A Monkey Off Our Back And Hers; State's Anticipated Reopening Gives MLG Opportunity For A Reset; Keller Too

The Governor was noticeably excited as she announced that at the end of June the state should essentially be over the pandemic and the closed doors will finally swing wide open. It's back to business--and summer fun as well. 

Her excitement was understandable, after a full year of being demonized by her opposition for being too restrictive in response to the virus and losing some popularity because of her own missteps. 

But the timing of the reopening could not be better for MLG, coming as it will nearly a year and a half before the 2022 election and giving her plenty of time to define herself as the Governor who conquered Covid, never mind any missteps along the way.

If the economy cooperates, and it should with the record amount of state and federal stimulus being pumped into it, she should have ample opportunity for a reset, along with the rest of the state that has been frozen in time. 

The implications of a reopening are more front and center for ABQ Mayor Tim Keller who is seeking re-election this November. The sour outlook for the city being framed by his foes could be offset by Fourth of July celebrations, a state fair, a balloon fiesta and restaurants and bars welcoming back the partiers. Expect Keller to be leading the toasting to happier days. 

GAMING GOP GUV

Rep. Dow

R's are closely eyeing candidates and possible candidates emerging for the 2022 GOP gubernatorial nomination. Sandoval County Commissioner Jay Block is already in and former Lt. Governor John Sanchez is making noise, but State Rep. Rebecca Dow, who says she's looking at the race, may match up best against Governor MLG.

The R's are heavy with men and it will be women who decide the election. Given her background in early childhood education, Dow, the belief goes, could chip away at MLG's female support. She also has honed her debating skills at the Roundhouse and would be expected to perform well on the campaign trail and TV stage.

A possible issue? Legislators get addicted to their Roundhouse spots and Dow of T or C would have to give hers up to make a Guv run. 

NOT SIMPATICO

Apparently the League of Women Voters is another organization that is not simpatico with GOP ABQ congressional candidate Mark Moores. 

After deciding not to take part in the April 20 NM Black Voters Collaborative forum, Moores is now avoiding the traditional League of Women Voters candidate questionnaire. However, his opponents--Dem Melanie Stansbury, former Republican turned independent Aubrey Dunn and Libertarian Chris Manning--have responded to League questions including those on immigration, gun control and health care. 

As he did at the Black collaborative forum, Dunn again came with a conservative platform in the Q and A. 

A number of R's fault the League for leaning left of center but if candidate Moores is going to ignore such groups, he's going to be left talking to the mirror and there's only one vote in that. (The forum can be seen here.) 

THE BOTTOM LINES 

From the April 17 Taos police blotter:

Suspicious Circumstances, Tractor Supply - Caller said there was a man in the arroyo screaming for help and for someone to call 911, saying that he and his girlfriend were fighting and she broke his leg. However, he was seen running on Gusdorf.

Thanks for stopping by.

This is the home of New Mexico politics. 

E-mail your news and comments. (newsguy@yahoo.com)

Interested in reaching New Mexico's most informed audience? Advertise here. 

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2021