At issue is faulty implementation of a $30 million computer system in 2006, during former Gov. Bill Richardson's administration. From the outset, there were problems converting to the new centralized system from separate accounting operations used by agencies, including the treasurer's office.

But the system known as SHARE, or the Statewide Human Resources, Accounting and Management Reporting System, didn't match fund balances shown by state agencies with cash in the state's bank accounts.

"We are disappointed that the Legislature continues to refuse to allow archiving of its high-quality video," Doland said. "There's just no good reason for it. New Mexicans who want to follow issues that are important to them and their communities can't be chained to their desks all day waiting to hear a certain debate. Archiving means more people will be informed and engaged in the political process."

“I changed my mind after hearing from my constituents,” she said in an interview. “The prevailing view is that election integrity is too important not to do anything.”

The acclamation was a face-saving device which concealed the identities of the senators willing to form a coalition with the Republicans similar to the one headed by Tim Jennings four years ago. Most likely it was, John Sapien, George Munoz, John Arthur Smith, Clemente Sanchez, Joe Cervantes, and maybe more. Sad, isn’t it, that blue dog Democrats control the balance of power in the NM Senate, even in the face of a big Obama win here? It’s always debatable whether these folks, theoretically in the “middle,” are moderates wanting to find a compromise, or opportunists who don’t really have strong beliefs about anything, but want position and power.

“These bipartisan bills implement the key reforms needed to resolve the fundamental problem that has plagued the PRC since its creation: it combines too much power with too few qualifications for commissioners,” said Fred Nathan, executive director of Think New Mexico.

The fact of waiting obscures how much is going on in the in-between. The members of the legislature are famously overwhelmed with constant activity. Of course those employed during the session are dancing fast with specific responsibilities and divisions of labor. They are counted on to learn and repeat their steps with increasing speed in a sort of red shoes dance until the end of the session when they all fall down exhausted.

Toulouse Oliver will be urging the legislature to support automation of the MVD voter registration process, which is required by federal law. Making the process electronic and automatic “just makes sense,” says Clerk Toulouse Oliver. She will also advocate for an online voter registration system, similar to that utilized successfully in Arizona, California and Washington State.

Fifteen of the 42 senators are new to the body this year, but only Pirtle was credited with changing the face of the politics by knocking off Jennings, a Democrat from Roswell, who had been in the Senate since 1979 and in recent years was the Senate’s powerful leader.

“The industry is not healthy. It’s not because we’re hitting any cap. We’re not healthy because we’re not competitive,” said Rick Clemente, owner of I-25 Studios.

Ahhh, that common ground. So popular in theory and so difficult to find in reality. What common ground often has meant to this governor — a fighter to the end — is, “Do it my way or not at all.” For the good of the state and its people, let us hope that going into this session, common ground reverts to a more traditional meaning. That, for example, common ground means that legislation with agreement can move forward quickly. Both Democrats and Republicans likely will favor giving employers a $1,000 tax break for hiring veterans. Her idea to exempt the pensions of veterans from state taxes also should receive backing from both parties. Get the agreed-upon business done and out of the way.

Bregman said he is running again because he feels he has “unfinished business,” and says he wants to turn the state from “light blue to dark blue.”