Did Guns Lose NM for Kerry?

The Nation has an article today calledDemocrat Killer that makes the argument that the Democrats could have won in NM in 2004 were it not for the gun issue, and goes on to talk about how Richardson and other western politicians understand that guns are a wedge issue in the state.
I, personally, would never have thought for a minute it made much difference. Since that concealed weapon law passed, only, maybe, 2000 people have applied for permits.
Oh Richardson. Oh Democrats. Oh The Nation.
Read it.