Tuesday, September 13, 2022Playing Field Nearly Even When It Comes To Money Race For Final Weeks Of Guv '22 Campaign, Plus: More State House Races To Watch Following Finance Reports, And: Stokes Speeds Up Pick For Top UNM Lobbying Job Amid Political Tension MLG raised a solid $2.6 million in the July 3 to September 5 period and ended with close to $3 million in cash on hand. Ronchetti scooped up $2.4 million and had cash on hand of $2.4 million. What's impressive about Ronchetti's performance is the number of small donations. That should translate into motivated voters come November, says one of our analysts: Ronchetti came close to the Governor who received more big dollar contributions--those of $5,000 or more--but he tapped into the grassroots and delivered with his totals. Those small contributors will vote and show enthusiasm among the GOP base. Democrats and MLG have to be mindful of that going forward and get their own vote motivated. Of course, the latest money totals do not include the millions pouring into the campaigns from out of state interest groups like the GOP Guv's Association for Ronchetti and Planned Parenthood and the like for MLG. The Governor has now raised more than $10.4 million in total in the contest , with Ronchetti clocking in with $6.4 million. The authortative ABQ Journal poll conducted Aug 19-25 put a damper on Ronchetti's campaign showing him trailing 47 to 40 percent. Dem consultant Sisto Abeyta says: I think he should have put more money in the race in the early going. He is in good financial shape today but the numbers are rougher to move than they were back in June or July. The Ronchetti camp put this spin on the fundraising and polling numbers: Lujan Grisham and her special interest left-wing allies have spent millions of dollars distorting Ronchetti’s positions and character, and the incumbent still hasn’t approached 50% of the vote in any of the available polling. MLG's team reacted with this: Governor Lujan Grisham’s campaign now has $3 million cash on hand, even after significantly outspending opponents Mark Ronchetti and (Libertarian) Karen Bedonie on advertisements over the summer. What big dollars Ronchetti did raise came mainly from the SE oil, gas and ranching interests. MLG tapped Melinda French Gates for $10,400. Kurt Steinhaus, her new Secretary of Education, donated $3,000, ABQ auto deal Ed Garcia gave $10,400 and recently appointed ABQ state Rep. Art De La Cruz donated $2,000. Oil giant Exxon gave $10,400. OTHER STATE ACTION The statewide races below Governor are all sleepers, with the Democratic candidates headed for victories. For example, Sec. of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver reported $237,000 in cash on hand compared to Republican Audrey Trujillo's $26,000. To beat Oliver, Trujillo would have to be on TV in a big way and she won't be. In the 70 state House races consultant Abeyta said some of the fund-raising reports caught his eye: Joe, Kurstin Johnson, wife of former BernCo Commissioner Wayne Johnson, is now financially competitive with Dem state Rep. Natalie Figueroa for the Distrcit 30 seat in the NE Heights. The race leans Democratic but it should be on the watch list. The same for the Las Cruces contest between Dem Rep. Nathan Small and Republican Kim Skaggs in District 36. He is favored to win but Skaggs has raised enough money to make her competitive. Small has been mentioned as a possible candidate for House Majority Leader so this bears watching. Rep. Marian Matthews is way ahead of Republican Bob Godshall in District 27 in NE ABQ and the race looks closed out. And Republican Nicole Chavez, who shined in the early going, is looking dimmer in the final stretch. Rep. Pamelya Herndon has a big money advantage for the final months. That race has gone from toss up to lean Democratic. I would add that GOP women concerned about abortion may be helping Herndon. Overall, the composition of the House with its fat Democratic majority is not expected to change dramatically this election but if you're looking for excitement it is in competitive House races races where you'll find it. PLUM POST IS PICKED It appears UNM President Garnett Stokes got tired of the Alligators snapping at her heels and moved up the announcement of who will get the top lobbying position for the university. The Gators have been reporting here that the final choice had come down to former ABQ GOP state Rep. Conrad James and Michael Puelle, the chief of staff to Dem ABQ Mayor Keller. And it was Puelle who was awarded the prize Wednesday following our blog describing the tension over the decision, including one Dem Alligator sniping at Stokes over her possibly naming Republican James to the plum post. Puelle will not pull down "north of $200,000" in annual salary that was cited here but will come close at $192,000. Stokes said of her appointment: I am thrilled to welcome Michael to the UNM leadership team. He has embraced public service throughout his career and brings us the ideal combination of strength as an administrator and extensive experience at all levels of government, including community relations and legislative strategy. Mayor Keller added. UNM will be in good hands, and our entire City team is grateful for his leadership during some exceptionally tough times. We are confident his executive experience at the City and past work on the state and federal level makes him a strong fit for his new role where he will continue to advance the success of the Duke City. Hold on there. Did we just hear Mayor Tim refer to ABQ as the "Duke City?" Does that mean "Burque" is in trouble?
Yet another case for an Alligator investigation, for sure. And they have the time now that the UNM high stakes lobbying movida is over. As for Mr. Puella, don't fret too much that you didn't make the $200k level. If you had, the Gators who were harping over Conrad James possibly nabbing the gig would be asking for a commission, or at least one of those big steaks at the Bull Ring.
This is the home of New Mexico Politics. E-mail your news and comments. (newsguy@yahoo.com) Interested in reaching New Mexico's most informed audience? Advertise here.   (c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2022 |
  Links
Archives
|
