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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.

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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.

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MLG starts new anti-litter campaign featuring ‘Breaking Bad’ meth cook

26 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Far-left Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has launched a new anti-littering campaign with a familiar face from the hit TV series Breaking Bad: Walter White, the fictional meth cook portrayed by Bryan Cranston. 

The statewide campaign, dubbed “Breaking Bad Habits,” features White in new ads encouraging New Mexicans to keep the state clean, with a humorous yet edgy twist. “Keep litter out of my territory,” White warns, referencing the iconic character’s infamous behavior from the series.

The campaign includes TV commercials, billboards, bus ads, and merchandise featuring White’s alias, Heisenberg, wearing his signature hat and sunglasses. 

Cranston was enthusiastic about the campaign’s tone, writing in a statement, “Most public service campaigns work using common sense and empathy… that’s not what we did here! Walter White represents a certain threat in the message … but all in good fun.” Cranston, known for his love of New Mexico, volunteered to reprise the role for the ads.

The campaign, which has a $3 million budget, is part of Lujan Grisham’s larger effort to combat littering across New Mexico. The governor is determined to “beautify the Land of Enchantment” during the waning years of her second term following a tumultuous tenure, which has resulted in the implementation of the most radical far-leftist policies the state has ever seen. 

“New Mexico is beautiful, and on our watch, we’re going to make sure that it stays that way,” she said at a screening event in Santa Fe. Several elected officials, including far-left Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, attended and praised the initiative.

However, Lujan Grisham acknowledged the complexity of using a fictional drug kingpin to promote a positive message. “Having a character that may not be your best self can sometimes remind you that your best self is right around the corner,” she remarked. Despite concerns, she’s confident the campaign’s humor and creativity will resonate with residents, much like Texas’ successful “Don’t Mess with Texas” campaign, which reduced litter by 70% in five years. 

But “Breaking Bad Habits” doesn’t exactly have the same ring to it as Texas’ slogan.

MLG starts new anti-litter campaign featuring ‘Breaking Bad’ meth cook Read More »

Lujan Grisham rescinds radical anti-gun order as November election nears

33 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

Far-left, anti-gun Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced on Wednesday that she is allowing the expiration of her emergency public health order, which temporarily suspended the right to carry guns in public parks and playgrounds within the Albuquerque metro area, an attack on Second Amendment rights. 

The initial order, issued in September 2023, created a firestorm across the state, leading to public protests, legal challenges, and impeachment articles introduced. Lujan Grisham’s action, which aimed to curb gun violence following several tragic shootings that claimed the lives of children, ignited a broader debate over the limits of executive power and gun rights.

“I have decided to allow the public health order to expire, but our fight to protect New Mexico communities from the dangers posed by guns and illegal drugs will continue,” the governor stated. 

Her initial order attempted to suspend the right to carry firearms in most public spaces around Albuquerque. However, the sweeping gun restrictions faced intense backlash from both gun rights advocates and political figures across the spectrum. The order was later scaled back to apply only to parks and playgrounds, with an exception for a municipal shooting range. Despite these adjustments, critics continued to argue that the order infringed on the Second Amendment rights of Albuquerque residents, who depend on public carry for self-defense.

A major turning point came when a federal court judge, appointed by Joe Biden, struck down key parts of Lujan Grisham’s order, ruling it unconstitutional. The judge cited the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling, which expanded gun rights and set a new precedent that limited states’ abilities to impose restrictions on public carry. This court decision delivered a significant blow to the governor’s efforts and fueled further criticism from her opponents.

Amidst the legal battles, State Reps. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park) and John Block (R-Alamogordo) introduced articles of impeachment, arguing that her executive order was an unconstitutional overreach of power. They claimed that the governor’s actions violated the fundamental rights of citizens and set a dangerous precedent for executive authority. These calls for impeachment have grown louder, as critics argue that her attempts to curtail gun rights reflect broader concerns about the use of emergency orders to bypass legislative processes.

Despite the order’s expiration, Lujan Grisham has vowed to continue fighting “gun violence” through other means, insisting that “our fight to protect New Mexico communities from the dangers posed by guns and illegal drugs will continue.” 

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New Mexico now officially a toss-up as Trump closes in

13 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

With fewer than 20 days remaining until the U.S. presidential election, New Mexico has emerged as a pivotal swing state, putting 45th President Donald Trump in a strong position to challenge the Democrat nominee, Kamala Harris. New polling from Redfield and Wilton Strategies, commissioned by The Telegraph, shows that the state is now up for grabs, making New Mexico a battleground that could be decisive in this highly contested race. Trump trails Harris by the narrowest margin — just 4%.

The poll, part of a broader survey of key swing states, finds that Harris and Trump are locked in a tight contest across several battlegrounds. In New Mexico, which Joe Biden carried by nearly 100,000 votes in 2020, Trump’s support has surged. According to the poll, both candidates are within the margin of error, highlighting how quickly the political landscape in the state has shifted. Trump’s favorability has grown, with many former Biden voters reconsidering their support and indicating they now plan to vote for Trump in November.

A key factor driving this shift is the economy, which has become the most important issue for voters in New Mexico. The poll reveals that between 57% and 72% of voters in swing states, including New Mexico, cite the cost of living as “extremely important” in determining their vote. Trump’s message of economic recovery and his focus on tackling inflation appears to be resonating with New Mexicans who are feeling the pressure of rising costs. Additionally, immigration ranks as a major issue in the state, with voters leaning toward Trump’s tougher border policies.

What makes New Mexico such an unpredictable factor in this election is the growing number of 2020 Biden voters who are now shifting to Trump. In the Redfield and Wilton poll, between 9% and 18% of voters who backed Biden in 2020 say they will vote for Trump this year, while only a smaller fraction of Trump’s previous supporters have moved toward Harris. This trend is alarming for Democrats who once saw New Mexico as a secure state.

Additionally, Harris has struggled to maintain the same levels of support that Biden received in 2020. According to the poll, Harris’s favorability ratings are not as strong as Trump’s in the state, and this is particularly troubling for Democrats who need a solid turnout to hold on to the state’s five electoral votes. Trump’s ability to appeal to undecided voters and win back disillusioned Democrats is making the race even tighter.

The poll also highlights how Trump’s broader base of loyal supporters is a significant advantage. Between 85% and 92% of voters who backed Trump in 2020 remain steadfast in their support, compared to a smaller share of 2020 Biden voters who say they will vote for Harris. This loyalty gives Trump an edge, particularly in states like New Mexico where the margins are slim.

With New Mexico now on the radar as a swing state, both campaigns are expected to ramp up efforts in the coming days. The state’s unique mix of economic, immigration, and social concerns make it a critical battleground that could play a decisive role in the overall outcome of the election. For Trump, flipping New Mexico would represent a major victory in his path to reclaiming the presidency. For Harris, it’s a race to maintain ground in a state that once seemed secure but is now firmly in play.

Republicans hope to flip one or two of New Mexico’s U.S. House seats in November and a U.S. Senate seat, with embattled incumbent Martin Heinrich fighting for his political life following a devastating television debate against prominent Republican Nella Domenici.

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The deadly cost of open borders: Illegal alien deaths spike in MLG’s NM

8 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

The number of illegal immigrant deaths near the U.S.-Mexico border in New Mexico has dramatically risen over the last two years, with fatalities now ten times higher than they were just five years ago, per a report from the Associated Press. Smugglers are increasingly steering illegal immigrants—many of whom are exhausted, dehydrated, and malnourished—into more perilous paths, including the hot desert, canyons, and mountains west of El Paso, Texas. This shift has led to tragic consequences, as extreme heat and treacherous terrain take a devastating toll.

In the first eight months of 2024 alone, 108 presumed illegal immigrants, mostly from Mexico and Central America, were found dead near the border in New Mexico. This marks a stark increase compared to just nine deaths in 2020 and ten in 2019. In 2023, the number of fatalities reached 113. Experts point to the smugglers’ more dangerous routes and harsher treatment of illegal immigrants, particularly in extreme summer temperatures. The dramatic increase in New Mexico comes as the state is the only one whose governor is not acting to curb the flow of illegal aliens.

The influx of deaths has placed a significant burden on the University of New Mexico’s Office of the Medical Investigator, which has seen an increase in heat-related fatalities. Heather Edgar, a forensic anthropologist with the office, expressed shock over the surge in deaths, saying, “Our reaction was sadness, horror, and surprise because it had been very consistently low for as long as anyone can remember.”

To cope with the rise in deaths, the office has added more deputy medical investigators, increasing their team from three to nine or ten in the affected region. Edgar attributed this to the eastern migration corridor in New Mexico, where many bodies are being recovered.

Humanitarian advocates are alarmed by this trend, as many illegal immigrants are dying within just a few miles of urban areas or even close to roads. Adam Isacson, an analyst with the Washington Office on Latin America, emphasized that “people are dying close to urban areas, in some cases just 1,000 feet from roads,” and suggested that more water stations, improved telecommunications, and rescue efforts could help mitigate the crisis.

The U.S. government has taken steps to address the situation. Border Patrol has expanded its search and rescue efforts, adding medical specialists and surveillance technology to patrols. Additionally, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has installed more emergency beacons, push-button devices that can summon medical help along remote areas of the border.

Despite these efforts, the death toll continues to rise. Many of the illegal immigrants are forced to endure treacherous journeys, often walking for days or weeks without adequate food or water before crossing the border. Deputy Chief Border Patrol Agent Juan Bernal of the El Paso Sector explained that smugglers often leave these individuals to fend for themselves in dangerous conditions. “They’re expected to walk, sometimes for hours or days, to get to their destination where they’re going to be picked up,” he said.

Serious stories from families who have lost loved ones add a personal dimension to this tragedy. In one case, a family in Chiapas, Mexico, pleaded for the return of a 25-year-old relative in a missing person post, only to learn days later that she had been found dead. Another story involved a 24-year-old Guatemalan woman whose remains were discovered in June, her death marked by a photograph of her smiling in a blue dress, holding a bouquet of flowers.

The crisis continues as Joe Biden’s border czar, Kamala Harris, is seeking the presidency after Biden was forced off the ballot following pressure from his party. New Mexico’s Democrat Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who has perpetuated open borders,  is a campaign surrogate for Harris.

The deadly cost of open borders: Illegal alien deaths spike in MLG’s NM Read More »

Domenici forces Heinrich to defend radical record in high-stakes TV debate

22 Comments / New Mexico, News, Politics / By

In their only televised debate before the upcoming general election, Republican Senate candidate Nella Domenici sharply criticized her far-left Democrat opponent, Martin Heinrich, a resident of Maryland, on several key issues, consistently putting him on the defensive. 

The debate, aired earlier than planned due to Monday Night Football on KOAT 7, revealed stark differences between the two candidates, but Domenici’s focused attacks often left Heinrich struggling to provide satisfying responses.

One of the most memorable moments came when Domenici pressed Heinrich on his stance regarding energy independence. Domenici made a powerful case that the United States needs to bolster both renewable energy and traditional oil and gas production to remain a global leader. “If we are not an energy-independent country, we cannot be the leader of the free world,” Domenici asserted, leaving Heinrich scrambling to defend his position. While Heinrich tried to argue that the oil and gas industry no longer requires government subsidies, Domenici’s clear and direct statement cut through his response, making Heinrich’s comments appear evasive in comparison.

Domenici also managed to trap Heinrich on immigration and border security, an issue that has long been a point of contention in New Mexico. She linked the high number of fentanyl-related overdose deaths in the state directly to Heinrich’s support for weak border policies, painting him as disconnected from the realities faced by local communities. Heinrich, while pointing to his support for the Fend Off Fentanyl Act, could not shake Domenici’s criticism that drugs are “pouring in” due to insufficient border security. Her tough stance on immigration and border enforcement resonated with voters concerned about the rise in crime and drug trafficking in New Mexico, further weakening Heinrich’s defense.

On abortion, Domenici hit Heinrich again, forcing him to justify his claim that she would contribute to a national abortion ban if elected. Heinrich argued that Domenici’s first vote would be to support a Republican Senate majority leader who would likely push for such legislation. Domenici fired back, calling his comments “the most sexist” she had ever heard. “I’m a very successful, educated, professional businesswoman, and I will not be told by any senator in Washington what to vote on and how to vote on it,” she declared, decisively countering Heinrich’s argument. By framing his stance as patronizing, Domenici turned the issue back on Heinrich, showing that she was not easily cornered by his talking points.

Throughout the debate, Heinrich found himself on the defensive, particularly when Domenici questioned his handling of school safety and gun control. While Heinrich touted his proposed Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion Act, aimed at regulating assault weapons, Domenici deftly shifted the focus to border security once again, arguing that guns wouldn’t find their way into schools if the border were better protected. Domenici’s argument painted Heinrich as too focused on narrow, ineffectual solutions while ignoring the broader issue of illegal weapons flowing across the border.

On education, Domenici’s advocacy for school vouchers and more options for parents further exposed Heinrich’s rigidity. While Heinrich argued that school vouchers would defund public schools, Domenici made a compelling case that the state needs more charter, parochial, and magnet schools to give students better opportunities. 

“It’s imperative that our parents have options for their students,” she said, making Heinrich’s defense of the status quo seem insufficient in addressing the ongoing struggles of New Mexico’s education system.

Even on bipartisanship, where Heinrich tried to tout his past achievements, Domenici pushed back, emphasizing her unique ability to work across the aisle. “When I spend time in Washington, I have instant access to many, many of the senior legislators, because my name still carries with it a huge amount of bipartisan respect,” she said, referencing her late father, Senator Pete Domenici. Heinrich’s attempts to showcase his own bipartisan efforts fell flat in comparison, as Domenici repeatedly highlighted her deep ties to both sides of the political spectrum.

In the end, Domenici’s sharp, direct attacks consistently put Heinrich on the back foot. Whether on energy, immigration, or education, she painted him as out of touch and overly reliant on partisan talking points, while she presented herself as a practical, no-nonsense candidate who could deliver real results for New Mexico.

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