At first blush that has the makings of banner headlines for MLG's opposition but its potency appears limited. 

That's because three of the state's four dominant metro areas (which also routinely vote Democratic) are experiencing unemployment that is relatively mild by historic standards.

In March the Santa Fe metro jobless rate was 4.0 percent; the ABQ metro came in at 4.1 percent and the Las Cruces metro had a rate of 4.8 percent, according to state figures.

The fourth metro--Farmington--remains mired in a bear market caused by the long-term plunge in natural gas prices although those prices, like those for oil, have been rising lately. The Farmington metro jobless jobless rate was put at 5.4 percent in March, the highest of the four metros but still down from 9.21 percent in February '21 in the midst of the pandemic. 

Republicans routinely carry San Juan County in the Four Corners in which Farmington rests, so the political impact of the numbers there is marginal. 

Also the counties with the highest unemployment rates are in rural New Mexico, many where the GOP performs well. But it's the cities that are growing and where the Republicans must make inroads if they are to take back the Governor's office. 

Rather than the jobless rate spiking inflation and the many businesses closed and jobs lost permanently by the pandemic remain an opportunity for the GOP. That's where we can expect them to aim their arrows as the campaign heats up.

Julie Heinrich

Julie Heinrich, wife of Senator Martin Heinrich, has scored a new job with Santa Fe-based entertainment company Meow Wolf. She will be executive director of the firm's new nonprofit foundation that will seek to expand Meow Wolf's community involvement. 

Politically this is not a routine announcement. The Heinrich children (nearing high school graduation) are also back from the East Coast and attending ABQ schools and Sen. Heinrich is busier than ever playing his new role as "First Endorser," handing out endorsements like halloween candy (some of which turn to sour balls).

All of this Heinrich family activity is apparently aimed at his possibly seeking the governorship in the far off year of 2026. It is somewhat bizarre since we are not even through the 2022 gubernatorial election and giving up a safe US Senate seat to  try for Governor would be a first. But that's what's going on, according to everyone from your local barber to bartender. 

It's assumed Heinrich, 50, will seek a third US Senate term in 2024. If re-elected, it would be matter of only months before he would have to announce his Guv plans. 

Heinrich has lived a charmed life politically but openly encouraging speculation about leaving his Senate seat (and the seniority that goes with it) may be pushing the envelope. But that's how it goes when you're told you're the cat's meow. Just ask Meow Wolf.