Lujan Grisham outraises, outspends Pearce

Dwarfed

Money doesn't equal votes. But it helps. Democratic governor hopeful Michelle Lujan Grisham raised $1.57 million over the last month, more than three and a half times what Republican Steve Pearce gathered. Both candidates' gubernatorial campaigns have pumped millions of dollars into advertising and get-out-the-vote efforts over the past four weeks, newly released campaign finance reports show. Pearce no longer has a lead in cash on hand, doling out $1.56 million in his election effort. Overall, Lujan Grisham has nearly doubled Pearce's fundraising ($).

‘Unsafe at any speed’

Taking a page from Ralph Nader, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller used that phrase to describe the 15-bus fleet of the Albuquerque Rapid Transit bus project. Driver testing and training revealed enough problems with the buses—including failing brakes—that Keller ordered the whole fleet be stopped and tested. The buses were purchased by RJ Berry's administration from a company called Build Your Dreams. So, you're right: No one saw this coming.

You could always take a scooter

Or not. Electric scooter ridesharing company Lime says its green people-movers have battery problems that could "result in the battery smoldering or, in some cases, catching fire." Albuquerque's City Council recently approved the program. The city says it's fine waiting for Lime to fix the problem. The company has recalled affected scooters nationwide.

Can New Mexico support legalized cannabis?

Making recreational marijuana use legal in the state has been another of the clear differences between the two gubernatorial candidates, but the New Mexico Legislature may not be ready to move on legal pot. Yesterday, the interim Economic and Rural Development Committee considered testimony on the matter, which seemed diametrically opposed depending on the perspective of those testifying. SFR was there.

More room

A network of Catholic, Methodist and Lutheran churches in Southern New Mexico says it's trying to expand the number of places it can house migrants who arrive in the US seeking asylum. Project Oak Tree says the people who arrive at their shelters often only stay a short time before they head to cities where their sponsor families live, and where they have immigration hearings scheduled.

Lyons leads Garcia Richard

Pat Lyons' hunt for the job he used to hold, state land commissioner, means he has to turn back a challenge from state Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard, and both are trying to raise and spend big in the effort. An oil and gas industry group has pumped $2 million into outside speding for the Republican Lyons. Democrat Garcia Richard has been backed by a conservation group. Lyons narrowly outraised Garcia Richard ($) in the last reporting period.

Early voting up

Tomorrow is the last day to vote early. New Mexico has already blown past its previous early voting turnout record, easily topping 300,000 voters.

Warmer weekend

Today's the star day as far as weekend weather goes. Temperatures will be close to normal in the upper 50s and 60s across the state. It will stay mostly pleasant, though the start of next week is expected to be windy.

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