Reasons for Optimism Emerge On State Political Scene, Plus: First Glimpse At SOS Race And A NM First Lady Passes

Suddenly there's reason for optimism on the state political scene.

First, there's the stunning unanimous rejection of the PNM/Avangrid merger by the Public Regulation Commission (PRC) Wednesday. 

A who's who of the state political establishment--AG Balderas, Sen. Heinrich, Big Bill, state House Majority Leader Javier Martinez, Chambers of Commerce, wealthy enviro groups, big labor and the mainstream media all piled on in support of the deal and were backed by an over the top $1 million plus ad campaign. But once in a while the little guy wins one and what a win this was. 

Here's the deal with this deal: There is no need for New Mexico to be a world "leader" in renewable energy that merger supporters insisted Avangrid would make our state. 

Yes, keep pace with renewable developments and fight climate change but what our Land of Enchantment needs to be leading in is uplifting the vast share of the population that is dispirited from a lack of early childhood education, poor public school outcomes, sky high drug abuse and fatality rates, a lack of child care support and unrelenting violence and property crime. Those are the categories the establishment needs to lead us in. 

The merger rejection could be appealed in court but if it stands PNM can be made responsive to the need for renewable energy (it already is) but also more sensitive to the need for low electric rates in a state populated by low income consumers. There is no need to save the world, PNM. Let's save new Mexico first. 

Also on the optimistic front is the pace and tone of the special legislative session underway in Santa Fe. Senator Joe Cervantes has come with a reasonable and logical plan for redistricting the state's three congressional seats that accounts for the continued growth in the Hispanic population and balances rural and city interests. It hits just the right notes. 

Then there's the nearly $500 million in federal pandemic aid on its way to being put out the door with House Appropriations Chair Patty Lundstrom leading the way. The broadband funding and tourism marketing in the measure are especially important. There will be another $500 million from the Feds to thoughtfully consider in the 30 day legislative session next year. For now the lawmakers are off to a sound start. 

Finally, there is the continually growing state surplus from the oil fields in SE NM. That's been expected and forecast here. Still, it is welcome. If Lundstrom and company can switch gears from road paving and the like and use that money to pave the way to better behavioral and education outcomes the optimism felt today will be justified later. 

SOS RACE

Audrey Trujillo

Here's an early dive into the '22 SOS race. Incumbent Maggie Toulouse Oliver is unopposed for the Dem nomination and there is one GOP candidate. From pundit Larry Sabato and his Crystal Ball:

Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, who has been in office since 2016, is expected to be renominated easily. The only other candidate so far is Audrey D. Trujillo, who currently serves as the state Republican Hispanic political director. According to her website, Trujillo touts her work on behalf of “the grassroots efforts to pursue a forensic audit that would help expose the voter fraud in NM elections.” Given New Mexico’s political lean, Toulouse Oliver would be favored over Trujillo, but a competitive race can’t be ruled out if Democratic fortunes in the midterms slip. 

A Trumpian attack on New Mexico elections is going to be a hard sell statewide but the R's did take the SOS office in the Tea Party year of 2010.

PRC AND PNM

Reader Stan Fitch in Sandia park writes:

Joe, Thank's for your December 2 blog wherein with clarity you expose the PNM/Avangrid merger and the political heavyweights pushing for it. I am a moderate Democrat who, after careful consideration, staunchly opposes the merger. If Avangrid were truly interested in being a good public servant and saving New Mexicans money, why are they expending millions to forcefully shove the Progressives' well-coordinated media agenda down our throats? Somebody stands to gain big money from this merger, but it won't be the general public. I do not like the perilous direction that the Progressives are pushing our state. Do you suppose that due to my public opposition, the Progressives will quit pestering me for big campaign donations? Of course not. 

By the way, PNM had its worst stock price decline in 18 months last week when three of the five PRC commissioners indicated they would vote against the merger. The stock then hit a new 52 week low in after hours trading when word came down that the PRC was rejecting the merger.

ELAINE ANAYA

Word arrives of the passing on November 9 in Santa Fe of former NM first lady Elaine Anaya. She was married to ex-Gov. Toney Anaya who served from 1983-'87. 

Elaine Anaya, the mother to three children, was a native of Pennsylvania who met her husband while both worked in DC in the 60's. They were married 58 years. Said Anaya: 

She was very quiet, very calm. She had a certain demeanor about her that was disarming, but she set the rules down, and I followed them. . . She always supported me. We were a complete package together. She fell in love with New Mexico. . she adopted New Mexico.

The former Governor is now 80 and continues to dabble in the law as he deals with failing eyesight.

Elaine Anaya is being remembered for advocating for the homeless, those with behavioral health issues and victims of domestic violence. She was 78.

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