U.S. Military Personnel Deployed On Border In New Mexico

This is sure to not make Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham happy!

 

U.S. military personnel were deployed along the border in New Mexico.https://t.co/8POzsaoazn

— KOB 4 (@KOB4) March 29, 2025

Labor Day Weekend Looks To Be Busier

Above, Albuquerque's Sunport TSA area will be a lot busier
than this during Labor Day weekend. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There is one thing I don't have to worry about. That is Labor Day weekend travel.

I plan on staying home during the weekend, so I am leaving traveling to others. This Labor Day weekend looks to be even busier than last year's.

According to KOB 4:

Many children have gone back to school in the U.S., and the days are getting shorter, but there is still one more excuse to use the swimsuits and beach towels before packing them up: Labor Day.

Airports, highways, beaches and theme parks are expected to be packed for the long holiday weekend as a lot Americans mark the unofficial end of summer the same way they celebrated the season’s unofficial start: by traveling.

The Transportation Security Administration anticipates screening more than 17 million people between Thursday and next Wednesday — a record for the Labor Day period.

AAA says bookings for domestic travel are running 9% higher than last year for the holiday weekend, while international trips are down 4%.

American Airlines plans to have its largest Labor Day weekend operation ever and expects a 14% increase in passengers compared to last year.

To read more, go here. 

Ronchetti-Lujan Grisham Debate 2 Tonight

Above, a shot from the first debate on September 30.

Tonight's the night for the second debate between Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Republican challenger Mark Ronchetti.

As in their first debate on September 30, this one is expected to be contentious.

So tune in!

Who: Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Republican Mark Ronchetti.

When: 6:30 p.m.

TV: KOAT-TV 

 Chances are, the debate will be live-streamed by KOAT-TV on YouTube for interested persons from out-of-state.

Piñon Post: Ronchetti "Clobbers" Lujan Grisham In Debate

Since I had out-of-state visitors last evening, I was not able to watch last night's debate between Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Mark Ronchetti live. However, I did watch it after I got home on YouTube (thanks KOB 4 for making it available).

The debate ran the gamut of of issues such as education, crime, economy, job loss, business loss, energy, abortion, immigration/border security, catch & release of criminals, homelessness and other topics. On each topic, Ronchetti presented Lujan Grisham's record of failure effectively.

Lujan Grisham stuck to her talking points and attacked Ronchetti's positions, which he easily deflected and effectively counter-punched. 

John Block at Piñon Post felt Ronchetti "clobbered" Lujan Grisham:

Ronchetti went straight for the jugular in his opening statement, saying, “This governor has been letting out violent criminals.” He said, “If you think the system is broken, she is the head of the system.” 

Regarding education, Ronchetti said, “If you think the education system is broken, this governor is the head of that system.”

“The fact is her 30 years of government experience has her right where we are.”

The debate had a clear winner: Republican Mark Ronchetti, who had a detailed plan on turning the state around while also focusing on kitchen table issues. Lujan Grisham appeared very defensive and hell-bent on swerving many topics to that of abortion while blaming national politics for her failures in office.

Ronchetti did far better in last night's debate against Lujan Grisham than he did during the 2020 senate campaign debate against Ben Ray Lujan. This time, he had an opponent who has a dismal record of failure in office. He was also too nice back then as well. He presented his positions well. That's where his television experience shined through.  

Lujan Grisham feebly attacked Ronchetti for not attending legislative sessions at the Roundhouse. Most of her attacks were feeble.

Another debate between the two will come in two weeks.

To read more, go here.

Tonight's Gubernatorial Debate and A Visit At The Flying J

Above, our visit at Denny's tonight. 

Tonight I had a nice visit with fellow Hawthorne High School alumnus Larry Bach and his wife at Denny's at the Flying J Travel Center here in Jamestown, New Mexico.

They were en route home to Prescott, Arizona from Colorado Springs. 

The visit came during the debate tonight between Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Mark Ronchetti on KOB 4.

I wasn't worried as the debate is available on YouTube. I have it posted below.

I think Ronchetti did very well in the debate. 

Lujan Grisham and Ronchetti Debates Set

Above, Mark Ronchetti will debate Gov.Michelle Lujan Grisham in person in two debates.

New Mexico voters will be able to see the differences in public policy between Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Mark Ronchetti in two televised debates.

They will face each other on September 30 (three days away from today) and October 12.

From the Albuquerque Journal:

SANTA FE – Democrat Michelle Lujan Grisham and Republican Mark Ronchetti have agreed to participate in two televised debates in the run-up to Election Day. 

Unlike some recent New Mexico political debates that were pre-recorded and conducted remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both gubernatorial debates will take place in-person and be broadcast live.

The first debate will take place Sept. 30 and will be hosted by KOB-TV. The second hourlong debate is being hosted by KOAT-TV, along with the Journal and KKOB Radio, and is set for Oct. 12.

To read more, go here. 

KOB 4 Poll: Most New Mexicans Don’t Want More Anti-gun Laws

Above, the 2020 Second Amendment rally at the New Mexico State Capitol. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

New Mexico may be a predominantly Democrat state, but many Democrats are of the traditional kind (and not the leftist liberals found in Albuquerque and other areas) and value their Second Amendment rights. 

A poll conducted by KOB 4 found that most New Mexico citizens don't want more anti-gun laws.

Piñon Post reported:

On Monday, KOB 4 ran a poll asking New Mexicans if they believed there should be more gun restrictions in the wake of recent mass shootings. 

New Mexicans spoke, and a large majority of respondents gave an emphatic “no,” with 58% saying there is no need for increased firearm restrictions.

41% of respondents said there should be harsher restrictions, while only 1% of New Mexicans were unsure.

Interestingly, yesterday, following breakfast with other Jamestown, New Mexico locals, we headed over to the post office and every one of us had either the latest issues of American Rifleman or American Hunter in their mailboxes. Some of the group are Democrats.

The politicians in Santa Fe should take heed.

To read more, go here.

Albuquerque Sunport: Arrive 2 Hours Before Flight

Above, the Albuquerque Sunport during normal times. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thank God that I am not going anywhere near an airplane this week.

Travelers are expected to jam the nation's airports and that includes the Albuquerque Sunport. They advise travelers to arrive at the airport two hours before flight.

KOB 4 reported:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - It's the busiest time of year for the Albuquerque International Sunport. Even with a pandemic, tens of thousands of people are traveling to and from New Mexico.

"It's really nice to come back home and see everyone. It's a little stressful to be on a packed plane still, I'm a little worried about COVID, but it's not bad," said a traveler. 

Sunport officials are expecting this week to be the busiest week that they've had in two years.

"This is definitely going to be one of our busiest travel periods during the start of the pandemic,” said Stephanie Kitts, public information officer for the Sunport.

Still, Kitts recommends people arrive at least two hours before the flight leaves – just to anticipate delays in lines and at security.

To read the full article, go here. 

New Mexico I-40 Traffic Jams Drawing Media Attention

Above, the Interstate 40 traffic jam near Laguna, New Mexico last week. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last week, while returning home from Albuquerque, Russell Azbill and I were stuck in a traffic jam for over two hours. The tie-up must've been 15-20 miles in length. What should have been a two-hour drive was turned into a four-hour drive.

This was due to a road construction project near Laguna, New Mexico.

The traffic jam reminded me of the jam in Idaho immediately following the Great American Eclipse in 2017.

The traffic jams from this road project are so bad that even the media is taking notice.

From CDLLife:

Over the weekend, massive traffic delays were reported due to a construction project and a hazmat crash on I-40 in New Mexico, but drivers passing through will get a little relief during the holiday weekend.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) is conducting a 5.5-mile construction project on westbound I-40 from mile marker 111 to mile marker 114 near Laguna. The project began November 11 and is slated to continue through mid December.

The project has resulted in nightmarish traffic backups.

The NMDOT announced a short halt to the project to ease traffic conditions over the Thanksgiving holiday.

To read more, go here. 

And, from KOB 4:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A major traffic alert for holiday travelers – construction has led to major backups on I-40. 

Chopper 4 flew over I-40 early Sunday and it showed that the back-up really begins in the westbound lane just east of Laguna.

On Saturday, Nov. 20, traffic stretched 30 miles from Laguna to the Route 66 Casino – semis were not moving at all, some folks even got out of their cars waiting for some movement.

“We both just said they are going to be sitting there for hours and hours, I've just never seen anything like that on this road not that big,” said Malia Adache. 

KOB 4 reached out to the Department of Transportation to see if they will open up all lanes of traffic for Thanksgiving. On Sunday, they said barriers are going to stay up because this is an accelerated project. On Monday, NMDOT officials said they will be suspending a portion of the 5.5-mile construction project beginning Wednesday, Nov. 24 through Sunday, Nov. 28.

To read more, go here. 

AAA: Gas Prices Highest Since 2014

Above, May 12 price of gasoline at the Flying J. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thanks to the 2020 elections, we are now paying the price for the folly of electing (or maybe not actually electing) His Fraudulency Joe Biden.

One price we're paying is the cost of gasoline, which has gone sky-in some areas. Much of the blame goes to Biden's cancellation of the Keystone Pipeline and other actions.

KOB 4 News reported:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- Gas prices are on the rise.

Triple-A reports that gas is the highest it's been since 2014.

It's tough news for the 34 million Americans who are expected to travel by car for the Memorial Day weekend. 

Tishika Powdrell said she's not surprised at the holiday price hike.

"It’s expected. They’re trying to make their money," she said.

To read more, go here. 

New Mexico Adopts New CDC Mask Guidance

Above, yours truly at the Albuquerque Sunport in January. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

New Mexico has adopted the guidance on face masks that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced yesterday.

According to KOB Channel 4:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The New Mexico Department of Health announced Friday that the state will be adopting the CDC's updated guidance on face masks for those who are fully vaccinated.

The CDC's new guidance says that in most circumstances, fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear a mask in either indoor or outdoor settings.

All individuals who are unvaccinated or not yet fully vaccinated are still required, per the public health order and CDC guidance, to wear a mask in public settings.

People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose, or two weeks after the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

I received my two Pfizer vaccine doses in February.

To read more, go here. 

Judge Refuses To Release Couy Griffin

Above, a Cowboys for Trump ride in Grants, New Mexico in November 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Entering the U.S. Capitol was a dumb move. Even dumber was that a high profile Trump supporter entered a restricted area in the Capitol and got himself arrested. Now he's stuck in jail in Washington, D.C.

Couy Griffin, a commissioner of New Mexico's Otero County was also a founder of the Cowboys for Trump group.

According to KOB 4:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- Otero County Commissioner Couy Griffin will remain in federal custody following his arrest for entering a restricted area during the Capitol riots.

Griffin's attorney argued that his client is "not a crazy person even though he has made some unfortunate statements."

In a now-deleted Facebook post, the founder of Cowboys for Trump made a prediction about Inauguration Day. He said “blood will run out of the building." He was arrested in Washington, D.C. ahead of Inauguration Day. 

A preliminary hearing has been set for February 8.

A high profile person, such as Griffin, will only get the book thrown at them when a dumb move is made to make an example out of them.

To read more and see a video, go here.

Excuses, Excuses of Ben Ray Lujan

After weeks of saying he won't attend the October KOB-TV debate with Mark Ronchetti, Rep. Ben Ray Lujan now has a new excuse for ducking it.

According to the Associated Press:

RIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — Democratic U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján said Sunday that work on a COVID-19 relief bill and other pressing Congressional business might keep him away from an early October U.S. Senate debate against Republican challenger Mark Ronchetti. 

Luján’s campaign told The Associated Press that his duties in Congress to pass a coronavirus relief package and rescue the U.S. Postal Service may prevent him from joining a scheduled October 5th debate on KOB-TV. 

He has not confirmed that he’ll join the KOB-TV debate. The station said it would still hold the debate with an empty podium for Luján. 

Ronchetti has accused Luján of “hiding” from voters by not accepting debate offers from the other outlets. His campaign said it wasn’t buying Luján’s reasoning about possibly skipping the KOB-TV debate. 

“It’s disappointing that Ben Ray Luján continues to make excuses for ducking debates,” Ronchetti campaign spokesman Jeff Glassburner said. “He’s had no problem coming to New Mexico to film false TV attack ads, but he refuses to commit to debate.”

If a candidate is unwilling to debate the issues with his opponents, he does not deserve to even be considered for the position.

To read more, go here.

"Bennie The Chicken-Hearted" Refuses To Debate Ronchetti

Above, Rep. Ben Ray Lujan. He's afraid to debate, but he's not scared. Otherwise, he would debate. He thinks the
senate seat is his. He already has a "SenLujan" Twitter account. Nothing like counting your chickens before they hatch!

Rep. Ben Ray "Bennie Lu-lu" Lujan apparently thinks he has the U.S. Senate seat from New Mexico in the bag or just is entitled to it (he already has a @SenLujan Twitter account). In any case, he is refusing to debate on television his Republican opponent Mark Ronchetti.

For a man who has accomplished absolutely nothing for his congressional district (of which I am a resident), this is not very smart politics to say the least. He needs to earn the senate seat. Being Nancy Pelosi's "butt-boy" does not cut it.

Steve Pearce, Chairman of the New Mexico Republican Party has issued the following press release:

U.S. SENATE CANDIDATE’S DECISION TO SKIP DEBATE TYPIFIES “NO-SHOW” BEHAVIOR IN CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

ALBUQUERQUE, SEPTEMBER 6 — Rep. Ben Ray Luján has declined to take part in a televised U.S. Senate debate on October 5. The debate is sponsored by KOB-TV and the Santa Fe New Mexican. Republican candidate Mark Ronchetti will participate.

The following is a statement from Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman Steve Pearce:

“It’s not surprising that Rep. Luján will be a no-show at this important debate. He has done little to help New Mexicans in Congress and has been a no-show in his home District. With an open U.S. Senate seat, it’s vital that voters be able to compare and contrast political views, and it’s obvious Lujan doesn’t care enough to discuss important issues for constituents of his state. This exposes who Rep. Luján really is, and New Mexicans deserve better than this.”

Maybe he should be known in the future as "Bennie The Chicken-Hearted". 

Albuquerque Protest Against Governor's Health Orders Draws Hundreds

Above, Cowboys for Trump (seen here in November in Grants) participated in Thursday's protest. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The people of New Mexico are "mad as hell and not going to take this anymore" (to borrow a famous tag line from the 1976 movie, Network) and hundreds of them gathered Thursday to protest Gov. Michelle Lujan "Grishy the Clown" Grisham's COVID-19 orders.

KOB Channel 4 reported:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- Cowboys for Trump joined the New Mexico Civil Guard, political figures, business and religious leaders Thursday at the "Protest for Freedom" in Albuquerque. 

Hundreds of attendees, some armed with guns, protested the governor handling of the COVID-19 pandemic at Civic Plaza in downtown Albuquerque. 

Children, who were not wearing masks, were seen at the protest with signs. The signs asked to be allowed to play sports and return to school. 

Steve Smothermon, pastor at Legacy Church, which had a lawsuit over the public health order thrown out, spoke at the protest.  

"To see how America is just so easily been manipulated and told what to do without even a fight, and today we start fighting," Smothermon said. "They need to know this is over. Today we start fighting for our freedoms." 

Speakers also expressed opposition to quarantining, the mask requirement and restaurants closing indoor dining. In general, they claimed their freedoms are being limited.  

Several Republican politicians also had harsh criticism of the governor decision-making. 

Despite the governor's draconian health orders, the coronavirus is spreading in the state anyway. The people are fed up with the closures, resulting in the loss of jobs and businesses.

To read more, go here.

Bernalillo County D.A. Files Lawsuit Against New Mexico Civil Guard

It looks like Bernalillo County District Attorney Raul Torrez wants to be New Mexico's answer to California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, a noted radical leftist imbecile.

Torrez has filed a lawsuit against the New Mexico Civil Guard.

KOB 4 News reported:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- The Bernalillo County district attorney filed a lawsuit Monday against the New Mexico Civil Guard, a group that has showed up at protests in military-like uniforms, carrying guns, and telling people they are there to protect property. 

"When you have self-appointed police officers and military units out there advancing their own form of justice, there is no democratic accountability," District Attorney Raul Torrez said.  

The lawsuit asks a judge to order the New Mexico Civil Guard to stop representing itself as a police force. 

"What is affected is their ability to organize, train and operate as an unlawful group," Torrez said.  

The lawsuit also claims the group's "presence fostered and encouraged violence by counter-protestors." It specifically mentions Steven Baca, who is accused of shooting someone at a protest of a Juan de Oñate statue, and is not affiliated with the group. 

New Mexico Civil Guard leader Bryce Provance said in a KOB 4 phone interview that city leaders are trying to divert the blame away from law enforcement over how the protest was handled that night. 

"They are deflecting," he said. "The mayor and deputy chief ordered their officers not be in an area so that violence could be carried out against property against counter protestors and it backfired. Somebody got shot, and then we had to disarm the shooter, form a perimeter around him and hold him until police arrived and because of the mayor and deputy chief's ineptitude, they are going to deflect and try and charge us and sue us whatever they are going to do."

I don't see how the New Mexico Civil Guard represents themselves as a "police force". Torrez's frivolous lawsuit will likely fall flat on its face.

To read the full article, go here.

Gallup Lockdown Set To End At Noon Today

Above, approaching a New Mexico State Police checkpoint on Historic Route 66. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Unless it is extended (hopefully not), the lockdown of the city of Gallup (population around 21,000) is set to expire at noon today.

According to KOB 4:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Gallup’s lockdown is set to expire Sunday at noon, but city officials have already started letting visitors back in. 

While some restrictions are lifted, coronavirus continues to spread in northwest New Mexico. 

On Saturday, health officials announced 48 new cases and 4 more deaths in McKinley County. 

The surge in cases led city officials to lockdown the city of Gallup, which borders the Navajo Nation.

Fortunately, we're around 19 miles east of Gallup and, as far as I know, we have had no cases of coronavirus in Jamestown.

I have been in Gallup twice since the lockdown started.

To read more, go here. 

Gallup Mayor Requests Lockdown Extension

Above, Historic Route 66 in Gallup, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When Gov. "Malevolent Michelle" Lujan Grisham ordered the three-day lockdown of Gallup, New Mexico last week, it seemed more like "closing the barn door after the horse already fled."

The lockdown of Gallup is set to expire at noon tomorrow. However, the newly-elected mayor is asking for an extension.

From KOB Channel 4 News:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The Mayor of Gallup is asking the governor to extend the city's lockdown to help curb COVID-19's impact. 

"I recognize this request is unusual and constitutes a drastic measure, and the emergency powers set out under the Riot Control Act  should be invoked sparingly," said Gallup Mayor Louis Bonaguidi in a letter to the governor. "However, the COVID-19 outbreak in the City of Gallup is a crisis of the highest order." 

The weekend lockdown went into effect on Friday and required all businesses to close by 5 p.m.  

State Police officers and the New Mexico National Guard are blocking vehicles from entering Gallup.

At present, I have plenty of food and supplies to last for two weeks, so I have no need to go into Gallup. However, if I am running low on things, I can always go to Grants, which is about 45 miles east of Jamestown. Gallup is about 19 miles west of Jamestown.

To read more, go here.

UPDATE:

The governor granted the request for a lockdown extension. It is now set to end Thursday at noon.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's Gestapo

As regards the closure of any kind of business, know this: All this was done via Exec. Order, EO. EO's are not law, These businesses being closed is in fact, in law, a "seizure" of their property; a seizure must be committed only with a warrant. There was a Herbal store somewhere in NM which I read about on a FB page that told the NM state cops that showed up, when they threatened to close her, to leave, and come back with a warrant, and also to call her lawyer; they left. - A Facebook contributor who did some independent research.

Governor "Malevolent Michelle" Lujan Grisham continues to use the New Mexico State Police as her personal Gestapo in forcing businesses to close under her Executive Orders.

The latest is an Albuquerque gun store, Calibers, who tried to defy the EOs and opened up.

From KOB:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico State Police issued a cease-and-desist order for an Albuquerque gun shop who publicly defied the Governor’s public health order that requires nonessential businesses to close. 

“State police showed up to Calibers and issued a cease and desist for us to operate,” said Louie Sanchez, owner of Calibers. “Which isn't very fair because of the fact that we feel like maybe we're getting picked on because we took a stance again them.”

Calibers announced their reopening last week even though the governor’s order deemed them nonessential.

“We don't think this is fair, the governor is literally picking winners and losers for who will stay in business,” Sanchez said.

The State Police may have issued a cease & desist order, but was there also a warrant by a court?

The governor's executive orders on stay-at-home and business closures is set to expire in 10 days. That is, unless she decides to extend them. But if she does, the proverbial "fit hitting the shan" will ensue. The next ten days will be quite interesting!

To read more, go here.

RPNM Demands Apology From Governor's Offices For Offensive Tweet

Republican Party Demands Apology from Governor's Office After Spokesman Calls Party A "Death Cult" Promoting Fearmongering Despicable, Disgusting Tweet Goes Beyond Boundaries of Decency In Our Current Health Crisis Albuquerque, April 16-- In an absurd and offensive way to shift attention from the struggles of locally-owned mom and pop businesses competing against national chains, the Governor and her Office have stooped to a new low. The Republican Party is demanding an apology from the Governor's Office after Communications Director, Tripp Stelnicki, referred to RPNM and Republicans as a "Death Cult." This outrageous tweet, suggesting that Republicans want to get more New Mexicans to contract COVID-19, is shocking and disgraceful. The tweet shows to what lengths the Governor's Office will go to scare the public and politicize the pandemic. The tweet is disgusting and twisted, and the Governor's Office is way out of line with this monstrous claim. Nothing is further from the truth. First, here's the tweet:

This revolting statement blatantly says that Republicans want New Mexicans to become sick and die from COVID-19. This is sick. RPNM has repeatedly stated that the health and safety of all New Mexicans is first and foremost.  We believe social distancing at small businesses and establishments can responsibly be achieved. We can protect our citizens while continuing everyday life and business here in our great state. Again, RPNM  believes  that the health and wellness of New Mexicans are paramount.  The Governor's Office tweet is false, disgusting and the Party demands an apology. In addition, there has been at least one media report that's been perpetuating these false statements through the Governor's Office that Republicans want to spread COVID-19. For example, one television report stated the following when getting a response to a GOP call for more flexibility for hospitals to care for more patients: "In response to the letter, the governor's spokesman stated the Republicans have painted an inaccurate picture of the situation inside hospitals. He said their calls to open parts of the state is advocating for further spread of the virus." Here's the story from KOB. It is irresponsible for the media to make false claims from the Governor's Office that promote fearmongering.