Is the Deb Haaland camp terrified that permitting her to debate Republican gubernatorial opponent Gregg Hull could cost her the election or something close to it? Haaland has so far refused to debate Hull, making her only the second major-party candidate to skip a general election TV debate in the modern era. Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson turned down debates when facing GOP nominee John Dendahl in 2006, whom he trounced in a 69-to-31 landslide, the biggest Guv win in state history.

Deb Haaland is no Bill Richardson. She is not a sitting governor, and Hull, unlike Dendahl, is polling reasonably well for a GOP candidate in a state gone blue (six points back--49-43, according to the Journal August survey). That does not alleviate the fear in and around the Haaland camp that a debate with Hull could prove to be a defining moment—one that puts her candidacy, if not in jeopardy, in a much tighter race than anticipated.

A Haaland supporter with access to her inner circle told us amid the controversy over Haaland rejecting a proposed TV debate with Hull on KOB-TV on October 8:

I have told them in no uncertain terms that she should not debate Hull. Her performance on the campaign trail and her unsteadiness in her testimony to Congress as Secretary of the Interior shows she is capable of reinforcing the Republican meme that she is dumb and incompetent. Not debating is the low-risk decision. Debating on live TV is high-risk and exposes her greatest weakness.

Others urging Haaland not to face off with Hull recall the 2006 ABQ congressional debate between Republican Rep. Heather Wilson and Democratic candidate Patricia Madrid, when Madrid had a so-called "brain freeze" when asked a question and the seconds of dead air seemed like hours. The moment was turned into negative TV ads, and Madrid lost by a mere 900 votes. (I interviewed Madrid about the debate mishap in 2007.)

Haaland's refusal to give direct answers at a recent news conference concerning data center Project Jupiter only has the anti-debate faction doubling down on keeping her away from Hull. Meanwhile, the GOP is doing its best to turn the debate over debates into a campaign issue.

House Republican Leader Gail Armstrong and Senate Leader Bill Sharer called on Haaland to debate with Hull before early voting begins October 6:

"The lack of dialogue in this race is unprecedented for a New Mexico governor's race," Leader Armstrong said. "New Mexicans deserve to hear both candidates take a clear stance on the serious issues facing this state... Allowing early voting to begin before a single debate has taken place is a disservice to every voter."

Leader Sharer raised the same concern: "I find it appalling that there is an intentional blockade of information for prospective voters and it's coming from the more fearful than 'fierce' candidate in this race. What are you afraid of, Deb?"

Since her races for the Albuquerque congressional seat, Haaland has labeled herself "fierce," and she has debated her opponents. But now, with the stakes so high and hearts pulsing with fear, not debating appears to be viewed by the Haaland camp as a matter of survival and not a simple tactical decision.

If Haaland stays the course and does not debate, she could have to suffer the indignity of campaign commercials that show an empty chair on the debate stage while Hull holds forth. She also weakens any future governorship as opponents look to exploit her lack of confidence. But if terror over debating is the prevailing emotion in Camp Haaland, then it's not some "prospective" governorship they are worried about—it's the very real one voters will decide November 3. 

 CANCELLING CHRISTMAS

It was only a month ago that Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said it was time for the city to switch from a mindset of "scarcity" to one of "abundance." It didn't last long. The administration has just announced it is ending the traditional Christmas Eve city bus tours of luminaria displays at the Huning Castle (ABQ Country Club area) and Old Town neighborhoods. 

The city cites the $200,000 cost of the annual event that began in the 60's. Increasing fares can't cover the cost because the city buses are free to ride and federal regulations prohibit charging fare for the tours. 

Downtown ABQ City Councilor Joaquin Baca believes cancelling the popular luminaria tours is Scrooge-like and proposes the city cover the $200,000 expense. The city says 581 people took the tour last year. Tickets go in a flash when made available. The luminaria displays garner national and international attention because of their unique beauty and cultural and religious significance. They project a positive image of ABQ life, unlike the always high crime stats and the meth heads from Breaking Bad. 

Baca points out that the city financially supports other less impactful events and that the luminaria bus tours deserves to be among them. In other words, Mayor Keller needs to be held to his pledge to think "abundantly" and not miserly. 

This is the Home of New Mexico politics.