Is that all there is? That may be the reaction of state Dems and US Rep. Melanie Stansbury as she prepares to face re-election with only a tepid GOP challenge emerging so far to take her on: 

Steve Jones, a 77-year-old retired energy executive and former certified public accountant who resides in Ruidoso, confirmed that he filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission that will allow him to raise and spend money in the race for the 1st Congressional District. Though he identified as an independent in his 2020 write-in campaign in the 2nd Congressional District, Jones says he has been a Republican since 1976 and will vie for the party nomination this time. . . 

So far, Jones has no cash on hand. Jones concedes that his chances of victory this year in the district are unlikely for him or other Republicans, but hopes his campaign can put in place the organization and infrastructure that can make it more competitive for Republicans in the future. 

Stansbury has held the ABQ area seat since mid  '21 when she won a special election. Under redistricting the district picked up parts of several conservative rural SE counties including Lincoln in which Ruidoso is situated and where Jones lives. 

There is still time for more GOP challengers to get in but the national party is not targeting the incumbent and without their financial backing, the race will not be competitive.

LESS NEWSPRINT NEWS

The Roswell Daily Record broke the news of the Stansbury challenger and has been making some news of its own. Dealing with a challenging environment, the paper is dropping some of their daily print editions.

In the new year the paper has gone from from a five-day-a-week print schedule to three days of print and five days-a week as an electronic newspaper. Print editions are Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Tuesday and Thursday will be electronic only.  

Will other major newspapers follow suit as they grapple with staying in the black in the internet age?  

GREENER PASTURES

Conservative reader Jim McClure comments on our Monday blog reporting that New Mexico is not getting many of the Californians who are leaving their state for greener pastures:

If Californians are moving to escape high taxes, poor schools, rising crime and draconian government regulation, why would they come to a state that replicates California’s policies? Even the undocumented immigrants appear to be bypassing New Mexico.

Reader Charlie Knoblauch says of the state's stagnant population growth, as noted by the most census report we quoted:

Joe, the official motto for NM translates as “it grows as it goes.” Perhaps a new motto is in order?

NEW YEAR WISH 

Reader John Rey has a simple wish for 2024:

Hello Joe, my 2024 wish is that all--and I do mean all--so called newscasters and weathercasters learn how to pronounce Ruidoso! There are only two o’s not three. Learn how to pronounce or don’t say it.

Thanks, John. We've sent a certified letter to news anchor Tessa Mentus asking her to convene a meeting of broadcasters to fulfill your wish. Good luck. . . 

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