Despite its proximity, New Mexico has little resemblance to Arizona. It is about 700 miles from Santa Fe to Phoenix and few people make the effort, except tourists. Arizona has greater familial and economic ties to Illinois or New Jersey than to New Mexico.
I have never seen anywhere where the anti-Bush and anti-Republican sentiment is so strong. I was in a bar where they had the TV on but the sound off and Bush came on the screen. There was a spontanious and nearly unanimous response of "A HOLE" from everyone in the bar. I don't know why and I didn't dare ask.
I'm afraid that the best argument for McCain is the Maverick image and the fact that he ain't Bush. There is one other factor that will help. It seems like nearly all of New Mexico has served or is serving in the Armed Services. Uniforms everywhere.
I’ve been to NM many times, have family there, my father grew up there. I do know there’s a difference between the two states, but ultimately I find it ludicrous a Black Chicago Stalinist would be able to carry the state (unless Tubby ends up on the ticket). Sure, he’ll carry moonbat Santa Fe, Taos and the corrupt Northern Hispanic Dem counties, but I see McCain carrying most everything else there (again, presuming he doesn’t pick a ghastly VP choice — in which case, he loses).
Wearing Birkenstocks and eating granola bars?
They must have bought the uniforms at "Old Navy."