March 27, 2017
Navigating the Conservative Divide
The congressional stalemate over repeal of the Affordable Care Act and the inauguration of the American Health Care Act should … Read More “Navigating the Conservative Divide”
Tag: New Mexico
May 24, 2016
A Political Divide as Scenic as The Taos Gorge
The divide in the Republican party is not quite as prominent as the Taos Gorge, but it is close. In … Read More “A Political Divide as Scenic as The Taos Gorge”
July 8, 2013
One Medal
April 14, 2013, the day before the Boston Marathon, marked an important date for me. It was 3 years, 2 … Read More “One Medal”
April 14, 2013
Understanding the East (ern Part of New Mexico)
Eastern New Mexico has a complex.
It is misunderstood and stereotyped by people who live along the Rio Grande corridor of central New Mexico.
Politically diverse, the last Presidential election provided a significant wakeup call for Republicans. Their votes, for Republican Mitt Romney, in the seven counties that border Texas were off-set in Santa Fe County, by Democrats who were voting for President Barak Obama.
Tourism in Eastern New Mexico is defined by Carlsbad Caverns and the UFO phenomenon. But it is accented by the Norman & Vi Petty Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum and roadside attractions like the windmill farm in Portales.
November 7, 2012
Three Unique NM Election Storylines
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.
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.
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.
Finally, these views are my own and do not represent opinions of my company or the clients we have the opportunity to represent.
September 24, 2012
NM Trust in Media
So now New Mexico residents know why all they see on television are political ads and why your friends are shy to ask about your political opinions.
September 12, 2012
Fair Time!
Based on the Garrity Perception Survey, mobile users are a great base of support for the New Mexico State Fair. Just yesterday, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg reinforced his commitment to own the mobile space. While the State Fair doesn’t have a mainstream “mobile app” there is a lot of opportunity for communicators to leverage their Facebook presence.
July 2, 2012
A Butterfly, an Ostrich and Transparency?
The High Desert Investment Corporation (HDIC) and its parent the Albuquerque Academy (the academic leader for independent and public education), have a financial problem that has spiraled into a crisis that threatens the reputation of a trusted institution.