MLG and Morales

Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales did something different than most of his predecessors--he did not run for Governor. That may or may not occur with the next occupant of the office but if they did run, their odds of taking the top job are exceptionally low. No second banana has risen to the top in modern state history. 

Gov. Richardson looked to build out the post under Lt. Gov. Denish but that did not survive the test of time as the position again withered when John Sanchez served under GOP Gov. Martinez. That the two were far from fast friends didn't help. Morales' role has shrunk even further as MLG basically ignored the position, although Morales and her got along. 

That being said and picking up from last Thursday' big blog on the Feb. 3 statewide candidate filings, this year there are competitive races for the state's #2.

The lt. governor has few specific duties except to preside over the state senate, act as a general ombudsman with citizens and serve as Acting Governor when the real deal is out of state. The other unstated but most crucial duty is to keep tabs on the Governor's heartbeat in case something goes wrong and they have to take over. 

DEM ACTION 

On the Democratic side in the June 2 primary, Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard gave up the nomination chase when it became clear that the better-known Maggie Toulouse Oliver, Secretary of State, would get in the contest.

The SOS enters the race against ABQ Dem state Senator Harold Pope as the clear favorite because of her two elected terms as SOS and two terms as Bernalillo County Clerk. She scored big wins in the state's most populous county in all of her elections.

Pope, who jumped in early, would be the first Black Lt. Governor. If Deb Haaland were to win the Guv nomination and MTO were to win, they would be the first all female major party ticket in state history. 

Some Pope supporters say he would be a better balance and attract more men and minorities. But political identity which has played a major role in state Dem politics may tilt against him. Haaland would be the first Native American elected governor and with MTO the Dems would have that historic first.

As for qualifications, both Pope and MTO are more than qualified for the post that pays $144,714.

GOP AND GALLEGOS 

Gallegos

On the GOP side, state Senator David Gallegos is the likely nominee in a race against ABQ attorney A. Blair Dunn and ABQ ordained minister Manny Lardizabal.

Gallegos, whose career was in natural gas, was first elected to his Lea/Eddy County seat in 2020. He is not up for re-election until '28 so he can run for lieutenant governor without giving up the seat. 

As the only political pro in the race, Gallegos would complement Guv candidates Duke Rodriguez and Doug Turner who have never held elective office. 

For candidate Gregg Hull of Rio Rancho, Gallegos would provide geographic and ethnic balance. 

Just don't clean out your office early, Senator, not the way this year is shaping up for the Dems.

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