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| Ronchetti as Trump |
The Ronchetti endorsement from Trump came on his social media platform very early Monday morning but was not picked up in the state until Monday afternoon, and then Democrats got busy rewriting their playbooks for the final days of the Guv race.
Ronchetti, who has shunned the ex-president and even labeled him "The Orange One," was muted in his response but he accepted the controversial blessing, issuing a statement to the AP but putting nothing on his socials:
Ronchetti has campaigned for governor at arms length from Trump. The two have never spoken, said Ronchetti's campaign spokesman Ryan Sabel.
In a statement, Sabel highlighted a gamut of high-profile endorsements for Ronchetti, including Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, former U.N. Ambassador Nicki Haley, former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson “and now former President Trump.”
“Mark is supported by people from all walks of life and all different viewpoints,” he said.
Like Trump is just another guy from one of the many "walks of life?" Not the most controversial political figure in recent history? Good to know there's nothing to worry about--Trump is just Joe the Plumber.
No matter the neutral corner Ronchetti tried to run to the damage of the endorsement was done, backing up months of MLG attacks on Ronchetti that said he was an in the closet Trumpian who harbored "extreme" views. Now all of that doesn't seem so out of sync to the voters.
The endorsement:
New Mexico has an absolutely terrible Governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham. She is WEAK on Crime, bad on the Border where illegal aliens are pouring into our Country at record numbers, & has almost no support from Law Enforcement, which fully understands what a disaster she has been. Also, Drugs & Human Trafficking are OUT OF CONTROL. The good news is that Republican Nominee Mark Ronchetti is outstanding. He will be tough & smart on Crime, the Border & everything else. Mark has my Total Endorsement!
There's plenty of time for the Dems to cut new TV spots and for President Biden to warn NM of a Trump comeback when he visits ABQ Thursday to campaign for MLG and other Dem candidates. The Guv came with this warm-up before the main event hits town:
Trump’s endorsement of Mark Ronchetti emphasizes the clear choice in this race: I will keep delivering on the issues that matter to New Mexico families, while Mark Ronchetti would bring Donald Trump’s extreme national Republican policies to New Mexico. . . Together, we have made historic investments in public education and public safety, diversified and grown our economy, and expanded access to affordable health care. . . Ronchetti has made it clear that he will bring a far-right Trump agenda to the Roundhouse. Like Donald Trump, he would attempt to drain funding from public schools, rip away health care from New Mexicans, and ban abortion in our state. On Election Day, New Mexicans will stand up to continue our progress and stop Donald Trump’s chosen candidate.
Is there any rhyme or reason to this? Could Trump boost Republican turnout? Yes. But it is women and independents Ronchetti needs. It's mainly because of women that MLG sports an 8 point lead in the ABQ Journal poll and a 7 point one in the SurveyUSA poll (an Emerson College survey has it closer).
Biden carried NM over Trump by 11 points in 2016. His approval rating has dipped but in a head to head 2024 match-up Biden still beats Trump by ten.
Enough. At this point Ronchetti would take an endorsement from Putin. Let's not give Trump World more attention than deserved. Our ability to process crazy-making has reached its limit.
TLF VS. AMJ
We covered the First Congressional District TV debate here and the Second District one here. Now it's time for the Third Congressional District debate.
In their only TV debate Dem Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (TLF) called herself a "daughter of northern New Mexico" and Republican challenger Alexis Martinez Johnson (AMJ) labeled herself "a daughter of New Mexico."
Therein lies the tale of this newly carved district that once was almost exclusively in the liberal Dem north but now dips further into the conservative eastside, taking in parts of Roswell and Hobbs. But it remains majority minority at 38 percent White, 40 percent Hispanic and 17 percent Native American.
TLF, 41, is a native of Las Vegas and AMJ of Roswell in the south. The district has a presidential performance rating of plus 11 for the Dems, but lower in a midterm election. Both candidates tipped their hats to the new district boundaries during the half hour face-off Friday night on KOB-TV. (Full debate here.)
TLF, 63, acknowledged the "many skilled, hardworking New Mexicans in the oil and gas fields" while AMJ tried to tweak her stance on abortion to appeal to the north which she was called out for by the incumbent. TLF said a national abortion policy from Congress is in order so everybody can "access reproductive health."
My opponent has said (she) is "pro-life. . .no abortion is ever allowed. That is a statement she issued in a press release and has said this over again.
AMJ retorted that "this is false." While saying she does not want a national policy, she said she is "all about a compromise" and believes in abortion up to 15 weeks and argued that TLF is extreme, supporting abortion with no limits up to 39 weeks. AMJ's previous response to the question seems to indicate a change in position on the issue that has proved the most treacherous one for NM Republicans this cycle.
FIRE OVER FIRES
But TLF had congressional approval of a huge $2.5 billion federal relief bill for fire victims on her side so AMJ's disagreement seemed more quibbling than substantive. Here's a look:
On energy TLF did not back off on climate change, a big issue among liberal voters in Santa Fe, saying she supported a $4.7 billion bill to plug wells that were leaking methane. And she added that New Mexico could be a "leader in renewable resources. . . We must address the climate crisis."
Reader Cheryl Haaker writes:
AMJ: I am an environmental engineer. I would have made sure--the hometown of my opponent in Las Vegas--would not be without water where they are brushing their teeth with bottled water. I would make sure that we had abundant and clean water. . . Aceuqias are completely filled with ash and debris, mental health and trauma (victims) need assistance. . . and I will be eager to fund those communities.
TLF: I have been with the people in the communities. I called for an investigation to make sure (we found) how these fires were caused. We have been holding the Forest Service accountable for their errors. When the United States blew it we ruled them accountable and the US has taken responsibility. So far we've got $2.5 billion to pay for what was lost. We must work to rebuild and arise from the ashes and with those resources that I have brought. . . we will begin that task.
She also pointed out that Las Vegas now has water and a rebuilt system is in the works.
AMJ took note of the frustration of residents in getting those billions in federal funds, saying the fires were six months ago and that she could have done better:
If you're going to put commercials out and say water is life and you're going to talk and not actually act, that is the main difference between my opponent and me. I have the skills and expertise to deliver solutions in New Mexico.
That was a strong moment but would have been stronger if Congress had failed to act. $2.5 billion is an historic sum. While not an answer for victims that need immediate help, it will have a dramatic impact on northern life for generations to come.
GASSING UP
AMJ asserted that "gas prices have doubled" and my opponent. . .
. . . has voted five times to increase your gas bill. Your fuel cost for this winter is going to increase to almost double and it's for extreme new Green Deal polices. . . My opponent continually tries to derail New Mexican energy and New Mexican jobs and I am here to bring back solutions and problem solving and a robust economy. . . that funds our education which we are last in.
Inflation and the economy are issues that cut the GOP's way and they did for AMJ Friday night. TLF stayed silent on the allegation she voted to increase "your gas bill."
WRAPPING UP
In her closing statement TLF came with an unusual twist. She quoted the Bible, in an apparent nod to the Bible Belt counties that are now in her district:
In Jeremiah it says God's plan is for us to prosper, have hope in the future. My job in Congress is to help create that prosperity, hope and a future.
AMJ stayed on the attack in her close:
It is not all about hope and wishes. . . Right now we need a leader--a proven leader--that is going to be boots on the ground, that reduces crime crime, decreases the fentanyl ravaging our state. . .that we reduce our gas bills which my opponent voted to increase...New Mexicans are hurting. We can't afford gas. We can't afford groceries. We can't even afford to go get a house right now with these interest rates.
So who won?
On one of the most pressing issues in the north--the fire and its aftermath--TLF carried the day because AMJ failed to prosecute the details of TLF's performance and competence as a congresswoman. She did bring home the bacon, only not fast enough for AMJ's taste. That comes up well short of an indictment.
On abortion, AMJ's apparent changing positions cornered her on an issue that is of more importance this cycle than ever.
TLF's failure to address the economic pain of her constituents (apart from those impacted by the fires) was a lapse. AMJ took advantage and may have persuaded some voters. She also did herself a favor in the Little Texas counties of Lea, Chaves and Eddy with her strong stance for fossil fuels.
AMJ lost to TLF in 2020--59% to 41--and has moderated and improved. But so has TLF who showed that she has been paying attention in her new role. She made no major errors in the debate that could cause ripples in the electorate.
Given the new shape of the district there is good reason for Republicans to keep trying but success may have to wait until the Democratic incumbent calls it a day and the seat becomes open.
THE BOTTOM LINES
The notorious John Eastman, Trump's advisor for the January 6 attempted coup-by-vice president "electoral count" ceremony, spoke in Albuquerque last week. Here's the the link. And the League of Women Voters of Central New Mexico held a candidate forum for the three candidates for Bernalillo County Sheriff. You can catch it on their website.
Thanks, Cheryl. We're going to watch that debate. The race features Dem John Allen and Republican Paul Pacheco and has gotten red hot. Libertarian Kaelan Dryer is also running. This is one we will cover on Election Night on KANW 89.1 FM and kanw.com.
Another reader writes:
Joe, can you post this article of the passing of Dr. Daniel Fine? He was a giant in New Mexico in terms of energy and energy policy. He also served this nation with great distinction.
Joe, can you post this article of the passing of Dr. Daniel Fine? He was a giant in New Mexico in terms of energy and energy policy. He also served this nation with great distinction.
It's done.
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(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2022
(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2022