Madrid-Erhard, 56, says she "spent many years teaching communication, composition, and critical thinking to students at Doña Ana Community College and New Mexico State University. She was a small business owner for six years, selling folk art in a small storefront shop called the “Patchwork Cat.” Her husband Tom spent a full career as a tenured English professor at NMSU..."

We have two NM Dem congressional hopefuls who have Anglo and Hispanic surnames. the other is Michelle Lujan Grisham who is seeking the Dem nod for the ABQ congressional seat She recently reported that the powerful pro-choice women's group--EMILY's List--has taken the first step toward giving her candidacy a "full endorsement." She is on what is called "EMILY's List On The List Program."

What will they think of next? Well, let's see if it translates into badly needed campaign funds as Lujan Grisham contends it will. By the way, EMILY is an acronym for Early Money is Like Yeast.

And more on the Dems race for the ABQ US House seat. On the Eric Griego front:

Democrat Eric Griego announced his endorsement by the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The CWA endorsement was made by both the union’s state council comprising all of the local unions and the international union. The endorsement is significant because the union represents 6,000 members in New Mexico, including more than 4,000 in the First Congressional District, and is one of the largest unions within the AFL-CIO.

And from congressional hopefuland former Mayor Chavez, there's more endorsing:

Former Vice President, Democratic Presidential Candidate and U.S. Senator Walter Mondale endorsed Marty Chavez in his race to represent the First Congressional District of New Mexico in the House of Representatives.

“In times like these, our nation needs strong leaders with vision and the ability to follow through and get the hard work accomplished. I know Marty Chavez is that kind of leader and I’m with Marty 100%..."

KEEPING POSTED

We posted Alligator commentary on November 29 noting that New Mexico has a member of the US Postal Service Board of Governors--Republican attorney Mickey Barnett--but that he hasn't had much to say about the plans to close 54 rural post offices in the state. Dem US Senator Tom Udall appears to be filling the vacuum:

Fifteen Senators from around the country announced that, at their request, the U.S. Postal Service has voluntarily agreed to put in place a five-month moratorium on closing postal facilities, which would give Congress more time to enact postal reform legislation. During the moratorium, scheduled to end on May 15, 2012, the Postal Service will continue to study the impact of proposed closures...

Udall said:

I've stressed to the Postmaster General the real impact that post office closures will have on New Mexico communities. We need comprehensive reform that ensures the long-term stability of the Postal Service, while providing essential, quality service to every corner of New Mexico. I commend the Postmaster General for putting a moratorium on any further closures for the next few months...

The recession has been devastating for large rural swaths of New Mexico. Going slow on pulling the plug on federal services will spare them more pain--at least for the short-term.

This is the home of New Mexico politics.

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