By Carter Bundy
The big story from the
But those who think this is somehow the end of Chávez’s career underestimate him at their own peril.
Chávez is bright. He can be charming and engaging. I randomly ran into him at the
It takes more than talent
Unfortunately, coupled with his outstanding political abilities, there seems to be a defensiveness that makes it hard for him to disagree with someone and not take it personally. We all know someone who has that trait. Heck, most of us, including myself, have it to some degree.
It’s when the mayor takes things personally that his normally savvy political instincts desert him and he gets embroiled in unnecessary – and, invariably, losing – battles.
The mayor’s grand scheme to take total control of the legislative branch collapsed like the 2007 Mets. But Mets’ Manager Willie Randolph is getting to keep his job, and so is Chávez.
There is a silver lining for the mayor. Seriously.
Chávez now has had three big election defeats in a decade: in 1998 for Governor, in the 2003 city council races, and on Oct. 2, 2007. He came back from the first two to win mayoral elections.
This election was largely about blame. With the recent rancor between the mayor and city council, voters are looking for better cooperation between the two. The mayor and his candidates explicitly blamed Councilors Brad Winter and Debbie O’Malley. Voters saw things a little differently.
Here’s the silver lining: The mayor is a guy who is capable of, and has a history of, learning from his mistakes. If Chávez makes a genuine commitment to work with the council and with other groups in the city, he’ll probably find willing partners.
That can only be good for him and his future, and I wouldn’t bet against his coming to the same conclusion.
Make no mistake though, it was bad
In 2003, Chávez’s developer allies at Citizens for Greater Albuquerque tried to take over city council and were crushed. That year, he had the thin veil of an outside group to give him plausible deniability when his candidates lost.
In 2007, the mayor and his staff were active in recruiting, fundraising and participating in the campaigns of Katherine Martinez, Paulette de ‘Pascal and Joanie Griffin, not to mention supporting the recall of Don Harris.
Most ominous for the mayor was the showing in District 6. His 2005 mayoral race communications director, Joanie Griffin, knew her background with him and with Republicans would be a liability in liberal District 6. So
The reason the District 6 showing is scary for the mayor is that, while unquestionably to the left of the average voter, District 6 voters are also activists and representative of a significant portion of the Democratic Party’s primary voters.
To a lesser extent, state Treasurer James Lewis took a hit, too. James is a great guy and a man of unquestioned integrity. He didn’t do himself any favors with Democratic primary voters, though, by stepping out in favor of
Meanwhile, everything came up roses for Lt. Gov. Diane Denish and congressional candidate Martin Heinrich, as Garduño featured their support for him heavily in his campaign literature. Voters obviously responded positively.
Don’s vindication
Watching politics up close makes even the most optimistic of us a bit cynical, but the bi-partisan rejection of Harris’ recall was one of most affirming moments for our system I’ve seen in a while.
I mean, I was sitting there listening to a guy tell me how Bill Clinton was responsible for 9/11, our national debt and the
And I can’t think of a more touching, beautiful political moment than when, following a radio announcement of Don’s victory, his wife just hugged him and held him for what seemed like an hour.
Rey’s revelry
Rey’s party had the feel of hope and pride. Several people talked about how proud they were to be New Mexicans. The personal trashing had fallen flat, and voters in District 6 reaffirmed their commitment to growing
Brad’s and Debbie’s party party
Most surreal was the bipartisan gathering at the Hotel Albuquerque, where Winter, O’Malley, Ken Sanchez and all kinds of Democratic and GOP operatives were hanging out.
You wouldn’t believe the list even were I inclined to post it. Quite the unusual evening all the way around, and a very good one for checks, balances and
Bundy is the political and legislative director for AFSCME in