Juan Ramón Vigil Wins Española Mayor's Race

Former Sen. Tim Jenning Wins Roswell

 Former Sen. Clemente Sánchez Loses Mayor's Race in Grants to Erik Garcia By 8 Votes

Española:  The rosca returns?

The word "rosca" in spanish means "ring," as in the connected rings of the Olympic logo or a hula hoop or donut; but in politics it also means "clique," as in "The Santa Fe Ring," referring to the self-interested networks of a political power structure that circulate in any community.  The term "political elite" is not strong enough to convey the meaning in English, but the term  "political machine," as in Tammany Hall or Chicago under Mayor Daley, is too strong.  I have found in most communities, whether nation states or villages, a rosca is easy to identify, since informed citizens and journalists everywhere tend to keep track of who is getting away with what.

As pointed out (see below) yesterday, the race between Juan Ramón Vigil and Javier Sánchez was interesting among other reasons because it pitted a bona fide member of the old rosca, descendent from the older political machine, against a youngish incumbent upstart who was part of an ousting by voters of the old rosca in elections in 2018 and 2020.  Predictably, the rosca would try a comeback.  

In another race incumbent John Ricci, a Republican, lost to Aaron Salazar, a Democrat, so it was a clean sweep for Democrats in Rio Arriba County. Republican Richard Martinez lost in his bid to Nanette Smith Rodriguez.

Last night settled one issue:  the rosca is back, and people will be watching to see whether it will be strengthened in the future through other key political positions:  sheriff, state legislature, county commission, school board, etc.  The victory for Vigil was not decisive, with a margin of only about 53 votes out of less than 1500 cast.  And it remains to be seen if Sánchez will make other political moves in the county.  Vigil began his public career at the age of 14 when he was appointed to the library board, and was elected to the Española city council at the age of 22.  He is only 26.

Roswell:  Jennings is back

Tim Jennings, former President Pro Tem of the NM Senate was elected mayor of Roswell last night.  A moderate Democrat, he incurred the wrath of the Martinez administration, and a good deal of money and effort was spent replacing him with a Republican.  At about the same time the Bernie faction of the Democratic Party got funding to go after other moderates, like Jennings, and for a while now moderates in New Mexico, no matter how capable, have been attacked from both the left and the right.  Jennings is very bright, capable, and we wish him well.

Grants:  Another moderate former Senator, Clemente Sánchez, lost his bid to become mayor of Grants, by only 8 votes in a five-person race won by Erik O. Garcia.  In the Senate Sánchez was viewed as a potential powerhouse due to his talent and knowledge of business.  He too was attacked by leftist Democrats for being too moderate, and by Republicans for being a Democrat.