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Thursday, September 24, 2026Hull's Rejection Of Haaland Debate Offer Baffles Political Pros; "It's A Gift," Plus: The Misadventures Of Mimi; Future Of Senate Leader Questioned, And: Keller Turns Xmas Lights Back On In the ongoing debate over debates between Hull and Democratic front-runner Deb Haaland, Hull is insisting that they debate on KOB-TV on October 8. However, the Haaland camp has repeatedly rejected that date and instead proposed a statewide debate to air on KOAT and other outlets on October 12, 13, or 14. Hull has rejected those dates, saying he is not available—a move that could end any hopes of having the two face each other. It could also kill any chance for Hull to score a major moment that would rattle Haaland and give him momentum in the final weeks of the campaign. Longtime GOP consultants and political insiders are baffled by Hull drawing a line in the sand. The race is ranked "Solid Democrat" by national pundits, and his campaign treasury last reported a meager $503,000 in cash compared to Haaland’s $3.4 million. Consultant Bob Cornelius is among them: If I were Gregg, I would accept all the dates she threw out—all of them—and ask that they debate each of those nights. My only condition would be that the debates are broadcast live. Her offer is actually a gift. So what gives? What is Gregg Hull doing on October 12–14? He isn't saying, only stating that he is "not available." Not available for perhaps the best chance of his political lifetime? Hull has had Haaland on the defensive throughout the debate over debates, but now he's the one with his back against the wall. His campaign argues they want the October 8 debate because early voting begins October 6. However, that doesn't add up. Minimal voting takes place between October 6 and 12—at county clerks' offices and via absentee voting. Heavy in-person early voting does not begin until Oct.17. Veteran consultant/analyst Greg Payne says he understands the criticism of Hull's reluctance to acquiesce to Haaland's dates, but in the end, it may not matter. Joe, the race has been almost a fait accompli from the beginning, and the "Great Debate over Debates" is not going to move the needle. Few will watch if they do have one, and even a superior Hull performance—paired with a big mistake by Haaland—is unlikely to have much impact. Gregg Hull knows he has to do something unexpected to animate the public over what has turned into a desultory contest with little spark. But he may be committing a sin that New Mexico politics has seen repeatedly over the years: a candidate acting as if they have a strong chance of winning when the opposite is true, and consequently playing by the wrong rules. MIMI'S MISADVENTURES
Stewart’s insurance company settled a claim after the longtime lawmaker ran over a pedestrian's foot in a crosswalk, leaving the victim with multiple fractures. No criminal charges were filed. Stewart also recently resolved an internal feud with Sen. Bobby Gonzales, who had filed an ethics complaint after the two clashed over an environmental bill. Gonzales has since withdrawn the complaint. However, Senate Minority Leader Bill Sharer points to a growing list of infractions that he argues merit Stewart’s resignation. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth has announced he will step down from his leadership post at the end of the year. The Senate Democratic Caucus will choose his replacement October 4—and they could also consider replacing Stewart. (Sen. Linda Trujillo is rumored to be a leading contender for Wirth’s position.) The President Pro Tem holds significant sway over committee assignments and is elected by the full Senate. Because Democrats hold a commanding majority, they could easily replace Stewart with figures such as Pete Campos, the longest-serving senator; Michael Padilla, the current Majority Whip; Leo Jaramillo, the Senate Caucus Chair or veteran Senator Linda Lopez. Stewart turns 80 in January and has already signaled her intention to run for reelection in 2028, when she will be 81. It has been a long career for the retired school teacher who was first elected to the House in 1994 and the senate in 2014. But the Senate is facing internal turmoil, and her leadership effectiveness is increasingly in doubt given the bipartisan discontent voiced by both Sens. Sharer and Gonzales. Look for a Movida to replace her. MORE DEBATING  Debates have dominated the governor's race and now they are entering the US senate race. The state GOP says: "Senator Ben Ray Luján continues to avoid a debate with his opponent, Larry Marker. It should be a serious red flag. . .for voters that Ben Ray Luján refuses to debate Larry Marker and answer tough questions about his record." While Haaland and Hull remain at loggerheads over scheduling a debate their running mates will meet in debate today at 1:30 p.m. It can be viewed here. State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia is the Dem lt. governor candidate and state Sen. David Gallegos is the GOP nominee. JUDGING THE JUDGES The New Mexico Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission recommends that voters keep 41 of the state’s 43 judges up for retention elections Nov. 3. Douglas Decker of the 11th Judicial District (McKinley and San Juan) and Stephen Ochoa of the 12th District (Lincoln and Otero) did not receive a recommendation because they have not been on the job long enough to have a full evaluation. SAVING CHRISTMAS  Some traditions are worth fighting for, and Albuquerque’s luminaria bus tour is one of them. The current tour costs about $341 per rider, so we know the model needs to change. But we’re not going to lose an Albuquerque tradition while we figure out a better way to keep it going. His office also came with this graphic marking his change of mind. No one likes being Scrooge--or the Grinch. This is the Home of New Mexico politics. |
 
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