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Budget numbers are getting dramatically worse, leadership positions are up for grabs, political appointees are moving to classified jobs and the incoming governor is threatening to fire them all. The next couple of months are going to be very interesting. Continue Reading
The 2010 election was historic for a few reasons that should be recognized, starting with the obvious: Susana Martinez is not only the first woman to be elected governor of New Mexico, but she’s also the first Hispanic woman to be elected governor of any state in the country. Continue Reading
As I’ve been digging into the records of both gubernatorial candidates in the past few months, a common theme has emerged: a stunning lack of understanding by both candidates of the importance of avoiding situations that could create an appearance of impropriety. Continue Reading
UPDATED: It’s rare to see a political forum these days that is a true debate, stays civil, and focuses on issues that actually mater to voters. But New Mexico First and the state’s public television stations hosted debates in each congressional district this year that accomplished just that. Continue Reading
Five days after I wrote a column reminding state officials that using government e-mail for political purposes isn’t appropriate, it happened again. Continue Reading
I’ve written about this before, but three incidents from the last few days make me think it’s time to say it again: It’s not appropriate to use government e-mail for political purposes. Continue Reading
Imagine if the Democratic Party rebuilt after Nov. 2 around reform-minded politicians like State Auditor Hector Balderas. If the expected bloodbath forces the party to change, some Democrats have told me, maybe it won’t be so bad for the party after all. Continue Reading
President Barack Obama’s citizenship has been proven. Steve Pearce is spreading falsehoods about Obama, and his words have the potential to set off people on the extreme, fringe right who may be willing to resort to violence. Continue Reading
The 2nd District race is still up for grabs, but Harry Teague needs to reverse the recent trend toward Steve Pearce. Three new endorsements may be a start. If the recent trend continues, however, Pearce could be firmly in control when Election Day arrives. Continue Reading
Political blogger Joe Monahan reports rumors and frequently gets his facts wrong, but there’s more to tell about him. Here’s the truth about the rumor Monahan spread about me on Thursday, and the truth about Monahan. Continue Reading
There’s been lots of negative news for Secretary of State Mary Herrera lately, and I’ve written a lot about the scandal plaguing her office. But research for two recent articles reminded me about one very positive step forward the office has taken under Herrera’s leadership. Continue Reading
State Sen. Mary Jane Garcia recently accused Republican gubernatorial candidate Susana Martinez of misrepresenting her role in the passage of a bill that resulted in tougher penalties for child abuse resulting in death. But the reality is that it’s Garcia – not Martinez – who is misrepresenting the facts. Continue Reading
Diane Denish’s frequent use of a state jet and Susana Martinez’s purchasing of office supplies from a business owned by an employee create negative appearances that will harm their credibility with voters. Continue Reading
The New Mexico courts Web site is the only central database of district and magistrate court case information in New Mexico that’s publicly accessible. The Supreme Court should put full dates of birth back in court documents and online. And it should reject a proposal to remove cases that didn’t lead to convictions from the online database. Continue Reading
The Doña Ana County wilderness bill that New Mexico’s U.S. senators and local activists are trying to push through Congress before the end of the year puts U.S. Rep. Harry Teague in a very tough political spot. The legislation has to be pushed through this year or its chances of passing could go way down. But pushing the bill through this year could seal Teague’s fate. Continue Reading