By Mike Bibb
If I did the math correctly, according to The Beat's March 11 article — "Grant County Candidates for 2026 Primary Election" — Democrats out number Republicans by a substantial margin.
Of the 7 elected county positions listed, Democrats easily exceeded Republican candidates by a 12 to 2 majority.
A few of the offices have a single, unopposed, Democratic contender.
Hardly, a competitive election when Dems already have a lock on at least 5 of the 7 jobs available.
Making one wonder, what's the purpose of elections if the outcome is already decided before the voting takes place?
Other than being a lawful requirement, it's simply a matter of deciding which Democrat will beat the other Democrats. No matter who wins, it's still a Democrat.
Twiddle-dee-dee or Twiddle-dee-dum; not much of a choice.
Sure, a couple of token Republican contenders thrown into the mix adds a little extra spice, but the overall flavor won't change much.
Which, actually, reflects the Blue majority of New Mexico's national and state political landscapes.
When "One Party Rule" is the predominate theme, and has been for a long time in "The Land of Enchantment," then it isn't surprising when the state's economic, educational and social structure continues to be bogged down in political incompetence.
Principally, because there's little competition to contend with. As a result, things get stuck in the status-quo and the state trudges along, decade after decade.
Consequently, many of New Mexico's younger generations leave for better opportunities. Hence, the state suffers from its own ineptitude, instead relying upon government assistance and welfare as a substitute for prosperity and individual success.
Despite New Mexico's abundance of natural resources, its governing policies tend to penalize these assets in efforts to realize greater tax revenues.
Not a smart move. Big money will always migrate to places where there are better financial advantages and room for expansion.
Contrary to popular thinking, poor people do not usually provide jobs for other poor people.
It takes capital, opportunity and vision-oriented individuals and companies to expand an economy and create wealth.
A close to home example of this concept can be found on either side of New Mexico — Arizona and Texas are booming.
Incidentally, Arizona has 10 Fortune 500 companies; Texas has 52. Sandwiched between the two is New Mexico, with 0.
Why?
Not difficult to figure out — Less government almost always exists in an environment of fewer restrictions and more private incentives.
Having basically "Straight Ticket" elections is not conducive to a successful and prosperous society.
Particularly, if the majority of candidates outnumber the minority by 12-to-2.
That's not an election — it's an illusion!!!
