READER BLOGGING

Reader Norm Gagne writes:

It is interesting that reader Brandon Trujillo's piece on the Thursday blog  purportedly making the argument for Pete Dinelli never once mentions the candidate. Maybe his correspondence should be labeled, "Against Richard Berry."

Perhaps Trujillo's letter hits at the reason for Berry's huge lead and Dinelli's dismal numbers. Berry's opposition may be against him but not enthusiastically for any opposition candidate.

DON'T BAG BIGGS

Reader Jason Marks writes of that hot three way race of the District 7 ABQ city council seat:

Joe, whoever is responsible for this nugget that you published this week needs some schooling:

"In polling conducted for NM Politics with Joe Monahan on September 25, Republican City Councilor Janice Arnold-Jones is at 46 percent, shy of the 50% she needs to avoid a run-off election with the second top vote-getter. That's where Biggs comes in. He was running at 11% while Gibson was at 28%. The argument being that if Biggs were to get out this week and back Gibson she would pick up enough Democratic support to force Arnold-Jones into a November 19 run-off."

There are two things wrong with this: #1, Biggs with his military pedigree is pulling some votes that would otherwise go to Arnold-Jones, so from a purely strategic perspective, his dropping out could be what would put Arnold-Jones over the top. #2, From a 3rd grade arithmetic perspective, the one thing we know for sure is that there can't be a run-off in a two-person race--with only two candidates, one always gets more than 50%. (The caveat to all this is that Biggs' name will still be on the ballot attracting some votes and he will also have already locked in his early votes, making it impossible for a clean drop out at this late date).

Interesting, Jason. But Janice is doing very well among military households, according to our poll (we did not publish that crosstab). Biggs, according to our poll, is doing the most damage to Gibson among progressive Democrats.

ELECTION COVERAGE

Join us for our Election Eve special on KANW 89.1 FM Monday at 5 p.m. We'll take a final look at the '13 mayoral and council campaign with former NM Dem Party Chair John Wertheim and Miguel Gomez, who served on the city council from the Westside.

Our pollster Bruce Donisthorpe will also chime in so stop by for a fun half hour of city politics. The program will also be streamed at kanw.com.

And don't forget our continuous Election Night coverage Tuesday. That kicks off at 7 p.m. on 89.1 FM.

ABQ: PLAGUED BY MEDIOCRITY

Madeleine Carey is a senior at Tufts University studying biology. She was raised in Albuquerque’s South Valley and she writes of the TV series "Breaking Bad:"

Breaking Bad has given me a way to explain Albuquerque without saying a word. It’s a place where we struggle with drug epidemics, extreme drought, hunger, drunk driving, gun violence (New Mexico’s gun-death rate is 40% higher than the national average), and a corrupt police force. Nearly 20% of the population lives below the poverty line, and the crime rate is 53% higher than the national average. Albuquerque is a city plagued by mediocrity — a drying river, a losing football team (the University of New Mexico Lobos), a dearth of ambition. But it also gets under your skin and into your blood, like a drug you won’t forget and can’t explain. It will always be my home, even if I am far away.

New Mexico fails to collect as much as $56 million a year in tax revenue from the trucking industry because of inadequate enforcement, according to a legislative audit. Auditors for the Legislative Finance Committee said the state should beef up the staff of the Motor Transportation Division and hire more tax department auditors to ensure truckers are paying a weight-distance tax that helps finance highway construction and maintenance. The state received nearly $73 million in revenue in 2012 from the tax that’s based on a truck’s weight and how far it travels in the state.

Over the past decade we've had hundreds of readers who have combed the web for us, keeping our blog readers informed about all aspects of state politics. It's appropriate then that we give Joel of Santa Fe our final $50 prize for best news tip or email of the past month. Reader input on the news of the day is vital to the success of this effort...Congrats, Joel and thanks. 

CELEBRATING TEN YEARS

Well, maybe Senator Martin Heinrich had a little bit of extra time on his hands due to the partial government shutdown. He sent us this letter regarding our 10th anniversary in this space:

It is an honor to join you, your family, friends and dedicated readers in celebrating the 10-year anniversary of New Mexico Politics with Joe Monahan. The milestone highlights your commitment to providing thoughtful analysis, news and commentary on our state's politics and government. 

For 10 years, New Mexico Politics has delivered influential and up-to-date news on issues of great importance to New Mexico, while promoting transparency and accountability from our elected officials. Your love of New Mexico and dedication to its people is apparent in your writing and draws readers from across the country to start their day reading your blog.

Congratulations on your 10-year anniversary and thank you for being such a valuable asset to the state.

Thanks much for that, Senator. It's been quite the adventure. 

See you back here next week for City Election '13

Reporting from Albuquerque, I'm Joe Monahan.

E-mail your news and comments. (jmonahan@ix.netcom.com)

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(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2013. Not for reproduction without permission of the author