Political Science ETDs

Publication Date

5-19-1969

Abstract

Political parties and the voting public to whom they must appeal have long been scrutinized in hopes of finding clues regarding artisan performances and political behavior of the electorate. Often, such examinations reveal factors which become predictable in pattern fashion. This paper is an attempt to attribute to a particular segment of New Mexico politics a pattern of political activity. Namely, by it economics, the similarities of place of origin of its population, and its almost perfect record of dedication to one particular political party, Lea County, New Mexico shows no convincing signs of immediately becoming a vibrant two-party system in which the Republican Party regularly carries the County. Such is the thesis or premise toward which every base of this examination is directed. First, a socio-economic profile of Lea County reveals that the County, while oil affiliated, is inclined economically toward the rural South--Texas, in particular-­rather than the wealthier suburban South. Such similarity strongly indicates Democratic inclinations. A close examination of Lea County election returns indicates that a strong anti-Spanish prejudice is found among the County's Anglo electorate. Spanish candidates consistently tally notably smaller vote totals. Such results have often been mistakenly considered steadily declining Democratic fortunes. Also apparent are strong preferences for Lea County Democratic candidates for state offices, overwhelming support for incumbents, and neglect for less­interesting races, much of which is Democratic politics southern-style. Formal organization procedures indicate just how difficult is the Republican task of luring party members into activist ranks. G.O.P. organizational meetings are, of necessity, recruitment centers. Democrats fight factionalism at such levels of activity. Essentially, the story of Lea County politics illustrates that perplexing organizational handicap against which a struggling minority party is likely to show little advancement. State and local political leaders speak frankly of Lea County Democratic factionalism, ultra-conservative tendencies of the local G.O.P., Lea County's disregard for the Spanish heritage and mainstream of New Mexico politics, and indicate the severity of the problem of sporadic and casual participation of the County's mobile population in partisan politics. Therefore, if it can truly be said that a minority party succeeds through its own improved position rather than strictly an array of factors which plague the majority party, then no such significant improvement can be attributed to the Lea County Republican Party which could legitimately prompt realistic hopes of an immediate two-party system.

Degree Name

Political Science

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Political Science

First Committee Member (Chair)

Tommie Phillip Wolf

Second Committee Member

Robert J. Sickels

Third Committee Member

Harry P. Strumpf

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

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