New Mexico

New Mexicans get more bad news amid crippling inflation crisis

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New Mexico residents are bracing for a rise in their gas bills following the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission’s recent approval of a rate increase for New Mexico Gas Co. The decision, part of a settlement agreement, will see the average residential bill—based on usage of 53 therms per month—increase by $4.21, or 7%, starting October 1. 

This is less than the gas company’s initial request, which sought a more significant rate hike to cover a $30 million revenue deficiency; the final settlement brought this down by $19 million.

Commissioner Gabriel Aguilera expressed satisfaction with the settlement, stating, “I’m happy here with how the parties were able to reach an agreement.” However, the decision comes amidst broader economic pressures that are already straining household budgets.

New Mexico’s residents are facing increased costs across the board, particularly in essential areas like groceries and gasoline. Gas prices have seen a significant rise, with the cost per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline averaging $3.60 in 2024, reflecting a broader trend of rising energy costs nationwide. This marks a considerable increase from previous years, exacerbating the financial burden on consumers​.

Grocery prices have also climbed, with the latest data indicating a 0.2% increase from May to June 2024. Year-over-year, grocery costs have risen by 1.1%, contributing to a broader trend of food inflation that has seen prices increase by 26% since 2020. This situation is particularly challenging for low-income households, who are disproportionately affected by rising costs for everyday necessities.

The cumulative effect of these increases is placing significant stress on New Mexico’s residents, many of whom are already struggling in an inflationary economy under the Joe Biden/Kamala Harris administration. Though lower than initially proposed, the approved gas rate hike adds another layer of financial pressure. 

As Public Regulation Commissioner Pat O’Connell noted, while the settlement may work in this instance, the broader economic context necessitates careful consideration of future rate adjustments and their impacts on consumers.

These rising costs underscore the importance of effective regulatory oversight and support measures to help mitigate the economic burden on New Mexicans.

New poll: Herrell pulls ahead of Vasquez in one of tightest U.S. House races

15 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

An internal poll conducted by the Tarrance Group for former Representative Yvette Herrell (R) and the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) shows Herrell leading incumbent Representative Gabe Vasquez (D) within the margin of error. 

The poll, conducted from July 11-14 among 400 likely voters, reports Herrell ahead with 48% compared to Vasquez’s 46%, within the poll’s margin of error of ±4.9%.

According to a polling memo shared with Hotline, the generic ballot test also gave Republicans a slight advantage, with 46% support compared to 45% for Democrats. This survey was released following Vasquez’s first campaign advertisement against Herrell in June.

The race in New Mexico’s 2nd congressional district is one of the most competitive in the country, according to Hotline analysis. The political landscape has evolved since the survey, with growing Democratic optimism about Vice President Kamala Harris’s potential to outperform President Biden in Sun Belt states like New Mexico. This shift might bolster Vasquez’s chances, potentially tipping the scales in this closely contested race.

The poll results come as new information about Vasquez’s past emerges, including allegations of him using a racial slur against a former colleague and an arrest warrant executed by El Paso police earlier this year. The NRCC suggests that as voters become more aware of these issues, Herrell’s lead could widen.

NRCC spokeswoman Delanie Bomar commented, “Gabe Vasquez is shaking in his boots knowing his extreme policies and troubled past are putting his electoral chances in danger. With Yvette Herrell on the ballot, this district is in a prime position to flip red.”

All-Dem NM congressional delegation refuses to attend Israeli PM’s speech

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In a controversial move, New Mexico Democrat Reps. Gabe Vasquez, Melanie Stansbury, and Teresa Leger Fernandez, along with Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján, boycotted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s joint address to Congress. Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democrats’ presumptive nominee for president, also chose not to attend, citing a scheduling conflict with a campaign event. This decision comes amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions following the deadly terrorist attack on Israel on October 7th.

The Republican Party of New Mexico responded sharply to the boycott, criticizing the Democratic lawmakers for their absence. “It’s an embarrassment that New Mexico’s Democratic Representatives and Senators are throwing a tantrum instead of listening to our allies and world leaders amid the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza, especially while the lives of American hostages are on the line,” stated Steve Pearce, Chairman of the Republican Party of New Mexico.

The GOP statement emphasized a perceived abandonment by Democrats of Israel, described as “America’s ally, the only Jewish nation and the sole democracy in the Middle East.” The Republicans argued that Democratic lawmakers have aligned themselves with pro-Hamas protesters and overlooked the rise of antisemitism on college campuses. The absence of the New Mexico Democrats was particularly noted given the ongoing crisis, including the captivity of five Americans held by Hamas.

“A Joint Session of Congress is one of the most important audiences given to a world leader and United States Senators have a duty to attend and listen. In the case of Israel–now–at this time of war–it is a solemn occasion with extremely significant diplomatic implications.  Israel deserves our unified and unwavering support,” wrote GOP nominee for U.S. Senate against Heinrich, Nella Domenici.  

Domenici’s campaign highlighted examples of Heinrich’s anti-Israel voting record:

  • Martin Heinrich voted for Bernie Sanders’ Resolution Requesting information on Israel’s human rights practices—a position that could have jeopardized Israel military aid and operations potentially freezing military aid to Israel when it is at war with the terrorist group Hamas. (2024) 
  • He co-authors letters with Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders to President Biden and Secretary Blinken that raise concerns about humanitarian conditions of the Palestinians but expresses no concern for the Israeli and American hostages that Hamas has been holding since October 7. (2023) 
  • He supports the 2-state solution. (2017) 
  • He opposed the relocation of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. (2017) 
  • He supported the 2016 UN Security Council Resolution 2334 which would have threatened the legitimacy of the state of Israel and its settlements. (2016) 
  • He supported the Iran Nuclear deal. (2015) 
  • He voted to allow Iran to access over $100 billion in foreign assets. (2015) 

In his address, Prime Minister Netanyahu underscored the critical situation, stating, “We are in the midst of a battle for our existence. This is not just a fight for Israel; it’s a fight for the future of the entire free world.” His speech aimed to rally support for Israel’s efforts and emphasize the importance of the country’s alliance with the United States.

The Republican Party of New Mexico contrasted the leadership of the state’s Democratic and Republican candidates, portraying the former as pandering to what they called “the extreme antisemitic wing of their base.” They lauded Republican candidates for their “unwavering support of Israel and the Jewish community” and their commitment to “bringing the American hostages back home.”

This political rift highlights a broader national debate over U.S. policy toward Israel and the Israeli-Hamas conflict, reflecting deep divisions within American politics. As the situation in the Middle East continues to unfold, the responses from U.S. political leaders are likely to remain a focal point of discussion and controversy.

New Mexico’s startling rank in national at-risk youth report

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New Mexico ranks as the second most at-risk state for youth in 2024, only led by Louisiana, according to a new report from WalletHub. The state faces significant challenges, including the highest percentage of youth without a high school diploma and high rates of disconnected youth—those neither working nor in school. 

New Mexico also ranks high in youth obesity (4th), drug use (8th), and youth poverty (8th). The report underscores the need for more focused efforts to address these issues and improve the prospects of young residents.

Cassandra Happe, a WalletHub analyst, highlighted the broader implications: “A high share of youth who are not working, not getting education and generally stagnating in life can spell trouble for the future.” 

The report suggests that targeted policies and community engagement are essential to reverse these trends and provide better opportunities for at-risk youth.

Experts suggest that policymakers and communities invest in educational and vocational programs tailored to local needs. Enhancing digital connectivity, especially in rural areas, and fostering strong support networks are also crucial. 

Programs like 4-H, which emphasize skill-building and social capital, are highlighted as effective in reconnecting disconnected youth.

The report calls for a collective effort from parents, schools, and local authorities to provide practical support and encourage education and employment among young people. 

As the state grapples with these challenges, the focus remains on creating a supportive environment that offers hope and tangible opportunities for its youth.

At-Risk Youth in New Mexico (1=Most at Risk; 25=Avg.):

  • Overall Rank: 2nd
  • 5th – % of Disconnected Youth
  • 1st – % of Youth Without a High School Diploma
  • 4th – % of Overweight & Obese Youth
  • 8th – % of Youth Drug Users
  • 6th – Youth Labor Force Participation Rate
  • 8th – Youth Poverty Rate
  • 15th – % of Homeless Youth

For more details, visit the full WalletHub report here.

Judge uses gun bans against Natives, Black slaves to uphold MLG’s gun grab

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In a new ruling, a New Mexico judge has upheld the state’s new anti-gun law forcing citizens to wait seven days before purchasing a firearm. The decision, handed down by the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico’s James O. Browning, denied a motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction filed by plaintiffs Samuel Ortega and Rebecca Scott. The plaintiffs argued that the Act violated their Second Amendment rights by unduly burdening their ability to purchase and possess firearms.

The court’s decision heavily relied on colonial-era historical precedents to justify the modern regulation. Judge James Browning cited early American laws that restricted firearm ownership for specific groups, such as Native Americans and Black slaves, to argue that the United States has a long history of regulating who can possess firearms. These historical laws, the judge noted, were designed to prevent individuals deemed dangerous from acquiring weapons, a principle that underpins the current Waiting Period Act.

“Colonial lawmakers, fearing the consequences of unregulated access to firearms and munitions, sought to regulate the sale of firearms and munitions,” the ruling stated. By referencing laws from the 18th and 19th centuries that prohibited the sale of firearms to Native Americans and Black slaves, the court argued that similar regulatory measures have existed since the founding of the nation.

The primary issue before the court was whether the Waiting Period Act infringed upon the Second Amendment rights of New Mexico citizens by imposing a mandatory delay on firearm purchases. The plaintiffs contended that the Act arbitrarily delayed their right to obtain arms, with significant criminal penalties for violations. However, the court found that the plaintiffs did not demonstrate a likelihood of success on the merits of their constitutional claim.

Judge Browning emphasized that the Act’s seven-day waiting period is consistent with historical traditions of firearm regulation against Black slaves and Native Americans. 

The ruling has significant implications for gun control measures in New Mexico and potentially sets a precedent for other states considering similar regulations. The judge highlighted the rise in firearm-related deaths in the United States and New Mexico, underscoring the public safety rationale behind the Act, despite proving no correlation between legal guns being the culprit for so-called “firearm-related deaths.” 

“New Mexico’s age-adjusted firearm death rate increased by eighty-seven percent between 2010 and 2021,” Browning’s ruling pointed out, citing state health department reports.

By upholding the Waiting Period Act, the court has reinforced the state’s ability to enact gun control measures aimed at reducing violence and ensuring that firearms are kept out of the hands of individuals who may pose a danger to themselves or others.

Following the ruling, the Firearms Policy Coalition wrote on X, “A New Mexico federal judge denied a motion for preliminary injunction against the state’s firearm waiting period today, saying that the law is historically supported by bans on gun sales to Native Americans and slaves,” sharing a screenshot of one of the ruling’s pages. 

MLG admin. cooks up scheme to lure pro-abortion, ‘gender-affirming’ docs.

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The New Mexico Department of Health has launched a multi-state campaign aimed at attracting pro-abortion and “gender-affirming” healthcare professionals to New Mexico, per a report from the Santa Fe New Mexican.

“Every day we’re looking for ways to try to attract more people to New Mexico to meet the health care needs of our state,” Health Sec. Patrick Allen said. He emphasized that states like Texas and Arizona create a political and legal environment where healthcare providers are restricted from mutilating children and aborting babies up to birth.

The “Free to Provide” campaign, lasting one month, features online advertisements on social media in metropolitan areas of Texas and Arizona, as well as six billboards in the Medical Center Area of Houston, according to department spokesman Robert Nott, who formerly was a reporter at the New Mexican. 

The campaign cost approximately $350,000 and includes a dedicated website, freetoprovidenm.org, where healthcare workers can find information about New Mexico job opportunities, including links to the state’s Health Professional Loan Repayment Program and the Rural Health Care Practitioner Tax Credit Program.

In total, the state partnered with around three dozen New Mexico hospitals and clinics, consolidating and linking their job postings on the campaign’s website, organized into five regions for easy navigation. 

Allen highlighted the collaborative effort, saying, “They were enthusiastic. They’re like us — they’re interested in trying to hire good people, and anything that we can do to make their job openings more visible is a benefit to them.”

New Mexico has faced a shortage of healthcare workers for years, requiring thousands more hires to reach a standard provider-to-population ratio, according to a 2023 report from the New Mexico Health Care Workforce Committee.

At the end of the four-week campaign, the department will assess its impact and consider extending or expanding the campaign to other southwestern states if necessary. 

Allen reiterated the campaign’s goal, stating, “We need more of everything everywhere, whether it’s primary care providers or OBGYNs in Albuquerque or practitioners in rural parts of the state. We’re really trying to aim at that notion of, ‘This is a good place to practice, it’s a good place to live, and you can come here and practice without some of the risks and concerns that you face in other states.’”

What was not mentioned in the ad is the cost of malpractice insurance in the state, which previously was astronomical, has been reduced to a more manageable — yet expensive — level.

NM Dems react to Biden dropping out with clear message—and one big holdout

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On Sunday, Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race despite for weeks insisting he would remain the Democrats’ nominee. He quickly endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris. 

New Mexico Democrats responded with a pretty similar message: They want Kamala Harris, Biden’s choice.

New Mexico House Speaker Javier Martinez wrote on his X account, “I’m ready to help @KamalaHarris win New Mexico in the fall. Our Democracy, our freedoms, our way of life is at stake. Vamos con todo, @VP!!” 

The New Mexico Democrat Party touted Biden’s so-called accomplishments on its X page, writing, “We could not be more grateful for everything @JoeBiden has done for our country & Party.” 

Later in the day, it announced that its executive officers would be endorsing Harris, saying they wanted the “first Asian-American President of the United States,” referring to her Indian heritage.

Sen. Martin Heinrich endorsed Harris, calling her “an extraordinary leader with a proven track record of getting things done. As her colleague, I saw her commitment to fighting for working families up close.”

Rep. Melanie Stansbury of the First District wrote that she was “100%” behind Harris, adding, “As our Nation’s Vice President, Kamala Harris has led the way in passing generational legislation to transform our nations (sic) infrastructure, rebuild our economy, bring jobs back to the U.S, and tackle climate change.”

Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez followed suit, endorsing Harris to “take the baton” from Biden.

Kamala Harris “is the leader who can bridge the divide in our country & move our nation forward,” added Rep. Gabe Vasquez of the Second District.

Sen. Ben Ray Luján chimed in, “I believe in [Kamala] Harris to continue making a positive impact in our country. She has my support to be our nominee.”

With the entire New Mexico congressional delegation behind Harris, it is unclear how successful she will be in New Mexico, as her popularity nationwide, in many cases, is worse than Biden’s. 

It is noteworthy, however, that Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, an ally of Harris (who officiated the governor’s wedding in Washington, D.C.) did not endorse her in a statement wishing Biden well.

According to Emerson College polling, Trump leads Harris nationwide by six points. 

Rats! New Mexico ranks fourth in the nation for this gross metric

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When considering areas with significant rodent issues, many might think of New York City and its well-known pizza-eating rats. However, according to recent data from Yelp, New York doesn’t even rank in the top five most rodent-infested places in the U.S.

Yelp, a website that features crowd-sourced business reviews, analyzed consumer searches in June 2024 compared to June 2023 to identify changes in the volume of pest-related queries. 

They then calculated the number of times each query was entered per million searches to determine the top states (including Washington D.C.) with the most significant pest problems.

One notable finding is the 57 percent increase in searches for mice removal from 2023. California topped the list for rodent-related pest control searches. Meanwhile, New Mexico secured the fourth spot, highlighting a surprising challenge for residents in the state.

Wyoming came in second, followed by Washington D.C., with New Mexico and Wisconsin rounding out the top five.

Yelp’s Trend Expert and Vice President of Community Expansion, Tara Lewis, remarked, “Nothing disrupts a summer hangout like the presence of a bug or rodent in your space. Whether it’s checking for termites or taking care of that wasp nest, Yelp can easily connect you to reliable pest control experts, and address infestations before they escalate.”

Yelp also shared expert tips from Terminix on maintaining a pest-free home, including eliminating food and water sources, sealing cracks and gaps, proper trash storage, keeping outdoor areas clear of debris, and inspecting basements and attics regularly.

For more detailed insights into pest control trends and tips, visiting Yelp’s platform could be highly beneficial.

Top 5 Rodent-Infested Places:

  1. California
  2. Wyoming
  3. Washington D.C.
  4. New Mexico
  5. Wisconsin

Vasquez joins Heinrich in throwing Biden ‘to the wolves’

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On Friday, Sen. Martin Heinrich, after weeks of criticism for a limp statement on Biden’s cognitive decline, finally threw the octogenarian Democrat to the wolves and called for him to drop out of the presidential race after being a fervent supporter.

He wrote, “While the decision to withdraw from the campaign is President Biden’s alone, I believe it is in the best interests of our country for him to step aside.”

Following Heinrich’s statement, his close far-left ally, Rep. Gabe Vasquez, who faces likely defeat in November at the hands of Republican former Congresswoman Yvette Herrell, jumped ship as well.

Vasquez wrote, “…I believe too many of our fundamental freedoms and the wellbeing of our nation are at risk under a Trump presidency and President Biden should step aside to give Democrats the best opportunity to win this November. With abortion rights under attack and our Democracy at stake, we must unite to defeat Donald Trump and MAGA extremists.”

He added, as cover, “But make no mistake, regardless of who our nominee is, my number one job will be to take care of the people of my district and continue bringing results home to New Mexico.” 

Herrell wrote on X after the announcement, “After weeks of silence, Gabe finally throws Joe Biden under the bus because he knows his own re-election is in serious jeopardy. #NM02 will see this exactly for what it is: a desperate political stunt that continues to ignore the most important question – if Joe Biden is unfit to continue running, how is he fit to continue serving as President?”

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) wrote, “Gabe Vasquez is trying to pull the wool over voters’ eyes once again, this time with *another* election year stunt.”

“For weeks Vasquez said it was Biden’s decision to make and has avoided commenting on Biden’s mental ability despite being repeatedly asked by reporters, but now he’s changed his mind to save his own political career. Today, Vasquez pretended to throw Biden to the wolves, but nowhere in his statement did he answer the question on everyone’s minds: Is Joe Biden fit to serve as President?” 

A statement from NRCC spokeswoman Delanie Bomar read, “Everyone can see Gabe Vasquez’s statement for what it truly is, a transparent election-year ploy to try to cling to his seat. President Biden is sitting in the Oval Office because Gabe Vasquez and Democrats hid the truth from voters and lied about the president’s condition. Gabe Vasquez must answer the question: Is Joe Biden fit to serve as President?”

Heinrich bleeds supporters after he throws Biden under the bus

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On Friday, Democrat Sen. Martin Heinrich called for Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, a significant shift following his previous, more reserved statements regarding Biden’s cognitive abilities and political future.

Heinrich praised Biden’s accomplishments, stating, “Joe Biden is one of the most accomplished presidents in modern history. He has led our nation through unprecedented challenges with unwavering dedication and profound integrity.” 

However, Heinrich stressed the urgency of the current political climate, emphasizing the need for a candidate capable of defeating Donald Trump, who he described as an “existential danger to our democracy.” Heinrich concluded, “While the decision to withdraw from the campaign is President Biden’s alone, I believe it is in the best interests of our country for him to step aside.”

This call comes amid growing concerns among Democratic lawmakers about Biden’s age and electability, particularly following a poor debate performance against Trump. Heinrich’s statement aligns with a broader narrative among some Democrats advocating for a fresh candidate to enhance the party’s chances in the upcoming election.

In the comments of his post, leftists accused the Democrat senator of “bending the knee to corporate interests,” with one commenter writing, “You just lost a long time supporter! I am 1000% behind President Biden!” 

“Yep, nothing like a corporate Dino to recommend peoples vote should be discarded for the oligarchy.  Well, they did allocate $34 trillion for themselves,” wrote another.

One constituent added, “I am one of your voting constituents. Please stop.  Support President Biden.  He CAN win. But you need to get behind him instead of failing him.  It is NOT In the best interests of the country for him to withdraw.  Primary voters chose him, not donors.”

“Unfollowed. No more campaign contributions,” one wrote, while another far-left Democrat concluded, “I couldn’t disagree more. President Biden can stand on his record and his accomplishments. He is going to win unless all of you white Senators abandon the base. It’s looks bad no matter what your perspective is. This looks bad.”

Heinrich, who is running for reelection against Republican challenger Nella Domenici, faces a tight race in New Mexico, a state that is poised to be highly competitive in the upcoming elections. Domenici has criticized the Democratic Party’s current leadership, citing issues such as inflation and border security as failures of the Biden administration.

As the political landscape evolves, Heinrich’s call for Biden to step down highlights the internal struggles within the Democrat Party and the high stakes of the 2024 election.

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