Thursday, February 25, 2021Color Them Turquoise: Only Four Counties Get Coveted New Covid Ranking, Plus: MLG Political Pandemic Struggle; Impatience Grows; Does She Run Again? And: State Budget Bosses; Lundstrom In The Groove; Munoz Tries To Find Footing
Of course, this being Covid there's a hitch. Right now the counties of Catron, Harding, Sierra and Union are the only ones to reach the now coveted turquoise rank. And the last we looked there wasn't much nightlife or even day drinking going on in Pietown in Catron County. Still, it was a sign that gradually--ever so gradually--the pandemic is relenting. And that is none too soon for the Governor's political prospects. The impatience is palpable now, with high school students holding protests and coaches pondering a lawsuit to get out from under the restrictions that keep them from their sports. MLG has not often shown a stubborn streak but she has more than made up for it by adamantly refusing to let the kids resume their fun on the soccer and football fields. She is nearly alone in her position in the entire nation. It's not just high schoolers who are rebelling, signs are popping up around ABQ that take the Governor to task for the ongoing restrictions.  As for those political prospects, the Alligators and insiders now wonder aloud if those are being shaped with an eye toward a second try at a top job in the Biden administration, rather than a second run for governor next year. MLG has $241,000 in her campaign account (although that dates from last October) not meager but not outstanding either for a race that will cost $5 million or more. And she's not known for a long attention span, jumping from the Bernalillo County Commission to Congress to Governor all in the span of only six years. We're not about to bellow "you heard it here first" but there is a vibe in the air. (No Howie, our "Howie Watch" is not coming back quite yet.) MANCHIN BUYS IN ABQ Rep. Deb Haaland was questioned for another day at her confirmation hearing before the Senate energy committee Wednesday, but the highlight of the day came after the hearing ended. (Video here.) That's when committee chairman and key Dem Senate swing vote Joe Manchin of West Virginia announced he would be voting for Haaland's nomination as Secretary of Interior in committee and when it goes before the full Senate. His decision paves the way for the Laguna Pueblo member to become the first Native American cabinet secretary in history. Haaland, who has been under increasing attack from oil state GOP Senators, may have to name a West Virginia building after Manchin when she finally takes the helm at Interior. DATELINE SANTA FE
The budget was ushered through by House Appropriations Committee Chair Patrica Lundstrom. Her increase in stature was noticeable. With John Arthur Smith, the longtime chair of the Senate Finance Committee no longer in Santa Fe, Lundstrom (and the House) are gradually taking back some of the power that was accumulated under Smith. Or you might say restoring the balance of power between the two chambers. Without Smith, known as "Dr No" for his tight fiscal practices, more moderate state budgets are in the offing. Meanwhile, the new chair of Senate Finance, George Munoz, ran into trouble this week when a bill he sponsored (SB 226) to help out small cities, including his hometown of Gallup, was defeated on an 8 to 3 vote in the Senate tax committee. The measure would have provided a handful of cities with populations of 10-25K some relief for money they are losing because of the state's repeal of the tax on food. A hold harmless provision that has the state reimburse the cities for the lost revenue is being phased out. The Munoz bill would have allowed the small cities to continue to receive much of the reimbursement. It wasn't an earth shaker, but six of the no votes were from fellow Dems of Munoz, chair of the powerful Finance Committee, so what gives? THE BOTTOM LINES  Finally, on the wagyu beef beat--Japan or local--we get this from reader Andre Larroque: Anyone can take their Toyota, Honda, or Kawasaki down the Turquoise Trail to Madrid and pick up a ‘Mad” Chile burger at the Mineshaft Tavern. It’s made from the real local Wagyu beef you mentioned and sourced from a little ways further down the road at that same place which has a gate on the road - a Wagyu-gate. Have a beef? We welcome your comments, criticisms, original recipes and cries of existential angst. Reporting from Albuquerque, I'm Joe Monahan. This is the home of New Mexico politics. Interested in reaching New Mexico's most informed audience? Advertise here.   |
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