Thursday, December 15, 2022GOP Slams Guv's Delay In Naming BernCo DA, "Crime Not A Priority For MLG", Plus: Multiple Movidas Pending In Filling Maestas Vacant House Seat But crime is their old reliable and the Guv's confusing decision to delay naming a replacement for outgoing Dem DA Raul Torrez, who was elected attorney general and takes office January 1, has the NMGOP in the batter's cage: This is particularly disturbing--not only because there are at least ten qualified candidates who have submitted names but skyrocketing crime continues in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. Albuquerque has already shattered its one-year homicide record in 2022 with 115. . .The Governor needs to appoint someone now who can work with outgoing Raul Torrez in transition so there is no delay with pending criminal cases. “This delay shows that crime is not a priority for Lujan Grisham. This appointment is critical. Her comment about New Mexicans being sick and tired of crime was only for the purpose of the gun bill package she is preparing for in the upcoming legislative session. It clearly doesn’t relate to the appointment of the DA in Bernalillo County. . . " Said Leticia Munoz, GOP Northern Executive Director. The first deadline to apply for DA was December 2 and drew 10 applicants but this week the Governor's office--without explanation-- extended the deadline to apply until December 23, meaning there will likely be an interim DA named by Torrez but no new DA for weeks or longer. That's not a good look for the Democrats but then the GOP roasted them over crime from Clayton to Cruces during the campaign and to no avail. WRESTLING DEMONS Meanwhile, the GOP continues to wrestle with its demons in the aftermath of their re-election of Steve Pearce as party chair. Michael Candelaria has resigned as chair of the Valencia County GOP because of Pearce's victory, saying in a letter: The latest election of Steve Pearce to once again lead the Republican party has me bewildered. The leadership has failed and has lost all Republican held seats. . .I believe if you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything. I have publicly spoken out against our current state leadership, and now must take a stand against the RPNM establishment. As I watch the liberal left, the socialists, and the old guard within the party, I am reminded of the Bible verse: "Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." For this reason, I tender my resignation. Pearce recently named separate NMGOP executive directors--one for the south and another for the north--in an effort to improve the party's future performance.
GATOR ALERT  There are multiple attempted movidas going on, report the Gators, with the main issue being whether the current politically moderate five member commission will get to name the new representative or whether it will be the new incoming commission that takes office January 1 and that is stacked in favor of the progressives. The current commission Wednesday appointed teacher Marsella Duarte to District 16 for two weeks to fill out what remains of Maestas' term. But--and this is a big but--because the district's boundaries changed in redistricting and Maestas was elected in November to the new district there must be another appointment made, one that is for a two year term. Duarte wants it and Moe wants it for Duarte but progressives are lining up behind educator Flor Yanira Gurrola Valenzuela. Suffice it to say there are a lot of moving parts to this one and more should become clear soon. We'll resume the Movida Watch next week. THE BOTTOM LINES
Malaquias “JR” Rael has been appointed Deputy State Treasurer and Doug Brown will serve as Chairman of the transition team.
Rael currently serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for the Attorney General. Rael earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of New Mexico and is originally from Questa. . . "It is an honor to again have the opportunity to serve with (former State Treasurer) Brown. His mentorship and invaluable experience will prepare my team to jump start our work." Brown is a financial leader who heads Brown and Brown Ventures and is Chairman of the UNM Board of Regents. The Swearing in Ceremony for the State Treasurer, Secretary of State and State Auditor will be held Sunday, January 1, 2023, at 3 pm at the Santa Fe Convention Center and is open to the public. This is it. . . The home of New Mexico Politics. Reporting to you from Albuquerque, I am Joe Monahan. 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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