New Mexico’s post election analysis will include a number of pundits laying blame, pointing fingers and claiming success.  Here are three uniquely New Mexico story lines from the 2012 Election.

In Plain Sight v. Breaking Bad

U.S. Marshall Mary Shannon, played by Governor Susana Martinez,  fell short of capturing Walter White, played by Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez.  But the PAC run by her political operative, played by Jay McCleskey, was successful in dislodging two other core senate leaders (Senate Pro Tem Tim Jennings and Senate Majority Whip Mary Jane Garcia).  Did the Governor get a pathway through the Senate for her legislative agenda?  No, the “all in” strategy only agitated an already independent political body, played by the New Mexico Senate.

Paul Lynde v. Jerry McGuire

The effort to raise the minimum wage got a huge boost of support when pro-business groups went for the “Block” to keep the issue off of the ballot.  The issue might have survived if pro-business groups created a “You Complete Me” coalition with the pro-wage groups to identify ways to improve the workforce and working conditions for Albuquerque-area employees.

Judiciary v Scarlet Letter

Approaching 11:59pm on election night it was apparent that the Governor’s coat-tails were more tripping up her judiciary picks than pulling them to victory.  An aggressive advertising campaign that publically aligned the Governor with conservative judges appears to have backfired, providing a scarlet letter, of sorts, giving liberal voters an outlet to vent their angst.

Finally, these views are my own and do not represent opinions of my company or the clients we have the opportunity to represent.