Is Tom Taylor a Leader or a Spectator?

Tom Taylor (R-Farmington)

The political opportunity of a lifetime for Tom Taylor is sitting on a silver platter. As New Mexico House Minority Leader, Taylor of Farmington has a unique window of time where he can garner a seat at the table for his party for the first time in many years. Voters hoping for meaningful change over the next two years in this state are keeping a close eye on his leadership skills. Will Taylor seize the day, or will he passively fold his political straight flush and sit back and see what happens during the House Democratic Caucas? At this stage of the process the doors are closed and nobody is talking. Amongst even the most astute observers of New Mexico politics nobody knows if Taylor even sees the opportunity at hand. And if Taylor does see the opening, nobody knows if he will decide to seize it. What is becoming clear for New Mexico citizens is pretty simple. The House of Representatives could quickly become a functional and constructive bi-partisan chamber under dynamic new leadership. Joseph Cervantes of Las Cruces has provided precisely one-half of the components necessary in a political equation that will lead to sweeping change. By making it clear that he is ready to assume the role of speaker, Cervantes has paved the way for Taylor to be a hero for both parties. In his own party, the only way for Republicans to improve their lot in life in the House for the next two years is for Taylor to lead the charge and provide the necessary impetus for a change in house leadership.



Joseph Cervantes (D-Las Cruces)

If Taylor cannot or will not lead the Republicans and convince them to assert themselves between now and Saturday, the House seems destined to continue to be a "business as usual" chamber where important policy making meetings are completely partisan. Does Taylor possess the vision and communications skills within his own caucas that are necessary for facilitating change, or is he timid? We will find out soon. One way or the other, Tom Taylor is going to choose the Speaker of the New Mexico House of Representatives. Will he choose the passive route? If Taylor does nothing he loses by default. And he will become a non-factor in the post caucas era. Can NewsNM make a prediction? Not really. Taylor's political instincts and his leadership abilities are unknown quantities around the state. Few we speak to even have a educated guess about the level of his skills. We were rather amused by comments from one source....."Should Taylor choose to rise to the occasion and heal the state, may the force be with him."

Is Tom Taylor a Leader or a Spectator?