E-mail your news and comments. (newsguy@yahoo.com)
Interested in reaching New Mexico's most informed audience? Advertise here.
Thursday, July 31, 2025Dem Competition Gets Republican Hearts Beating; John Sanchez To Resurface In Wake Of Sandia Pueblo Endorsement Of Bregman; Sets Farmington Appearance; Hull Launches Announcement Video; Murphy Watches From Sidelines, Plus: Getting Meek Over Mimi The recent excitement in the Dem Guv chase between Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman is also causing Republican hearts to skip a beat. They see a better chance that the Dems may divide themselves and improve GOP prospects in next year's election. But first the GOP needs a first-tier contender. Former Lt. Governor John Sanchez would meet that standard and is now resurfacing just as Bregman's endorsement from Sandia Pueblo over Native American Haaland has rocked that race. Sanchez will appear August 5 in Farmington as part of a statewide tour sponsored by Americans for Prosperity, a conservative pro-business group founded by the billionaire Koch brothers. Sanchez will be accompanied by Four Corners state Rep. Rod Montoya who has been touting Sanchez for the Republican nomination and who once served as his chief of staff for Sanchez The Sanchez appearance may or may not foreshadow his entry but the Haaland-Bregman competition has to be encouraging. (The Sanchez appearance was announced prior to Sandia's endorsement of Bregman). At this point Sanchez is the only possible GOP contender who has statewide name ID. He also has the ability to raise money and has the most standing with Hispanic voters. However, his past campaigns have been faulted for being uninspiring and his service as lieutenant governor under Gov. Martinez was marred by her unpopularity. Meanwhile, waiting in the wings is wealthy Roswell oilman Mark Murphy, a longtime and important behind-the-scenes GOP player who says he is considering a run. He may be deferring to the better known Sanchez before diving in. He has the money to take his time. HULL'S STATUS  Despite unfounded rumors, I am reaching out to you to confirm my commitment. But the rumors were anything but unfounded. Hull, not ready to get in, erred by going public with a planned announcement date and then bailing out. It was his action that caused the "rumors" and cast a shadow over his steadiness and decision-making process. His video focuses exclusively on his long tenure as mayor, highlighting the city's status as the fastest growing in the state and as "the safest city in New Mexico." He polishes it off by dubbing himself "New Mexico's Mayor." The one minute video features distracting, amped up rock music as background. Hall does no narration. The video also says Hull has presided over "record job creation." However, the video comes on the heels of the announcement by Intel, the city's largest employer, that it is laying off more than 200 employees. Hull now says he is in the race but his fund-raising totals to be reported later this year will be closely watched to see if he will be truly viable. Not to take away from Hull's success as mayor but he is now on the statewide stage. In other words, Gregg, you're not in Rio Rancho anymore. But welcome to La Politica. MEEK OVER MIMI
Barring an unexpected twist, State Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, a Democrat, will not face sanctions for shouting at a legislative staffer in a heated moment during this year's 60-day legislative session. On a party-line vote, a legislative ethics hearing subcommittee recommended Wednesday that a complaint filed against Stewart for violating the Legislature's anti-harassment policy be dismissed. While the recommendation must still be accepted by a standing Senate committee, the finding appears likely to resolve the internal investigation into Stewart's actions. GOP Sen. Bill Sharer reacted: The precedent has now been set– Democrat Senators are free to abuse staff. Similar to how they govern, the Democrats sadly appear to care more about protecting themselves and their interests rather than doing what’s right for the everyday New Mexican. We hear you, Bill. You don't have to shout (but it's okay if you do). This is the Home of New Mexico Politics. |
Links
Archives
|