I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
The scandals that have hit Governor Bill Richardson over the past year have taken their toll on his approval rating. The once-popular Democrat is now among “the least popular Governors in the country.” Now 63 percent of voters in the state disapprove of him and only 28 approve. This comes from a preview of a poll conducted by Public Policy Polling (PPP), a Democratic firm.
How bad are things for the lame-duck governor? “He’s even in negative territory among Democrats at a 42/47 spread,” PPP writes.
As for his fall from his peak popularity, PPP notes this is part of a trend. “Richardson’s loss of popularity continues a trend of the 2008 Democratic also-rans either going into the administration or having their political careers go downhill,” PPP wrote. Richardson was nominated by then-President-elect Barack Obama to be Obama’s first Secretary of Commerce; however, Richardson withdrew his nomination pending investigation into pay to play.
Richardson is term-limited from running for governor again. And, as PPP notes, it could have negative effects on other Democrats running for election or re-election in 2010. Of course, the line is a tease to remind readers to come back tomorrow for the results.
Earlier today, PPP said that the blog would bring a mixture of good and bad news for Democrats. This definitely falls in the “bad news” camp for Democrats, though Republicans will be hoping that some of the unpopularity rubs off on Lt. Gov. Diane Denish; Republicans have been attempting to tie Denish to Richardson ever since his fall from grace began last year.
