This power playing on the national stage by this Governor is different than the dance we saw conducted by her predecessor, Republican Susana Martinez, who was taken seriously in the corridors of Potomac power as a symbol of Hispanic advancement, but not as a policymaker or power player.

Like Martinez, MLG's name was bandied about for the VP slot until yesterday when Biden picked Kamala Harris. But Martinez never could deal with the national media when the veep talk circulated nor did she target a cabinet slot. MLG has done both, conducting a wide array of interviews and not being shy about what she wants--Secretary of Health. 

Like Martinez, MLG has been awarded a prominent speaking spot at her party's Dem National Convention next Wednesday. After that you will likely see her campaigning and fundraising for Biden as she positions herself for a return to DC. Unlike Martinez, her Hispanic female credential is only part of a more complex, ambitious political personality and resume.

It's unknown to what extent the Biden team vetted the NM Governor but no on the record negative news has leaked out regarding any background checking that may have been done. Cabinet posts require Senate confirmation so that appears to be a bullet dodged. 

If as we suspect MLG is hyped up for a new challenge, a Trump victory would hit hard and could zap her energy level at least short term when it comes to dealing with the legislature and planning her own 2022 re-election effort. It would be akin to a tie game when the opposing team throws the winning basket at the buzzer and your heart sinks. If Biden loses, this game MLG is playing will conclude Election Night. If he wins, by Christmas when a President-elect Biden will have filled out his cabinet. Stay tuned.

OTHER STUFF

A couple of updates of stuff we have covered. First, MLG's dispute with the legislature over her COVID spending. She defends her powers in a stern letter to the lawmakers questioning her authority. There's no indication of a court battle yet.

And we blogged that with many Republicans agreeing, a new DC coronavirus bill would likely include direct money to city and state government budgets--like New Mexico's--that are falling short because of COVID. But now there's a big question mark hanging over that assumption and therefore the state's budget.

PAC PLAYS

The national money is starting to check in for southern GOP congressional contender Yvette Herrell. Consultants tell us that the Congressional Leadership Fund super PAC has booked $2.9 million in TV time in the ABQ and El Paso markets to back Herrell in her race against Dem Rep. Xochitl Torres Small who is also expect to receive generous PAC support in that swing district face off.

DOUBLING DOWN

Bernalillo County Sheriff Manny Gonzales isn't backing away from his embrace of the White House when it comes to ABQ crime, despite protests from fellow elected Dems. In fact, he's doubling down: