Ramsay Gorham

With the hotly contested City Council races headed into the final stretch, New Mexico Republican Party Chairwoman Ramsay Gorham emails "NM Politics with Joe Monahan" to say the GOP will NOT be getting involved. She also took time to separate the GOP from the Citizens for Greater Albuquerque Committee (CGA) which has come under the microscope for conducting negative phone calling against candidates not on their favorites list--Martin Heinrich in District Six, Debbie O'Malley in Two and incumbent Brad Winter in Four. Here is is a portion of her email:

"When I was elected Chairwoman, I wanted to set a new tone for our party, our candidates and our incumbents. I stated that the party would not be involved in primaries involving other incumbent Republicans. I will not participate in Citizens for Greater ABQ because they have chosen to recruit and run against an incumbent. This is not a front organization for New Mexico's Republican Party."

Thanks for the news Ramsay.

ANALYSIS: The incumbent Republican seeking a council seat is Winter, opposed by fellow Republican and CGA endorsed candidate Pat Milligan. Johanna Tigue in District Six is the only other Republican running for council in a contested race. We assume Ramsay's GOP non-involvement pledge extends to all council races, the bond issues and quarter-cent sales tax increase. The city charter mandates non-involvement by the political parties in city elections, which should be reason enough for the parties to keep their hands off, either directly or through a committee.

I first raised the question of possible GOP involvement a couple of weeks ago when I went over the contribution list of Greater ABQ Committee and found many names who have also donated substantially to the GOP. Also, top GOP consultant Jay McCleskey is working for Greater ABQ. Ramsay's pledge to not get the GOP involved is also noteworthy because four years ago her predecessor, John Dendahl, rocked city politics when he unleashed funds to finance attack literature on two incumbent councilors in what by city charter are supposed to be non-partisan contests. That's why I raised the issue this election cycle.

OK. So the GOP and as far as we know, the Democrats, are not in these Council fights. But Mr. and Mrs. Albuquerque are still holding their breath waiting to see the final lit pieces and hear the final phone calls from Greater ABQ committee which has raised over $90,000 to promote pro-business and "pro-jobs" candidates. Will they be "pit bull" attacks or "soft soap"? Well, a piece CGA put out in District Four today supporting Pat Milligan is NOT a below-the-belt attack. It touts Milligan's support of jobs, but does not mention Winter. Milligan promises the lit HIS campaign is sponsoring is not going to go negative. "We're going to talk about Brad's support of tax increases, (six votes to raise water and garbage rates) that's his record," Milligan told me while door-knocking in the northeast heights district. The candidate says he has lost 14 pounds and claims to have knocked on 3,000 doors. I am waiting to hear from Brad.

I will monitor CGA activity in the other districts and let you know what I hear. I am also keeping an eye on the other side. Professional politico Dan Houck is questioning 'misleading" phone calls by "liberal" groups and thinks we need to keep our eye on them, not just CGA. He's right. Misrepresentation by any side needs to be brought to the voters' attention. But the pattern has been for misrepresentation and gutter-level attacks to come on the final weekend of the campaign, making it hard for the opponent to respond.

While Milligan and CGA have yet to hit Winter hard, former GOP State Rep. Frank Bird is not holding back. He sent a letter into the district today saying, "I put my name on the line for Brand Winter in 1999...and I was wrong." Bird faults Winter on the tax issue and says Milligan has pledged to vote "against all tax and fee increases." Every one, guys? That's a pledge that will be closely watched, if Winter, the favored incumbent, is upset by Milligan. The District Four race is pitting moderate Republicans against conservative GOP'ers. It's a war that's been going on in the party for many years. Ramsay, in the midst of an intraparty meltdown, is wise to stay out of the council battles. She's going to have a lot of fence mending to do whichever way the race goes.

Big Bill

The State Capitol was rocked by the following news late Wednesday:

N.M.REVENUE OUTLOOK BRIGHTENS BECAUSE OF NATURAL GAS PRICES
By: Associated Press
(Santa Fe-AP) -- "New Mexico's financial outlook next year is brighter thanks to strong prices for natural gas and oil. Top budget and tax officials in Governor Bill Richardson's administration delivered a new revenue forecast to the Legislative Finance Committee Wednesday. It shows an improvement over revenue estimates made in August. Lawmakers can expect about $153 million in so-called 'new money' for the upcoming budget year, which will start next July. That's how much projected revenues in the 2005 fiscal year are expected to outpace current spending."

MY ANALYSIS--This changes the entire political dynamic of the special legislative session set for October 27th on tax reform. Some of the "in-the-know' crowd told me that Big Bill should consider canceling the special session by saying the state's finances are ok for the short term and that since he disagrees with the proposals from his Tax Reform Commission, he will fight that fight another day. It just might be the smart thing to do because it appeared the Commission's proposals, rather than being long-range, were formed with the immediate fiscal shortfall of over $120 million in mind. Now that that shortfall is apparently behind us, the many tax INCREASE proposals the panel made look even more feeble and will be fought harder than ever by the GOP. Richardson was accused by the GOP of speeding up tax reform so he could carry it into any national campaign he might enter. But he is not going to get the reform he wants so this news could be Big Bill's way out of the special. After all, it took New York state several years to come up with a tax reform plan, not several months.

The tax panel quickly turned into a tax increase panel and is drawing sneers and derision from conservatives and moderates statewide. The Guv has washed his hands of it. So, the politicos ask, what's to talk about in a special session, except odds and ends? It's a good point. The tax panel did not come up with any far-reaching proposals to improve the economy. Is a session that could last up to 15 days (according to my experts) worth it just to handle a few minor items? The guv would probably not be hurt, but what's the point?

Another impact of this late breaking good money news is on Big Bill's tax cuts. Sources at the Capitol told me they were sure to come under fire in the special, with possibly Senator Manny leading the charge. But with this huge projected revenue increase, being against the guv's tax cuts just lost a lot of its impact. While the new money is welcome, the long-range structural problem of the state's Medicaid program, which is exploding the budget, remains to be solved. It's now put off for another day while the politicos wallow in all the fresh cash. This, on top of the millions flowing into the coffers from the recently passed Conny Two amendment for education spending. Raise taxes now? Not a chance. The tax bonzana from oil and gas will not solve our long-term issues but it sure will keep the legislators out of our wallets. After all, every lawmaker stands for re-election in 2004.

And how about the PR pop for the oil and gas industry? Sure, prices are high and you are paying more for gas at the pump and to heat your home, so it is a bit of a hidden tax increase. But without those monies coming into the state, I hate to think what kind of tax bill we would face.

The Bottom Line: Oil and gas revenues have bailed Big Bill and NM out for another year, a day of reckoning is postponed and a governorship from which big things could be launched is kept afloat.

Thanks for tuning in. Be sure to listen for us ABQ Election Night, October 28 at 6:30 p.m. on KANW 89.1 FM. It's "New Mexico's Best Political Broadcast" with exclusive early returns and the top experts. KANW-FM is heard all over north central New Mexico.

Somebody stop me! I know we haven't even had the 03' city election, the unification election or next year's presidential election, but the political junkies are so cranked up they need another election to talk about, ABQ Mayor 2005. Since noone else will, it looks like I will assume the dubious honor of being the first to write about this tale so far in the future that we could all be driving electric cars by then.

What we have to report is the new mom who would be mayor. She's Democratic State Senator Linda Lopez of the south valley (She lives in the city) and rumors of her seeking the city's top job just won't die. They started months ago, were shot down by "those in the know" but today are back in full force. I am hearing it from valley political operatives as well as Green Party circles. That's a pretty big spread, enough to be taken seriously.

Linda isn't talking, which can be read any way you like. But she is the new chair of the Bernalillo County Democratic Party, a former chair of the state senate Democratic caucus and the lady who ousted well-know Democrat Tom Benavidez from the senate back in 96'. She just also happens to be the mother of Lorenzo, born the week in 02' when Manny Aragon was ousted as Senate President Pro Tem by Richard Romero. That happened because Linda was giving birth and could not vote for Manny and he lost his title by one vote. (He later became Senate Majority Leader and took a chunk of that power back.)

Most interesting is Linda's run for the Democratic nomination for Lt. Governor last year against eventual winner Diane Denish. Linda was denied a spot on the June primary ballot because she failed to secure enough votes at the Democratic Party pre-primary convention. In 98' Diane beat out another prominent Hispanic woman for the Lt. Governor nomination, Sec. of State Stephanie Gonzales. It was a rough campaign that left some scars. The operatives in the valley would have Diane supporting Linda for mayor in part to make amends with Hispanic women who still harbor a bit of a grudge. But didn't Lady Di partner with Mayor Marty in 98' when they sought the governor and light guv jobs? Yes.

A run for mayor by Linda Lopez would ceratinly put the Hispanic and female vote in play. She would not be a token candiate, and she might just get a few tips from Manny Aragon, that is if Little Lorenzo doesn't need some motherly attention when Manny comes a knockin.'

By DEBORAH BAKER
Associated Press

SANTA FE - The state canvassing board on Tuesday certified the results of last month's special election that showed a constitutional amendment to provide more money to schools winning by 195 votes.

Official results of the Sept. 23 election showed the amendment being approved by a vote of 92,198 to 92,003. A second amendment, which changed the way the public school system is governed, was endorsed by a vote of 101,542 to 83,155.

We wrote last night of the little mystery regarding Erika Ruiz' absence from the Channel 13 airwaves without an on-air explanation. Well, the explanation came late today that the popular broadcaster has a touch of bronchitis and cannot (excuse the pun) cough up the news. Fortunately, Erika will be decongested and back in your living rooms shortly.

The Albuquerque Fire Department and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta are both held in high esteem, but that isn't stopping behind the scenes critics from stepping up to the plate and taking a swing at these sacred cows. No wonder, the Fiesta just finished its high-profile annual run and the AFD is pitching the public to support a quarter-cent public safety tax increase on the city election ballot October 28th.

So what's the problem? For the Fiesta it's some contrarians in the business community who are grumbling that since Kodak dropped out as the Fiesta's main sponsor the event has lost financial support and Albuquerque has dropped a bit on the prestige meter. As explained by one businessman: "What gives? The Fiesta has had several years to replace Kodak. We know the corporate environment has been tough, but haven't they heard about matching their price with market reality? We could probably have a Fortune 500 sponsor for the Fiesta but it appears the Fiesta has not offered a good enough deal. If the price they are pitching doesn't get a bite, how about adjusting it?" Ouch.

My take: The Fiesta is the premier tourist event for the Land of Enchantment and has been subsidized by taxpayers for years. A sponsor like Kodak brings more international attention, more money into the city and perhaps more business relocations to our fair burgh. Hopefully, the Fiesta folks will be able to step it up a notch and get Albuquerque back into the big time business community soon.

Now, on to that other sacred cow--the Albuquerque Fire Department. To hear any criticism of it is quite rare. After all, these guys train hard and work hard. But when you want to get your hands deeper into the taxpayer's wallet, as the public safety tax does, you are going to take some hits. This time the criticism is coming from homeowners at risk during this summer's Bosque fires. The response time, said one, was "pathetic." "Waits of an hour for any sign of the fire department were common, and there seemed to be a lot of confusion in just how the department responded to the fire in the first couple of hours." This is actually renewed criticism which was reported on KRQE-TV during the fires and is now being renewed. Critics are also throwing in a big restaurant fire down in the ABQ valley a couple of years ago, where they claim response time was inadequate and decision making at that scene was also questionable. No doubt the criticism will sting, but when homeowners are left wandering through smoke filled streets without anyone there to say, "Stay calm. Help is on the way," a void is created and public confidence is wounded. Also rubbing nerves raw is the radio spot urging support of the city bond issue to prevent another Bosque blaze. The uncritical media appraisals of the AFD have not stopped the homeowners with real life experience from mumbling against giving the department more money until AFD admits the response issue needs examination.

Seems there's no free grazing for anyone come Election Day, not even a sacred cow.

The Bernalillo County Commission, pictured above, took a major hit this weekend when the Journal's Mike Gallagher dropped a lengthy investigative piece on the awarding of a no-bid contract to private corrections company Cornell to fill up the old downtown jail which was left vacant upon the opening of the new westside detention facility. The Journal was leaked documents showing that two lobbyists, Edmund "Joe" Lang, a former state senator and longtime friend of Commissioner Rutherford and former Democratic Party Chairman Art Trujillo, stood to make a stunning $2.5 million from client Cornell over five years if the Commission approved the contract. Most of the cash would have gone to Lang. The contract was approved on a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Brasher opposing. The Cornell contract is up-in-the-air now with the State Board of Finance meeting this week to decide its fate. Gov. Richardson sits on the Board. Political tongues are wagging about the impact of all this on the Unification Election November 4th. The politicos are of a mind-set that unification, already in trouble, is in even deeper trouble now. Said one:"The last thing needed was a red flag raised about the Commission's ethics. Compared to the city council, they've actually been looking like statesman, but now they've been dragged down. Who would want to unify that bunch?" He pondered. The Journal's Gallagher is a New York native who attended UNM. His brother Tim was editor of the Albuquerque Tribune in the 1990's.

Channel 13 and the other news broadcasts Tuesday night detailed Sheriff White's concerns about unification and the costs of joining his department with APD. Too expensive, said White, whose job would be eliminated if unification is approved. We mention KRQE specifically because a sharp-eyed viewer wonders to us about easy-on-the-eyes anchorwoman Erika Ruiz, who teams with legendary Dick Knipfing in what has become a highly-rated broadcast. Seems El Paso native Erika was absent from the set Tuesday and noone announced on the air why. The viewer reports a call to the station drew the response from a news employee, "I was told she is not here tonight." Asked for specifics, the employee repeated the answer and refused further comment. No big deal? Maybe. But Erika, please phone home and let us know.

As Always, thanks for tuning in. Tell your friends about us and use the email link on this page to send me your comments and news.

Heather in the Crosshairs?

Now that the Texas Legislature, over the stern objections of Democrats, has approved a redistricting plan that seems to assure the Congressional delegation there will be controlled by the Republicans, Democrats in New Mexico, particularly allies of State Senator President Pro Tem and Congressional candidate Richard Romero, are hoping this month's Special Session of the NM Legislature, called for the ostensible reason of tax reform, might, just might, include the thorny issue of Congressional redistricting. It all depends if Big Bill will give his blessing.

The Guv earlier said he was tempted to reintroduce the specter of redistricting the state's three Congressional seats as Texas senators holed up in ABQ for a month to avoid giving the Texas R's a quorum to pass their plan. Romero sent out a fundraising and announcement letter earlier (see below:"EXCLUSIVE: Romero DEFINITELY in Congress Race for Wilson Seat"). A Democrat redistricting would boost his chances against incumbent Republican Rep. Heather Wilson. It's a tough decision for the Guv, who has a plate full of problems these days, including the question of his use of state transport, a group of legislators on both sides of the aisle who say the upcoming special session is unnecessary and one senior United States Senator who may have a favor to call in if Big Bill tries to make a move against Heather. The Guv, with national political ambitions, is also cornered by the fear that reopening redistricting here will expose him nationally as a figure of partisanship and division, not the leader of a state unified under the benevolent banner of Big Bill. Who said being Guv was easy?

Romero would also probably have to have the support of Senate Majority leader Manny Aragon to get any redistricting bill passed, and in light of the campaign commercial Romero ran against fellow Democrat Manny in the 2002 election, it's hard to see why Senator Manny would help him out. But one wag told me: "He'd support it (redistricting) because he wants to get rid of Richard." Redistricting in the face of unified GOP opposition would push Bill on a divisive course and would cost Richardson considerable political capital. But redistricting proponents say Bill has already gotten what he can from the R's here and so taking on redistricting would not make much difference. But he will weigh the impact on his national image as well as what it would do to his future political strength. So far, he's done a pretty good job of keeping the GOP at bay, but the recent constitutional amendment election showed cracks in the dam and a move to stiff-arm over redistricting could open the way for total partisanship at the Roundhouse, and again, something Richardson would like to avoid to keep his image in good shape for a run for vice-president or president.

Clearly, the web of interests spun from redistricting would make any spider proud.

Most of the government is shut down today which means a lot of our political junkies are at loose ends. We know they need their political fix as regularly as green chili and we are preparing their doses for the coming week as quickly as possible, but in the spirit of the holiday today we take a break and send you on a trip. Kathy and I recently vacationed at a seaside California resort that is sure to de-stress even the most fervent politicos. Come with us as I don my travel writers coat and detail this very non-political junket.

Enjoy.......http://www.epinions.com/content_111142145668