New Mexico GOP - As I See It

I live in New Mexico and have for nearly three decades.

New Mexico became a state January 1912...  112 years. The last time Republicans controlled both State Houses was back in 1929-1930 - 91 years ago. Since then, the state legislature has been controlled by Democrats. And today, as we all know, today's Democrats are so far left, they make California appear to be the East Coast.

This past legislative session in February was a fine example of Leftist politics in action resulting in

• Increased taxes
• 2nd Amendment infringement
• Denial of due process for people accused of no crimes
• Destruction of both New Mexico & US Constitutions

It was disgusting to watch the destruction of our rights being cheered on by other Leftists. It was so bad that for the first time in my 60+ years, I thought about running for public office. That's saying something.

Instead, I decided to participate more in community meetings and other GOP oriented activities like the pre-primary election of delegates & the pre-primary convention. At first, I was very excited to be participating on such a level but as things progressed, I became more & more disgusted by what I was seeing, such as a disturbing lack of communication, a lack of support, a lack of encouragement, and a lack of easily available resources. It's as if the New Mexico Republican Party doesn't care.

For instance, I left a voice mail message for Anissa Tinnin, the GOP's Executive Director in the state, back in February or March. I asked, "How can I run for public office? Where do I begin? Please call me." I have yet to hear back from her. That is just one example of the uncaring attitude and the inexcusable lack of communication. Another example occurred when I called the GOP office to find out when registration for the Primary Convention was being held. I found out on that call that I missed registering by one day. When I suggested that perhaps if they don't get a registration form from a delegate, they should call them, I was told, "We're too busy to call."

Ya know what? If you're too busy to call, maybe I'm too busy to support the NM GOP. It's no wonder the NM GOP loses so often. They are too busy to bother with the little folks, you know, voters, those who matter.

In the time since the primary convention, I've spoken to many people as to what they see as problems in the NM Republican party. Many of their observations concur with my own: lack of communication, lack of available resources, and a lack of support.

Communication 

Before the primary, I offered to help a candidate. I was told to watch for an email from "John" with instructions. Well, as with Anissa, I'm still waiting to hear from "John". I'm still waiting for him to provide me with a call list so I can call voters.

A call went out on Facebook for data entry volunteers. I offered my services with the stipulation that due to prior commitments, I could only work on weekends. No problem...  Waiting for a call from the powers that be... nothing forthcoming. Call the party office several times and am finally told, "Sorry... we're closed on weekends."

Hello? How about a return phone call telling me that weekends are out. Or, here's a novel concept, how about making allowances for volunteers to help on weekends. This lack of attention discourages people from volunteering and from what I can tell, volunteers are desperately NEEDED.

Online Resources

Right now, New Mexico is having a Special Legislative Session. It was said that the voters, who are banned from participation in the Round House, would be able to participate online. There is NOTHING on the GOP website or any of the various social media platforms - Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, to direct a voter or concerned citizen to online access for the session. I cannot find anything on those platforms other than statements. To me, that is unconscionable in this day and age of technology. It's bad enough that the leftist Democrats have disenfranchised a large portion of the state's voters, especially those with little to no internet access, but the GOP appears to be complicit in that disenfranchisement with their distinct lack of direction.

As bad as it is for voters, I'm guessing it is worse for the candidates. With such horrendous communication & apparent disorganization, I wonder if the Party offers any training to candidates? If they have any best practices? Are there any up-to-date call lists for them to use? Do they even offer an email address for the candidates such as Joanie4NM@NMGOP.net? Do they help the candidates at all in any way, shape or form? Rumor has it, they do not offer any assistance to candidates or potential candidates. That is one rumor I believe.

Infighting

One thing I have noticed is a of fighting between members of the party, current and past, as well as fighting between voters. There is no cohesiveness. There is no clear party infrastructure. There is little in the way of 'team spirit'. There are many negative attitudes and much political division within the party such as Pearce vs Martinez.

The 'establishment' seems to pick candidates they favor & there appears to be an obvious bias towards them as those candidates have preferred campaign managers, marketing teams, and beaucoup dollars. I suggest that the Party establishment stop playing favorites and let the voters decide who they want running against the Leftists. This infighting and favoritism has done nothing but weaken the Party and weaken our candidates chances of winning.

 Summation & Suggestions

The Party MUST make a concerted effort to get EVERYONE on board behind the candidates which won the primaries, EVEN IF ONE PERSONALLY DISAGREES WITH / DISLIKES SAID CANDIDATE.

In truth, I honestly don't know how the GOP survives in New Mexico and not because of the heavy Democrat makeup of the state. There are many people here who would vote for the Republican candidates, but their message MUST be clear and it MUST outline New Mexican values, which include, but are not limited to: family, community, fairness, opportunity, and respect.

The Republicans need to find a way to connect more deeply with New Mexicans and to better communicate the GOP agenda and vision for the state, the families, and the community. They need to speak in a way that resonates and persuades the people to join forces against the unreasonable, unfair, and disrespectful ways of the Leftists. The leadership needs to remember when people are panicking because they perceive a boat to be sinking, they aren't looking for a rational, logical argument to stay with what they believe is a sinking ship. Gloomy predictions go in one ear and out the other when things are going well. That's the nature of humans. However, the Party needs to find the issues that resonate with the voters and address them.

In this day of COVID, many are anxious about finances & failing businesses - Address it!

Small, rural towns feel abandoned & neglected - Address it!

People of all races and colors feel discriminated against - Address it!

People are frustrated with the misappropriation of funds, the corruption, the failure of our schools, and more - Address it!

Present a cohesive and workable plan that anyone can understand to address the fears, the neglect, the discrimination, and the frustration. And then, most importantly, keep your promises!

So I say, nay...  I CHALLENGE the Republican candidates and Party leadership, take a page or two from the Democrat playbook and use it against them.

ALL is fair in love and war. We are in a war for the soul of the state and the country.

Yours in New Mexico...

PS - I must say that it appears the NM GOP website has been updated since I last looked at it a couple of months ago. Kudos on that! I can now find some voter resources.