After her relationship with lawmakers disintegrated like a pillar of salt in the wake of a special session on crime, the Governor played it safe in her State of the State address Tuesday, again going to bat on crime but emphasizing the popular and bipartisan issues of child education and welfare rather than reopening wounds or picking fights she couldn't win.

(Video here. Transcript and Governor's news release here.)

That also goes for any fisticuffs with The Donald whose presence hovered over the chamber but earned nary a mention--directly or even indirectly--from a subdued and more conciliatory chief executive. 

In fact, she bent over backwards to stress a turn away from the contentious to a more collaborative relationship with the Legislature. She repeatedly cited efforts she said had been successful from working together, giving shout-outs like: "You did it! and "You can do it!" 

One Wall-Leaner commented: "That's a change from: "You better do it."

She may have had to rehearse those lines a number of times to make sure she didn't choke on them but they were politely received, even if it seemed like some in the audience already had one foot out the door as she pitched her softball messaging.

That the power dynamic has switched now that MLG is in her final two years was made clear as she put forth a rather robust compromise plan for more oversight of the long-troubled Children Youth and Families Department. 

Democrats, now safely re-elected and freed from fear of the Fourth Floor, are finally ready to do something about CYFD and the horrendous circumstances that often confront children they take into custody. The Governor's move to meet them halfway will be well-received but not necessarily successful as more far-reaching reforms remain on the table. 

Crime, the agenda leader in Santa Fe for several years running, was acknowledged but not until later in the 50 minute speech. She reiterated her favorite bills, some of which have been rejected, but  her emphasis was less adamant (resigned?) than in the past. 

She completely ignored the second arrival of Trump who she campaigned against so rigorously. Also getting the silent treatment were immigration, abortion and gun control. In their stead were incentives for banning cell phones during school hours, tax breaks for foster parents and $50 million for the Indian Education Fund. That's what's known as low-lying fruit.

She did indicate she is on the same page with the Legislature in approving long-delayed plans to rebuild the state's behavioral health system and she threw a bone to progressives on climate change, calling for "net zero emissions" by 2050 but received only a lukewarm reaction. Yes, the political weather is also changing.

In the end it was a pragmatic and mild speech given in a more conversational tone and that seemed to recognize her new political limits. Let's just say she didn't get where she is  without knowing how to read a room. 

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.