Sen. Papen

87 year old state Senator Mary Kay Papen, a key leader in the conservative coalition that controls the upper chamber, will not let age deter her and has announced she will seek re-election in 2020. Her decision sets up a major primary battle with two liberal Democratic challengers who are already campaigning.

Papen, first elected in 2000, held off announcing but now with the possibility of two female foes splitting the anti-Papen vote it may have encouraged her to go for one more four year term. There is also a Republican running but the winner of the primary is nearly certain to prevail in the Dem district.

Papen's age may not be front and center in the campaign but it will not be ignored. She will turn 88 next March and would be 92 at her new term's final legislation session in 2024. That would apparently make her the most senior female senator in state history.

While age will be a factor it will be her nearly seven year position as Senate President--made possible by a coalition of Republican senators and conservative Dems--that may be most important to the race's outcome.

The coalition has thwarted liberal legislation originating in the House as well as from the Democratic Governor. The senate presidency is key in handing out crucial committee assignments that often determines the fate of legislation.

Papen's health does not appear to be poor and she has a long list of legislative accomplishments for her district that she can tout. Still, New Mexico and Las Cruces have undergone considerable political change in recent years and the coalition that she helps lead is under attack in other Democratic primary races. Even if she prevails in her re-election bid she could find that when 2021 rolls around the glory days and her leadership opposition have vanished.

MORE SENATE ACTION

The Dem primary race for the seat held by GOP state Senator Greg Baca is getting a bit crowded. Already there are two candidates in the contest--Belen businessman Paul A. Baca (no relation to Greg) and Dick Wilkinson who works for the state court system. Now a third contender--former Valencia County State Rep. Elias Barela--may soon be joining them, according to an insider tracking the action. Barela was first elected in 2006 and defeated by Julian Luna in the 2010 Democratic primary.

Greg Baca famously ousted Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez in 2016 with the backing of the political machine of then-Gov. Susan Martinez. But that machine is now gone. Also, winning re-election with Trump leading the ticket in a district with swing characteristics could be a challenge for Senator Baca. That backdrop sets up another race to watch as we head to the 2020 starting line.

HIS BEST LAUGH

Reader Dave in Rio Rancho says he had a good chuckle when he read our July 25 blog about Gov. MLG titled: "Dems National Lurch To Left Worries MLG; Says Voters Getting "Scared"

Joe, thank you for the best laugh of the week, courtesy of MLG. Let me think, isn't she the one that ran through the drywall in the TV commercial shrieking "this is what I think of Trump's wall?" Isn't she the one that approved tax hikes despite billion dollar surpluses? Isn't she the one calling the President a racist every chance she gets? Isn't she the one pulling our National Guard off the border? MLG met the enemy, and the enemy is her. NM is becoming a less desirable place to live every day. Why didn't you call her out on the Washington Examiner article about the drugs pouring across the border? Do you think citizens care more about that, or Susanna Martinez having an affair with a bodyguard ? 

Well, it appears the honeymoon is over. Dave, here's that article you cite from the right-leaning Washington Examiner about drugs and the border. Maybe Susana's former bodyguard can get work there?

Your comments, criticisms and existential worries are always welcome no matter the viewpoint. Another reason why. . .

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(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2019