Keller & MLG

The state's two best known political figures are rushing to turn the calendar to 2020 after a final week of 2019 that both could have done without.

For Governor Lujan Grisham it was the sensational sexual abuse charges made against her by former campaign staffer James Hallinan that dampened her post-Christmas days. For ABQ Mayor Tim Keller it was a yearly murder rate that reached 80 victims Monday, the most ever, and that sank his hopes for a happy exit from 2019.

MLG can recover some goodwill with a good legislative session that starts later this month. For Keller only better crime outcomes will do.

While the prospect of that pair may be momentarily darkened, the state economy ends the year on a high note. West Texas crude oil has climbed to over $61 a barrel, above state forecasts. ABQ hasn't seem much economic action lately but neither has it suffered eye-catching layoffs.

BARRONE IN FOR BOBBY

Taos Mayor Dan Barrone has two hats to wear in the new year. The Taos County Commission Monday named him to fill the state House vacancy created when Rep. Bobby Gonzales was appointed by MLG to the state Senate seat left vacant by the September death of northern Dem Senator Carlos Cisneros.

Barrone will fill what's left of Gonzales' term and will have to run in the June Dem primary and the November election to keep the seat. The primary is key in the heavy Dem district. Taos environmentalist Kristina Ortez has already announced she is running.

Barrone says he will not resign his position as mayor of the town of 5,700. The popular Barrone, a former Taos County Commissioner, was re-elected in 2018.

The new representative can expected to be a business-friendly Dem at the Roundhouse. He has been a  big booster of the Taos tourist economy which has improved in recent years. Political newcomer Ortez will try to unite progressives against him.

2020 FORTUNE COOKIES

We received a nice holiday gift from reader Janet Bridgers and her gal pals. Of course, it had political overtones--a tin of homemade fortune cookies filled with fun predictions for the new year. A sample:

--Your flu shot will not cover the strain you catch

--Cougars for Sen. Heinrich will officially become a PAC,

--ART will be officially rated "A Great Drunk Trolley."

--In 2020 it will be chile in every pot and pot in every bowl.

Thanks for the treat, ladies. Our own safe prediction for 2020 is that the follies of La Politica will continue and your front row seat will be right here.

Happy New Year, New Mexico!

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(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2019