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Both candidates for governor will present “major policy initiatives” during the Domenici Public Policy Conference being held at New Mexico State University in September, the university announced today. Continue Reading
UPDATED: State funding for Susana Martinez’s office grew 69.5 percent during the same time period she is using to attack the “Richardson/Denish” administration for “out-of-control” growth of 54 percent. My exploration of Martinez’s stance – that her office’s budget growth was justified but the state’s was not – revealed that budgets are complicated and there are different ways of looking at things. Continue Reading
The state is halfway through its 10-year experiment with the Behavioral Health Collaborative, which aims to deliver mental health and substance abuse services more effectively and efficiently. Both gubernatorial candidates say it’s time to consider some changes. Continue Reading
With a proposal to build an off-reservation casino in Anthony recently resurfacing, both candidates for governor say they need more time to consider the issue before they’d decide whether to allow the casino to be built. Continue Reading
UPDATED: Days after I reported that the office of Lt. Gov. Diane Denish had removed its archive of news releases from its Web site, the releases are back online. Continue Reading
UPDATED: I am among those who have written that whoever wins the current governor’s race will be the state’s first woman to serve as governor, and that if Republican Susana Martinez wins, she’ll be the first female Hispanic governor in the nation. That’s not accurate. Continue Reading
In writing last week about Lt. Gov. Diane Denish’s office removing news releases from its Web site, I stated that the state treasurer’s office doesn’t have news releases archived on its Web site. Turns out I was wrong. Continue Reading
I was as shocked as anyone when KOB-TV released its new SurveyUSA poll Monday evening that shows Jon Barela leading Martin Heinrich by six points. The poll raises lots of questions, but what should be clear is this: The 1st Congressional District race is now officially a very hot contest. Continue Reading
Republican gubernatorial candidate Susana Martinez may be the “most frightening” candidate in the nation for Democrats, writes Molly Ball on Slate.com. In addition, the Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza has added the New Mexico gubernatorial race to the list of contests that are most likely to result in a party switch this fall. Continue Reading
Tim Lewis, the brother of Albuquerque City Councilor Dan Lewis, has announced his candidacy for the House seat currently held by Democrat Jack Thomas. Continue Reading
Susana Martinez’s new ad in the governor’s race claims that Diane Denish spent federal stimulus funds “on” and “preparing” campaign Christmas cards. That’s apparently factual, though there is more to the story. Continue Reading
Lt. Gov. Diane Denish’s government Web site used to contain news releases that had been sent out by her office during her tenure, but the releases were deleted from the Web site earlier this month and are no longer available on the Internet. Continue Reading
Republican gubernatorial candidate Susana Martinez opposes public financing of elections, while Democratic opponent Diane Denish wants to give campaign contribution limits a try before she considers expanding public financing. Continue Reading
UPDATED: Republican Tonia Harris has dropped her attempt to unseat incumbent Democrat Jack Thomas in the Rio Ranch-area District 60 House race. Continue Reading
The 2nd Congressional District race between Democratic incumbent Harry Teague and Republican challenger Steve Pearce pits the current, Democrat-controlled Congress against the previous, GOP-controlled Congress. At least, that’s how NPR breaks things down in a new profile of the race. Continue Reading