Heinrich and Sanchez

Could fallout from Sen. Heinrich's controversial vote supporting GOP US Sen. Marywayne Mullin's nomination as secretary for the Homeland Security Department impact the Democratic race for state land commissioner in which Heinrich is backing his former top political aide? It might. 

Longime Dem activist Jose Campos of Bosque Farms is among many Dems criticizing Heinrich's decision He was one of only two Dem senators voting for Mullin whose nomination was approved on a  which passed 54 to 45. Campos writes that he will be voting against land commission hopeful Juan Sanchez, the former top political aide to Heinrich who iis in a three way race for the nomination:

Like many Democrats I was totally shocked when Heinrich announced his vote for the totally unqualified "Barney Fife" wannabe Markwayne Mullin. I just walked my dog on the ditch bank here in Bosque Farms, which helps clear my mind. What I have decided is to protest Martin's support of Mullin by not voting for any candidate he is endorsing. I was going to vote for Juan Sanchez for land commissioner by but now I am switching to Rep. Matthew McQueen. Hopefully Martin gets the message that you do not crap on your real bros.

Heirncih was nicknamed The First Endorser here for issuing a multitude of endorsements over the years, a break with senatorial tradition. Many of those endorsements ave come in contested Democratic primaries.

Heinrich favorite Sanchez faces not only Rep. McQueen but also Tucumcari rancher Jonas Moya. The race appears to be close and if Campos' decision becomes widespread it might make a difference in the outcome. 

There is also some troublesome history for Sanchez. In 2018 Heinrich went all in for Dem land commission candidate Garret VeneKlasen but he was taken out by Stephanie Garcia Richard. 

Like this year, that was a three way race with Garcia Richard winning 39.5 percent to VeneKlasen's 37.2 percent, a difference of only 3,800 votes. Candidate George Munoz received 23.3 percent. 

On the socials, Dems attacking Heinrich's vote express frustration that he is no up for re-election until 2030 because they would like to see him face a primary opponent this year. As an alternate not supporting his candidates could serve as a vehicle to channel that frustration (although at this point it is questionable how many more endorsements Heirnich will issue if it is going to be seen as a kiss of death among some Dems).

Other fallout for Heinrich's vote includes snarky speculation that Heinrich does not seem that enamored with his senate position and that he should consider resigning at year's end and allow the next governor to appoint a replacement to fill out the rest of his term. 

If Heinrich were to go off to K street or wherever to pull down major league dollars, his obvious replacement--if Deb Haaland were to win the governorship--would be Dem US Rep. Melanie Stansbury.  

Heinrich's political error is yet another example of the mistaken notion that the voting electorate in this era cries out for "bipartisanship." They may say that but watch what they do. 

That's the expensive lesson our state's senior senator is learning the hard way. 

This is the Home of New Mexico Politics.