Heath Haussamen
For nearly two years, I’ve been pulling double duty, operating NMPolitics.net and also working as a reporter for The New Mexico Independent. As of April 1, I’ll no longer be doing that. I’ve made the choice to leave The Independent so I can focus on this site.
I love what The Independent has done in the last two years. It’s become a must-read publication that has a big influence on what’s happening at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. In my view, The Independent has been instrumental in making New Mexico’s legislative process more transparent. I’ve enjoyed being a part of that and working with the other staff members there.
But juggling both sites had become increasingly difficult. And when it came time to focus on one, the choice was easy. I have two signs in my office. One says, “Trust your crazy ideas.” The other says, “Forsake inhibitions, pursue thy dreams.”
I started NMPolitics.net more than four years ago, before many New Mexicans were even familiar with the word “blog.” It’s grown into one of the most well-read political and government news Web sites in the state. In 2008, the Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza said it was one of his favorite state-based political blogs in the nation.
I believe NMPolitics.net has the potential to be much more. As the news industry continues to struggle through the transition to the Internet, I believe it can be part of the solution.
I intend to grow it into just that.
So look for an even stronger focus from me in the coming weeks and months on making NMPolitics.net the most informative political and government news Web site in the state. I’ll also be asking for your help in the coming weeks when I institute a new, transparent system that allows people to contribute financially to NMPolitics.net.
Making NMPolitics.net work is going to require a community effort. I’m committed, and I hope you are too.
I believe focusing on this site is the right choice. I’m optimistic and excited about the future. As always, thanks for your support of and participation in this experiment in the future of news.
Questions? E-mail me at heath@haussamen.com.