Lawrence Rael
New names are starting to float as possible candidates for the chairmanship of the New Mexico Democratic Party as establishment types worry that bombastic trial attorney Sam Bregman could pick up steam if current chair Javier Gonzales decides not to seek another term.

Lawrence Rael and Joe Campos, both Dem lieutenant governor candidates in 2010, are being mentioned by the Great Mentioners as possible contenders for the job if Gonzales goes.

Bregman must feel like he needs a bullet proof vest since he announced his bid. He has been bombarded with criticism, including a couple of anonymous web sites panning him as a poor choice for the party because as a defense attorney he has represented Democratic politicos charged with corruption.

They also say he is too boisterous and would get in the way of Dem US Senator Jeff Bingaman and President Obama, both of whom are up for re-election next year. But Javier is taking hits for going Hamlet and saying he is now undecided about seeking another term after saying he was a go. Bregman backers say Sam is filling the leadership vacuum and has the political acumen to be party leader.

Supporters of a Rael or Campos chairmanship say they have solid managerial skills and would present a calmer face to the voting public than the sometimes caustic Bregman. They fear a backlash if Bregman becomes the face of the party.

Rael and Campos are both quiet types and both Hispanic in a party whose majority membership is Hispanic. Rael, a longtime government administrator, is retired. He once worked for Senator Bingaman.

Party chair is not a coveted job and Bregman's enthusiasm for the post plus his ability to raise money for the party have others giving him the once over. They are not convinced that Bregman's clients would be fodder for the R's, saying such info is more insider baseball than anything.

The anonymous attacks on Bregman also may be falling short of the mark with some Dems who don't see them as relevant as his positions on issues. From our email regarding the stopsam.com site:

The site has a private registration. This stinks. As they are hitting Bregman on ethics, it is incumbent on the publishers of this site to come forward lest be branded “hypocrites.” Inquiring minds would like to know who is hitting Bregman, and I’ll be bet he would too.

Javier is looking increasingly jittery about running. He is in line to become president of the NMSU Board of Regents and knows being party chair at the same time is not kosher. A decision on whether he will run is expected this week.

With well-known opposition like Rael or Campos, party insiders say Bregman faces an uphill battle, but with the shaky condition of the party, a victory is still possible.

Several hundred members of the Democratic Party State Central committee will meet in late April to elect a new chair.