Who Are These Two?
by J.B. Blocker
I was in the mezzanine café’ of the Dallas Hilton Anatole for the 2022 CPAC. Across the round table was former ICE Director Tom Homan and FOX Contributor Larry Elder. My friend Mr. 2010 former ICE Special Agent Victor Avila worked for Tom, and we were discussing the border issues that the public never hears about. Victor is the World Record holder for the longest handgun shot. That’s 1.14 miles or 2010 yards! It takes 11.7 seconds for the bullet to hit its target!
There was a group a few feet behind Tom and Larry, and I could see them clearly. The interactions around a tall man who wore his Stetson well was entertaining. I couldn’t help but notice his easy smile and obvious courtesy to several people who approached him. Now, I don’t see colors or auras or any of that mystical stuff, but I’ve been around enough to see Character!
We exchanged cards and I met Dr. Anthony (Ant) Thornton, the GOP Candidate for Lt. Governor of New Mexico! Ant has an athlete’s grace and natural smile that invites acceptance. He wears an aura of approach-ability like a welcome sign. I liked him immediately.
After spending two days with Victor making our presence known at CPAC I had fist full of cards and contact information which I spent the next day sorting out and filing. When I got to Ant’s card, I did what I do…I googled him. I checked out his Facebook. I analyzed his web site TheNextLG.com. I called him.
Ant and his wife Glenna were driving to a campaign meeting when I called them, they had time and they put me on speaker phone. It took only a few minutes for me to know that I could speak openly about my campaign observations. I wasn’t selling anything, but campaign guidance is something I have some skill in. I was blunt about what I felt was not being told about Ant as a person.
It’s great that he is a PhD and very high in the food chain of nuclear weapons, technology development, and secret stuff I have no clearance for. His work record is enviable, but his magnetism and likeability did not translate to his web site and he was not taking advantage of Facebook.
Very quickly we found some common ground. We are all three within 6 months of each other’s age. Ant and I had fathers who were career military reaching the highest ranks of Air Force and Navy enlisted men. Our fathers were Kennedy Democrats. Patriotic, Constitutional, God Fearing, and honorable. I understand more and more why they are called ‘The Greatest Generation’. It is my opinion that they would be voting Republican in today’s world.
Ant voluntarily joined the Navy Reserve, training to become an engineering duty officer. He served as a Lieutenant for 7 years.
By the time our first conversation had ended, I already knew that Ant was a very lucky man. I made an instant connection with Mrs. Glenna (a.k.a.Grasshopper) .
Was it her purely Conservative/Christian/Patriot/Texas pistol packin momma personality? I had figured all that out quickly. You don’t have to wonder about Glenna. Ant is a bit different.
Glenna will lead with the heart. Ant is going to analyze and mentally assess the facts first and for as long as he has questions. That’s a rare and valuable trait for those whose actions effect law, and governing, and lives!
One trait they share in abundance is genuine love for mankind and their radiant effect on all they encounter. Look at all their photos and they always exude Joy!
I thought about how their differences make them a powerful combination. Did I mention that Ant and Glenna are as different as Black and White? And yet, their kindness, courtesy, and aura of acceptance was coming through over the cell phone. It was a great beginning!
The next day we arranged for me to fly to Albuquerque to stay with them for a week.
Meet Ant and Glenna
We left the airport and by the time we were seated in one of their favorite Mexican restaurants I felt like I was with old friends. I am always in search of the great chili relleno, but Ant’s choice swayed me. He was already influencing me and he wasn’t even trying.
We hashed out our schedule and they presented me with a book they co-wrote in 2010. They were drained from a long day and settled me in to a guest section of the house 6900 ft. in the mountains of Sandia just east of Albuquerque. I curled up with My Crazy White Wife is a Racist .
By the second chapter, I loved these people. I have included a link to the Amazon page to order it. However, just click the Look inside just above the book cover and you will know what I mean. I would think you would want to order it immediately so you can have a copy for Ant and Glenna to autograph for you. You see, I am confident that no matter what your political leanings are in New Mexico, you will want to attend an opportunity to meet them for yourself.
If you opened the link like I told you to, you know how a handsome aerospace engineer meets a well-read and confident Texas lady in Ft. Worth and begin a journey into the world of political opinions. This meeting would turn into friendly fire between two who would eventually fall in love, marry, and create a two-headed force of nature.
Ant had it made. He was personable and open-minded. He would one day be recognized by Purdue University for his achievements in his field. He was leading the nation’s nuclear weapons major environmental test facilities. He spoke GEEK!
No one would ever pick him for a Super Nerd, but he was. But better yet, he was a Super Nerd who could lead and be trusted to the fate of a nation working out of the Sandia National Laboratories. After retirement, he was the Corporate Director of Strategy for Universities Space Research Association with revenues over 160 million.
An excellent example of how special Dr. Thornton is comes from this link. Purdue University Distinguished Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering Award 2015
“After the award ceremony, I invited Anthony to speak to a meeting of students in the Minority Engineering Program (MEP). He spoke to the students about the challenges he faced in the early ‘90s. How challenging it was as a minority in the field. How he could look back at those times with pride that he persevered.
A young lady approached him afterwards and thanked him sincerely for his message. You see, she had just that day called her mother and told her to come get her. That she couldn’t make it here.
She told him that after listening to him, she was calling her mother back and was determined to complete her degree.
Later, Anthony remarked that this experience was worth more than any award. This was his reward!
I later found out that he had stayed in contact with the young lady and mentored her! I knew he was special, but this story tells you all you need to know about Dr. Anthony Thornton. No matter what and who he leads, he will always be the man people will follow!” Rita Baines
Glenna has her own powers. She is self-confident, non-apologetic, and like many of my lady friends from Texas. She is a God-fearing, Conservative, Christian, Patriot. I love these women. Many will read this and know I am talking about them.
The two formed a little group who would meet weekly for a friendly round of ‘What is happening with the Government and how do we help fix it!’ They dubbed the group ‘The Insect Club’ featuring Ant and the Grasshopper.
The names are fitting. The Ant is undeterred in his mission. He has his focus on the job at hand and keeps himself grounded. That doesn’t mean he won’t dance! There is video evidence out there.
The Grasshopper has a wider view of the world and hops or even flies around seeking food for the soul. I am not talking about insects.
The book is filled with e-mails back and forth as Glenna continuously backs her opinions with facts. Facts that our life-long Kennedy Democrat had not really looked in to. They were undeniable and day by day, book by book, and with e-mails stacking up between the two, Ant began to regret his early contribution to Obama and eventually marries The Grasshopper. As a team, they join in helping to support the formation of the Albuquerque Tea-Party.
Six years after their improbable meeting and subsequent love story, they team up to share their story. If you didn’t mind me and read the free introduction to ‘My Crazy White Wife’ you might want to skip back to that link!
Breakfast with the Thorntons
Every morning Ant took over the kitchen and prepared us bacon with fried eggs and toast. He did mix it up with an omelet a couple of times. Ant uses hot sauce on everything. He is also a Tea drinker with honey. He enjoys being the host and has his own method of nuking the bacon. Other than manning the grill for k-bobs for an evening with their neighbors and travel buddies Wade and Christine Brown, Glenna takes over the kitchen.
Our Grasshopper is a hostess that would make any Texas preacher proud. Snacks, beverages, prepping our meals, and hovering over her guest needs. I felt like I was family from the minute we picked up my baggage at the airport.
During the day we would break off to separate spaces in the multi-level home which was designed for entertaining.
Glenna would spend hours each day sorting through the books and mail. I was making my own calls between reading their book. I would pass her workspace and occasionally interrupt her to let her engage in a phone conversation. At first, I was cautious for breaking her concentration, but she was always able to shift her attention with grace.
Ant was upstairs calling everyone who had sent a donation. Although he is a proud man and it is hard to ask for donations, he is much better at thanking people. We would take breaks and discuss our plans as they continued to evolve.
The Team
The Thornton campaign has really been just a few close friends who traveled with them whenever possible.They live close by and gather often. Kathy McCoy, Christine and Wade Brown, Glenna, Ant, and Ellen and Andy Anderson.
Ellen Anderson worked with Ant. She has a lot to say.
I’ve known Ant for almost 20 years working with him at Sandia National Labs and remaining good friends with him and his wife Glenna.
Ant is a rare combination of true intelligence, strategic in his thinking and has a solid base of common sense but he has an amazing ability to relate and care for others on a personal level. I have observed him working at the highest levels of national security situations, under very demanding stressful consequential circumstances.
Ant can see a problem, intuitively form a solution while taking input from others and all the while shaping a cohesive team that will implement that solution. Everyone feels part of the team as an individual as well as having a sense of being part of something bigger. What makes Ant a special kind of leader (and the reason I wanted to be part of his election team) is he always made me feel like a valued member of his team.
We worked through many difficult situations and I developed not only a true respect for his abilities but a respect for him personally. From our working together and friendship, my husband and he became good friends. We have remained friends in the ensuing years since our working relationships and today I value his friendship as a blessing and gift.
When Ant called me last summer and asked me to be part of his core team…I jumped at the opportunity. Ellen
The next evening, we met with one of these couples, Kathy and David at Ribs BBQ at Sandia Park. Kathy is a past 3-term New Mexico State Rep. They had become friends when the Thorntons had become actively involved in local politics.
By the way, Glenna and I showed our country roots by both ordering the Chicken fried Steaks!
Kathy shared a story with me that is worth repeating!
“Many of us including myself began encouraging Ant to run for an office. So, it was a bittersweet moment when I found out that he had decided to run for the Senate. I had just agreed to act as the treasurer for his opposition and was really torn when the Thorntons announced their candidacy. I was committed but deep down, I knew that Ant was a wonderful candidate as well.
I didn’t really know how Ant felt about my support of his opponent, but we remained friends.
I was as much surprised as I was relieved when Ant called on me to act as his treasurer for the Lt. Gov. campaign. As far as I was concerned, it was an honor that I couldn’t refuse.
To me, Ant Thornton once again demonstrated his class and it really washed away the bit of angst I had harbored for not being able to help his Senatorial Campaign. He will be an honorable and capable Lt. Governor. New Mexico will be better for people like the Thorntons leading by example.”
I have adopted the Thorntons!
By the third day with the Thorntons, I loved them. Maybe sooner, but I have been around enough to be wary of politicians. Another one of their close friends shared their relationship with me and I knew I had been blessed by this opportunity to become involved with very special people. We prayed with confidence and devotion before every meal. Our faith in God and country was a part of our conversations.
I found out that before they married, they had committed to prioritizing God in their relationship, and they do it with Joy and Peace.
John Schnoor shared this with me.
“I have known Anthony for 15 years. In 2008 I was flying back to Albuquerque after a business trip in Dallas. I was seated next to Glenna Thornton (Ant’s wife) whom I had never met. If you know Glenna, you know she is a conversationalist. She also offered me a free drink ticket, so began our conversation! She is a sweet soul and reminded me of my wife Jeanne, and I knew they would hit it off.
Before our short flight was over, I said "you and your husband should come to our home for dinner”. We picked a date, and both announced to our spouses that we had met on a plane and now we’re getting together for dinner!
That was the night I first met Anthony. He made a great first impression. I already had heard about his PHD, Sandia Labs position, political transformation from Glenna on the flight. While this was all very impressive, when you’re coming over for dinner, I’m more interested to know if the guy can carry a conversation, have a sense of humor, smile etc.
After 5 minutes I knew I could relax. Anthony is all those things and more. You can tell he’s sharp. A snappy dresser with his signature hat. An easy smile. Great sense of humor.
Those are things you can learn in a couple hours of dinner and conversation. What things take longer to learn is that he is honest, loyal, patriotic, optimistic, trustworthy, faithful, dependable.
After 15 years I can unabashedly say YES! All of these things are evident and true. I consider Anthony one of my best friends. We would be even closer than we are if we didn’t live an hour and 15 minutes apart.
As far as politics go, our state and our nation will be in better hands with him in office because of all the traits I listed above. I know when he first retired, running for office probably was the last thing on his mind. But when you see how our country is going, it didn’t surprise me in the least that he saw a need and said, “I can help fix this”.
Let’s hope for all of our sakes, he wins!”
Jon and Jeanne Schnoor
Wade and Christine Brown
Neighbors and best friends, the Brown duet have traveled thousands of miles with the Thorntons and typically spend their Thanksgivings together. They can see each other’s homes across the mountain passes of Sandia.
They are a very interesting combination. Wade is a Marine/Stock Analyst and serves as Head of Security for the campaign with a dry wit and get to the point approach. Christine is the Field Operations Manager who watches everything with a skeptic’s eyes. She is not easily swayed and is laser focused on the task at hand.
We grilled K-bobs and sampled wines over a pleasant dinner at the Thorntons. I felt the scrutiny of two dear friends testing my intent and capabilities. I didn’t mind. By then, any friend of the Thorntons had passed my litmus test.
“We have traveled thousands of miles together and spend Thanksgiving together as well. Anthony Thornton has the character and integrity that we wish all elected officials had. I'm proud to be one of his most avid supporters and know he would have a huge positive effect on New Mexico.” Wade and Chris Brown
Rio Rancho Mayors Sunday Funday Festival
On Sunday, we attended the Mayor’s Sunday Funday festival in Rio Rancho just north of Albuquerque. It was a perfect day and a great opportunity to see Ant in action. We roamed the many booths, and I was pleased to see Ants ability to engage with everyone young and old. Many GOP candidates were represented. Is this a Christian/Conservative stronghold?
I didn’t see any Dems making a presence. We had a long visit with the great mayor of Rio Rancho, Gregory Hull who was just re-elected with 68% of the votes. It was a family affair, and I was surprised by the tapestry of humanity who were happily enjoying the event. It was a well-attended family event.
By now, I was not surprised by the ease of Ant and his (once again) Magnetism of his interactions. He took his time with the people we engaged. It wasn’t the hit and run method of experienced politicians. I felt that everyone he took time for was a vote for the man and not the party.
I knew how tired they were. Ant and Glenna had spent the past two days enduring long drives and little sleep. And yet, once he entered the festival grounds, his energy spiked, and he took on the opportunity to meet and greet like a greeter at church.
Did I mention that one of the Thorntons favorite things is to be greeters at their church? It shows.
Sheriff Tony Mace and Grants New Mexico
Two of my friends in Grants are Robert Windhorst the Cibola County Commissioner and Sheriff Tony Mace.
Tony had just completed his term as the Chairman of the New Mexico Sheriffs Association and is referred to as the Rogue Sheriff. Even though Tony runs as a Democrat, he is a Marine/Patriot/Constitutional Sheriff. He has led the way in speaking openly about the current lack of support or even communication with the current administration.
He opposed the Catch and Release bail reforms, the most invasive Red Flag law in the nation, the de-fund efforts, and the blind eye to border protection.
We met at the Surf Shack so that the Sheriff could give the attendees a general summary of the position the N. M. Sheriffs had taken to acknowledge and take on the deaf ears of the Governor.
I wanted Ant to hear it for himself.
Two days later, Ant would be in San Juan County with the new Chairman Sheriff Shane Ferrari.
I saw this as a great opportunity for the future Lt. Governor to meet these respected Law Enforcement leaders and hear their side of the story personally.
You want to meet this man!
New Mexico! Wake up! You have great people who are stepping up who aren’t politicians. They are successful in their own fields and are proven leaders. Ant Thornton may be one of the best examples of people who are stepping up to save the state they love.
Buy the book. Send this introduction out to people with a love for New Mexico and not for Party!
By the way, Sheriff Mace was the only Democrat who attended this luncheon.
Ant Thornton speaks on what he learned from Chairman of New Mexico Sheriffs Assoc. Sheriffs Tony Mace of Cibola County and newly installed Shane Ferrari of San Juan County.
“In listening to Sheriff Tony Mace, it became obvious to me that the current Administration in the Governor’s office does not support law enforcement. Sheriff Mace mentioned that due to the legislature removing qualified immunity, the state of New Mexico has lost approximately 700 officers due to retirement or better opportunities in other states. Surrounding states have better pay and better benefits for law enforcement officers. Yet the Governor is promising to give the state police $9M because they would be under her direct control as opposed to the County sheriffs who report to their local constituents.
The revolving door created by bail reform needs to be reformed again. Originally, the concern was that there were many poor people sitting in jail because they couldn’t bond out while awaiting trial. This resulted in a point system that now allows judges to release most offenders. To be “qualified” for jail, someone has to commit a serious violent crime.
Tony Mace mentioned that fentanyl, which is manufactured in China, is now being funneled via the Mexican cartels into New Mexico via Luna County and Hidalgo County. San Juan County Sheriff Shane Ferrari verified that NM is becoming a hub for drug trafficking as the number of fentanyl seizures has increased 16-fold over the last two quarters in his county alone.
Border enforcement is the first line of defense to reduce the crime in New Mexico. It is also a national security issue as we have over 100,000 deaths nationally caused by fentanyl in the last year (the equivalent of a commercial airliner crashing every day for a year). We need to have local law enforcement that works with Customs and Border Patrol (C.B.P.) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) to coordinate activities and investigations.
Probably the most problematic issue is that within the next year or two, 21 county sheriffs will be terming out at a time where we need experienced law enforcement officers. New Mexico may want to propose changing the law to allow sheriffs more than two terms in office.”
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