6/1/12 New Mexico in Focus Audio: Episode 549

This week on NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS, just days remain before the state’s Republican and Democratic primaries. All 112 state lawmakers are up for reelection. For some, Tuesday, June 5th represents the only race that matters as Democrats battle Democrats for a clear path to the Roundhouse and Republicans take on Republicans in safe districts. The Line opinion panel looks at the last-minute news that’s likely to shape races statewide. The group also assesses the latest round of negative advertising in the race for New Mexico’s First Congressional District and whether a win for one of the three Democrats running means an easy race against a lightly-funded Republican candidate, Janice Arnold-Jones. The Line also looks into the crystal ball to determine what’s ahead in the race to replace retiring Senator Jeff Bingaman in Washington, D.C. Bernalillo County Clerk Maggie Toulouse Oliver sits down with host Gene Grant to talk about the never-ending struggle to boost voter turnout. Both Bernalillo and Dona Ana counties are trying new “vote anywhere” tactics to bring more people to the polls in historically light-turnout elections. Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson is in to chat with NMIF producer Matt Grubs about his run for president as the Libertarian Party’s nominee. Johnson has seen increased interest in a third party candidate nationwide and now has his sights set on polling well enough to be invited to the presidential debates.

—GUESTS:
Gary Johnson, Libertarian Presidential Nominee
Maggie Toulouse Oliver, Bernalillo County Clerk

—THE LINE Guest Panelists:
Jamie Estrada, Former U.S. Commerce Department Official
Laura Sanchez, Environmental Attorney
John Wertheim, Former New Mexico Democratic Party Chairman

—THE LINE Panelist:
Dan Foley, Former New Mexico House Republican Whip

—Correspondent:
Matt Grubs, NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS Producer

—Host/Commentator:
Gene Grant

The Producers of NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS are Matt Grubs and Kathy Wimmer. Funding for this program was provided in part by the McCune Foundation.