Thursday, May 26, 2022Torrez And Colón Clash Escalates As Dem AG Race Stays Tight And Gets Personal: Intense TV Debate Ends With No Hand Shake; We've Got The Expert Analysis, Plus: Parodying Herrell And: An Appeal To Heaven
The campaign has turned into a slugfest and gotten personal. At the conclusion of the thirty minute debate on KOAT the two candidates did not engage in the tradition of shaking hands and at least pretending to be cordial. How often do you see that? Not very. Former ABQ city councilor, state legislator, attorney and veteran campaign consultant Greg Payne is helping with our Campaign '22 analysis. We asked him for an objective take on who won and who lost: The candidates and their differing debate strategies were clear from the outset: Colón’s clearly was to not lose while Torrez's was to win--at any and all costs. Which is why Torrez walked away with a win, albeit on points. This debate wasn't a game-changer, but it did accentuate the differences between the two. One example was Colón failing to mention the murder of Victoria Martens or other specific high-profile violent crime cases that have damaged Torrez and undermined his claim that he has been a highly successful prosecutor. In an exchange on gun violence. Torrez stated we need to "hold parents accountable" for minors who use a parent's gun to commit a crime. That was a slow pitch waiting for Colón to hammer Torrez with. The DA failed to charge the parent of the 13 year old who shot and killed another 13 year old at ABQ's Washington Middle School last year--a parent who also has a history of gun violence himself. But Colón, for whatever reason, didn't go there. Why? The main takeaway was how relentless and aggressive Torrez was in his attacks (and some were personal), accusing Colón of engaging in "pay to play" politics with big, out of state law firms and mocking Colón for boasting that he prosecuted a case as a "law clerk." Then there was the not so subtle attack on Colón‘s BFF, incumbent Dem AG Hector Balderas, with a direct attack on the law firm Robles, Rael and Anaya. Balderas and Colón have long been associated with the firm that has received many lucrative contracts from AG Balderas' office. The good news for Colón? Only the insiders watched this debate. The bad news? Torrez had a lean and hungry look that Colón lacked. Torrez doesn't care if you like him. He just wants to win. Attorney Jeremy Gay will be the GOP nominee, but the Dem primary has produced the general election winner for nearly 40 years. A loss for either Colón or Torrez is likely to end their political career. PARODYING HERRELL
They call me “Hard Hearted Herrell.” I don’t take any crap from the Left. I give lip service to veterans, but then I vote against their interests in Congress. I complain about the sanctity of life, but then vote against helping babies get infant formula during a crisis. I voted against certifying the election on January 6th. My good friend Couy Griffin was convicted for his part in the January 6th insurrection. Establishing a commission to investigate January 6th was one of the votes I skipped. I voted against the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2022. I voted against capping outrageous insulin prices. I also voted against legislation funding wildfire management and fire suppression. If it’s good for my constituents, for New Mexico, for America, or for Democracy, I’m probably against it. If you don’t like me, I guess it sucks to be a whimpering snowflake libtard! I love Trump, Guns, God and Babies. Don’t get pregnant unless you mean it, I’m against letting you control your own medical decisions! Don't worry GOP. When Dems pick their primary nominee June 7th, you'll have plenty of time for payback. AN APPEAL TO HEAVEN
As indicated, the slogan is rooted in religion but it is quite political as well, having been coined by the 17th century philosopher John Locke who was expressing frustration for those not getting justice for wrongs done to them in the here and now. He wrote: The people have no other remedy in this, as in all other cases where they have no judge on earth, but to appeal to heaven. . . The Locke appeal is a justification for violent revolution and was emblazoned on the Continental Army flag in 1775 by order of George Washington. Today it is associated with Christian Nationalism and far-right activists who have become a segment of the Republican Party, including Maharg who is mainly an anti-abortion candidate. An Appeal to Heaven website says: ATH exists to honor the Lord by networking elected officials who are believers in Jesus Christ, who regularly attend and display a commitment to an evangelical, Gospel-centered church and who will commit to live and govern based on biblical, constitutional and Federalist principles.
"The people have no other remedy in this, as in all other cases where they have no judge on earth, but to appeal to heaven." Maharg polled at just 1 percent in the recent Journal poll so the ATH movement here does not appear widespread but it did have its moment on statewide TV. The New Yorker recently wrote of how the new GOP Pennsylvania GOP Guv nominee and other politicians have become associated with the ATH movement. This is the home of New Mexico politics. E-mail your news and comments. (newsguy@yahoo.com) Interested in reaching New Mexico's most informed audience? Advertise here.   (c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2022 |
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