Chase, Herrell & Mathys

After a bitter Republican congressional primary the question arose whether Claire Chase would endorse Yvette Herrell on Herrell's victory in that southern congressional battle. Well, Chase didn't keep anyone guessing. In a little noticed Facebook posting shortly after the primary she not only endorsed Herrell but said she was sending her a campaign donation:

I want to congratulate Chris Mathys on running a strong campaign, and Yvette Herrell on her victory. This was a hard-fought Primary Election - no doubt about it, but our real fight has always been defeating Xochitl Torres Small, Nancy Pelosi, and the rest of the Democrats who meddled in our Republican primary. Now it’s time for Republicans to come together, finish the fight, and turn New Mexico red for President Trump. We're sending a campaign contribution to Yvette Herrell and I would encourage everyone else who has the means to do the same. . . 

The Chase endorsement is music to Herrell's ears but not so much to the Dems and Rep. Xochitl Torres Small. They were hoping the GOP primary wounds would remain open. There still may be sore feelings but the Chase announcement lowers the temperature and the tempers in the GOP south.

Businessman Chris Mathys, who finished third in the primary, also endorsed Herrell saying he supports her "100 percent."

This was Chase's first run for elective office. Right now there is no clear path for the R's for any major NM office, except the southern Congress seat. But the political pendulum does swing back and Chase is only 36. She has time for the waiting game. Quickly endorsing Herrell will help if and when a path finally opens.

GUESSING GAME

The guessing game in Santa Fe is about how much of the progressive agenda will be supported in the Senate that will be reshaped following the November election. Here's some more:

Eric Griego, state director for the Working Families Party, which had backed the progressives, said their (Democratic primary) victories are the “last gasp” of the moderate, corporate wing of the party on a state and local level. . .  “With them gone, we think this is going to open up a lot of really, really monumental legislation that the state has needed for generations,” Griego said. The progressives’ priorities include fully funding early childhood programs, releasing the state’s dependence on oil and gas, and repealing an arcane law that criminalizes abortion, he added. “The other really big one is potentially expanding the social safety net whether it’s healthcare or childhood education.”

WET NOODLE TIME

Crystal Diamond

A post we had Monday (since removed) said GOP State Rep. Rebecca Dow would be leaving her House seat to become the state Senate candidate for the seat held by Dem John Arthur Smith who was defeated in the primary. We had Dow replacing Crystal Diamond who won the GOP Senate nomination last Tuesday. Dow tells us the speculation about a Senate run began months ago in the Silver City press and has bubbled up since but that she will be seeking a third term to her SW NM House seat.

We apologize for the error. As punishment we are submitting to 20 lashes with the wet noodle. As to whether such a movida was ever discussed, as several readers asked, that subject--for now--will have to be sidelined.

Here's info from the Sierra County Republicans on Diamond who has served as Dow's campaign treasurer:

Crystal Runyan Diamond of Elephant Butte, NM proudly serves as Secretary of the Sierra Republican Party. Crystal served 8 years as elected official on the Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors and currently holds office as an elected Truth or Consequences School Board Member. She remains politically active within her community and state.

And here's a closer look at how Martinez-Parra pulled off one of the epic legislative upsets:

 Luna and Hidalgo county voters kept Smith (D-Deming) in front but a big push from Sierra and Dona Ana counties lifted Democratic challenger Martinez-Parra. Martinez-Parra enjoyed 60 to 70 percent of the votes from those two counties. Luna County gave Smith 52 percent of the votes cast while Hidalgo put Smith at 53 percent. Martinez Parra collected 71 percent of the votes from Dona Ana and a 60/40 split in Sierra County.

And there you have that. Is it Friday yet?
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