February 18, 2011

Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) To Retire
— DrewM

It's a whole lot easier to pick up an open seat (especially in a purplish state) than against a long time incumbent.

Bingaman had been mulling whether to run for a fifth term for months and, if he had, would have almost certainly been re-elected.

His retirement, however, creates an open seat contest that both national parties will almost certainly target. Democrats should start the race with an edge, however, given President Obama's 15-point victory margin in the state in 2008.

Bingaman is the fourth Democratic (or Democratic-aligned) Senator to announce that he will not run for re-election in 2012, joining Sens. Jim Webb (Va.), Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) and Kent Conrad (N.D.) on the sidelines.

Two Republicans -- Sens. Jon Kyl (Ariz.) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (Texas) -- are not running for new terms.

Dems are seeing the writing on the wall...winning your race but then coming back to be in the minority is no fun.

New Mexico just elected a Republican Governor, Susana Martinez, so the idea of picking up a statewide seat there isn't beyond reach. The question will be candidate recruitment. Hey, doesn't Don Rumsfeld live in New Mexico?

Posted by: DrewM at 09:03 AM | Comments (91)
Post contains 204 words, total size 1 kb.

1 Hey, doesn't Don Rumsfeld live in New Mexico?

I wouldn't be surprised if Mr Rumsfeld has had enough of Washington D.C....

Posted by: Blacque Jacques Shellacque at February 18, 2011 09:08 AM (nD3Pg)

2 Jeff Bingaman's voting record is typical left-tard.  Good riddance.

Posted by: Kratos (Ghost of Sparta) at February 18, 2011 09:09 AM (9hSKh)

3 Heather Wilson is probably the best shot we have. 

Posted by: buzz at February 18, 2011 09:11 AM (i27M5)

4 I'm not sure if we can win there or not, as it would depend on the candidate, but having yet another open seat means that the Dems are getting spread even thinner than before.

Them having to play catch-up by putting someone like Richardson up for that seat instead of a safe hold in Bingaman means a better chance of knocking off a Jon Tester, Claire McCaskill, etc., elsewhere.

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at February 18, 2011 09:11 AM (bxvFd)

5
Wilson lost narrowly, if I recall.

Posted by: dolphin-safe soothsayer at February 18, 2011 09:12 AM (uFokq)

6 Perfect. My grandparents live in NM and with the nations first latina governor's support, then the GOP is in a good position for the seat.

Posted by: Flapjackmaka at February 18, 2011 09:13 AM (Fdule)

7
We (the GOP) should be embarrassed of losing by 15 points in NM in '08 to friggin Obama.

What a disaster '08 was. I hope we learned a lot since then.

Posted by: dolphin-safe soothsayer at February 18, 2011 09:14 AM (uFokq)

8 I probably know less about New Mexico than any other State in the Union.

Posted by: nevergiveup at February 18, 2011 09:14 AM (0GFWk)

9
How the fuck did we lose NC and IN?

Disgraceful.

Posted by: dolphin-safe soothsayer at February 18, 2011 09:14 AM (uFokq)

10 Cute, but Rummy probably has no desire to be US Senator.

In fact, at his age (he's 7 he probably has little desire to go back to the Washington grind at all.


Posted by: looking closely at February 18, 2011 09:15 AM (PwGfd)

11 F'ing automatic smilies.

I said Rumsfeld is seventy-eight years old.  .not seventy-f'ing-smiley face!

Posted by: looking closely at February 18, 2011 09:16 AM (PwGfd)

12 Wilson lost narrowly, if I recall. But that was in 2008.

Posted by: t-bird at February 18, 2011 09:16 AM (FcR7P)

13 #9
It was temporary insanity.
We'll get NC back, I think.

Posted by: looking closely at February 18, 2011 09:16 AM (PwGfd)

14
If we can't gain 5 seats in the Senate in 2012, we suck.

That's priority #1: gain control of the Senate.

Because if Obama steals another term, at least we'll have a bulwark in the Legislature -- because we might lose the majority in the Judicial.


Posted by: dolphin-safe soothsayer at February 18, 2011 09:17 AM (uFokq)

15
Well, we'll probably get NH back, too. But who knows.

Posted by: dolphin-safe soothsayer at February 18, 2011 09:18 AM (uFokq)

16 It was temporary insanity. We'll get NC back, I think. Posted by: looking closely at February 18, 2011 01:16 PM (PwGfd) Wait till Obama tries to close Fort Bragg, Lejeune,Cherry point, new river, and Pope Air Force base?

Posted by: nevergiveup at February 18, 2011 09:19 AM (0GFWk)

17 damage was done, now GTFO. get ready, in a couple of years you might be outfitted for a pair of orange jumpers. get used to saying, "mr. madoff, how would you like your salad tossed today."

Posted by: befuddled at February 18, 2011 09:20 AM (xJU23)

18

His retirement, however, creates an open seat contest that both national parties will almost certainly target

Cmon...its too soon, and even right next door to the 'Incident'  keep your heads down NM.

Posted by: Red Shirt at February 18, 2011 09:22 AM (FIDMq)

19

How the fuck did we lose NC and IN?

Yo.

Posted by: Overwhelming Black Vote at February 18, 2011 09:25 AM (ujg0T)

20 Easier: Gary Johnson, but he probably doesn't want it since he's eying the Presidency which he won't win.

Posted by: SnowSoul at February 18, 2011 09:26 AM (7kgOh)

21 I would put this in serious play . Isn't it a lock Richardson will be the nom for the Dims? The guy has more baggage than an airport terminal.

Posted by: Rocks at February 18, 2011 09:27 AM (Q1lie)

22 Wonder if Ron Paul will take a shot at Kay Baby's seat...

Posted by: mpurinTexas(kicking Mexico's ass since 1836) at February 18, 2011 09:28 AM (096Pn)

23 Happy Cinco de Cuatro, New Mexicans! I'm putting in a $50 billion request so you can get high-speed rail from Albuquerque to the ski resorts at Taos to preserve your native culture. Sure hope those evil Republicans don't get another Senate seat...

Posted by: Barry 0bama at February 18, 2011 09:28 AM (FcR7P)

24  Who cares?  Won't we be paying him and his benefits for the rest of his life?  Two words:  TERM LIMITS........

Posted by: © Sponge at February 18, 2011 09:30 AM (UK9cE)

25 Posted by: mpurinTexas(kicking Mexico's ass since 1836) at February 18, 2011 01:28 PM (096Pn)

Not very likely.  For one thing, he's still eying the Presidency, at least a little.  For another, he's not really that well loved across the State, and there are other contenders who already are: Michael and Roger Williams (no relation) are both liked well across the state, for instance, and there's speculation that either or both of David Dewhurst and Gregg Abbott might run.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at February 18, 2011 09:30 AM (8y9MW)

26 Is this a state?

Posted by: Cherry π at February 18, 2011 09:30 AM (+sBB4)

27 I wouldn't be surprised if Mr Rumsfeld has had enough of Washington D.C....

Posted by: Blacque Jacques Shellacque at February 18, 2011 01:08 PM (nD3Pg)



That and being a part of the Bush admin and being tied to the war in Iraq isn't really a good selling point as of yet.

Posted by: © Sponge at February 18, 2011 09:31 AM (UK9cE)

28

Hey, doesn't Don Rumsfeld live in New Mexico?

We salute him in retirement. Retired retirement.

Posted by: CJ at February 18, 2011 09:31 AM (9KqcB)

29

Hello, all!  Just wanted to drop in and mention that the snobby elitist college students at Dartmouth are complaining because NH's state legislature has introduced a bill to limit voting in NH to NH residents. 

Crazy, I know. 

As it stands now, college students can vote in NH elections even if they aren't residents of NH (which is news to me), because they "live" in their college towns.  That is, of course, utter bullshit.  So the state House has introduced House Bill 176, which states (emphasis mine):

I. The domicile for voting purposes of a person attending an institution of learning shall be the state, or the town, city, ward, or unincorporated place in New Hampshire, in which such person had his or her domicile immediately prior to matriculation, even though such person may no longer reside in said state, town, city, ward, or unincorporated place, and even though his or her intent to return thereto is uncertain. The domicile for voting purposes of a person attending an institution of learning shall not be the place where the institution is located unless the person was domiciled in that place prior to matriculation.

 II. A person attending an institution of learning whose domicile is in a town, city, ward, or unincorporated place in New Hampshire shall be eligible to vote in any meeting and in any election in said town, city, ward, or unincorporated place, and may exercise that right by absentee ballot provided that:

(a) The person complies with all other applicable requirements and qualifications of the state of New Hampshire, including, but not limited to, the requirements that he or she take the steps necessary (i) to have his or her name placed on the voter checklist no later than 10 days before an election; and (ii) to ensure that his or her ballot is received by the town or city clerk from whom it was sent by not later than 5:00 p.m. on election day;

(b) The person is neither registered nor eligible to vote in any other state, political subdivision of a state, or territory or possession of the United States; and

(c) The person is not a citizen of another state.

In other words, wherever you came from is where you vote.  That means if you're from another town in NH, you either go home to vote or get an absentee ballot.  If you're from another state or country, you go home to vote or get an absentee ballot.  If you've moved from another state and settled permanently in NH, you vote in your new town or get an absentee ballot.  It's really that simple. 

But of course the Dartmouth snobs -- of all political stripes, mind you -- are bellyaching about it and saying it "infringes" on their voting rights.  To which I and many other Granite Staters say, "Suck it.  If you want to vote on how NH money gets spent in NH, change your damn residency to NH and start paying into the pot, same as everyone else."   I don't want some limousine liberal from California who's flying in here on mommy and daddy's dime trying to tell ME how MY state should be run. 

Posted by: MWR at February 18, 2011 09:32 AM (4df7R)

30 We might get Heinrich or Lujan running on the Dem's side.  Unless someone comes out of the statehouse or the elected cabinet offices to run, I think that's the field.

And yeah.  Heather Wilson would be our best shot.  She didn't run for the house in '08.  She ran for Senate and lost the primary.

Posted by: embittered redleg at February 18, 2011 09:32 AM (qnulu)

31 Posted by: © Sponge at February 18, 2011 01:30 PM (UK9cE)

Good luck with that one.  Even Republicans (in office) don't like those words.  If you want a good time, ask an otherwise conservative Senator or Congressman if they would support a Term Limits amendment- in an open forum.  Then watch them tie themselves in knots.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at February 18, 2011 09:32 AM (8y9MW)

32
yeah, that's why they absentfuckingtee ballots -- for people who won't be 'home' on election day

Posted by: dolphin-safe soothsayer at February 18, 2011 09:33 AM (uFokq)

33 yeah, that's why they absentfuckingtee ballots -- for people who won't be 'home' on election day

Posted by: dolphin-safe soothsayer at February 18, 2011 01:33 PM (uFokq)

It's fucking ridiculous, isn't it?  This shouldn't even be an ISSUE.

Posted by: MWR at February 18, 2011 09:35 AM (4df7R)

34

Democrats should start the race with an edge, however, given President Obama's 15-point victory margin in the state in 2008.

Yes, that turned into a 7 point win for the Republican in the governor's race two years later.

I'm unconvinced that the Democrats have an edge anywhere except Cali and the rabidly stupid areas of the northeast headed into next year.

 

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at February 18, 2011 09:35 AM (B+qrE)

35 Posted by: MWR at February 18, 2011 01:32 PM (4df7R)

We fight the opposite of this every so often here in Arlington, TX.  The UTA kids agitate for their "right to vote" in Arlington, and we have to squash it every now and again.

I'm not sure what's so hard for college students (who, presumably, have a high school diploma or equivalent) to understand about "You go to school here.  As long as your "permanent address" isn't here, you live wherever your permanent address is.  Vote there."

They get quite snippy about it.  However, since they can't vote (by definition) on the matter, they always get defeated.  They haven't tried in the last 3 or 4 years.  I think they're due...

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at February 18, 2011 09:37 AM (8y9MW)

36
When does the redistricting commence?

Posted by: dolphin-safe soothsayer at February 18, 2011 09:37 AM (uFokq)

37 Posted by: dolphin-safe soothsayer at February 18, 2011 01:37 PM (uFokq)

Right after the budget is passed, here in Texas, I believe.

I don't think there is a specific time when States have to take it up, it just has to be done by the end of the year, or something like that.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at February 18, 2011 09:38 AM (8y9MW)

38

Hello, all!  Just wanted to drop in and mention that the snobby elitist college students at Dartmouth are complaining because NH's state legislature has introduced a bill to limit voting in NH to NH residents. 

Wow, you would think they would just re-register in NH.

When I was a Berkeley student, I always voted absentee and kept my voting address at my parent's home, because I knew voting patriot in Berkeley was pointless.

Posted by: Overwhelming Black Vote at February 18, 2011 09:38 AM (ujg0T)

39 sock off, ugh

Posted by: Curmudgeon at February 18, 2011 09:39 AM (ujg0T)

40 They're dropping like flies around a diseased corpse. The more we make them defend the more we can pick up (hopefully).

Posted by: joncelli at February 18, 2011 09:40 AM (RD7QR)

41
So the electoral college won't be affected until the 2016 election?

Posted by: dolphin-safe soothsayer at February 18, 2011 09:41 AM (uFokq)

42

I'm not sure what's so hard for college students (who, presumably, have a high school diploma or equivalent) to understand about "You go to school here.  As long as your "permanent address" isn't here, you live wherever your permanent address is.  Vote there."

YES. THIS.  Seriously, what the hell is wrong with their heads?  I understand many of them have been subjected to years of mind-numbing leftist ideology that's turned their brains to mush, but surely simple things like, "Where do my allowance checks come from?" or, "Where did I park my Bentley?" should sink in. 

(I know not everyone at Dartmouth is a rich bitch/prick, but I have never met a Dartmouth person who WASN'T a first class tool.)

Posted by: MWR at February 18, 2011 09:41 AM (4df7R)

43 Posted by: Overwhelming Black Vote at February 18, 2011 01:38 PM (ujg0T)

The point of the bill, if I read it correctly, is that they wouldn't be able to do so.  The bill seems to be forbidding (specifically) going to College and THEN declaring your residency.  So, if they lived in GA immediately prior to going to Dartmouth, then NH would consider them residents of GA and require them to vote absentee there.  As it stands, if I'm understanding it properly, the CAN register in NH, and NH is attempting to prevent people from California, Michiganistan, or other such States from voting there.

Also, check your sock.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at February 18, 2011 09:42 AM (8y9MW)

44 Posted by: dolphin-safe soothsayer at February 18, 2011 01:41 PM (uFokq)

End of this year.  So it would be in place for '12, but not for any local elections in '11.  As I understand it.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at February 18, 2011 09:43 AM (8y9MW)

45

Wow, you would think they would just re-register in NH.

That would require effort, and it's not as fun as "righteous" whining.

When I was a Berkeley student, I always voted absentee and kept my voting address at my parent's home, because I knew voting patriot in Berkeley was pointless.

You poor thing.  I don't think I could survive ten seconds at Berkeley.  I'd go mad and start imagining myself as a lemon.

Posted by: MWR at February 18, 2011 09:44 AM (4df7R)

46 I'd go mad and start imagining myself as a lemon. Posted by: MWR at February 18, 2011 01:44 PM (4df7R) Um, is citrus deadly to barking moonbats?

Posted by: joncelli at February 18, 2011 09:45 AM (RD7QR)

47 I almost wish I still lived in NM to vote against whatever political hack the dems put up in 2012.  Wilson might be a good repub candidate, but she lost in the primary to Steve Pearce, who should not by any means give up his House seat to run again in 2012.

Posted by: huerfano at February 18, 2011 09:46 AM (2pEj7)

48 The point of the bill, if I read it correctly, is that they wouldn't be able to do so.  The bill seems to be forbidding (specifically) going to College and THEN declaring your residency.  So, if they lived in GA immediately prior to going to Dartmouth, then NH would consider them residents of GA and require them to vote absentee there.  As it stands, if I'm understanding it properly, the CAN register in NH, and NH is attempting to prevent people from California, Michiganistan, or other such States from voting there.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at February 18, 2011 01:42 PM (8y9MW)

That's the only thing I'd tweak in the bill.  I'd put in explicit language that states if they can demonstrate that they've established permanent residency in the state of at least a year -- car registration, buying property, getting married, permanent employment, what have you -- then I'd be fine with them voting.  Otherwise?  No way.  I think the legislature is implying that with part II, specifying a person's domicile being located in NH, but I really don't like implications in legal language.  I'm going to send off a letter to my legislators to request they add something more explicit, or at least bring it up in discussion while in committee.

Posted by: MWR at February 18, 2011 09:47 AM (4df7R)

49

The point of the bill, if I read it correctly, is that they wouldn't be able to do so.  The bill seems to be forbidding (specifically) going to College and THEN declaring your residency.  So, if they lived in GA immediately prior to going to Dartmouth, then NH would consider them residents of GA and require them to vote absentee there.  As it stands, if I'm understanding it properly, the CAN register in NH, and NH is attempting to prevent people from California, Michiganistan, or other such States from voting there.

Sounds like an awesome bill, but I sense a court case and weenie left judges....of course, if they do declare NH residency, sic the tax man on them.

As for large public universities in states like CA, TX, etc., would it matter much? Wouldn't the UTA brats in Arlington still mostly be TX residents, even if they moved from Austin, Houston or elsewhere in TX?

When I went to Berkeley, I stayed registered in San Jose, because I wanted my vote to at least count *a little bit*.

Posted by: Curmudgeon at February 18, 2011 09:48 AM (ujg0T)

50 Good Riddance......I hope Wilson takes this one.....then counting the days to get Udall out....

Posted by: Lee__ at February 18, 2011 09:49 AM (+Cfcx)

51
I dunno about that.

For example: If MA loses one seat, that won't affect the electoral college in the 2012 election because a Representative will be holding that seat until January 2013.

Posted by: dolphin-safe soothsayer at February 18, 2011 09:49 AM (uFokq)

52 Oh, I forgot to add, good riddance to that leftist hack, Bingaman.  He was a useless prick.

Posted by: huerfano at February 18, 2011 09:50 AM (2pEj7)

53
In other words, at the time of the '12 election, MA will still have its current number of 10 reps, not 9.

Posted by: dolphin-safe soothsayer at February 18, 2011 09:50 AM (uFokq)

54 O/T:  Everyone on facebook is posting an article about the republicans not wanting to fund NPR and PBS and the solution being not to keep the Bush tax cuts.  It's like a bombardment.  I don't have a link to the article, was told about it by a friend who is tired of having other people post it on their wall.  No one has dared to put it on my wall so I don't have a link.

Posted by: curious at February 18, 2011 09:50 AM (p302b)

55 Um, is citrus deadly to barking moonbats?

Posted by: joncelli at February 18, 2011 01:45 PM (RD7QR)

Well, no. Not that I'm aware of.  Though citrus fruits DO thrive in sunlight, while pasty liberal shut-ins tend to evaporate when exposed to direct sun.

No, the lemon thing was just my tribute to Douglas Adams and Ford Prefect.  Ever since I read Life, the Universe, and Everything many moons ago, pretending to be a lemon has always seemed like such a FUN way to go insane.

Posted by: MWR at February 18, 2011 09:51 AM (4df7R)

56

You poor thing.  I don't think I could survive ten seconds at Berkeley.  I'd go mad and start imagining myself as a lemon.

I damn near did. I first chose the place because

--it was the most prestigious school to which I was accepted (I know, the prestige swindle)

--it was relatively cheap for California residents

--it was far enough to live away from home, but close enough to drive home on the weekends--and for sanity and quiet study time, I did that a lot.

--I became partial to the Asian persuasion (if you went here, you would understand)

Posted by: Curmudgeon at February 18, 2011 09:53 AM (ujg0T)

57 MWR -- the Pub's in Wisconsin need to get a bill like that thru their House tonight; I guarantee it gets those Senators back to vote against it.

Posted by: Jean at February 18, 2011 09:53 AM (WkuV6)

Posted by: curious at February 18, 2011 09:54 AM (p302b)

59

Um, is citrus deadly to barking moonbats?

Sadly no. It's not the Land Of Fruits And Nuts for nothing.

Posted by: Curmudgeon at February 18, 2011 09:54 AM (ujg0T)

60 Posted by: Curmudgeon at February 18, 2011 01:48 PM (ujg0T)

Well, with UTA, the problem is twofold: 1: we get a lot of students from outside the state (the largest population of such students at a Public University (in TX) last time I checked).  2: A lot of the in-state folks come from Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, and we don't want them polluting our politics.

The ones who live in Dallas, say, or Tyler (in East Texas) do tend to go home to vote, or vote absentee.  To us, the issue is more the local elections than the State Wide ones.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at February 18, 2011 09:55 AM (8y9MW)

61 Posted by: curious at February 18, 2011 01:50 PM (p302b) I'm pretty sure the tax cut ship has sailed. It does make you wonder if there's some chip implanted in the brains of moonbats, which chips can be activated from Soros's lair beneath Harvard Yard. That would explain things like this.

Posted by: joncelli at February 18, 2011 09:55 AM (RD7QR)

62 On NH, I think its the only State in the Northeast NOT to have a state income tax.  Not that most college students earn taxable income anyway, but its not a bad state to reside in.

I think the issue here is just "double dipping".  You can vote in NH if and only if you're a state (ie "permanent") resident.

Merely going to school there isn't enough to establish permanent residency, but its also not a bar for anyone who wants to establish residency to do so.

Posted by: looking closely at February 18, 2011 09:56 AM (PwGfd)

63 Posted by: dolphin-safe soothsayer at February 18, 2011 01:49 PM (uFokq)

I don't think so.  Can someone more Constitution/Fed Law savvy weigh in, though?  I'm a little out of my depth.

As I understand it, since the Electoral College isn't the same as the House, the same districts may be represented in the House, but the Electoral College would have changed already.

But it's highly confusing.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at February 18, 2011 09:57 AM (8y9MW)

64 "8 - I probably know less about New Mexico than any other State in the Union. " Don't feel bad, most of the country calls us the "Arizona-Texas border"

Posted by: Rodent at February 18, 2011 09:59 AM (nyLnk)

65 58 MWR -- the Pub's in Wisconsin need to get a bill like that thru their House tonight; I guarantee it gets those Senators back to vote against it.

Posted by: Jean at February 18, 2011 01:53 PM (WkuV6)

HAH!  That would be beautiful.

I posted over at Vodkapundit that Gov. Walker should see about having police in surrounding states round up his errant democrat lawmakers and then hand them over to Wisconsin state police at the border, and in the process he should charge admission.  Think how much coin that would put in the Wisconsin treasury!  I know I'd pay five bucks to watch a carnival troupe of chastened and disheartened democrats get shuffled back into their legislative seats like a bunch of pouty children. 

Posted by: MWR at February 18, 2011 09:59 AM (4df7R)

66 One of the more blatant ACORN/OFA scams is to get college students to get absentee ballots from home and vote locally (repeatedly).

Posted by: Jean at February 18, 2011 10:00 AM (WkuV6)

67 Posted by: Rodent at February 18, 2011 01:59 PM (nyLnk)

I don't.  I call it "that waste of land that holds Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands."

I'm also partial to Cloud Croft.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at February 18, 2011 10:00 AM (8y9MW)

68 Don't feel bad, most of the country calls us the "Arizona-Texas border"

Posted by: Rodent at February 18, 2011 01:59 PM (nyLnk)
  Weirdly enough, that's what happens to NH a lot.  We're always overlooked as "that tract of land between Vermont maple syrup and Maine lobster."  I remember watching an episode of Rachel Ray's $40 a Day a few years ago when she visited New England, and part of the narration actually featured the phrase, "Across the border from Vermont is Maine...."   Um... no.  It's NH. 

Posted by: MWR at February 18, 2011 10:03 AM (4df7R)

69

Well, with UTA, the problem is twofold: 1: we get a lot of students from outside the state (the largest population of such students at a Public University (in TX) last time I checked).  2: A lot of the in-state folks come from Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, and we don't want them polluting our politics.

But how do you stop them declaring residency? Isn't it simply a matter of filling out the Register To Vote card and mailing it in?

I like your idea, but the price of being a college town is having the radical tail wag the community dog.

I am reminded of Santa Cruz, a former resort town in Nor Cal. In the age of the jet-set, the well-to-do found better places to vacation, and Santa Cruz became a working class resort town on the skids.

So civic leaders fought hard to get a University of California campus built in their town from 1962-1965.

Those civic leaders who are still alive from that time and living there have regretted that decision ever since.

Posted by: Curmudgeon at February 18, 2011 10:04 AM (ujg0T)

70 The electoral college is not the House; it is electors - based on the number of Reps plus Senators from each State.  However, the House (that would be the sitting House, not the incoming rookies) gets to "certify" the election results.

Posted by: Jean at February 18, 2011 10:05 AM (WkuV6)

71 Good luck with that one.  Even Republicans (in office) don't like those words.  If you want a good time, ask an otherwise conservative Senator or Congressman if they would support a Term Limits amendment- in an open forum.  Then watch them tie themselves in knots.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at February 18, 2011 01:32 PM (8y9MW)



I know, I know.

A guy can dream, can't he?

Posted by: © Sponge at February 18, 2011 10:08 AM (UK9cE)

72 Do not forget that New Mexico is the poorest state in the nation, and quite likely the least educated state in the nation.   New Mexico's economy is supported in large part by railroads, mining, a bit of agriculture along the Rio Grande, and a myriad of military and federal government research labs.  Its many Native American Reservations are extremely poor despite federal financial assistance.

NM has huge problems with alcohol and drug addiction. Poor health is rampant due to many of its people living at the edge of existence.  The US Public Health Service is the only source of primary medical care for a large fraction of its Native American Population.

Obamacare is a godsend to New Mexico and its poor people.  It will take an Act of God for the people to vote against politicians that support Obamacare.

Posted by: Quaoar at February 18, 2011 10:10 AM (9Ugjz)

73 Posted by: Curmudgeon at February 18, 2011 02:04 PM (ujg0T)

There are actual (gasp) residency laws in Texas, so, no, you can't just say "I live here now!"  You have to prove your permanent address, for example, and give some proof as to having lived there for x-time.

So, while they can (eventually) declare residency in Arlington itself, it takes some effort, and most of them don't want to do that.

The other thing, as someone mentioned above, is that what they really want is to double-dip, and this mostly prevents that, as well.

Posted by: © Sponge at February 18, 2011 02:08 PM (UK9cE)

If you're dreaming about Term Limits, you need to get something else into your head.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at February 18, 2011 10:13 AM (8y9MW)

74

There are actual (gasp) residency laws in Texas, so, no, you can't just say "I live here now!"  You have to prove your permanent address, for example, and give some proof as to having lived there for x-time.

So, while they can (eventually) declare residency in Arlington itself, it takes some effort, and most of them don't want to do that.

Nice. Believe it or not, California does have state residency laws--they don't want to discount tuition to out of staters (unless they are Mexican illegals of course), but moving internally within CA is just a matter of filling out a card.

Posted by: Curmudgeon at February 18, 2011 10:20 AM (ujg0T)

75 I'm unconvinced that the Democrats have an edge anywhere except Cali and the rabidly stupid areas of the northeast headed into next year.

You know that map that showed where people across the country are coming from and going to? Well guess what? Click on Los Angeles County or San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, or Contra Costa Counties (SF Bay Area) and look at where much of the black lines (influx) are coming from.

Yup, the Northeast.

Posted by: Blacque Jacques Shellacque at February 18, 2011 10:21 AM (nD3Pg)

76 Posted by: Quaoar at February 18, 2011 02:10 PM (9Ugjz)

I like how you said New Mexico is a third-world shithole without using the actual words.  Very diplomatic.  Wanna run for office?

Posted by: huerfano at February 18, 2011 10:26 AM (2pEj7)

77 My daughter lives in New Mexico.  I visit once a year.  It's shithole.  Santa Fe is the only good thing I have seen there.  She is a conservative btw.  Detested Richardson.

Posted by: jewells45 at February 18, 2011 10:27 AM (l/N7H)

78 Posted by: Curmudgeon at February 18, 2011 02:20 PM (ujg0T)

Once you're an actual resident of the State, it is easier, but you still have to prove you live there (Drivers License, Utility Bill, something like that) to register to vote (I'm pretty sure, anyway.  I've been doing the easy renewal thing for a while, so I could be out-of-date there).

When you change permanent addresses in Texas, you have 30 (or is it 60?) days to get your Driver's License updated- most people go ahead and register (or switch their registration) then.

So, technically, UTA students could move into off-campus housing, switch their permanent address, and then register for the local elections.  Again, most of them aren't that motivated.

And, with any luck, we'll have a Voter ID law, pretty soon.  That will even be better.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at February 18, 2011 10:34 AM (8y9MW)

79 Posted by: jewells45 at February 18, 2011 02:27 PM (l/N7H)

Go into the Lincoln National Forest sometime.  The place is beautiful.  We have cabins there, and used to go every summer.  I kind of miss it.

Also, the people there are a little more affluent, so it's not quite the hole that the rest of the State is.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at February 18, 2011 10:36 AM (8y9MW)

80

Posted by: jewells45 at February 18, 2011 02:27 PM (l/N7H)


There are conservatives in Santa Fe?

Posted by: embittered redleg at February 18, 2011 10:37 AM (qnulu)

81 I call it "that waste of land that holds Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands."

In '93, I drove through the state, entering from the Four Corners area and going through ABQ, Moriarty, Mountainair, Carrizozo, Alamogordo, Las Cruces, and finally heading west via 10.

One of the best road trips I had ever taken.

Posted by: Blacque Jacques Shellacque at February 18, 2011 10:37 AM (nD3Pg)

82 Posted by: Blacque Jacques Shellacque at February 18, 2011 02:37 PM (nD3Pg)

We never really got out to Albuquerque.  Mostly we were around Alamagordo (it's right at the bottom of the mountains where Cloud Croft sits) and occasionally out to Carlsbad, or into Lincoln County.

But, as bad as NM is, it's nothing compared to the boredom that will get you driving out on I-20 through West Texas (not to be confused with West, Texas, which is in the East.  Really.).

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at February 18, 2011 10:50 AM (8y9MW)

83

It is tough that he is retiring this term. This is the kind of state you want to get in a midterm election like the Republicans got the governor's race last year. I don't think Martinez would have won in a Presidential year with normal turnout in nearly any environment.

That said, there are candidates bad enough for Democrats and good enough for Republicans where the seat can flip to (R). Let's hope for the best and the most conservative electable candidate.

Posted by: Paper at February 18, 2011 10:51 AM (VoSja)

84 I love it if if I could talk either of my parents, my sister or my brother-in-law (all Rs, long-time ABQ residents and very conservative) into running for this seat.

Posted by: baldilocks at February 18, 2011 11:19 AM (T2/zQ)

85 My mom just said NFW.  My bil would be the ideal candidate.  Military, cop, nice family.

Posted by: baldilocks at February 18, 2011 11:28 AM (T2/zQ)

86 Johnson Rules Out Senate Bid

Former New Mexico governor Gary Johnson, a potential 2012 presidential contender, tells National Review Online that he will not run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D., N.M.).

Posted by: toby928™ at February 18, 2011 11:29 AM (GTbGH)

87

A- it's no fun to be in Congress when you can't spend bazillions of our money.

B- He has been there 24 years and is one of the guilty pukes who got us into this fiscal mess.

Posted by: AJ Lynch at February 18, 2011 11:46 AM (3q8fZ)

88 Not very likely.  For one thing, he's still eying the Presidency, at least a little.  For another, he's not really that well loved across the State, and there are other contenders who already are: Michael and Roger Williams (no relation) are both liked well across the state, for instance, and there's speculation that either or both of David Dewhurst and Gregg Abbott might run.

My comment about Ron Paul was a bit tongue in cheek.

I'd like to see any of the above run, but I think Dewhurst will sit tight because if Perry takes a run at POTUS, Dewhurst will step into the governorship.

Posted by: mpurinTexas(kicking Mexico's ass since 1836) at February 18, 2011 01:50 PM (096Pn)

89 Many people do not even realize that New Mexico is  a state.But this is even worse; Last month I passeed thru Bozeman, Montana on the way back to my home in the great white north.  I visited a dentist and handed my paperwork to a young college graduate dental assistant.  She saw my address--Ak-- and said  "wow, man  you from Africa? "

Posted by: wang dang doodle at February 18, 2011 09:54 PM (tXbf1)

90 Ugh. It's going to take DECADES to weed out the corrupt politicians put into place by El Gordo much less find the money he and his buds appropriated for their personal projects and stuff.

I'm not sure if we have time to find a decent politician to take Bingaman's spot, but let's hope we can. It'd be nice to have someone from New Mexico who isn't corrupt, has his or her hand in someone's pocket, etc., to go to D.C. for us. But I'm not holding my breath.

Hell, Susanah hasn't been in office two  seconds and they're already trying to link her to every dirty deal, corrupt situation, whatever, they can. The libbies are pissed off because they figured New Mexico was theirs! I'm just waiting for Val Kilmer to throw his hat in the ring. He's worked real hard to make himself look like El Gordo (holy God the man has let himself go) so I suspect he's been in training to make sure he acts like Richardson as well. Feh.

Keep Hollywood outta politics. Politicians are dirty enough as it is.

Posted by: Mad Monica at February 19, 2011 07:38 PM (0c3PX)

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Posted by: ertvg at March 15, 2011 07:57 PM (QUose)

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