The last airing of of the PBS Friday program, New Mexico In Focus, featured a discussion about the primary election and the meaning of the lopsided outcome favoring Democrats. It was enlightening, but might better have been aired before the election to make it more clear what people were voting for.
The disaffected Never-Trump Republican analyst summed up the election of Deb Halland as a vote for the status quo. That is true if one only focuses on the continued choice of voters to exclude Republicans from State-wide offices.
Former NM State Senator, Dede Feldman, ably countered that Republican fantasy by pointing out that the real issue dividing the candidates was one of authenticity.
Haaland's primary opponent, Sam Bregman, ran on a law-and-order agenda while paying lip service to the New Mexico public's distaste for Trump. Meanwhile, a big part of his campaign budget came from MAGA political action commitees. When the landslide outcome was announced and Bregman was asked if he would support. Halland in the general election, he responded with a scowl that he would NOT be supporting Haaland in November.
As Dede Feldman pointed out, Haaland's long career in New Mexico politics has been characterized by a tireless effort, while traveling to every corner of the State, to present her own story and her views on the issues faced by ordinary New Mexicans.
We first became aware of Haaland when she made a presentation at the Main Library as part of her State Congressional campaign. We were charmed by her articulate honesty and clear understanding of the historical, social and economic issues which have shaped the State.
Haaland's lack-luster Republcan opponent in the upcome race for Governor does not himself seem to present much of a threat. However, big Republican money is sure to be deployed during the rest of the year against Haaland. While pushing the former Rio Rancho mayor to a win with an avalanche of cash is unlikely, every effort will be made to undermine Haaland's tenure as Governor.
"ALBUQUERQUE — In a centuries-old town, Deb Haaland celebrated her nomination as the Democratic candidate for governor of New Mexico against Sam Bregman. If she wins in November against Republican Greggory Hull, she will become the first Native American woman to be governor in the United States..."
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