Gabfests or Genuine Debates? Stakes High in New Mexico Primary

As New Mexico gears up for the Democratic gubernatorial primary in April 2024, the tensions between candidates are becoming more pronounced. Sam Bregman has expressed a strong desire to debate Deb Haaland, but the nature of these proposed “debates” raises questions about their actual purpose. Rather than engaging in substantive discussions, analysts suggest that these events may serve more as platforms for self-promotion than genuine political discourse.

Bregman’s push for a debate comes as he seeks to elevate his visibility and improve his chances in a race that many believe is primarily Haaland’s to lose. With her established presence and significant support, she can afford to take her time in responding to Bregman’s requests. The Democratic primary landscape suggests that visibility through debates could be crucial for Bregman, who has held the position of district attorney in Bernalillo County for less than four months.

Haaland, the current U.S. Secretary of the Interior and former chair of the state Democratic Party, might find herself enjoying the prospect of addressing Bregman’s past. She has the opportunity to question how much time he has dedicated to running the district attorney’s office compared to his ambitions for a gubernatorial run. This dynamic sets the stage for what could be a lively exchange, but it remains to be seen whether it will provide voters with the insights they need.

The term “debate” often conjures images of rigorous exchanges on policy, yet many political events branded as debates tend to lack depth. Historical examples, such as the memorable 1988 vice presidential debate between Senators J. Danforth Quayle and Lloyd Bentsen, illustrate the disconnect. Bentsen’s famous line to Quayle, “You’re no Jack Kennedy,” resonated with audiences but did not translate into electoral success for him or his running mate. Instead, it was Quayle and George H.W. Bush who triumphed in that election.

In the current race, the so-called debates that Bregman seeks would likely focus on the candidates’ differences, but many proposals may not reflect reality. For example, during the 1980 presidential debates, Ronald Reagan claimed he could balance the federal budget within three years—a promise that ultimately had little impact on voters, as evidenced by his landslide victory in 1984.

Voter interest in hearing from all candidates is evident, as some constituents express curiosity about the policy ideas of both Haaland and Bregman. However, Ken Miyagishima, the third candidate in the Democratic primary, often goes unmentioned. Despite holding a long tenure as the mayor of Las Cruces, Miyagishima’s recognition is limited primarily to his home county. Yet, if a debate occurs, he should not be overlooked, as all candidates deserve a platform to communicate their positions.

The significance of the primary election is amplified by the potential for candidates to qualify for the ballot through petition signatures, a process that has proven effective for others in the past. For instance, Gary King, despite being denied a place at the 2014 state Democratic convention, successfully gathered signatures to appear on the ballot. His family connections, including being the son of New Mexico’s longest-serving governor, may have provided an advantage, yet not all candidates have such lineage.

As the primary approaches, the history of the Democratic Party in New Mexico plays a crucial role in shaping candidate narratives. Bregman, who was state Democratic Party chairman during a particularly challenging election cycle, witnessed firsthand the consequences of campaign failures. The Democrats lost not only the gubernatorial race but also control of the state House of Representatives for the first time in over six decades. In contrast, Haaland’s leadership during the party’s resurgence in subsequent elections offers her a poignant talking point that could resonate with voters.

Ultimately, while the upcoming political events may be labeled as debates, their true essence remains uncertain. The focus should be on the candidates’ actions and policies, rather than the spectacle of televised appearances. As the primary date approaches, New Mexico voters will be looking for clarity on where each candidate stands and how their past experiences shape their visions for the state’s future.