Sam Bregman's gubernatorial campaign appeared to lose momentum after releasing a lengthy "Blueprint for New Mexico" that was revealed to contain sections copied from state websites and that was denounced by rival Deb Haaland's camp as "absolute gibberish.

After digesting that slice of humble pie the undaunted Bregman went on a November "Common Sense Over Chaos" tour, trying to amplify his policy chops and make up any ground lost to front-runner Haaland.

At his last tour stops in the ABQ and Santa Fe media markets Bregman won attention for his support of measures to "modernize" the state legislature including slapping term limits on legislators, lengthening legislative sessions to 90 days per year and for the first time awarding the 112 lawmakers full-time salaries. 

These might be called shopworn proposals that have been debated and rejected but Bregman hopes to put a new shine on them. Politically, they have appeal. Recent polling places support for term limits at 82 percent with Republicans and Independents most in favor but Dems also giving strong backing. 

Independent voters will for the first time be allowed to vote in state primary elections starting with the June '26 balloting and Bregman seems intent on courting them.

The concept of longer legislative sessions--currently they are set at 60 days for odd numbered years and 30 days in even numbered years--already seems to have been circumvented, argues Libertarian Ed Lopez whose father was a longtime Democratic state senator from Santa Fe:

Joe, unpaid NM legislators have created more than twenty-five (25) interim committees and an unclear number of subcommittees. . .These are on top of the legislature’s existing 23 standing Senate and House committees that meet during regular sessions. This massive interim bureaucracy has “creeped” into becoming today’s de facto full time professional legislature, where specialized, full time lobbyists are paid to influence public policy. . .These elite few keenly understand and easily navigate this complex interim bureaucracy usually away from the average folks who show up during 30 and 60 day legislative sessions, This interim legislative creep has now taken over our Roundhouse. 

We would add that legislators can now have year round staffs and district offices. Does that make what Lopez says is a "shadow legislature" less so? 

(Here is a long list of links to various studies and news reports about modernizing.) 

All of the modernization proposals Bregman supports would require voter-approved constitutional amendments that would first have to be passed by the legislature. That would require the executive to commit considerable political capital to prevail in the face of stiff opposition. Republican Senate Leader Sharer and Dem Senate heavy Joe Cervantes are already expressing skepticism. 

Bregman, the BernCo District Attorney, has already run afoul of lawmakers when he proposed a sweeping revamping of the state that was swiftly rejected. Would he really go to bat for the legislative reform measures or is it campaign rhetoric? 

BREAD AND BUTTER 

Bregman is also pushing out a bread and butter portion of his "Blueprint" that may stimulate more serious debate than reforming the legislature. It would have the state fund down payments to make homes more affordable for first time homebuyers who have been priced out of the market:

(It would) help families buy their first home with $25,000 to $55,000 in homebuyer assistance toward the down payment and closing costs. Eligible first-time buyers earning below 150% of the local median income will receive assistance ranging from about $25,000 to $55,000 - depending on factors like the median home price in their area - and delivered as a zero-interest deferred loan. Families won’t make monthly payments; instead, the loan is repaid only when the home is sold or if it’s no longer their primary residence. 

But this plan would not come cheap and Bregman is now giving himself wiggle room:

We need to study a little bit more as far as what the demand would be. . . but certainly it’ll cost. It’ll be substantial because we don’t want three people to get their $25,000 or $30,000 down payment. We want to actually do this, so that we change the course in which we’re going---in the last five years we have half the inventory for homes than we did. We need to change that.

If 5,000 people each received $25,000 down payment loans it would cost the state $125 million, a substantial amount even in the face of excess oil boom reserves and one that would surely fire up the fiscal hawks soaring above the Roundhouse.  

As with his juvenile code revamp Bregman continues to demonstrate a shoot first style that runs into trouble when he is pressed for details. But the down payment plan is a potentially life changing element element that addresses one of the thorniest challenges New Mexico faces. 

Despite his misstep with his Blueprint and the hasty approach to some of his plans, Bregman has succeeded in putting the gubernatorial campaign on a much higher plane than the standard 30 second "gotcha" TV spot. How long he can hold that ground remains to be seen but voters welcome it for as long as it lasts. 

 THE BOTTOM LINES

The ABQ mayoral candidates will debate tonight at 7 p.m. on KOAT-TV. . . I'll be discussing the race and other matters of La Politica with T.J Trout on KKOB 96.3 FM at 5 p.m. today.

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.    

If you're among those who believe the December 9 ABQ mayoral runoff election is beyond the reach of Republican Darren White and that Mayor Tim Keller will likely win a third term, you won't miss any polling in the race. But for those who think an upset lurks, the lack of an ABQ Journal poll testing that or other theory will be missed. 

The campaigns, of course, have internal polling which they sometimes release to spin the race but that's no replacement for an unbiased and reliable survey produced by the Journal. Their polls have been run for decades by pollster Brian Sanderoff of Research and Polling, who tells me:

There are no plans for a Journal Poll for the runoff election. If thst should change, I will let you know. 

That's disappointing for the politically-minded but not surprising, given the expense of conducting a poll for a city election with only three races on the ballot (Mayor and two city council runoffs).

The paper also did not poll the last mayoral runoff election in 2017 which featured Keller seeking his first term and in a runoff with Republican City Councilor Dan Lewis who lost in a 62-38 landslide. (Our '17 Election Night report here)

The conventional wisdom this year has Keller winning again but with White suffering a smaller loss than Lewis. 

In the Journal's survey of the Nov. 4 election Keller came in first and White came in second. The poll was conducted in late September but forecast the results for Election Night. Keller placed first and White second with neither getting the 50 percent of the vote needed to avoid a runoff.

Those results have given rise to debate over whether the city should return to the former standard of 40 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff or even entertain ranked choice voting to have an instant runoff the night of the election. 

With the cost of this runoff possibly topping well over $1 million, according to Bernalillo County, that debate could have some legs. 

HULL BACKS OFF 

Gregg Hull

In another closely watched mayor contest taking place in March in Rio Rancho three term Mayor Gregg Hull has decided he will not seek a fourth term while at the same time running for the GOP for the '26 GOP gubernatorial nomination. 

Hull's attempt to take two bites out of the apple were untenable and made his Guv candidacy appear less than serious not to mention the skepticism it may have caused among major cash donors. In easing out of the ill-advised double-run, the outgoing mayor said: 

Serving the people of Rio Rancho these past 12 years has been a privilege. We’ve tackled big challenges together, made progress on our infrastructure, built places where families and seniors feel at home, and set our city up for long-term success. I am thankful for the team effort in this great city to bring about needed changes and renewed long-term vision. Now, I believe it is time for fresh energy and new leadership to carry the city forward while I shift my focus on running for governor.

Now that he no longer has the mayoral campaign to take up his time, Hull can start worrying about the possible entry of cannabis mogul Duke Rodriguez who says he might spend as much as $2 million of his own money to finance a run for the GOP nomination. (Republican state Sen. Steve Lanier recently launched his candidacy.)

There are concerns that Rodriguez will turn off Republicans because he has given big dollars to candidates of both parties over the years and that marijuana legalization is still not supported by most Republicans. 

But GOP ABQ mayor candidate White had his cannabis company give $20,000 in campaign donations to Dem Gov MLG. White has since sold the company and rarely talks about legal pot. And here he is in the runoff.

Here is the bottom line for Duke and any other Republican gubernatorial hopeful: 

If it is seen that a candidate has a seious chance to take the governorship, all sins will be forgiven. The smell of victory for Republicans is much stronger than that of marijuana

From the ABQ City Clerk's office: 

Early voting will take place Monday, December 1 through Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 17 polling locations across Albuquerque. On Election Day, Tuesday, December 9, 50 polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Absentee ballots will be mailed to voters who have requested them beginning November 18. 

The last day to request an absentee ballot is November 25. . .All absentee ballots must be received by the Clerk’s Office no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day. Same-day registration will also be available during the Early Voting period and on Election Day. 

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.    

Keller & Uballez

In the unlikely event that Mayor Tim Keller has to turn over the keys to City Hall to Darren White following the December 9 ABQ mayoral runoff election, he would not have far to look for someone to blame--rightly or wrongly. 

That would be Alex Uballez, the former US Attorney and now a stubborn third place finisher to Keller in the November 4 election and who continues to refuse to endorse his fellow progressive Democrat.

In fact, Uballez could be said to be acting as if he won something--not finishing third and being denied a spot in the runoff--as he lists his demands for the two term Mayor to fulfill before he gives his blessing for a third term that Keller is seeking. 

Uballez has asked Keller to commit to eliminating homeless encampment sweeps, expanding rental assistance and working with tribal groups to protect Albuquerque’s petroglyphs. . .Uballez said: “He needs to give us the tools to inspire people. I think it’s silly to walk away from 25,000 votes."

Keller: "We had productive meetings and identified a great deal of common ground, but we made it clear that we will not engage in quid pro quo endorsements for his support or anyone else’s."

Uballez acknowledged some of his supporters will likely vote for Keller. . .regardless of whether he endorses him, but said many of them do not feel excited about casting a ballot. “There’s a lot of them that don’t want to vote at all,” Uballez said. 

But a mayor can't cede his power to authorize a sweep of a homeless camp or any other kind of camp without compromising his ability and responsibility to provide for the public's safety. 

As for rental assistance there is a wide variety currently available through both the state and city.

And on the petroglyphs: 

Established in 1990, Petroglyph National Monument is unique not only in its history and landscape, but in its management as well. This 7,244-acre monument relies on a partnership between the National Park Service and the City of Albuquerque Open Space Division to protect its nearly 20,000 petroglyphs and provide recreational and educational opportunities to the public. 

UBALLEZ CRITICS 

Trujillo

Is Uballez using his perceived power to enhance his own standing rather than seriously influence the public policy debate? That's what his growing rank of Democratic critics contend as the stark choice between a progressive Democrat and a hard-right Republican looms over the city:  

Former Lt. Governor Diane Dneish: 

It appears that Uballez has missed the endorsement train. By failing to get on board right away and be a unifier, he says he controls 25,000 votes and is making demands on the mayor in exchange for his endorsements. This is an indication of why he shouldn’t be mayor. Uballez miscalculates his own importance. Bringing people together, not being too full of yourself and not reading too much of your own press, these are qualities we need in a mayor. Uballez doesn’t have them. 

Mark Trujillo, Political Director, IBEW Local 611 

Uballez finished a distant third, earning just 19 percent—roughly the same as Eddy Aragon four years ago. So let’s not make too much of what Uballez does or doesn’t do. The notion that any organization or individual can dictate how thousands of people vote is simply not how democracy works. 

To Alex Uballez and the groups aligned with him: this moment isn’t about any one campaign or organization. It’s about Albuquerque’s future. Elections have consequences — and one of them is knowing when to move from campaigning to governing, and from demanding to contributing.

Progressive Lissa Knudsen: 

Knudsen

Uballez needs to do more than just endorse Mayor Keller. He needs to do so without demanding concessions and he must actively work to get him elected. We must be crystal clear about the stakes: If Keller loses, our immigrant population will be targeted. The unhoused will be targeted. The most vulnerable people in our city will be targeted. Uballez should demand only one thing: that his voters go to the polls to protect those most vulnerable citizens. And a special note to CCP, OLE, WFP, EQNM, Native Voters, and Organized in Power: it is time to work for the people you claim to represent—the most vulnerable—and get Mayor Keller elected. 

Uballez correctly assumes that there are voters who cast ballots for him who are reluctant to vote for Keller or White but it is a rapidly shrinking number as evidenced by the endorsement of Keller by progressive leader and Dem Guv candidate Deb Haaland as well as this committee in support of him:

Host Committee in Formation: NM Speaker of the House Javier Martinez, Senator Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, Senator Debbie O'Malley, Representative Janelle Anyanonu, Representative Joy Garratt, Representative Patricia Roybal Caballero, County Commissioner Barbara Baca, County Commissioner Adriann Barboa, City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn, City Councilor Nichole Rodgers, City Councilor Joaquin Baca, Former Senator Jerry Ortiz y Pino, Former Representative Kay Bounkeua, Rachel Lazar, Isaac De Luna, Eli Cuna, Anpao Duta Flying Earth, Angie and Brittany Poss, Janelle Johnson, 

At this point it appears that unless Uballez either changes his mind and comes with a no-strings endorsement or attracts a significant number of other progressives to join him in the demands he is making on Keller, this mayoral train is about to leave the station with or without him.

THE SURNAME GAME

We did not report that former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima was attempting "to hide" his heritage, only that he appears to have developed a sudden affinity for his middle name of Gallegos that he did not employ when he was mayor for 16 years. 

That change comes as he seeks the '26 Dem nomination for governor--as we explained on the blog last week. Still, we will run Miyagishima's reply even though he is mistaken: 

I’ve never tried to hide my mixed race heritage. I’m proud of my roots. My full name is and always has been Kenneth Daniel Gallegos Miyagishima, something you could have verified just by using google. I am surprised you find this “rebranding”. Y

ou also misread my campaign message. I have not joined my opponents in rushing to solicit campaign funds because I see the love of money as being the root of corruption in politics. I have self financed every campaign in my long career. . . I’m sure I will need funds after the primary, but I’d prefer to mostly self-finance my campaign for the June election. 

Maybe Sam (Bregman) and Deb are better known in Albuquerque, but where do they stand on issues that matter to New Mexicans? I view medical malpractice reform as the litmus test. Where does Deb stand on curbing this legal practice that threatens every doctor in our state? Sam is running as the “tough on crime” District Attorney, but his legal career has been defending those same criminals as a trial attorney. Do you think doctors can trust him considering his duplicity? I challenged them both to join me in rejecting campaign funds from trial attorneys and they refused. 

I think you would agree that voters deserve to know where each candidate stands on this most important issue. I think you would agree that the best way to inform voters is through debates. Why not do your readers the favor of endorsing debates even if it gives me the platform to talk truth to power? Maybe you see my campaign as “flagging” but I doubt that doctors, nurses or patients agree with you. 

We took up Miyagishima's suggestion that we Google his name. The only results we see with Gallegos mentioned as part of his surname is his Wikpedia entry and his recently announced gubernatorial candidacy--not during his long public service career or political campaigns in Las Cruces. 

As for debates, of course bring them on. As always we welcome any ideas from the gubernatorial candidates to improve the quality of life for New Mexicans. 

CHICAGO STYLE 

Reaer Jim McClure wrties: 

Joe, your report of Ken Miyagishima’s surname switch brought back memories of Chicago. Hispanic, Polish and Italian surnames are politically advantageous in Chicago, depending on the neighborhood, and Irish surnames are plerennial winners. Some of the down ballot races seemed to attract multi-ethnic candidates. I don't recall any specific names, but some were along the lines of Casimir Gonzalez O’Reilly or Patrick Esposito Lewandowski.

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.    

Can a gubernatorial candidate with a 30 year track record do an ethnic rebrand to make himself more competitive?

Former Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima, 62, is trying and comes with this eyebrow raising newspaper ad that for the first time identifies him as Ken "Gallegos" Miyagishima.

Miyagishima has long been known as a successful Japanese-American politician. His electoral success goes back to1992 when he was elected to the Dona Ana County Commission. He served as a popular Las Cruces Mayor from 2007 to 2023.

Now as a candidate in the June '26  Dem Guv primary he is seeking a broader profile as he competes against well-known contenders Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman.  

The name change could be seen as a long-shot play from a long-shot candidate. Miyagishima has not been competitive with his fund-raising. 

Hispanic voters are plentiful in Democratic primaries and among independents who are now able to vote in party primaries. History confirms that voters can be swayed by a candidate's ethnic background. 

Miyagishima's major problem is not ethnicity but that he is a conservative/moderate Dem running in a party dominated by progressives. 

His major impact on the race thus far may be slowing down BernCo District Attorney Bregman who is courting the same middle of the road voters as Miyagishima, leaving the large progressive bloc to Deb Haaland.  

If nothing else the former mayor's name change could give him an excuse to hold a rebranding party to  raise money for his flagging campaign. 

MIYAGISIHIMA AND GALLEGOS 

Ken Miyagishima's middle name, "Gallegos," reflects his mixed Mexican and Japanese heritage. "Gallegos" is a Spanish surname from his mother's side of the family, while "Miyagishima" is his Japanese family name from his father's side. The use of both names symbolizes recognition of both parental lineages and cultural backgrounds.

MAYORAL RUNOFF 

From the ABQ City Clerk's office: 

Early voting will take place Monday, December 1 through Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 17 polling locations across Albuquerque. On Election Day, Tuesday, December 9, 50 polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Absentee ballots will be mailed to voters who have requested them beginning November 18. 

The last day to request an absentee ballot is November 25. . .All absentee ballots must be received by the Clerk’s Office no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day. Same-day registration will also be available during the Early Voting period and on Election Day. 

We'll be away from this space for a bit and return next Wednesday, Nov. 19. See you then. 

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.    

At the conclusion of KOB-TV's ABQ mayoral runoff debate last night one of the moderators said the "passion"of the candidates was appreciated. That was a courteous way of describing a hot under the collar confrontation that had Darren White seeming to jump out of his shoes. 

He went after Keller so vociferously and without regard for the debate rules that he had to be reined in by the moderators.

The full debate here. 

Keller, who finished first in the November 4 election with 36 percent, was less emotional even as White issued his indictment of his administration over crime and homelessness. He settled into a calm recitation of the political baggage that the former Sheriff brought to the debate stage as White barely turned down the temperature. 

The debate was only thirty minutes. There were few moments when White, who ran second to Keller last week with 31 percent, was not directly facing the mayor, often with pointed finger, as he delivered his pugnacious punch lines and engaged in dramatic expressions. When Keller took his shots he only occasionally looked White's way and kept his eyes glued on the viewers. 

White's school yard bashing of the incumbent was a moment of release for the anti-Keller GOP base but there was little in White's performance that will change hearts and minds. His hyper-aggressive posture may have played into Keller's meme that he represents a "dangerous alternative." 

Keller, a Democrat in a majority Democratic city, probably didn't win any new fans but he acquitted himself as he did on the KOAT mayoral debate last month by keeping his game face on and systematically attacking White. 

The issues covered at the debate are by now overly familiar to the electorate--crime, homelessness and Keller's performance. What was new was the ability of the candidates to sharpen their charges against each other without having to share the stage with four other contenders.

Newspaper report on debate here. The duo will meet again in debate Nov. 24 on KOAT. The runoff election is December 9. 

CRIME NUMBERS 

The debate came a day after the Keller administration released new crime stats that showed crime across the board was down in the city for the first nine months of the year compared to 2024. They cited similar statistics for the nation but Keller was not overly rejoicing, saying: 

I understand that the perception may not be that crime is going down, in fact, I would agree with that perception. But I will tell you if we continue doing this for several more years, we will absolutely feel safer because we are safer.

Keller critics swatted away the new stats, claiming that many crimes are going unreported because tharre are so many and citizens don't bother to call the police. 

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.    

When US Senators Ben Ray Lujan and Martin Heinrich jointly endorsed Santa Fe mayoral candidate Michael Garcia it was a one-two punch for the city councilor who also secured other prominent backing on his way to an easy win last Tuesday.

Flash forward to the December 9 ABQ mayoral runoff and Ben Ray has wasted no time in giving an official nod to Mayor Tim Keller but Martin Heinrich, who earned the blog nickname of "The First Endorser" for always having his finger on the endorsement trigger, did not join with Lujan this time. 

Not that Heinrich has any love for Darren White, the Republican Sheriff who is Keller's rival in the runoff. It was White who Heinrich defeated in 2008 to launch his congressional career. (Here's our Election Night wrap from that year.)

Heinrich is closely aligned with the progressive wing of the Dem party--more so than Lujan--and that puts him in the endorsement spotlight as progressive and third place mayoral finisher Alex Uballez calls for White's defeat but is still on the fence when it comes to an official endorsement of the two term mayor. 

There are strong ties between Heinrich and Uballez. The senator was instrumental in getting Uballez appointed as the US Attorney here under President Biden, an appointment that set in motion his run for elective office. 

Also, Heinrich is now in the middle of a raging battle over that US Senate vote reopening the government and that has inflamed progressives against more moderate Dems who voted for the opening. Heinrich sided with the progressives (as did Lujan) in voting to keep the shutters drawn on the federal government.

And another also, Heinrich has a home near the Nob Hill/UNM area where Uballez performed best. It was from there that Heinrich started out in politics in 2003 as an ABQ city councilor. Then there's the see-saw relationship Heinrich and Keller have had over the years. 

With all that background The First Endorser may just let Lujan take his title away for this election. 

 MAYOR '25 (Cont.)

Uballez

KOB-TV will host a 5 p.m. mayoral debate today with ABQ Mayor Tim Keller jousting with Republican Darren White. Meanwhile, readers weigh in on how Alex Uballez, the third place finisher in last Tuesday's initial election, is holding back an endorsement of fellow Dem Keller and which we blogged about Monday: 

Reader Xavier Medina Vidal writes: 

Joe, I am challenging your assumption that Uballez is missing the train. I'm asking that you explain to your readers the basis of your assumption. I’d say it’s fair to ask you how you arrived at this given your insights into NM politics. 

Thanks for the inquiry. We cautioned that Uballez could miss the train not that he has. Our reasoning is  fairly simple. If Uballez wants a clear path to a future in state politics, he does not need to alienate the Keller crowd so he has to carefully balance his dissent with Keller and his expected eventual endorsement of him. That's more so if he has his eye on working with the city. Dissenters to that view would argue that Uballez only needs his small but dedicated progressive base if he wants to advance politically.

An ABQ reader writes:

If Uballez was truly cut out to be mayor, then he either pisses or gets off the pot and shows some leadership with those who are his most ardent supporters and says he will not support Keller, or he takes them along on a convincing journey and explains why voting for Keller should be done. Taking a stance is a sign of leadership and being wishy-washy and coy is a sign of what? I am not sure what it is a sign of, but it does not have a good look. If he shows some leadership and courage, I could remain interested in him.  

GETTING SPECIAL

Acting Gov. Morales

The sky will not fall on New Mexico's 460,000 SNAP recipients. 

The special session of the legislature called by MLG made a speedy dash of it Monday in a three hour meet where they authorized a $162 million spend just in case the reopening of the federal government falls through. 

Food stamps were already assured through November but Dem legislators and the Guv said they would rather be safe than sorry--and did so sooner rather than later. Most Republicans agreed. The measure passed 52-9 in the House and 30-6 in the Senate. 

Collectors of vintage La Politica photos may want to make a keeper of the one posted here. It is of Acting Gov. Howie Morales signing the SNAP legislation sent up to him. He wields the yellow pen because MLG is attending a Brazil climate conference (nice work if you can get it).

He rarely gets the spotlight so let's have the Lieutenant Governor take us outta here today. 

It's yours, Howie. . 

No New Mexico families will go hungry thanks to the efficient work of our state legislators and the leadership of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. I am proud that we came together in the best spirit as New Mexicans to make sure vulnerable families in our state are taken care of. This legislation ensures New Mexicans can feed their families this holiday season.

And this gentle readers is. . . 

The Home of New Mexico Politics.  

With a deal to open the federal government finally working its way through Congress, there seems little reason for New Mexico's lawmakers to gather in Santa Fe today. But the Governor jumped the gun, called them back and did not call them off so. . . 

About today's one day special legislative session called by MLG in reaction to the interruption of SNAP benefits due to the federal government shutdown. . .

The SNAP debacle is a stark reminder of the state's welfare state status and how economic development has passed us by. Over 21 percent of the population--about 460,000 New Mexicans--depend on SNAP. That's the highest rate in the nation and has been for some time. The low-wage, low employment economy in a state of just 2.1 million just hangs around year after year.

The Governor could have postponed today's special since the immediate funding problem for November appears resolved. But the Dems and GOP have been on war footing. Her office gave this reasoning for today's special session: 

The special session is moving forward Monday because Republicans in Congress still refuse to end this needless government shut down. While we are relieved that November benefits have been released, we are still cautious about relying on future SNAP funding being available. We’re not taking any chances with 460,000 New Mexicans’ food security.

That reasoning is no longer operative now that the government is about to reopen but the politicos will have no problem filling the void with plenty of talk while sending the special session bill to Mr. and Mrs. New Mexico.

 TRAIN LEAVING?

Is Alex Uballez risking the train leaving the station without him?

The former US attorney came in third in the ABQ mayoral election last week, getting 18.79 percent percent of the vote (not the 20 percent his campaign claims). That vote came mainly from progressive Democrats and slowed Dem Mayor Keller who now faces a December 9 runoff election with second place finisher Darren White, 

But Uballez is dragging his feet on an outright endorsement  of Keller who received 36 percent of the vote to White's 31 percent. Uballez' campaign says "he’s standing committed to defeating Darren White so he can’t turn the city over to Trump."

That may be all Keller needs from Uballez but more is always best. 

While Uballez is holding back and using that nearly 19 percent as a bargaining chip with the mayor, progressive Dem gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland is filling the vacuum, coming with an early and robust endorsement of Keller. That's not a shabby replacement for Uballez in Dem dominated ABQ. 

Also Indivisible ABQ, a prominent progressive group, is prepping their endorsement of Keller who is seeking an unprecedented third four year term:

IABQ is. . .working toward an endorsement for Mayor Keller. Darren White’s record and alignment with the Trump agenda, ICE, and anti-immigrant policies are fundamentally at odds with our values and the communities we stand with. To finalize an endorsement, we’ll need at least 120 member votes through our online platform. Stay tuned for an official endorsement announcement.

And no doubt here will be more progressives coming aboard with Keller as fear mounts of a right-wing takeover of City Hall. 

Uballez earned a ticket Election Night but will he miss the train that could keep him on track for future success?

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.    

Mayor Keller

Sometimes you get a bit more than you wish for. That's what happened in the ABQ mayoral race Tuesday night as Mayor Tim Keller drew former Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White as his opponent in a December 9 runoff election. 

BernCo results here. All state results here.  

Of his five foes Keller most wanted to face White in a runoff but perhaps not with White breathing down his neck by getting within five points of overtaking him for first place honors. 

The final mayoral results had Keller with 35.55 percent; White 30.86 percent; Alex Uballez 18.7; Louie Sanchez 6.47; Mayling Armijo 5.6 and Eddie Varela 1.2 percent.

That difference of just 4.69 percent between Keller and White puffed a wave of energy through the beleaguered Republican camp with Topic A being whether the close run would mean significant campaign money for White.

Dems think the GOP is blowing smoke, that a close call does not translate into a runoff where Keller will have a distinct advantage in a Democratic dominated city. 

That advantage was seen in a poll released last night while we were on the air at KANW. It was paid for by the PAC supporting Keller and was conducted by GBAO Associates in anticipation of a Keller-White runoff:

Ascend ABQ PAC polled 400 likely voters Oct. 16 -19 in anticipation of a runoff election. Among those who had a preference, 45% said they were likely to support Keller over White. White earned 38% of likely runoff votes. 17% say they would be undecided if those two candidates were their choices. The margin of error was 4.9%, according to GBAO pollsters who conducted the poll.

Not bad but it's not 50 percent. The pollster adds: 

When voters learn more about White, Keller's lead grows and he passes the 50 percent mark.

"Learn more about White" is a euphemism for throwing the kitchen sink at him. That's exactly what's coming White's way as a fired up Keller made clear to supporters at the downtown Arrive Hotel last night: 

We've seen that show before that he brings. The hate, the division, the fake answers, seemingly waving a magic wand that will solve all of our problems when we know it is harder than that. It takes grit, it takes guts, it takes a real plan. 

Of course, the mayor threw out the Trump threat that appeared to drive some of the record turnout of 132,000 for the election, 

White answered with his own speech to a gathering at the Courtyard Marriott that included Republican City Councilors Dan Lewis and Renee Grout both of whom won their re-election bids Tuesday:

Voters said enough is enough and we want change. Crime and homelessness are destroying the city we love and that was on the ballot as well. Voters spoke loud and clear they want a new direction for our city and we're going to deliver it.

Keller will continue with public financing in the runoff, collecting $377,000. White failed to qualify for public financing and is going private. 

GOP analyst Bob Cornelius told our audience what White must do:

He has to take that close second place and sell it to his donors and national Republicans to quickly raise money. Keller will get that  public money for the runoff plus more support from an outside PAC. White will need to do the same to compete. 

It's far from certain that White will be able to capture the hearts of those many Republicans who have nothing but bitterness for him after years of infighting in the GOP, so much so that some top GOP donors were giving money to conservative Dem Louie Sanchez in the mayoral race.

For Keller the first order of business is getting Alex Uballez on board with his campaign. His 19 percent showing was solid considering his lagging fundraising. He did throw a bone to Keller in his concession speech. His campaign said:  

Uballez threw his support to Telles and Garcia in upcoming run-offs, calls on City to vote against Darren White.

That's a start but the mayor hoping to make history by winning a third consecutive term still needs a strong embrace from his progressive rival--almost as much as White needs a large campaign war chest.  

COUNCIL ACTION 

The Telles that Uballez mentioned is progressive Dem Stephanie Tellez who pulled off an upset win in City Council District 1 on the westside and will face Republican Joshua Neal in the runoff. Candidates Ahren Griego and Daniel Leiva were left in their dust.

Teresa Garcia is the candidate who came in second to three term Dem incumbent Councilor Klarissa Pena, prompting a runoff in District 3 in the Westside/Valley seat. 

In District 5 on the northwest side, Republican Councilor Dan Lewis beat out a challenge from Athenea Allen, wife of BernCo Sheriff John Allen.

In Distrcit 7  in the NE Heights Tammy Fiebelkorn ran unopposed on the ballot and won a second term,  

In District 9 in the far NE Heights GOP Councilor Renee Grout passed Dem Colton Newman to take the win.

In that hotly contested APS School Board battle in District 3, it wasn't even close. Retired teacher Rebecca Betzen bested School Board President 50 to 40 with the remainder going to Isaac Flores who had quit the race but his name remained on the ballot. 

In Santa Fe mayoral front-runner and City Councilor Michael Garcia lived up to the name and easily won the eight way contest to succeed Mayor Alan Webber. Like ABQ, Santa Fe saw high turnout.   

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