New Mexico State Auditor Joseph Maestas officially announced his reelection bid on Tuesday, vowing to continue what he described as a “fight for accountability, transparency, and innovation in New Mexico’s public entities and officials.” Maestas, a Democrat, touted in a campaign press release a first-term record that he described as uncovering millions of dollars of […]
Category: Beats
Posted inAlbuquerque
Albuquerque Sunport becomes latest airport to reject partisan shutdown video
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said Tuesday, Oct. 15, the Sunport won’t air a Department of Homeland Security video featuring Secretary Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for the federal government shutdown. “The Trump Administration asked airports to play a political TSA video, but our airports aren’t the place for partisan messages,” Keller said in a Facebook post. […]
Posted inPolitics & Elections
GOP mega-donor backs Dem. for mayor, and other surprises from new campaign reports for mayor
The last major campaign finance reports from the city’s mayoral candidates contain at least one big surprise donation that could point to a change in momentum for one candidate. City Councilor Louie Sanchez, a Democrat, accepted the maximum donation allowed from a company owned by Harvey Yates, former State Republican Party Chairman and one of […]
Posted inPolitics & Elections
How to watch the only televised mayoral debate in ABQ
Albuquerque voters can watch the only scheduled televised mayoral debate Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m. on KOAT Channel 7, KOAT.com or the Very Local App. The debate will feature four of the six candidates — Mayor Tim Keller, City Councilor Louie Sanchez, former U.S. Attorney Alex Uballez and former Sheriff Darren White. KOAT anchors […]
Posted inCongress & Federal Gov
Heinrich touts proposal to protect govt workers during shutdown, Vasquez backs one-year extension of health insurance tax credits
The federal shutdown is entering a third week and there is little prospect for a solution anytime soon. But New Mexico legislators in Washington are using their privileges to introduce legislation by pushing for a path to compromise and help for federal workers stuck without a paycheck until a compromise is reached. Sen. Martin Heinrich […]
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Herrell backs Cunningham for GOP nomination in key congressional race
Former Rep. Yvette Herrell (R-NM-02) has officially endorsed Greg Cunningham to be the Republican nominee in the race for the congressional district she previously represented. Cunningham, who earlier this month launched his bid for the seat now held by U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02), went public with Herrell’s support Monday with a statement from his […]
Posted inNM Legislature
Freshman state senator steps down citing health concerns
State Sen. Nicholas Paul (R-Alamogordo) has resigned from the Legislature, less than a year after the businessman was elected to the New Mexico Senate. “After much prayer and reflection, my family and I have decided that due to current and ongoing health concerns, it is necessary for me to prioritize my health,” Paul said in […]
Posted inCourts, Justice & Safety
AFR responds to overnight fire at Hinkle Fun Center
Albuquerque firefighters responded around 2 a.m. to reports of smoke and fire at the Hinkle Fun Center near Indian School Rd. and Tramway Blvd. in the northeast part of the city. Fire officials report that they found heavy smoke coming from at least one building and brought the fire under control in about 25 minutes. […]
Posted inJobs, Workers & Economy
Holtec abandons plans for New Mexico nuclear waste storage facility opposed by gov, legislators
Holtec Industries has pulled out of an eight-year-old land use agreement with local stakeholders in Southeast New Mexico for the construction and operation of an underground temporary nuclear waste storage facility. Patrick O’Brien, a spokesperson for Holtec, confirmed in an email to New Mexico Political Report on Thursday that the decision for Holtec and the Eddy […]
Posted inNM Legislature
NM’s vaccine shake-up: Governor acts to set independent immunization standards amid CDC turmoil
A bill that temporarily allows New Mexico to formulate its own immunization policy was signed Wednesday by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. Senate Bill 3, which passed on a party-line vote during last week’s special session but had not yet been acted upon by Lujan Grisham, requires that immunization policy for children and the state purchase […]