Rodger Beimer

The blame game is underway in Southern California as ashes are cooling and fires are still burning.

Meanwhile, to firefighters battling the blazes in SoCal and beyond, and to those who stand ready in our towns and neighborhoods every day, we should all say “Thank you.”

Rodger Beimer, 79, is a native of Taos. He spent years reporting on New Mexico for TV news and later was a manager at NM Expo. This column was first published by the ABQ Journal.

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Sen. Heinrich (Roll Call)

This report was delayed as we brought you coverage of the APD DWI scandal this week.

Martin Heinrich has regained his political balance and decided a run for Governor in 2026 is a bridge too far. He announced last week he will remain in the US Senate where this month he began his third six year term after trouncing his Republican opponent by 10 points in the November election. 

Heinrich barely began celebrating his win when he turned heads by confirming reports first published here that he was seriously weighing a bid for the Democratic nomination for Governor in two years. But he ran into a high hurdle--former Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland and her plans for a candidacy. 

She tiptoed toward an official declaration  Tuesday with this statement from a spokeswoman:

Deb Haaland is of and for New Mexico. She’s a proven leader; she’s created New Mexico jobs, brings people together, and is getting ready to run to be New Mexico’s next governor. She and her team will be focused on listening and solutions that fit the needs of our communities.

At the same time a poll conducted December 4 and 5 by PPP among 557 Democratic primary voters was being passed around that showed Haaland defeating possible Dem rival and BernCo District attorney Sam Bregman 50 to 18 percent. The sponsor of the poll was not known.

CAT AND MOUSE

Heinrich and Haaland played a bit of cat and mouse and Heinrich--perhaps with the urging of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer as well as polling showing the difficulty and divisiveness of a primary with Haaland--decided to stay put. 

Also, no Anglo male has been elected Governor since 1998 when Republican Gary Johnson won re-election. Heinrich also would have been the first sitting US senator in state history to give up his seat to run for the state's top office, with repercussions uncertain among the electorate. That history had to loom over him.

Haaland

Heinrich is now the ranking member on the important Senate Energy Committee and is already pushing back against President Trump. For the first time he is in a position to have a significant voice in national affairs and protect New Mexico's interests with more power. He could have a shot someday at Senate leadership if he stays steady.

Whatever the mid-life crisis was that made the 53 year old think about going off the rails appears to be over and the state has its senior senator back. If Heinrich can now overcome his apparent distaste for certain aspects of Senate life and get on with making a major mark, all the better for New Mexicans. 

Notably, Heinrich did not endorse Haaland for the nomination, saying he is waiting to see who else gets in the chase. 

BREGMAN AND OTHERS

Bernalillo County District Attorney Bregman's name is circulating with insiders speculating he could mount a Guv campaign to the right of the very progressive Haaland and spend considerable money doing so. Bregman has not discouraged the chatter.

The size of the Democratic field now seems to be in the hands of Haaland. She is regaled as the first Native American to head Interior and would claim another first as as a female Native American Governor. But leadership goes beyond identity and Haaland will be eyeballed by possible opponents as she begins her long march to the Roundhouse. Any serious missteps will be calculated by ambitious bystanders. They still have time but that Haaland is now in the pole position for the nomination is not in dispute.

THE GOP FIELD

Herrell

There's no shortage of possible '26 GOP Guv contenders. In our January 6  blog we gave the state the first list of names of those thinking about running as confirmed by reliable Republican sources. They include Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull who in response to that report confirmed his interest but has not made a formal announcement. He said: 

I’ve been approached by a lot of individuals to look at the possibility and I’m currently weighing all of my options.

Other Republican possibles include state Senator Crystal Brantley, former Supreme Court Justice Judy Nakamura, Nella Domenici, former Lt. Gov. John Sanchez and state Rep. Rebecca Dow.  

And a name not on our first list but now emerges is that of former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell.

HEINRICH STATEMENT

After careful consideration and many conversations with my family, constituents, and colleagues, I’ve decided to remain in the United States Senate. It’s clear to me that New Mexico needs a strong voice in Washington now more than ever—the stakes are simply too high. 

President Trump’s alarming actions this week—attacking birthright citizenship, pardoning criminals that assaulted police officers, and rolling back American energy leadership—these actions hurt families, endanger our democracy, and threaten the future of our public lands and natural resources. From fighting back against these harmful policies to defending the progress we’ve made lowering costs for working families, growing our economy, and keeping our communities safe, the Senate is where I believe I can have the most impact. 

In my time in the Senate, I’ve delivered real results for New Mexico—securing historic investments in broadband and water infrastructure, lowering prescription drug costs, expanding access to affordable health care, and strengthening public safety. But there is still so much more to do, and I will not walk away from that responsibility. 

I will stand up to the President when needed, but I’m also ready to work with him and my Senate colleagues to move New Mexico and our nation forward. As Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I am committed to leading our Caucus in advancing innovative clean energy solutions, creating good-paying jobs, and protecting our public lands—critical pillars of New Mexico’s economic and environmental future. 

New Mexicans deserve a voice that is calm, but resolute, someone who will work tirelessly for their values and a brighter future. My decision to stay in the Senate reflects my commitment to serving the people of New Mexico and a willingness to do the hard work that brings our potential and our reality ever closer together.

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.        

Readers reacted to the special blog report on the scandal history at APD and how none of them were met with serious consequences which leads us to present day and the mother of all the scandals--the decadeslong DWI caper seeing the light of day and the first indictment in the case by the US Attorney last week. 

Our report, compiled with the able assistance of APD watchdog Dan Klein and other knowledgeable sources, was tough on past and present city administrations but it is the current one of Mayor Tim Keller where the outrage now falls. First City Hall's reaction to the report and then the readers. A spokeswoman says:

From the start APD and City leadership choose not to wait for the FBI investigation to finish and instead were proactive, worked with the FBI, and conducted their own investigations. This is why all known participants at APD are no longer serving in the department. Given this terrible scheme was going on for decades, this leadership team had the fortitude to stand firm and take immediate action, and is committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure it doesn’t happen again. 

Ensuring that it doesn't happen again is a a heady promise from the administration given the yearslong series of wrongdoing at APD. Nevertheless it is on Keller's watch now and he will answer for it during the upcoming mayoral campaign. 

On the city's Inspector General Report alleging misuse of $287,000 by the administration, the spokeswoman says: 

The idea that paying early childhood administrators overtime during Covid is at all inappropriate is a complete slap in the face to the thousands of families who enrolled their kids in City programs, especially first responders and nurses, who were taking care of all of us. These expenditures were also Federally approved, and the OIGs reckless comments were literally rejected by her own oversight board comprised of accounting and legal professionals. 

The federal indictment indicates that the DWI scheme dates back at least 15 years, but this timeline from KRQE expands that to possibly 2003: 

Detectives conducting the current Internal Affairs investigation were made aware of a case in 2003 involving attorney Tom Clear and allegations that an officer failed to appear at a hearing in order to get the case dismissed. Investigators are currently working to corroborate the information. 

It's important to keep in mind that the scandal encompassed not only the Keller years but the eight years of Mayor Berry and perhaps the preceding eight of Mayor Marty Chavez. Back to the timeline: 

APD conducted an Internal Affairs investigation in 2014 of a case in which officers arrested a woman for DWI, then offered to get her case dismissed if she hired attorney Tom Clear. The case against the woman was later dismissed when one of the officers failed to attend a hearing and both officers’ On-Body Recording Device (OBRD) video could not be located. While officers were disciplined for violating APD policy, there was no follow-up investigation at the time to determine if there was a pattern of police misconduct related to DWI cases. 

VOX POPULI

Now to the readers and Diane Ochoa: 

Great blog Monday. Being the negative Nellie that I am, I didn't find one mention of the ABQ City Council's  role or lack thereof in this charade of inaction by these political players. Both Republicans and Democrats  are in the mix it seems, could that be why?

Thanks, Diane. There was no mention was no of the Council because, frankly, in the many years the scandals were unfolding the nine member panel did not conduct rigorous oversight of APD and that attitude has continued to this day. 

Reader John Rey: 

Joe, great reporting! Just don’t hold your breath waiting for action! After all Joe this is the land of The Movida !! 

We just noted the DWI scandal could date back as far as 2003 but former ABQ GOP state Rep. Bill Rehm says look even further back in time--all the way to the 1990's:

Joe, When the DWI scandal came out I was speaking with some defense attorneys who told me they knew of this back to the 90's. I wanted to ask why didn't you do anything? After all you take an oath to uphold the integrity of the court. I really believe the downfall of APD began with APD Chief Whitey Hansen (who was appointed police chief in 1980 by Mayor David Rusk) He said his officers would no longer issue citations at traffic wrecks unless someone is killed. He said we are doing the job of the insurance investigator. The officers then understood taking a burglary report was doing the work for the insurance company. From this point the quality of the investigations and reports went down. And now look at where APD is, phone in all reports, but we will respond to a murder scene.

Reader Peggy Wright:

Corrupt politicians. And yet we continue to elect them 🤷‍♀️ 

Reader Michael Lamb:

Rhetorical question: in terms of lists, what about the APD murder investigation of Mary Han?

Thanks, Michael. Mary Han was an ABQ defense attorney and severe critic of APD's practices who was found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning in the garage of her North Valley home in 2010. Her death was ruled a suicide but later the attorney general said the cause should be classified as "undetermined." Mary's death was met with allegations that there was a conspiracy to kill her. The case haunted the city for years. 

Reeader Patrick McConnell writes:

Joe, I have been reading your daily posts for years. Monday's report was possibly the best and most important report you have ever given us. 

Appreciate that, Paul. Again, kudos to Dan Klein and the other contributors. Our report will be important if it and others are combined with a stern law enforcement response and leads to reforms that finally halt the APD culture of corruption. 

MORE VOX POPULI

Reader Mary Mulvany in ABQ:

Good work. A fight against corruption needs to start at home. 

Mike Davis writes from Austin:

Mr Monahan, Thanks for accurate, necessary compilation of past APD deleterious actions under the guise of policing the city and county. The federal take over of the DWI scandal made national news over the weekend. As the old saw goes: "Ain't that a fine kettle of fish"

 Reader Ron Nelson writes: 

Brilliant column! How about submitting it to the community’s enabler of all corruption, the Albuquerque Journal--or just like that - nothing happened.🤷‍♂️

Reader Charlie writes:  

APD follows a long tradition in Albuquerque. Please recall Milton Yarberry’s tenure in office.

Okay, we just got back from a trip in the wayback machine and note that Yarberry was the first Town Marshall of ABQ appointed in 1880. His controversial and murderous rein ended when he was hanged at the gallows uttering these famous last words: "Gentlemen, you are hanging an innocent man."

And so it goes. 

Reporting from Albuquerque, I'm Joe Monahan

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.        

You know the news. The monumental Albuquerque Police Department DWI scandal has again rocked the city with the first guilty plea and the US attorney promising that this is "just the beginning." (Full Federal plea document here.)

Now is the time for the tough questions and possible solutions that Albuquerque hungers for as it wrestles with a crime-ridden atmosphere, an anemic economy in part explained by that crime and a general sense of profound apathy taking the city to lower depths. 

A Senior Alligator (one of our longtime, informed sources) sums up this latest depressing chapter in the scandal that authorities now say dates back over 15 years:

What’s amazing is the zero fallout for any political leader. Not for Mayor Tim Keller or any former mayor and not any current or former APD chief. Nobody. That’s how apathetic (or pathetic) ABQ has become when it comes to crime--even when its own cops are the criminals. Just a collective shoulder shrug as the city waits to ignore whatever the next outrage is. To borrow a line from Chinatown, “Forget about it, Jake. It’s ’Burque.” 

A difficult path lies ahead if the city is going to pull out of this historic morass that has taken decades to form and is now cresting under Mayor Keller as he seeks a third consecutive term with so far an astounding lack of interest.

Gov. Lujan Grisham even appeared to throw in the towel on our city's current conditions, declaring that ABQ is "going to take years to fix." 

HISTORY, CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES

Let's go to the history, the causes, consequences and solutions to this epic fail in public policy and management with former APD Sergeant and longtime department watchdog Dan Klein and others.

--Who has APD been hiring for the past 20 years (or more)? The hiring process is supposed to catch individuals with shaky ethics. Yet, a large number of officers made it through the process and now are being implicated in the DWI corruption scandal.

--Where is the APD Serpico? Frank Serpico was a NYPD detective who risked his life in the 1970’s to expose NYPD corruption. Why didn’t APD have an officer of this morality? Officers outside of the DWI unit must have heard whispers or wondered how these guys were affording expensive trips, homes, cars, etc. This corruption appears to have permeated APD at every rank. An officer who wanted to expose this had (and still has) nowhere within APD to go, but they could walk into the FBI office. Why didn’t they? Those officers and command staff who knew and said nothing are as guilty of corruption as those who took the bribes. 

--Several supervisors of the DWI unit are still on duty, how can this be? These sergeants, lieutenants, commanders either knew about the corruption and turned a blind eye or are incompetent. Either way, why hasn’t Chief Medina removed them? 

APD'S SORROWFUL PAST

--Corruption within APD is nothing new. In 2005 the APD evidence room scandal rocked this city and forced APD Chief Gallegos to resign. Nothing more happened. 

--Around 2014 the Tasergate pay-to-play scandal (worth millions in contracts) rocked the city with explicit evidence that the APD chief of police was “greasing” the contract for Taser in exchange for a lucrative side job with Taser. Chief Ray Schultz subsequently resigned. Nothing more happened.

--In 2020 the APD public information officer was caught by a city and state audit claiming pay for being in two places at one time (among other allegations) referred to as the Robocop Scandal. The State Auditor went so far as to refer the case to then-Attorney General Hector Balderas for criminal investigation and nothing happened. The APD PIO resigned when confronted, but again, nothing happened. 

--In 2016 members of APD Chief Gordon Eden’s staff were caught fabricating an entire police interview of child murder victim Victoria Martens “putting lies in a dead girls mouth to hide their own incompetence." A couple low-level members of the chiefs staff were slightly disciplined but once again, even though you had police employees lying, nothing more happened. 

--In 2023 APD Chief Medina says he heard rumors and opened a secret investigation into the APD DWI unit, but nothing was found. Medina didn’t ask the FBI at that time for assistance. Flash forward two years and based on what we now know, either the APD investigators were hiding the scandal or they were all incompetent. How hard was it to review missed court dates by officers to determine that something was wrong?

--All of that that doesn't even include the multiple audits conducted by several state auditors (including former Auditor and now Mayor Tim Keller) into the scandalous and ongoing overtime pay received by APD officers. Among the highest recipients are officers of the now disgraced and scandalized DWI Unit. 

--In the last twenty years there have been no fewer than seven state, city and inspector general investigations into APD, DWI and overtime. Yet every chief and every mayor has ignored their findings. 

--The United States Attorney, Bernalillo County District Attorney and Attorney General didn’t pursue charges in the evidence room scandal, Tasergate or the Robocop scandal. They either pointed to each other and said that person should investigate or did nothing.

Had any criminal investigations of police officers occurred during these scandals, it might have emboldened honest officers to step forward. Instead, the common theme was “what’s the point? Why should I put my life on the line to expose corruption when the US Attorney (at that time), the Attorney General and the District Attorney won't do anything?” 

KELLER QUESTIONS

And this from Klein on Mayor Keller:

In 2024 the Inspector General released reports alleging misuse of federal pandemic funds (over $287,000) by well-connected members of Keller’s staff. Keller slammed the IG and so far the US Attorney has not opened an investigation. 

Keller’s past chief administrative officer was given tens of thousands of dollars in sick and vacation time that she did not earn. Keller’s response was to slam the IG, again, for being biased. But where are Attorney General Raul Torrez and DA Sam Bregman on these allegations of corruption in the mayor’s office. Why hasn’t either prosecutor at least opened up an investigation? 

In both of these cases it was employees within the city who reported to the Inspector General. That’s how it is supposed to work. But those good employees are going to stop reporting public corruption when  those in power to do something ignore them.  

It’s time the US Attorney, Attorney General and District Attorney assign members of their agencies to investigate only allegations of public corruption. Every State Auditor and City Auditor report should be mandated to be forwarded to all three prosecutors for review and possible investigation. Every Inspector General report should be mandated to be sent to each prosecutor for review and possible investigation. We must force the gardeners to tend to our garden and report publicly, or the corruption will grow and only get worse. 

Most citizens of Albuquerque no longer trust, nor have faith, in our government officials to protect us from corruption. It is time for the New Mexico congressional delegation to demand public hearings on police and public corruption in Albuquerque. 

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.

Internet access is about to take a leap in rural New Mexico when the Legislature, as expected, approves $70 million for satellite service requested by the Broadband Office, but there's a higher hurdle to vault over to ensure reliable and speedy internet for households still waiting. 

The $70 million is earmarked to provide two years of subsidized satellite service while the cumbersome and expensive process of laying high-speed fiber to remote areas is completed. Upon completion the office assumes satellite service will then be replaced with the $70 million spent.

The state is receiving $675 million in broadband money, thanks to former President Biden's infrastructure bill, and the $70 million is a response to complaints over fiber taking years to get to households while ignoring satellite.

The concern now is that the state and feds are are already falling behind by failing to embrace future advances in satellite speeds even as current speeds are already more than proficient for the vast majority of households being targeted for fiber.

The major telco companies and other contractors are pleased as they get paid for the fiber rollout but  redirecting a healthy portion of that $675 million to satellite would position the state for future faster internet that would compete and perhaps surpass expensive fiber.

Already many households that do not need a government subsidy are accessing satellite and are pleased. They don't want or require the high speed fiber that even most ABQ and Santa Fe homes and businesses don't have. Those satellite fans will be unlikely to switch and pay for the fiber option if and when it becomes available. (Monthly service for Starlink is about $120 a month with the equipment advertised at $249.)

To back out of fiber Congress would have to approve a redeployment of the broadband funds, but that's no longer difficult to imagine. Starlink, the major provider of satellite service, is owned by Elon Musk, now a fixture in the Trump camp. 

Musk pointing out that satellites could provide high speed internet at drastically lower prices and not far in the future the same speeds could be flagged as a conflict of interest. But Musk is the one with the technology along with Project Kuiper from Jeff Bezos whose company could also be tapped by the Feds. (The cost of fiber can soar as high as $50,000 per household in remote areas.)

For the sake of rural New Mexico households stranded on the information superhighway, one can hope Musk, Trump and Congress do indeed disrupt what could be a mistake in the making as the state tries to lay fiber where satellite signals are making that technology unnecessary and possibly obsolete.

That $70 million in two year funding is welcome but more permanent subsides for satellite is the prudent road for policy makers to follow in a fast-changing tech landscape.

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After her relationship with lawmakers disintegrated like a pillar of salt in the wake of a special session on crime, the Governor played it safe in her State of the State address Tuesday, again going to bat on crime but emphasizing the popular and bipartisan issues of child education and welfare rather than reopening wounds or picking fights she couldn't win.

(Video here. Transcript and Governor's news release here.)

That also goes for any fisticuffs with The Donald whose presence hovered over the chamber but earned nary a mention--directly or even indirectly--from a subdued and more conciliatory chief executive. 

In fact, she bent over backwards to stress a turn away from the contentious to a more collaborative relationship with the Legislature. She repeatedly cited efforts she said had been successful from working together, giving shout-outs like: "You did it! and "You can do it!" 

One Wall-Leaner commented: "That's a change from: "You better do it."

She may have had to rehearse those lines a number of times to make sure she didn't choke on them but they were politely received, even if it seemed like some in the audience already had one foot out the door as she pitched her softball messaging.

That the power dynamic has switched now that MLG is in her final two years was made clear as she put forth a rather robust compromise plan for more oversight of the long-troubled Children Youth and Families Department. 

Democrats, now safely re-elected and freed from fear of the Fourth Floor, are finally ready to do something about CYFD and the horrendous circumstances that often confront children they take into custody. The Governor's move to meet them halfway will be well-received but not necessarily successful as more far-reaching reforms remain on the table. 

Crime, the agenda leader in Santa Fe for several years running, was acknowledged but not until later in the 50 minute speech. She reiterated her favorite bills, some of which have been rejected, but  her emphasis was less adamant (resigned?) than in the past. 

She completely ignored the second arrival of Trump who she campaigned against so rigorously. Also getting the silent treatment were immigration, abortion and gun control. In their stead were incentives for banning cell phones during school hours, tax breaks for foster parents and $50 million for the Indian Education Fund. That's what's known as low-lying fruit.

She did indicate she is on the same page with the Legislature in approving long-delayed plans to rebuild the state's behavioral health system and she threw a bone to progressives on climate change, calling for "net zero emissions" by 2050 but received only a lukewarm reaction. Yes, the political weather is also changing.

In the end it was a pragmatic and mild speech given in a more conversational tone and that seemed to recognize her new political limits. Let's just say she didn't get where she is without knowing how to read a room. 

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.        

The defining features of the legislative session opening today are the status of the sitting Governor as a lame-duck and the November election results that pushed Democrats toward the center on crime and public safety. 

(Session previews here, here and here. The Governor's State of the State address early this afternoon will be shown on the major TV news channels and on the Governor's Facebook page.)

Gov. Lujan Grisham's special summer legislative session on crime fell flat, to put it kindly, but since then she and key legislative leaders have patched things up some and appear ready to pass crime related bills--and with the support of Republicans. 

However, MLG is already saying her long struggle for a pretrial detention bill that would keep more persons charged with crimes behind bars is "a heavy lift," shorthand for dead on arrival. 

This is her first session as a lame duck, and she will see the shift in power from the fourth floor to downstairs that comes with that status.

The most meaningful and new crime proposals appear to be those aimed at keeping guns out of the hands of youth and tougher action against those under 18 who commit gun violence. The spike in youth crime is new and alarming and threatens to embed itself further into the state's bloodstream.

Other crime measures--changing competency laws and that detention bill--are process measures already defeated at the special and whose impact is questionable.

MEAT AND POTATOES

The meat and potatoes of the 60 day session is the sudden interest of Democratic progressives and the Governor to finally fully address the ubiquitous behavioral health crisis after six years of blaming Republican Governor Susana Martinez for destroying the system in 2013. She did but that has been a feeble excuse for the inaction of the majority party perhaps too consumed by the "woke" movement that is now receding in the wake of Trump's win. 

The election clarified that the public is not keen on the status quo. Upgrading behavioral health is a crime-fighting measure that brings all sides together and addresses the public's impatience. That is where the payoff can be very impactful, unlike scattered get-tough-on-crime bills which do have public support but those already approved did not get at the core of the problem.

A package of bills would appropriate $200 million for infrastructure for behavioral health facilities to handle the crush of clients in need of services. A $1 billion trust fund made possible the continued state surpluses generated by the oil and gas boom--would be established to fund behavioral health--including crucial personnel. The fund would generate $50 million annually. 

The problem is finding and keeping qualified personnel for the ticklish work of treating addicts and others staring into the abyss. It is noble work but those following that path often risk their own mental health.

TAX CUTS?

With revenue and budget reserves at unheard of amounts, the outright elimination of the state income tax on lower income households is an easy reach. We have not yet seen such a bold measure introduced, but House Speaker Martinez is pledging some kind of tax relief for low and middle income households, the very ones that abandoned the Democratic Party in November.

The historic surpluses have the General Fund budget proposed at nearly $11 billion, up from $6 billion only a few years ago, but the state has seen that money alone is not going to do the trick in reversing deep-seated negative trends. 

MANAGEMENT MATTERS

Much better management of the state bureaucracy is needed to effectively deploy the billions. Legislators have repeatedly seen money they appropriated to key agencies left unspent or spent without any apparent impact. New approaches are warranted as New Mexico's government is often impervious to outside influences that could reshape the culture to more effectively deal with the unprecedented and ongoing largesse.

The long-troubled Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) is a prime example of stubborn institutional resistance to change including the Governor. That could change this session if bills for more outside oversight of CYFD become law. That would be a nice side dish to the meat and potatoes that are served up during the next 60 days. 

SECOND THAT MOTION

Trujillo

We've said as much on a number of occasions. Now MLG:

She said she believes Santa Fe is currently at a key juncture in its struggle to address housing, crime and drug use, while Albuquerque is "going to take years" to fix.

Agreed. 

Santa Fe's November mayoral election is the most important of our lifetimes. Laid-back leadership there is out of the question if the storied capital city is going to avoid the plight of ABQ which MLG rightfully analyzes as taking "years" to fix. 

We simply can't allow Santa Fe to become a mini-version of New Orleans with a small, thriving tourist center surrounded by crime and chaos. 

Former City Councilor Ron Trujillo has joined a growing list of candidates seeking the mayor's office. He's tough, has moxie and a furious passion for his hometown. His candidacy is a welcome addition to an essential debate.

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.        

Uballez (KNME-TV)

What ever happened to the DWI bribery scandal at the ABQ police department? That's a question now forming on the lips of the city's political community as they weigh the possible impact on the November mayoral election from what appears to be the worst scandal in APD's history.

With the one year anniversary of the FBI probe about to hit, there is no clear timetable on when there will be any action or a decision to take no action.

The investigation went public January 18, 2024 when the Feds conducted raids on the homes of a number of APD officers working for the DWI unit. 

The cops are suspected of conspiring with at least one defense attorney to get DWI cases thrown out of court by taking bribes to not show up for the trials of those they arrested. The bribes allegedly came from the attorney who charged the DWI defendants a pretty penny and passed on some of the take to the dirty cops.

At least 150 DWI cases have been dismissed because of the scandal and 10 APD officers have been placed on leave. Others quickly resigned.

The bombshell news was the loudest in one of a long series that have rocked APD in recent decades and looms over the emerging race for ABQ mayor as Tim Keller seeks a third term. 

So where do things stand? 

NM US attorney Alexander Uballez, who will soon be replaced by a Republican appointed by President Trump, had no clear answers when interviewed Jan. 10 on public TV. 

The transcript:

Q: Should we expect that we get to learn something about that (APD) investigation at some point?

A: The beautiful thing about serving alongside these people is knowing that no matter who sits in my chair or in a chair in DC they're going to do their job for this community. They're from here they're not teleworking from DC. They're invested in this community, live in this community, care about it and you can expect whether or not I'm sitting in the chair that they will still do their jobs.

Q: Do you have a sense of a timeline for when we might learn something about that investigation?

A: I do.

Q:Anything you can share?

A: No. 

That's far from a satisfying answer for the public or the politicos, but it is not unusual for such investigations to drag on for months--or even years. Also, it is not the practice of the Justice Department to drop bombshell legal actions in the immediate weeks before an election. But if one does drop between now and September, it could create a big crater in the race for the city's leadership post. 

ALCON SERVICES 

The family of former state Rep. Eliseo Alcon, 74, who passed away this week, announced the following services:  

Rep. Alcon will lie in state at the Roundhouse Rotunda on Monday, January 20th from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. A service will be conducted by the Archbishop at 4:30 p.m.

Funeral services will be a rosary, Thursday, Jan. 23 at 6 p.m and a funeral mass Friday, Jan. 24  at 11 a.m. Flowers are welcome. The rosary and funeral mass will be at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Grants.

THE BOTTOM LINES

Mayoral candidate Eddy Aragon did not seek nor qualify for public financing in his 2021 mayoral bid as we first reported Wednesday. And he received 18 percent of the vote not 15 percent.

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.        

The waters are getting muddy in the early-starting 2026 race for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. 

Our Senior Alligators (longtime trusted sources) report that Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman is sounding more confident about launching a candidacy, telling associates that he will tap personal funds to help ensure he would be a competitive contender. 

Meanwhile, Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland is already lining up staff for her expected candidacy for the June '26 primary. Sources report longtime Dem consultant Alan Packman will be among them and that another consultant, Scott Forrester, Chief of Staff to Rep. Melanie Stansbury, will be moving to the Haaland Guv campaign, 

Senator Martin Heinrich, who is weighing a bid, is making some new year's noise now that he is the ranking Democrat on the Senate Energy Committee. His Guv decision is being complicated by Bregman who could split male and moderate Dem voters with him while Haaland scoops up the lion's share of progressives.

President-elect Trump takes over next Monday. Soon thereafter Haaland will be out of a job so her Guv announcement is expected to come well before Heinrich makes any move. 

DATELINE ABQ

Mayling Armijo

In the 2025 ABQ mayoral race, the stall out continues with Mayor Tim Keller seeking an unprecedented third consecutive term already on a field he has pretty much to himself. 

Republicans are scurrying to find a big name to take him on before early March when candidates can begin qualifying for public financing. A mayoral candidate who meets the qualifications can be expected to receive about $700,000 in taxpayer funding,  

Talk show host Eddy Aragon, who ran against Keller four years ago and earned 18 percent of the vote in a three way race, has announced his '25 candidacy. 

The mayor's job has become a thankless quagmire, say close observers, explaining why there is no early enthusiasm to take on Keller even though his popularity has waned considerably since he was first elected in 2017.

Something that hasn't seemed to wane is Keller's enthusiasm for the job. He delivered a 35 minute manifesto before the ABQ Economic Forum this month and was firing on all cylinders. (News release here. Video here.) That passion as he paints a rosy picture of the city could serve him well as he goes on the offensive.

A name being added to the list of possible Keller foes is Mayling Armijo, the Sandoval County Deputy Manager under Republican County Manager Wayne Johnson. (Armijo video here.)

Armijo, 48, a former director of the BernCo Economic Development Department, holds a Masters in Business from the University of Phoenix and has Naval Reserve experience. She also has a background in land development in the private sector.

Could the GOP consultants seeking someone--anyone at this point--get behind her and scarf up that public financing?

With Keller entering the new year "fired up and ready to go" while potential opponents idle, he holds the position of front-runner. That could a be short-lived title but only if and when a name candidate emerges. 

DATELINE SANTA FE 

In Santa Fe's November mayoral election, Councilor Michael Garcia is the early front-runner to replace Mayor Alan Webber--that is if Webber decides not to seek a third consecutive term. He has not yet made an announcement.

JoAnne Vigil Coppler, who lost to Webber four years ago, now says she will run again, joining political consultant Tarin Nix and former Santa Fe Finance Director Oscar Rodriguez. 

THE BOTTOM LINES 

Eliseo Alcon, who died this week, was from Milan not Grants as first reported here. Also, while the county commissions of McKinley and Cibola counties have nominated former state Rep. Harry Garcia to fill the remainder of Alcon's House District 6 term, the Governor has yet to make an appointment because of questions about Garcia's residency in the district. In a first draft we did not provide details on the status of the appointment.

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John Sanchez

Add another name to the list of possibles for the '26 GOP gubernatorial nomination. 

Long gone but perhaps not forgotten, former Lt. Governor John Sanchez has surfaced as a potential contender following our January 6 blog that sized up the potential field.

Sanchez served as lieutenant governor under Gov. Susana Martinez (2011-2019) for what turned out to be a very long eight years. While earning kudos for his adept service presiding over the state senate, part of his constitutional chores, Sanchez was ghosted by Martinez and her crew. Left with little to do while she went about shattering her popularity with personal and political scandals, there would be no attempt by Sanchez at picking up the pieces. 

Still, he never let go completely. In 2020, when he announced he would not seek the US Senate seat being vacated by Tom Udall, he declared: 

I am not running for the Senate in 2020 but I am going to remain active in politics and policy.

Sanchez made a play for the 2012 GOP US Senate nominee when Dem Jeff Bingaman stepped down. US Rep. Heather Wilson took the prize only to lose the general election to Martin Heinrich. That was the last time Sanchez offered himself up as a political force. He was criticized in that campaign for being deficient in fund-raising but Martinez also hurt him badly by making disparaging comments about his candidacy. Our 2011 reporting on that upheaval is here.

It was back in 2000 when Sanchez made his bones by stunning the state and defeating state House Speaker Raymond Sanchez for his ABQ North Valley seat. 

After a mere one House term Sanchez secured the 2002 GOP gubernatorial nod and found himself facing Democrat Bill Richardson who was already a political legend and who made quick work of Sanchez. Richardson went on to serve two terms.

Now 62 and wealthy from his success as a leading ABQ roofing contractor, Sanchez is mum about his intentions for 2026 but his close friend and political ally, state Rep. Rod Montoya, who cut his political teeth as a top aide to Lt. Gov. Sanchez, is not holding back and paving the way for what could be a Sanchez run. From the Four Corners Montoya opines:

Joe: on your January 6 list of potential GOP contenders, you left out one of the Republican Party’s best bets to retake the governor’s office in 2026--John Sanchez. Coming out of the presidential election, we saw Trump make major inroads with Hispanic and working class voters. John can appeal to those voters and many others and he would likely have Trump’s support given his previous appointment as Trump’s Hispanic Prosperity Initiative Chairman. 

(Our July 2020 reporting on that Trump appointment of Sanchez is here.)

John has won multiple statewide races and was part of the ticket that handed Deb Haaland her only loss. He also delivered one of the biggest wins for Republicans in history when he ousted the Speaker of the House, Raymond Sanchez. Given his experience and reputation, I’m one of many Republicans hoping and praying he jumps in. John is a strong candidate! He’s a great fundraiser (who’s not afraid to spend his own money), he appeals to the Republican base and also has crossover appeal. He’d be very hard to beat. 

SANCHEZ ANALYSIS

The Sanchez association with Trump combined with perhaps being the only big name Hispanic Republican seeking the nomination would immediately put Sanchez in the hunt. 

The other possible candidates are capable but compared to Sanchez they are relatively unknown. They include Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull, former Supreme Court Justice Judith Nakamura and legislators Rebecca Dow and Crystal Brantley. None of them can demonstrate any meaningful ties to President-elect Trump who could have considerable sway in the race.

Also, Montoya's declaration that Sanchez is "not afraid to spend his own money" is a direct threat to his potential opponents, none of whom boast the personal resources Sanchez could bring to the table 

As for Sanchez defeating now Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland, that is a somewhat obscure factoid. Sanchez was the Lt. Governor nominee paired with Martinez who beat the 2014 Dem Guv ticket of Gary King and Haaland for Lt. Governor. It was not a direct face-off between Sanchez and Haaland.

In another cycle a Sanchez candidacy might be derided as a blast from the past but today the GOP is desperate to reverse their fortunes. Sanchez may not be a knight riding to the rescue but he is a capable rider. Will he saddle up for a run at the Roundhouse? Stay tuned.

ELISEO ALCON 

It's simple when it comes to former state Rep. Eliseo Alcon of Milan: he was a great guy and will be missed in Santa Fe for his level-headed approach to policy and his deep love for New Mexico and its people. 

Alcon, who retired in late November after announcing he had liver cancer, died Monday at 74. House Democrats came with this:

Rep. Alcon, a military veteran who received a Bronze Star for his service as a combat medic in the Army during the Vietnam War, was elected to the House in 2009. . .He advocated for policies to support veterans and their families, safeguard tribal sovereignty, strengthen the state’s infrastructure and economy, and protect the environment. Rep. Alcon also served as Chair of the Consumer and Public Affairs Committee and the Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs committee. 

We are tremendously saddened by the loss of our. . . dear friend Eliseo. (He) was a tireless champion for his western New Mexico community and our service men and women. We deeply appreciated the warmth, kindness, good humor, and dedication he brought to the Roundhouse. Rep. Alcon’s legacy will live on through the historic victories he achieved for veterans and their families, New Mexico workers, and our environment. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his beloved wife Darlene and their children, grandchildren, and great grandson.

Governor Lujan Grisham said:

Rep. Alcon served our state with honor, distinction, and longstanding dedication to his constituents. From his heroic service as a combat medic in Vietnam. . .to his 16 years of dedicated public service in the legislature, Rep. Alcon exemplified public service. As chairman of the Consumer and Public Affairs Committee and the Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, he helped improve the lives of veterans, workers, and families across New Mexico. My heart goes out to Rep. Alcon’s family, friends, colleagues, and the communities he served so faithfully. 

Former NM House Speaker Raymond Sanchez, now a prominent Santa Fe lobbyist, said:

New Mexico has lost one of the most talented, considerate, caring, compassionate and competent individuals to ever serve in the New Mexico House of Representatives. Representative Alcon will be missed by many and especially by me, as over the years we developed a strong bond.

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