The Line: Being A “Local” In Politics; McCleskey Will Not Face Charges

March 11, 2016 –  An article in the Santa Fe New Mexican caught our attention this week: Candidates’ emphasis on origins reflects an obsession with native pedigree in Santa Fe. Reporter Daniel J. Chacón looked at how candidates in local races in Santa Fe are highlighting how long they, or their family, have lived in the area.

Host Gene Grant and this week’s Line opinion panelists tell us what they think about this phenomenon in local politics. The Line also ends the show with reactions to the news this week that Jay McCleskey, a close adviser to Governor Martinez, will not faces charges in an investigation into fundraising for the governor’s 2010 inauguration.

Do you think local ties can make or break a campaign?

 LINE PANELISTS:
Janice Arnold-Jones, former state representative
Inez Russell Gomez, Santa Fe New Mexican
Laura Sanchez-Rivét, attorney at Cuddy & McCarthy, LLP
Stephen Spitz, host of New Mexico People, Places and Ideas on KUNM