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Trump campaign releases parking update ahead of Thursday’s ABQ rally

18 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

45th President Donald J. Trump’s campaign rally in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is scheduled for Thursday, October 31, 2024, but the event has been overshadowed by controversy over parking restrictions imposed by far-left Democrat State Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard. 

Her decision to block parking at the Isleta Amphitheater initially planned as a primary parking location, has fueled accusations of political bias, with some critics calling her actions an authoritarian interference aimed at disrupting the rally. Trump’s campaign has had to make alternative arrangements, sharing updated parking and event details with supporters in anticipation of the large turnout expected.

In a campaign email to attendees, the Trump team outlined key logistics for the event. The rally, set to be held outdoors at CSI Aviation Operations in Albuquerque, will begin with shuttles operating from off-site parking lots starting at 5:30 a.m. and event doors opening at 8:00 a.m. Attendees must arrive early, as off-site parking lots will fill rapidly. 

Despite originally securing an agreement with Live Nation to use the Isleta Amphitheater’s extensive parking area, Commissioner Garcia Richard blocked this option, citing the venue’s lease restrictions as a thin excuse. She argued that Isleta’s contract only permits parking for events held on its premises, an explanation many critics view as selectively enforced, especially since it has been relaxed for many other events. 

Garcia Richard’s stance has drawn sharp criticism from New Mexico Republicans, who argue that her actions are a blatant attempt to hinder Trump’s campaign. Critics describe her decision as a “fascist” maneuver aimed at stifling free expression and obstructing a political event she opposes. They contend that Garcia Richard’s invocation of lease terms is hypocritical, pointing out that exceptions have been made for other non-amphitheater events in the past. 

Four main parking locations have been designated for the event. The primary lots include a private “Red Lot” at 5441 Turing Dr. SE and the “Airport Lot” near I-25 and Sunport, which provides convenient shuttle access to the venue. Additionally, Montage at Mesa del Sol offers ADA-accessible parking in the “Blue Lot,” and ride-share drop-offs will be available nearby on Clark Carr Rd SE. 

“Off-site parking will be available in multiple locations off-site from the venue with shuttles providing transportation to the venue. Parking will NOT be provided at the Isleta Amphitheater. Uber, Lyft, and ride-share services are encouraged. Off-site parking locations as well as Uber ride-share drop-off locations,” wrote the campaign.

The U.S. Secret Service will screen all guests upon entry, and specific prohibited items—such as bags, purses, drones, and firearms—will be strictly enforced to ensure the safety of the attendees.

Here is a full list of prohibited items, per the U.S. Secret Service:

• Aerosols

• Alcoholic beverages

• Appliances (i.e. Toasters)

• Backpacks, bags, roller bags, suitcases, and bags exceeding size restrictions

(12”x14”x5”)

• Balloons

• Balls

• Banners, signs, placards

• Chairs

• Coolers

• Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems

• E-Cigarettes

• Explosives of any kind (including fireworks)

• Firearms

• Glass, thermal and metal containers

• Laser lights and laser pointers

• Mace and/or pepper spray

• Noisemakers, such as air horns, whistles, drums, bullhorns, etc.

• Packages

• Poles, sticks and selfie sticks

• Spray containers

• Structures

• Supports for signs/placards

• Tripods

• Umbrellas

• Weapons

• And any other items that may pose a threat to the security of the event as determined by and at the discretion of the security screeners.

This parking debacle echoes broader tensions between the Trump campaign and New Mexico officials, highlighting the growing concerns over political neutrality in public resource management. The campaign’s response emphasizes its commitment to ensuring a smooth rally experience despite the setback, as they work to inform guests of new parking locations and shuttle times. The rally is expected to draw thousands — if not tens of thousands — of supporters, who will hear from Trump himself at around noon.

Trump campaign releases parking update ahead of Thursday’s ABQ rally Read More »

Far-left Dem official tries to sabotage Trump’s Thursday NM rally

29 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The controversy surrounding President Trump’s upcoming rally in Albuquerque exposes New Mexico’s state leadership selectively blocking access to public spaces, sparking heated allegations of partisanship. Scheduled for Thursday at CSI Aviation, the rally faced logistical challenges when far-left Democrat New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard rejected the Trump campaign’s plan to use the Isleta Amphitheater’s parking lot. 

After the Trump campaign coordinated with Live Nation to set up a parking and shuttle system, the state abruptly reversed course, blocking the use of the state-owned lot. This move is irrefutably politically motivated and, at its core, an infringement on democratic principles.

Garcia Richard deflected blame onto Live Nation, saying, “Their [Live Nation] contract is for the amphitheater…this is not of my creation.” However, her justification rings hollow to critics who believe the restriction stems from political bias rather than contractual constraints. 

State Rep. Jim Townsend (R-Artesia) openly questioned the motives, remarking to KRQE 13, “This just doesn’t pass the smell test…This is clearly a political process.” Townsend pointed to prior exceptions for non-concert events, such as a church gathering, suggesting the state’s reasoning is inconsistent and selectively applied.

The dispute took on new weight when the Republican Party of New Mexico issued a public statement denouncing Garcia Richard’s decision as “sheer, naked, bitter partisanship.” Their outcry reflects growing frustration with state leadership they accuse of abusing authority to hinder Republican events, particularly with a high-profile candidate like Trump.

Further deepening the controversy, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller’s administration allegedly blocked the Trump campaign from securing the Albuquerque Convention Center, initially citing “major sewage repairs” as the reason. However, Councilor Dan Lewis, another vocal critic of this blockade, condemned the action, seeing it as an attempt to thwart a major event that some in the city leadership oppose ideologically. In response, Mayor Keller’s office rebuked Lewis, alleging his statements were false and accusing him of trying to politicize operational decisions.

Critics argue that Garcia Richard’s stance against the Trump rally goes beyond logistics, pointing to the timing and lack of precedent for such refusals as evidence of political interference. They view this as a calculated obstruction, wielding state power to stymie opposition voices. Given the state’s duty to ensure fair use of public resources, selectively obstructing the Trump rally reveals a troubling tendency among New Mexico officials to put political motives above democratic principles.

As the Trump campaign shuffles to find alternative parking solutions for the rally attendees, this incident raises broader questions about politicizing public resources. By placing obstacles in the path of only one political campaign, Garcia Richard and the administration she represents seem to be engaging in exactly the kind of partisan favoritism that they claim to be avoiding.

The Republican Party of New Mexico is urging citizens to call Garcia Richards’ office to ask her to stop her political sabotage and to stop trying to attack democracy:

Far-left Dem official tries to sabotage Trump’s Thursday NM rally Read More »

Heinrich makes possibly the most unhinged post of the 2024 election cycle

27 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Severely triggered by the news that 45th President Donald Trump is visiting Albuquerque Thursday for a rally, vulnerable far-left Democrat Sen. Martin Heinrich, who faces a tough reelection battle against Republican Nella Domenici, posted possibly the most unhinged theory about the election on X.

Trump’s campaign, which announced the rally on Sunday via a signup link, wrote in a press release, “New Mexico families want to save more of their hard-earned paychecks and make sure their families are safe. Under Kamala Harris’ failed leadership, neither is feasible. Kamala’s Border Blood Bath has wreaked havoc on New Mexico,” concluding, “Kamala Harris broke New Mexico, President Trump will fix it.”

Despite Trump’s bold move to visit New Mexico, which he could win, according to polls showing him in the margin of error against Harris, Heinrich has his own wacky conspiracy theory about the 45th President’s visit to the Land of Enchantment.

“Why is Trump campaigning in NYC and Albuquerque? Because he’s NOT campaigning. He knows he’s losing,” Heinrich wrote.

He then added, “These are Insurrection 2.0 rallies. He’s pumping up his supporters for denial and violence,” erroneously claiming that Trump was losing despite all betting odds, polls in swing states, and political polling averages indicating he is on track to win the presidency, and even possibly winning New Mexico’s five electoral votes.

The 45th President’s rally will be in Albuquerue at noon on Halloween (October 31, 2024), and be his first time back to New Mexico since his 2019 rally, which saw massive crowds.

He also visited New Mexico twice in 2016, with rallies at the Albuquerque Convention Center and an airport hangar near the Albuquerque Sunport, the latter of which was reported to be the location of his Thursday rally.

With deeply unpopular Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and members of the state’s far-left congressional delegation stumping for Harris, that could further assist Trump in carrying New Mexico and its electoral votes as the election is just a single week away. 

Heinrich makes possibly the most unhinged post of the 2024 election cycle Read More »

Shady mailer seeks to spew last-minute disinfo about Herrell ahead of election

17 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

As the race for New Mexico’s Second Congressional District tightens between Republican former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell and far-left Democrat Rep. Gabe Vasquez, outside groups are trying to drop last-minute disinformation about Herrell into the district before Election Day.

In the last couple of days, voters have received mailers from a group calling itself the “Center for Voter Information,” which is a leftist dark money 501(c)(4) advocacy group well-known for helping Democrats with deceptive mailers against Republicans.

The group’s mailer, from longtime Democrat campaign strategist Tom Lopach, reads, “The Center for Voter Information provides important election information to voters like you across the country. We asked voters in New Mexico what they would like to know about the candidates for U.S. House of Representatives running in the election on Tuesday, November 5. The candidates in your district are Democrat Gabe Vasquez and Republican Yvette Herrell.” 

It then lists three topic areas: “Supporting Small Business Programs,” “Checks on Gun Purchases,” and “Cutting Social Security and Medicare.”

The group claims Herrell does not support small businesses, referencing 2022’s H.B. 5376, which was Democrats’ bill to increase taxes and put $80 million into the IRS to hire thousands of new agents to come after American taxpayers. The bill was entirely supported by Democrats, with not a single Republican voting for it. To claim Vasquez supports small businesses, the mailer vaguely references an August 12, 2022, X post from the Democrat supporting the legislation Herrell opposed due to its fiscal irresponsibility and its harm to small businesses.

On the contrary, Herrell has won awards from small business groups in New Mexico during her time in the Legislature and in the U.S. Congress. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization, has endorsed Herrell.

“Yvette Herrell has been a proven advocate for small businesses,” said Jason Espinoza, NFIB New Mexico State Director. “Herrell deeply understands small business issues and was a consistent leader in advocating for and protecting small business interests during her time in Congress. This includes deregulation and making small business tax relief permanent. We know Yvette Herrell will continue these efforts to help small businesses both in New Mexico and across the country, and we are proud to endorse her today.”

“During her time in Congress, Yvette Herrell held a 100% NFIB Voting Record and proved to be a strong ally of small business,” said Sharon Sussin, NFIB Senior National Political Director. “Her record of supporting pro-small business legislation speaks to her dedication to helping Main Street grow and we are proud to endorse her today.”

Under “Checks on Gun Purchases,” CVI’s mailer references an extremist anti-gun bill that Herrell opposed while also referencing Vasquez’s support for unconstitutional attacks on New Mexicans’ Second Amendment rights. The bill referenced 2022’s S.B. 2938, massively increased background checks to make buying firearms harder for Americans, and created unconstitutional “red flag” laws on the federal level. 

Under “Cutting Social Security and Medicare,” the group falsely wrote that Herrell supported cutting them, which is patently false, referring to a constitutional amendment aiming to balance the budget, similar to the one New Mexico already has. It claims Vasquez opposes a balanced budget amendment, and Herrell supports it. CVI writes that passing such an amendment “would almost certainly result in drastic cuts to Social Security and Medicare,” which again is a false statement.

Ironically, at the end of the mailer, Lopach writes, “A candidate’s position is sometimes more complicated than a ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ We have done our best to represent each candidate in a fair and reasonable way,” despite deceiving voters on Herrell’s record. 

According to Influence Watch, “As of September 2020, CVI and VPC have generated 939,000 registration applications and 2 million vote-by-mail applications for the 2020 election. 1 These applications are generally targeted towards demographic groups which tend to support the Democratic Party, and have been extensively criticized by state-level officials.”

The group has also gotten in hot water over its work to support partisan causes, which were revealed in multiple sources, such as Sasha Issenberg’s book, “The Victory Lab: The Secret Science of Winning Campaigns.” Issenberg writes, “Even though the group was officially nonpartisan, for tax purposes, there was no secret that the goal of all its efforts was to generate new votes for Democrats.” CVI also has deep ties to the Clinton Foundation.

The Influence Watch report further noted, “The Center for Voter Information makes ‘independent expenditures’ for or against candidates each election cycle. In the 2020 election CVI spent $533,820 in support of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden (D-DE), and no funds for other candidates.”

It is important for voters to independently verify information about candidates and their positions ahead of the election, which will be held on November 5, and be wary of seemingly innocuous groups’ mailers trashing candidates without verifying the information for accuracy and truth. 

Shady mailer seeks to spew last-minute disinfo about Herrell ahead of election Read More »

President Trump returning to New Mexico for a Thursday rally

22 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

45th President Donald Trump is set to make a high-profile campaign stop in Albuquerque this Thursday at noon, bringing renewed attention to New Mexico in the final days before the election. 

Trump’s visit is anticipated to energize his base to win the state and potentially lend support to Republican candidates in key state and local races. However, as in the past, extremist left-wing radicals are expected to attempt violent protests, as they did in 2016 and threatened in 2020 during Trump’s previous campaign stops in the Land of Enchantment. 

In 2016, Trump held two rallies in Albuquerque, the first of which led to significant protests and property damage in Downtown Albuquerque, including Mexican flag-wielding left-wing radicals throwing bottles and rocks at police and police horses. His last visit in 2019, held in Rio Rancho, resulted in a $211,176 security bill from the City of Albuquerque due to overnight security expenses, the first time a presidential campaign has been charged for such an event.

Triggered by the news, Democrat Party spokesman Daniel Garcia claimed, “New Mexicans are set to reject his MAGA extremism and divisive rhetoric yet again.” 

Trump’s campaign has cited factors like concerns over border security as significant motivators in his decision to campaign in New Mexico. Recent polling suggests he has gained traction among Hispanic voters in the state, with 41% of respondents expressing support, a notable increase from previous polls. One recent poll showed the 45th President within just three points of Harris, which is within the margin of error.

Trump’s visit could also impact the closely contested race for New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, where Republican former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell is challenging Democrat Gabe Vasquez, a far-left, open-borders candidate. 

With the district now including parts of Albuquerque’s South Valley following extreme Democrat gerrymandering for political gain, even political analysts like Brian Sanderoff noted that Trump’s presence might help motivate Republican voters in that area, which could be pivotal in a district that has alternated between GOP and Democratic control.

After Albuquerque, Trump’s campaign itinerary includes a Wednesday night rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin, followed by a Thursday afternoon event in Henderson, Nevada, underscoring his efforts to solidify support in battleground areas. 

The internet link for the 45th President’s rally has since become inactive, but according to reports, a new link is set to be released for people to RSVP.

President Trump returning to New Mexico for a Thursday rally Read More »

Docs. expose apparent predatory loan scheme by Dem NM state rep.

14 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Tara Jaramillo, a current Democrat state representative and owner of the caregiving company Positive Outcomes, Inc., is facing serious allegations of financial exploitation following a damning investigation. Jaramillo’s company, which offers home healthcare services, has come under scrutiny for a payday loan scheme that targeted its own employees, many of whom are Native American caregivers.

The company allegedly issued loans to its workers with a bi-weekly interest rate of 15%, equivalent to an annual rate of 390%, an amount far beyond New Mexico’s legal cap of 36% per year. A whistleblower identified via public records reported these unethical practices to the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS). The whistleblower’s claims highlight that Positive Outcomes, a company funded through Medicaid, profited off its workers by deducting loan repayments directly from their paychecks, sometimes driving the workers’ effective wages below the state-mandated minimum.

Official photograph of state Rep. Tara Jaramillo

According to an investigation report, employees were forced to sign documents that allowed for deductions before receiving their checks. Those loans created a perpetual cycle of debt, leaving caregivers financially dependent on Jaramillo’s company. The caregivers, who already faced the challenges of low pay, ended up in a financially precarious position while working for the very company that claimed to support the vulnerable.

The whistleblower’s April 3, 2024 email to NMDWS explicitly accused Jaramillo of violating the state’s usury laws. He stated, “Charging bi-weekly 15% interest charges to the poorest people in our state that are caregivers (who are mainly Native Americans) is criminal… The company in question should be held accountable and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.” NMDWS has since confirmed these allegations as part of a directed investigation aimed at uncovering systemic wage law violations.

In a September 12, 2023, email to the state investigator Raymond Renteria, the whistleblower described the apparent loan scheme in detail and provided a list of affected employees, many of whom are former workers of Positive Outcomes. These caregivers described how they became financially entrapped by multiple loans, enduring deductions that essentially robbed them of fair compensation for their labor. Three former employees all corroborated these practices.

The findings paint a disturbing picture of Jaramillo’s use of her company’s resources and Medicaid funds to allegedly line her own pockets at the expense of the state’s most vulnerable workers. 

Raymond Renteria and his team at NMDWS are leading an ongoing investigation to determine the full extent of the alleged violations and to ensure accountability for those affected. If found guilty, Jaramillo could face severe legal consequences, including charges of usury, wage theft, and misuse of public funds.

The apparent exploitation uncovered has sent shockwaves through the state, with many calling for immediate action against Jaramillo. Community leaders and affected workers are demanding that Jaramillo be held accountable for her actions and that the state tighten regulations to prevent such abuses in the future.

Jaramillo, who narrowly won in 2022, faces a tight race against Republican past-state Rep. Rebecca Dow, who seeks to reclaim her former seat in the New Mexico House of Representatives.

Docs. expose apparent predatory loan scheme by Dem NM state rep. Read More »

Radical eco-left ‘setbacks’ on oil and gas would bleed state’s budget dry

10 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Far-left Democrat New Mexico lawmakers, who control both chambers of the state’s legislature, are considering bringing back previously failed attempted restrictions on oil and gas drilling, which will irreparably crush the state’s production and revenue over the coming years, according to a recent report from the state’s chief economist, as reported by OilPrice.com. 

The proposed rules would impose setbacks to prevent drilling near residential, educational, and environmental zones, potentially reducing future oil output by 5.4%. In a recent legislative hearing, so-called “experts” pushing the proposal admitted they wished these proposed one-mile ban zones were actually 12 miles in radius, which would entirely decimate most of New Mexico’s oil-rich Permian Basin and oil deposits in the northwest corner of the state. 

This decrease following the one-mile setback would mean a loss of about 12.5 million barrels in the first year alone, with an anticipated total of over 35 million barrels lost by the early 2030s. This production drop could peak in economic impact by 2034, potentially costing the state up to $4.5 billion annually.

The proposed legislation would require drilling operations to maintain a distance of at least 2,250 feet from homes, schools, health facilities, water bodies, and irrigation areas. Supporters like the environmental group “Earthworks” argue — without any evidence or data — that these setbacks are vital for protecting public health. 

However, industry leaders caution that the economic consequences for New Mexico could be substantial. Dr. Missi Currier, CEO of the New Mexico Oil & Gas Association, noted that a statewide setback could “hinder oil and gas development and weaken the state’s economic footing.”

As the second-largest oil-producing state in the nation, New Mexico has experienced record revenue growth from the Permian Basin’s oil production boom, particularly over the past two years. 

Yet, state leaders are increasingly caught between maximizing revenue and pursuing radical “environmental” targets, including significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. 

A recent Environmental Defense Fund study indicates that New Mexico is unlikely to meet its 2030 emissions goals, highlighting the growing scrutiny on the industry. Environmental oversight is also intensifying following a June court decision in Atencio v. State, which allows a lawsuit to proceed, challenging the state’s responsibility to protect natural resources under its constitution.

Radical eco-left bills are certain to be introduced in the next legislative session, and depending on how many seats Republicans pick up in the state Senate and House will determine if the oil and gas industry can survive these budget-killing, industry-crippling attacks.

Radical eco-left ‘setbacks’ on oil and gas would bleed state’s budget dry Read More »

As Roswell suffers deadly flooding, MLG out-of-state campaigning for Harris

26 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Severe flooding in Roswell has left at least two people dead and led to the rescue of hundreds of stranded residents, according to the New Mexico State Police. The flooding, triggered by extreme overnight rainfall, swept away vehicles and left many motorists stranded across the region. Rescue operations are ongoing, with 290 people rescued so far, 38 of whom were transported to hospitals for treatment.

The New Mexico National Guard, alongside other emergency agencies, has been instrumental in the rescue efforts. “Crews are still out there and rescue efforts are still underway,” said Officer Amanda Richards of the State Police. The National Guard reported conducting at least one swiftwater rope rescue, a technique honed during previous flooding events in Ruidoso.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency for Roswell and neighboring areas as heavy rainfall rates reached between 1.5 and 2 inches per hour. The severe storm threat remains for parts of eastern New Mexico, with more rain, hail, and wind expected through Monday. Roswell saw 5.78 inches of rainfall on Saturday, breaking a record that had stood since 1901.

Floodwaters from the Spring River reached dangerous levels, submerging streets and homes in the Cahoon area. Vehicles were swept into the river, and some residents had to be rescued from the tops of their submerged cars. In a statement, the City of Roswell confirmed one fatality due to the flooding and urged residents to stay indoors: “Many motorists became stranded when their vehicles got stuck in flood waters on many streets.”

Local authorities have closed roadways into Roswell, and the Roswell Air Center remains shut down, with all flights canceled until further notice. City facilities, including the library and zoo, are also closed as officials continue assessing damage and recovery efforts. Shelters are available for those displaced by the flooding, while officials warn against venturing out onto the roads until conditions improve.

However, amid Roswell’s destruction, far-left Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham was out-of-state busy campaigning alongside other far-left Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-Michigan) for Kamala Harris in Pittsburg. 

She bragged on October 20th via X, with pictures of the two governors and Lujan Grisham in a Pepto Bismol-colored pant suit, “With @GovWhitmer helping to protect the Blue Wall in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania today. The race is tight here but we know all these fired-up Democrats will give Kamala Harris a Keystone State victory on Election Day!”

She quickly deleted the post, but not before X users screenshotted it. 

One posted, “This should be shared widely. While Roswell suffers, the governor is campaigning out of state. On your dime.”

Lujan Grisham has been well-known for her jet-setting lifestyle, flying across the world on the New Mexico taxpayers’ dime, including lavish trips to Dubai, Spain, the Netherlands, and trips across the country.

As Roswell suffers deadly flooding, MLG out-of-state campaigning for Harris Read More »

New Mexico the key to Trump’s victory? The latest poll shows tight race

20 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

New Mexico, historically overlooked in national election strategies, is emerging as a potential battleground state for the 2024 presidential race. Recent polling shows that 45th President Donald Trump is closing in on Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris, with just a three-point difference between them in the latest KA Consulting poll. Trump is polling at 46% while Harris holds 49%, but the margin of error of +/- 4% makes the race essentially a tie.

Key Issues Favor Trump

The economy and border security are two key issues driving New Mexico voters to the polls this year. In the KA Consulting survey, 47% of respondents cited the economy and inflation as their top concern, followed closely by 43% pointing to immigration and border security. These are two areas where Trump has traditionally performed well, particularly in a state that shares a border with Mexico. Trump’s stance on these topics aligns with many New Mexico voters, especially among its sizable Hispanic population.

Trump’s improved standing with Hispanic voters nationwide is another factor making New Mexico more competitive. For instance, a recent Florida poll showed 55% of Hispanic voters supporting Trump, a demographic where Harris has seen diminished support. According to NBC News, Harris has lost ground with Latino voters, now polling at 54% compared to Trump’s 40% among this critical group. This is a significant shift, given that Trump garnered just 19% of the Latino vote in 2016 and 27% in 2020.

Kennedy and Anti-Harris Campaigns Boost Trump

Further complicating the race is Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s decision to withdraw and endorse Trump, which could provide a notable boost. Kennedy was polling around 8% in New Mexico, and his exit might sway undecided voters toward Trump. Additionally, an aggressive Election Freedom Inc. ad campaign targeting Harris’s policy failures has the potential to further shift voter sentiment in Trump’s favor.

High Turnout in Early Voting

High early voting turnout also signals that New Mexico could be in play. According to the Albuquerque Journal, Republicans slightly outpaced Democrats in early voting, with 4.6% of registered Republicans casting ballots compared to 4.2% of Democrats by mid-October. While New Mexico hasn’t voted for a Republican presidential candidate since 2004, the tight polling numbers suggest that the state could be within reach for Trump in 2024.

Given these trends, New Mexico could very well emerge as a key state in the 2024 election despite its long-standing blue leanings. Trump’s strong focus on issues important to New Mexicans and his improving numbers among Hispanic voters make this a state to watch closely in the weeks ahead.

New Mexico the key to Trump’s victory? The latest poll shows tight race Read More »

Report: Rail Runner must grow ridership huge amount to break even on emissions

17 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The New Mexico Rail Runner Express, a project launched during the Bill Richardson Administration, is facing renewed scrutiny from the Rio Grande Foundation after a shocking Legislative Finance Committee report. The foundation, which has long criticized the costly train system, now points to fresh concerns about its environmental impact. According to a recent report from the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC), the Rail Runner must increase its ridership by 23% to break even regarding carbon emissions—a benchmark it is far from reaching.

The LFC’s findings come as a blow to advocates of the Rail Runner, who have argued that the train offers a green alternative to car travel in the region. However, as the Rio Grande Foundation pointed out, “as it stands now and until ridership increases dramatically, the Rail Runner is bad for the environment.” The group further criticizes the calculation for failing to consider the carbon footprint involved in building the train sets, laying the tracks, and maintaining the infrastructure. The foundation argued that more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives, such as commuter buses, should have been considered when the project was first proposed.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rail Runner has seen a dramatic decrease in ridership, further complicating efforts to justify its environmental benefits. The Rio Grande Foundation estimates that the train would need to return to 2019 ridership levels just to break even on carbon emissions, underscoring how far it has fallen short.

Despite these concerns, some state leaders continue to push for an expansion of the Rail Runner system. State Sen. Bill Soules (D-Las Cruces), a vocal advocate for expanding rail service, has proposed a taxpayer-funded train stretching from Chihuahua, Mexico, to Denver, Colorado. The Rio Grande Foundation took aim at this idea, noting that while Soules and other Democrats in the legislature describe themselves as environmentalists, “trains like the Rail Runner are only ‘green’ if they are ridden by large numbers of people.”

The question now is whether New Mexico’s leadership will address the environmental and financial challenges posed by the Rail Runner. As the foundation pointedly remarked, “Barring a major budget crisis, it is hard to see anyone addressing the environmental or budgetary harm of the Rail Runner.”

With the train losing millions in taxpayer dollars annually and struggling to prove its environmental value, the foundation’s critique offers a sobering reminder that sustainable transportation requires not just investment but also usage to fulfill its promises. Whether New Mexico will course-correct on the Rail Runner or continue to pour resources into the project remains to be seen.

Report: Rail Runner must grow ridership huge amount to break even on emissions Read More »

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