Parochialism occurs as a problem when there is a combination of such factors as geographical isolation, independent historical traditions, racial or religious differences plus local or class economic interests. In New Mexico, one finds all of these factors present, and the variety of combinations produced by cross-currents and cleavages on party issues are kaleidoscopic. In the state, one finds a race-conscious group with social, economic, and cultural differences which mark it off from other people, and possessing a class solidarity in politics; and a distinct ethno-political alignment is the result.