We should have an answer to the first part of that query no later than 10 p.m. We'll be broadcasting the outcome live to you on KANW 89.1 FM as well as streamed live from the station's web site. We begin at 6:3o. CLICK HERE for the live coverage.

"Republican Hispanic woman." It sure sounds like an oxymoron. This is a Republican Party composed primarily of well-off and elderly Anglos. We were stunned to learn recently that over 80 percent of the R's in Bernalillo County are over the age of 55.

As for their recent win-loss record, it's something similar to the UNM Lobos 1 and 11 football record this past season. Republican land commissioner Pat Lyons is the only prominent statewide R, with all other key offices held by the Dems.

If ever there was a party in need of a new image and new personalities, this is it. And with pre-election polls heavily favoring Martinez, 50, over Alpha Anglo male Allen Weh, New Mexico's R's seem to agree. If Martinez does don the crown this evening, she will embark on a steep learning curve. The three term Dona Ana County DA has never battled on the statewide and national stage. But she may have something extra going for her in this unusual election year--so many voters burn for change that they may set the bar lower for the newcomer. They want a debate as this state faces unprecedented challenges.

A summer honeymoon for the plucky DA would be just what the political doctor ordered, but there's still trouble to reckon with in her own backyard. Martinez waged a bruising negative TV campaign with Allen Weh. That, says pollster Brian Sanderoff, could slow down the DA when she heads out of the starting gate for the main event.

"(The negative ads) play both ways. All of a sudden they are slamming each other. That's going to affect the favorability of both of them"

Here's the AP wrap on today's statewide ballot action.

PARTY WITH NO PARTY?

You know the old line, "what if they gave a party and no one came?" Well, that's precisely the situation facing the state GOP tonight as they gather at ABQ's Marriott Pyramid hotel. It seems only one of the five GOP Guv candidates will be there--Pete Domenici Jr.

Is this a sign of a party fractured from a primary fight that turned bitter in the closing days? Perhaps it is when it comes to Allen Weh's candidacy. He feels betrayed by GOP chairman Harvey Yates who criticized Weh's major attack ad against Martinez and demanded that Weh pull it down. Weh will be at his own campaign headquarters tonight.

By the way, we've obtained the behind-the-scenes back and forth memos between the Yates and Weh camps over that advertising blow-up in which Yates accused former chairman Weh of "dishonesty." You can read them here.

How come ABQ Mayor RJ Berry can balance his city's budget without resorting to a tax increase while in Rio Rancho Mayor Tom Swisstack, city manager James Jimenez and the city council have already resorted to a quarter cent hike in the gross receipts tax? Berry and the ABQ council opted for pay cuts that amounted to 1.5 percent across the board and unpaid holidays for the budget year that starts July 1. In Rio Rancho, they are cutting salaries by one per cent and also adopting some unpaid holidays, but still taxes are going up.

The Rio Rancho tax hike will bring in $700,000 next fiscal year. The city also raised traffic fines and is going to install the controversial red-light cameras to raise another half-million a year.

Jimenez said tough times call for tough decisions. But these seem to be decisions that pass the buck to the taxpayer and spare the government class. Rio Rancho's gross receipts tax will now approach 7.5% on January 1st. That is a tax that hits the lowest paid the most and is also not good for business development.

Maybe ABQ will need a tax increase as this recession rolls on, but before it goes there the mayor and council are first looking to trim the scope of government to fit a new era. Rio Rancho might want to pay attention.

AMICI ELECTION DAY SPECIAL

Here's a good Election Day deal from one of our sponsors. Amici restaurant at 4243 Montgomery NE is offering a 20 percent discount on their menu selections all day Tuesday, June 1--Primary Day. Just mention that you heard about the discount on this blog or drop the name of Dan Silva, the former state representative who co-owns the popular Italian eatery.

Dan adds that in addition to the discount, Amici will also provide free delivery on June 1 to candidates' campaign headquarters or your own Election Night party. So make your plans today (884-9900).

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(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2009
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