Tuesday, November 15, 2022Questions Raised Over Future Of NMGOP And '22 Key Players; Where Do They And The Party Go From Here After Another Dismal Election Night We've received a number of variations of several questions regarding the state Republican Party since the election results rolled in. Today we'll take a stab at answering them. Here they are: In his concession statement Ronchetti gave no indication what his next move will be and whether it is outside the state. The Vermont native had a lucrative career as a TV weatherman and may try to re-enter that field. but given his two very heated runs for office--the 2020 Senate race and the 2022 Governor's race--we don't see him returning to the airwaves here. KRQE-TV made that mistake when Ronchetti left the station to run for senate but was rehired after the loss. Controversy erupted. The owners of the CBS affiliate (publicly traded Nexstar) aren't about to go there again. Whether stations outside of New Mexico would consider employment for Ronchetti is unknown, but with his meteorology background he could pursue a job other than broadcasting. As for another run for office in New Mexico, the chances of that appear slim to none. After two sound defeats, the third time is not the charm. THE McCLESKEY FACTOR Where will political consultant Jay McCleksey go after heading up Ronchetti's two unsuccessful campaigns as well as another losing effort in '21 when he did the media for the ABQ mayoral effort of Sheriff Manny Gonzales? Well, he won't be going anywhere if he can continue to convince big dollar donors to finance his candidates even as he sports that sour 0-3 record. Ronchetti raised over $9 million for his Guv campaign and a good chunk of it went to McCleskey's media firm which handled much of the TV and other advertising, In effect McCleksey has become the head of the state GOP, deciding who will run for the major offices. The problem is that his methods no longer resonate with the public and he is now losing. His plans do not include helping to rebuild the downtrodden GOP, only ensuring that he has a candidate to consult and a paycheck to pocket. His presence has divided the party but that division has existed for years now and still McCleskey is given carte blanche. His path forward in NM, however, may be limited by the unavailability of any major offices to seek. There is the '24 Senate race when Sen. Martin Heinrich is expected to seek re-election but getting financing to take him on could be a challenge as the state has again proven itself solid blue. Ronchetti did entertain several of the possible GOP presidential candidates here this cycle. Perhaps McCleskey looks there for a future or with his allies at the Republican Governors Association who, despite bad polling, pumped $6 million into the race to save Ronchetti. Why they did that when Republican Kari Lake could have used that cash for her Guv run in neighboring Arizona is a debate-worthy question for the RGA. Lake was declared the loser Monday night. THE TRUMP FACTOR  As for Steve Pearce, he has already announced he will seek another two year term as NMGOP chairman, despite his party giving up even more ground under his watch. In fact, there's little left to lose. The prospect of keeping Pearce on board speaks to the exhaustion of the GOP. There is simply little interest by up and comers to get involved in a group that is divided so bitterly between the ex-Gov. Martinez/McCleskey faction and the Pearce faction, and in a state where voters have turned their backs on Republicans. Until new faces arise on the scene the stagnation and the losing that is now habitual for the Republicans could continue for the foreseeable future. Have your own view on the future of the GOP? Emails are welcome. RONCHETTI SIGNS OFF  Unfortunately, things did not turn out the way we hoped on Tuesday night. After a long year on the campaign trail, the voters of New Mexico chose a different path than the vision our campaign laid out. I got into this race last year for the same reason I ran for US Senate two years ago - I love this state & would do anything to try to make this a better place to live for New Mexican families. Safe streets, better schools, and more support for working families to make it to the end of the month should be the expectation, and for far too long our leaders have failed to set us on the path to attain that. I truly hope that Governor Lujan Grisham finds success on those fronts, because that means the people of this beautiful state will be better off. I also hope the Governor takes note of the results & prioritizes listening to those in our rural communities, and realizes that for far too long rural New Mexico has felt forgotten. Most importantly, my family and I want to thank the thousands of you who supported my campaign with your time, resources and prayers. This campaign was a grassroots movement of people desperate for change, and it was an honor to represent you on the campaign trail and on the ballot. I could never have made it to Election Day without the support from all of you. Every last one of you who I came into contact with shaped my perspective and vision. This state has given so much to my family and I, and for that I will always be grateful. God Bless. 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 |
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