to be deducted from the taxable value of the property, will be raised to $10,000 and will be tied to the rate of inflation in prospective years. Keep in mind that we are talking about a $10,000 deduction on the value of the property, not on the tax bill. 

New Mexico has 142,000 veterans, and about half claim the property deduction. A $10,000 reduction in the valuation of a $300,000 house in Albuquerque (to $290,000) doesn’t mean much financially to the homeowner. It means a lot more to a veteran living in a $40,000 trailer.  The average reduction in actual taxes paid by veterans will be about $180. This is an annual burden on the general population of $34, which again assumes that every veteran will apply for the exemption.

I won’t argue that our tax system is perfect or that a different approach might benefit more people. I do maintain that recognizing our veterans and enacting provisions that are in line with other states is important in keeping our veterans here in New Mexico. 

UBI

Reader Maureen Skowran is enjoying the discussion of a Universal Basic Income but. . .

Hi, Joe. I am loving the support for guaranteed income, such as from Mitchell Freedman on Nov. 21 and Ken Tabish on Dec. 4. But Ken is misleading by calling his proposal “universal basic income.” “Universal” means “all” – and giving the money to only families with children is clearly not all. 

“Universal basic income” has a well-established meaning. According to GiveDirectly, which runs one of the longest-standing basic income programs, it means: 

"Universal, serving all members of society; Basic, enough to cover basic needs; and an Income, an unconditional, recurring payment guaranteed for recipients’ lifetimes. To truly meet the definition of “basic,” the payment must also be sufficient to cover fundamental needs."

This isn’t a critique of the proposal’s merits but a call for clarity about what it actually represents.   

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.        

Rep. Stansbury

She must feel confident because after teasing a run for the position of Ranking Member on the House Natural Resources Committee ABQ Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury has made it official and is in the race.

She faces fellow Democrat and House veteran Jared Huffman, 60, who represents a district north of San Francisco. Stansbury, 45, was first elected at a special election in 2021. Her district is mostly ABQ but also includes large sections of low-populated rural counties to the south.

The Ranking Member of a committee leads the minority members and usually becomes chairman of a House Committee when the chamber switches party control. 

Republicans will maintain the chairmanship of Natural Resources for the next two years since they scored the House majority at the November election but the margin is very close and could flip to the Dems in 2026. The ranking Democrat would then be expected to assume the coveted chair.

The stakes are high for New Mexico which has Deb Haaland as Secretary of Interior but who will be leaving when Trump comes in. The full Democratic Caucus will decide the Ranking Member positions next week.

A source close to Stansbury says Huffman may have an inside edge but "she’s picking up new members and every day feeling better."

One reason Stansbury may have gotten off the fence and made the run was this endorsement from Arizona Rep. Raúl Grijalva, the current Ranking Member who is not seeking the post again:

I am proud to endorse my friend and colleague. . .(She) has made her mark as a strategic and tenacious advocate for advancing environmental justice, strengthening tribal sovereignty, and securing water for communities in the drought-stricken West. Her tenure as Ranking Member on the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee proves her leadership in standing up to polluting industries and holding them to account, even when Democrats don't hold the gavel. “The next four years will be a fight against Trump’s ‘drill, baby, drill’ plan. House Natural Resources will be the frontline of this fight, and I am confident Rep. Stansbury is the right person to lead this critical committee.

In her announcement Stansbury did not directly mention the President-elect:

My life’s work at the forefront of these land and water issues and climate justice is not just a job—it is part of who I am and why I am here. As we prepare for the 119th Congress, we must meet the moment and be prepared for the attacks that will undoubtedly come, while continuing to work with our colleagues across the aisle to get things done. To do so, we will need leadership who will lead with strength, integrity, grit, determination, and heart.

TRUMP FACTOR

Rep. Huffman

For his part, Huffman, 60, said:

Huffman emphasized the incoming Trump administration’s likely targeting of Biden-era environmental regulations:“My district experiences some of the worst impacts of the climate crisis including extreme drought, devastating wildfires, flooding, sea level rise, toxic algal blooms, and biodiversity loss.

Both Stansbury and Huffman are steeped in policy with Stansbury's expertise including arcane water law, environmental impacts and tribal relations. 

She has an uber-progressive record on social issues that causes consternation among moderates but like Senators Udall and Bingaman in their day she appears to be drawing bipartisan support for her other interests that are vitally important to the state.

To that end, southern Dem Congressman Gabe Vasquez suggests a pragmatic path for Stansbury should the leadership role become hers:

I believe that Congresswoman Stansbury has an ability to cut more deals, to be able to hopefully have a working relationship with Republican leadership in that committee, and not be so necessarily defensive about what the Trump administration is doing but find common ground.

PHRASING PROBLEM

Reader Mark Fidel writes of the Tuesday Vox Populi blog: 

Hi Joe: Jim McClure’s comments aren’t wrong, but he needs to work on his delivery. “ So wireless internet will bring connectivity to more New Mexicans more quickly, but could force broadband office employees to find honest work when the project is completed” By his description, the work that the broadband office’s employees are doing currently is not “honest“? Perhaps they should just go find “honest“ jobs now and let somebody else figure out the broadband problem. 

McClure's phrasing was indeed misleading. 

The issue isn't the employees of the Broadband Office but a policy towards satellite internet that needs to be made more flexible here and in DC. Their announcements of grants for laying fiber in rural New Mexico that will often take years to complete seems disconnected from the reality of what our rural kids could have at their fingertips now--high-speed, reliable satellite internet access. The Broadband office is proposing a $70 million accommodation of that viewpoint. That's promising but should be the beginning not the end.  

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.        

Time again for the always popular Reader Vox Populi where our insightful readers hold forth.

Reader Jim McClure is in the same corner we are when it comes to satellite internet delivery for under-served rural areas:

 Joe, I’m glad to see you watchdogging the progress of broadband deployment. It’s great to see the state broadband office opening the door a little to satellite. The issue I see is that satellite and wireless systems can be deployed quickly, after which the project team could be disbanded. The Broadband Office currently employs 30 people with the prospect of more when construction actually begins. The state’s commitment to the slow pace of fiber optic construction may give these people at least a decade of job security. So wireless internet will bring connectivity to more New Mexicans more quickly, but could force broadband office employees to find honest work when the project is completed. The state clearly has to keep its priorities straight. 

Reader Freddie Lopez turns thumbs down o the proposal to raise the state tax on alcohol as advocated for by a trio of Democratic legislators in our Other Voices blog of December 5:

Hi Joe, I believe Democrats are making a huge mistake pushing for this during the next legislative session. No one is denying the devastating impact alcohol abuse has on our state, but raising taxes is not going to solve anything. People are still going to purchase alcohol and some will continue to abuse it in spite of the potential taxes on it. Our legislators should focus on investing in sobriety and treatment programs for those struggling with alcohol addiction. Also, New Mexicans don’t want to hear about taxes being raised with inflation continuing at high rates.

ANOTHER NO VOTE

Longtime reader John Gniady also says this is no time to raise the booze tax which was defeated at last year's legislative session:

It’s no wonder that passing alcohol abuse legislation of the type advocated for in the Other Voices blog of has gone nowhere given the positions of the legislators supporting such legislation. 

There is the assertion that: "It is unconscionable that Native Americans, Hispanic, and Black individuals in the state report the lowest prevalence of alcohol use yet experience the highest rates of alcohol-related death.” In other words, decreasing alcohol consumption through higher taxes does not have the desired effect of reducing the harms to society. That is reason enough to defeat this approach. It’s ineffective. This also conflicts with their other assertion: "One of the most powerful ways to do this [prevent alcohol abuse] is by increasing alcohol taxes, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends.” Which is it? 

Also, the source of several additional assertions such as, "Although the harms to society from alcohol costs the state’s economy nearly $4 per standard drink, the state collects $0.04 to $0.07 in taxes per standard drink.” are not referenced so the reader cannot come to an independent conclusion.

If I were in the legislature, I would push for strengthening existing alcohol abuse laws by adding to the minimum requirements of jail and/or prison sentences where it is clear alcohol abuse was involved. The problem is the judicial branch of state government is “soft on crime" of all types. Harsher sentences for all kinds of crime would be a wake-up call that society’s tolerance for crime be it alcohol abuse or anything else has diminished. 

VETS TAX BREAK UNFAIR

We get this from a retired county assessor who wishes to remain anonymous as they comment on two property tax breaks for veterans that were approved by state voters at the November election: 

As a former Assessor, I agree with those opposed to the tax breaks awarded to veterans in the two approved constitutional amendments. I had retired before this issue came up, but why is it the property tax that is always impacted? If the state wants to help veterans (which I agree) it should be for all veterans, not just homeowners--and that should be done with the state income tax, not property tax. Bernalillo County tax revenues will be strongly affected by these new tax cuts.

Bernalillo County Assessor Damian Lara, who took no position on the amendments, did say he was concerned about their impact on elderly homeowners. He says the assessed property tax rate on BernCo homes will now probably go up by $50 to $100 a year.

WNMU SCANDAL

Andre Larroque of Cedar Crest comments on the expense account scandal we blogged of Nov. 26 that has engulfed Western NM University at Silver City and its President Joseph Shephard:

Hi Joe, The current system of individual public four-year colleges in each corner of this vast state seems antiquated while potentially complicating the necessary oversight to prevent them from becoming the personal fiefdoms of top administrators. We should ask ourselves if full four-year institutions are even appropriate in sparsely populated and less-economically healthy areas. Many potential students may choose not to get a full degree just yet and need to hold down a real job or help take care of local family members to support livelihoods. Perhaps an effective expansion and strengthening of our community colleges would better enhance educational opportunities and options in the more remote places while still keeping these parts of the state from becoming ‘college deserts’.

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.        

MLG

A couple of early Christmas presents have brightened the season, at least from your blog's perspective.

First there was that somewhat surprising state decision to pump $70 million into satellite internet delivery for under-served rural areas. Second, there was the Governor's announcement that she is throwing her weight behind the idea of relocating the State Fairgrounds and repositioning the land for housing and other development. 

We won't put a bow on either gift yet. Final approval of the $70 million in satellite internet cash is pending but seems likely. As for the fairgrounds plan, MLG gave it a big boost but it needs added momentum to become reality. 

This latest proposal (there have been others) started with the Legislature when they approved $500,000 for EXPO NM to come up with a new master plan. One aspect of the possible redevelopment has been flying under the radar:

Ideas to be considered include: Building a new, modern arena that has the capacity to support large scale concerts and events.

That proposal to finally replace the long out-of-date Tingley Coliseum has been a staple of a long list of needed capital improvements mentioned here since the oil boom started. A new and modern Tingley (the old name is fine) would be especially welcome to the youth of the city and state. They see little in the way of major amenities coming their way and that accelerates the speed at which they depart. (And sparkling new Fair facilities for 4-H youth and other rural interests would be an added plus.)

Maybe next year the early Christmas presents will be having the plans to move the Fair and add a new arena and mixed housing well underway. What say you, Santa?

ERIC SERNA REDUX

Eric Serna (KOAT)

We were surprised to learn from the Governor's news conference that Eric Serna, once a headliner name in La Politica, is now chairman of the Fair Commission. When did he get on there? Well, way back in 2019 when he was appointed by MLG. We must have been hitting golf balls that day.

Serna is an attorney who chaired the NM Corporation Commission for 14 years and was Superintendent of Insurance for five years. Old-timers will remember him as the Democratic candidate for the northern congressional seat in 1997. That's when Republican Bill Redmond pulled an historic upset of Serna (with a Green Party candidate splitting the  Dem vote) and filled the seat left vacant when Bill Richardson became ambassador to the United Nations. 

Serna was a controversial pick because he was seen as part of the northern "Old Guard" who often brushed up against ethics rules. The smell of an upset was in the air on the eve of the election with then UNM professor F. Chris Garcia opining: 

The thing that can defeat Eric Serna is for Democrats, mainly Hispanics who are usually the strength of the Democratic Party, to stay at home either because of complacency or dissatisfaction. 

Marty Chavez

Those words were prescient. Serna lost the race to Redmond by 43 to 40. In turn Redmond was defeated for a full two year term in 1998 by Democrat Tom Udall. No Republican would ever again take the northern seat which came into being in 1982.

'97 was the end of Serna's political career but he went on to success in the private sector as a lawyer specializing in insurance management and regulatory consulting. 

Now Serna, thanks to MLG, is back at an historic time to help reposition the Fair and a large swath of SE ABQ for the future. He may be just the the guy for the job, given the political skills the administration needs to pull off the deal. There are a multitude of parties to pacify and Serna is no amateur. 

For Serna this is a chance at a strong last act, one that could bring sweeping changes--the kind of changes he would have had if his dream of joining the Congress had not been dashed those many years ago. 

Former ABQ Mayor Marty Chavez, MLG's infrastructure advisor, is leading the administration's efforts to relocate the Fair. His considerable political acumen will be fully tested as he works to pull off what would be the most significant public works project of the Governor's two terms. Working with Serna should be no problem as both pride themselves on being masters of the Movida.

BARELA WINS

As our Senior Alligators predicted, Amy Barela Saturday easily won election as the new chair of the NM Republican Party. The results of the GOP State Central Committee vote:

Amy Barela--157; John Brenna--58; Mark Murton- 46 Mick Rich- 44; Robert Kwasny-3 

Barela, 49, a former chair of the Otero county GOP and a current county commissioner there, succeeds longtime chairman Steve Pearce. Before her victory, Barela said:

Now, more than ever, we must fight for New Mexicans—defending their constitutional rights, supporting our legislators in their efforts to combat out-of-control crime, and ensuring that law enforcement has the support they need. We must also bring awareness to the challenges New Mexicans face, including the state of our schools, rising prices, and the healthcare crisis. These are New Mexican issues and addressing them starts with voting differently to bring real change to our state.

Barela is squarely in the camp of the Pearce/oil wing of the state GOP as opposed to the wing of former Gov. Susana Martinez and her acolytes. Unifying the party has been impossible the past decade. Now it's Barela's turn to try.

Hessel Yntema, city attorney for Roswell, replaces Barela as the party's First Vice-Chair. All GOP convention results here.

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.        

Rep. Kathleen Cates

With the state showing no signs of backing away form its worst in the nation status for alcohol-related deaths, legislators will have another go at raising alcohol taxes in the next session. This Other Voices column was co-authored by state Senator Antoinette Sedillo Lopez and state Reps. Joanne Ferrary, Kathleen Cates, Liz Thomson and D. Wonda Johnson.

We are committed to working with our legislative colleagues in the upcoming session to pass laws that reduce alcohol consumption and provide stable funding to address the problems caused by alcohol in our state. Our state’s future depends on it. 

In the 260 days since the last attempted alcohol tax increase during the 2024 legislative session, about 1,400 people in New Mexico have died from alcohol-related causes — more than twice as many as those who have died from opioid overdose. 

Drinking too much alcohol is linked to serious issues in our communities, like gun violence, crime, domestic violence, and car accidents, as well as health problems like breast cancer, stroke, and hypertension. 

New Mexico has had the highest rates of alcohol-related deaths in the country since 1997, and we need different strategies to tackle this public health crisis. We won’t improve health, reduce health disparities, lower death rates, or reduce crime without taking action on alcohol misuse. 

One of the most powerful ways to do this is by increasing alcohol taxes, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends. The funds generated by New Mexico’s current alcohol taxes are insufficient to support programs aimed at combating alcohol misuse, and the current tax rate does not effectively discourage drinking. This is largely due to the fact that New Mexico has not raised alcohol taxes in over 30 years. 

Although the harms to society from alcohol costs the state’s economy nearly $4 per standard drink, the state collects $0.04 to $0.07 in taxes per standard drink. These harms affect under-resourced individuals and communities at a much higher rate and at greater intensities. It is a moral imperative that we address these health disparities.

 It is unconscionable that Native Americans, Hispanic, and Black individuals in the state report the lowest prevalence of alcohol use yet experience the highest rates of alcohol-related death. As state lawmakers, we must take immediate action to address this public health crisis and improve the lives of all New Mexicans. 

In the 2025 legislative session, we aim to pass laws that will: 1) reduce alcohol consumption by 5% to 10% and 2) generate $200 to $250 million each year to fund public health programs for prevention and treatment of alcohol misuse. There are multiple ways to accomplish these goals. 

For instance, we could achieve these goals by raising existing alcohol taxes by $0.25 per drink as has been proposed previously. Alternatively, adjusting existing excise taxes for inflation since 1994 and adding a sales tax at the time of purchase could also accomplish these objectives. The excise tax is based on the volume of the beverage, while a sales tax would depend on how much people spend on alcohol, and is thus a more progressive tax. 

Experts believe these changes could lower drinking rates and provide steady funding for prevention and treatment. This specific funding stream is crucial since our state’s economy relies heavily on oil and gas, and during tough economic times, behavioral and public health services are often cut first. Furthermore, allocating money from the general fund alone would have substantially reduced impacts on the most important component–decreasing population-level alcohol consumption.

 In order to safeguard the health and future of New Mexico, it is imperative that we take bold action now by implementing higher alcohol taxes, ensuring that our communities receive the support they need to combat this ongoing public health crisis. We must come together to find a path forward for this critical legislation.

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Proposals are expected to surface in the next legislative session to cut or even eliminate state income taxes for households earning less than $40,000 or thereabouts. Recent guest columnist Mitchell Freedman also recently broached the topic of providing a Universal Basic Income (UBI) for New Mexicans. (Some pros and cons here.) Reader Ken Tabish responds:

Joe, there was mention about the state taking the Alaska approach in using oil and gas revenue revenues to provide a Universal Basic Income for New Mexicans. I am all for this in lieu of more tax cuts or even a cost of living credit due to our energy largess. My recommendation is to tie the UBI to families with children, rather than a straight payout to people over 18 and making under $40k. 

During the pandemic we saw how direct payments to families with children from the Feds had a direct impact on reducing the rate of child poverty in the country and New Mexico as a whole. Although costly, this proved valuable in assisting low income families with children in meeting high costs. Can we as a state with massive surpluses do something directly to improve the quality of life for our most vulnerable citizens? I say yes.

TOO MANY SCHOOLS

The expense account scandal that has engulfed Western New Mexico University President Joe Shephard and reported on here recently draws the attention of reader Alan Schwartz:

Coincidentally the current issue of New Mexico Business First has the "List" for New Mexico Colleges and Universities. Missing from the list, WNMU. Why? I can only conclude they did not respond to the inquiry. As for the WNMU Regents, if they are not concerned about the university's anemic graduation rates why should they be expected to question the expenses of their president? The highest WNMU graduation rate I found was 36.2% with other sources citing lower numbers and six year graduation rates in single digits. 

Being from California, where the university and state university systems have 10 and 23 campuses respectively with graduation rates of 92.3% (UC) and 82.5% (CSU), I never understood this proliferation of autonomous regional colleges. I'm thinking you have addressed this in the past. 

Thanks, Alan. Over the years we have indeed covered the problem of the state having too many higher educational institutions. It's been discussed since all the schools were permanently established by the state constitution at statehood in 1912. Here is the passage mandating them:

The university of New Mexico, at Albuquerque; the New Mexico state university, near Las Cruces, formerly known as New Mexico college of agriculture and mechanic arts; the New Mexico highlands university, at Las Vegas, formerly known as New Mexico normal university; the western New Mexico university, at Silver City, formerly known as New Mexico western college and New Mexico normal school; the eastern New Mexico university, at Portales, formerly known as eastern New Mexico normal school; the New Mexico institute of mining and technology, at Socorro, formerly known as New Mexico school of mines; the New Mexico military institute, at Roswell, formerly known as New Mexico military institute; the New Mexico school for the blind and visually impaired, at Alamogordo, formerly known as New Mexico school for the visually handicapped; the New Mexico school for the deaf, at Santa Fe, formerly known as New Mexico asylum for the deaf and dumb; the northern New Mexico state school, at El Rito, formerly known as Spanish-American school; are hereby confirmed as state educational institutions.

VETS BREAK UNFAIR?

Finally today, a subject we raised on the radio during our Election Night coverage--those two constitutional amendments providing more tax breaks for veterans and that were approved by large majorities. We go back to attorney Mitchell Freedman:

I am concerned with the two amendments that will essentially negate property taxes for mostly well-off veterans who own their homes. The amendments do nothing for vets who rent and especially nothing for vets who have home insecurity or outright homeless. The effect of these two amendments will be to significantly lessen property tax revenue, which often funds public schools. Multiple assessors and treasurers have said the rest of us may have to pay more property taxes to maintain current revenue flows. 

One solution may be to create a progressive tier of property taxes so that homeowners with smaller or relatively small homes, based upon square footage, should pay less than those with mansions. Property taxes are flat or regressive taxes, not progressive taxes, and more akin to a sales tax which is also regressive. 

I totally get we should want to honor our vets. However, I do not think these constitutional amendments honor anyone. The amendments create a favoritism unfair to so many including vets who are not as fortunate to own a home.

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Starlink's Elon Musk

The Broadband Office made a point of telling the Legislative Finance Committee that the $70 million they are asking for to provide high speed internet service via satellite to remote rural areas is only a temporary measure--until they can be served by expensive fiber optic that will in many cases take years to reach homes--if ever. From the Office:

Over a five-year period while high-speed internet lines are built, the money would pay for a $600 satellite receiver to get connected, along with $30 toward the $120 total monthly bill. The program is called Accelerate Connect New Mexico.

A couple of things.

How many of those households who get good speed from state-subsidized satellite service from Starlink will want to sign up for fiber--if they ever get the chance--unless it is accompanied by a state subsidy?

The future of satellite internet is faster, much faster. While the Broadband Office correctly states that fiber is the "gold standard' today, will that be the case in the years ahead? Unlikely. 

Starlink has filed an application with the FCC to approve changes the company says will make satellite internet ten times faster than today's speeds. (The FCC will soon be in the hands of pro-satellite commissioners.)

The Broadband Office says federal money pledged for fiber can only be diverted by an act of Congress. That's not so outlandish as they might thing considering Trump's party now controls the Congress and Starlink owner Elon Musk is leading a commission on cutting waste and fraud in the federal government.

Of course the major telecom companies want to hang on to their lucrative contracts to build expensive fiber which is taking years and years. But money from the Feds could run out or be diverted if high speed and much less expensive satellite service is proving satisfactory.

So what does the state do when Starlink announces higher speeds that meet or even surpass fiber? Continue to spend millions on digging trenches or throw in the towel and make satellite a permanent fixture--not a temporary one? 

BROADBAND FIASCO

It's not as if the state can't make the broadband roll-out a fiasco if it doesn't get it's game-plan in order. Look at this multi-year mess that cost taxpayers millions and as detailed in an investigative report from KRQE:

What do taxpayers have to show for a ten-year, multi-million dollar investment in Rail Runner Wi-Fi? Piles of discarded cables, routers, antennas, transmitters, and miscellaneous electronic do-dads. “It upsets me. I do not want to misuse taxpayer money,” said Dewey Cave who heads up the Rio Metro Regional Transit District. “I was surprised that it didn’t work. But, you know, we are going to find somebody accountable.” . .Taxpayers have shelled out some $8,000,000 for nonfunctioning Wi-Fi equipment on the Rail Runner. “It was a waste. It’s a pile of rubbish,” Rio Metro’s Robert Gonzales said. There is a positive end to this story. Thanks to new technology, the Rail Runner is now equipped with a relatively inexpensive satellite Wi-Fi system. Rio Metro officials say it’s working “perfectly” with no complaints. 

That's another good example of why satellite internet for rural NM should be the first priority for expanding broadband, not an afterthought or "temporary" solution.

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Amy Barela

Otero County Commissioner Amy Barela has the inside track in the race to become the next chair of the NM Republican Party, according to GOP sources.

Former US Rep. Steve Pearce has led the state's minority party since 2018 but at 77 is now retiring, leaving NMGOP First Vice-Chair Barela as the favorite to succeed him. 

The new leader will be selected this Saturday by over 500 members of the party's State Central Committee at a meeting at T or C. 

Having previously been elected Vice-Chair by many of those delegates gives Barela the edge, report observers.

She says on her social media that for the past decade she has "been a steadfast community leader." As for her priorities if elected, she declares: 

Now, more than ever, we must fight for New Mexicans—defending their constitutional rights, supporting our legislators in their efforts to combat out-of-control crime, and ensuring that law enforcement has the support they need. We must also bring awareness to the challenges New Mexicans face, including the state of our schools, rising prices, and the healthcare crisis. These are New Mexican issues and addressing them starts with voting differently to bring real change to our state.

Barela was elected to the Otero commission in 2022 and is a bedrock southern conservative. She won the seat held by Sheriff Couy Griffin, the Cowboys for Trump co-founder who was removed from office for the role he played in the the January 6 violent uprising at the nation's capitol.

Barela is also a former chair of the Otero county GOP and a small businesswoman who owns a towing company and a wrecking service. Her election as chair would keep the leadership rooted in Trump country.

She is not without competition. ABQ contractor Mick Rich, who was the losing GOP nominee against Dem US Senator Martin Heinrich in 2018, is also running. Other candidates are John Brenna, the Valencia County GOP chairman, Robert Kwasny of ABQ and Mark Murton, a Sandia Lab's management retiree. State Sen. Josh Sanchez announced for the post but has since dropped out.

Rich is signaling that if he does not win the chairmanship he may join the 2025 race for ABQ mayor, joining incumbent Tim Keller and radio talk show host Eddy Aragon, who was defeated by Keller in 2021 and has announced he is running again.

SHUTOUT

The GOP is currently shut out of all statewide executive elected offices as well as the Governor's office and the NM Supreme Court. 

The Democrats sport large majorities in the House and Senate and unlike the past there is no conservative coalition with Dems to give the minority party a larger voice.

There was a glimmer of hope for the party when Trump did better than expected this year with Hispanic and Navajo voters. The new chair will have to work to translate that shift to local races especially the '26 Governor and US Senate contests. 

HARRIS MEMORIAL 

A memorial service has been announced for former US Sen. Fred Harris who died recently at 94:

A Memorial for Fred will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center Education Building, 1701 4th Street SW in Albuquerque, NM at 2 PM.

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