Reliable sources report anchorman Nelson Martinez will join the Eyewitness News team at KOB-TV in January as anchor of the noon and 5 p.m. news. The veteran TV personality was apparently negotiating a comeback with his alma mater, KOAT-TV, but a deal could not be struck. Martinez earlier confirmed to me "that a deal has been struck and I could not be happier." But he would not divulge any details.

TV insiders say the Martinez hiring at KOB will especially be be a boost for them in Hispanic households where Martinez has a loyal folllowing. "The ratings for these broadcasts are so tight that a few thousand households can tip the balance," said one source. "For that reason alone hiring Martinez is the smart move." Nelson left TV a year ago to concentrate on music and acting, but Hollywood was apparently not calling, so he is back to his first calling--anchoring the news. Martinez is a native of Chimayo and a recording artist whose mariachi music is marketed from his own web site. Martinez joins fellow native New Mexican, the popular Carla Aragon, at 4. Carla and Tom Joles languished for years behind KOAT, but in 2000 the station got a kick-start from the big Los Alamos fires and has found itself atop the heap, or tied for top of the heap with 7. KRQE is hot on their trail.

The Martinez news comes on the heels of Larry Barker's departure from 7 and his hiring by KRQE. And all of this comes during the crucial November "sweeps" when ratings are underway from which advertising rates will be set. With advertising still in somewhat of a slump, each rating point becomes critical to keep the ad dollars flowing.

DEAN & BILL--04' TEAM?
Washington contacts make sure the politically astute readers of "New Mexico Politics With Joe Monahan" are aware of Sunday's Washington Post article reporting that Big Bill is playing coy, but is indeed angling for a place on the 2004 Democratic ticket. Bill's almost-endorsement of Vermont Gov. Howard Dean last week now puts him front and center on the rumored VP wanna-be list. The Post quotes an "informed source" that the Guv all along wanted the position of chairman of the 2004 Dem convention so he could maintain neutrality towards all the contenders and stay on everyone's VP list. Now with Dean breaking from the pack the Post says Bill is making his move. Here's the full story

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A7255-2003Nov22.html

Friends of the Guv tell me they think some of his advisers may be too far ahead of the curve if they are advising a 'stay-out' role in 04' and an all-out Prez run in 08'. One puts it this way: "Who knows what happens in five years, let alone five months. He'd be crazy not to go after VP now because win or lose it's the gateway to the White House. Contrary to what some think his national name ID is not that high and selection as VP would catapult him to the top of American politics. How's he going to get there as NM Governor if he's not the VP candidate? Also, his popularity here could seriously erode as he makes more decisions that draw opposition."

Pretty insightful stuff that you have to believe Big Bill is considering. Ask Senator Pete about this level of politics. Domenici lost out to Dan Quayle in 88' for the VP spot under Bush the Elder, and the chance never came again.

RAMSAY: WAR ON TWO FRONTS IS TOO MUCH

GOP sources report the chances of State Chair Ramsay Gorham seeking a third term to her North Valley Senate seat next year are "slim to "none." But Ramsay isn't ready to make it official. She e mails me "that no meetings have taken place on that yet." The new party chair, who is locked in a life and death struggle with the forces of former chair Dendahl, is NOT being driven from the senate race, our sources emphasize. "She is fully aware that the chairmanship is a full-time affair, and that serving as a state senator and trying to rebuild the party is taking on way too much." Full-time to say the least.

Gorham shocked the hard-right of the GOP this month (many stories below) when she threw down the gauntlet and demanded a role for the state party with the Bush re-elect committee, which the national GOP, in concert with the Dendahlites, was trying to exclude her from. That demonstration of moxy will probably win her a seat at that table. Also, over the weekend 32 of the about 38 members of the GOP Executive Committee gave her a big vote of confidence. These developments come in the wake of her controversial hiring of former Democrat Tom Carroll as Ex. Director of the GOP. Gorham has been attacked for not knowing how to use staff, but she apparently knows how to run Carroll.

Ramsay's opponents have underestimated her throughout her political career but her fight is far from over. She will have to finalize a decent role for herself with the Bush campaign and also have a good showing for the Prez and the GOP legislative brigade next November, if she is to be more than a transitory leader.

OK. So if Ramsay is a no-go, who is in line to replace her? The names I am hearing are former State. Rep. Judy Vanderstar Russell, who gave up her House seat for an unsuccessful run for the GOP Lt . Gov. nomination in 04' and State Rep. Teresa Zanetti, a moderate Republican, who replaced John Sanchez when he left that North Valley seat after one term to take on Big Bill. Democrat Janice Paster held the senate seat and was beaten by Ramsay in 96' and again in 2000. Word is that Janice no longer lives in the district so the Dems will have to find someone else.

NEWS ANCHOR MARTINEZ COMING BACK
Veteran TV anchorman Nelson Martinez says he's coming back. Nelson e mails us with late word that "a deal has been struck and I could not be happier." He did not say where he would be working or what the nature of the deal was, but that an announcement would be forthcoming, perhaps as soon as today. Martinez has been the subject of intense speculation since longtime investigative reporter Larry Barker was deposed from 7 and set up shop at KRQE-TV (see story below). Martinez left KOAT-TV a year ago to pursue music and acting, but the Barker departure led to speculation that 7 was freeing up money to bring back Martinez, perhaps starting him off as a morning and/or noon news anchor. Strictly speculation, of course, and Nelson's announcement will answer the question. KOAT, once the dominant news force in NM, is now locked in a three way battle for that title with KOB-TV and KRQE-TV.

Make our site one of your 'favorites.' Bookmark it now and and visit regularly for updates.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2003
Not for reproduction without permission of the author

REP. WHITE
A new, young face on the GOP scene may be thrust into the middle of the ongoing battle for the heart and soul of the Grand Old Party. State Rep. Bob White of the Northeast Heights of ABQ is out and out declaring that 24 year old Justine Young is going to run against him in the GOP primary next June and that he is preparing for battle. Justine Young is a former Legislative Finance Committee staffer and currently secretary to lawyer and Republican National Committeeman Mickey Barnett, associate of former GOP Chair Dendahl and a leader of the hard right of the GOP. The obvious take by White is that the young Ms. Young would be a tool of Barnett in the Legislature.

But Justine demurs when asked if she is about to enter the intraparty fray by taking on the 61 year old White. "I'm considering a lot of things, running for political office is one of them," she tells me. But tellingly she would not rule herself out of a race against White, who was elected two years ago to replace retiring GOP Rep. Pauline Gubbels. White, owner of The Print Shop, which does a lot of business from political candidates, says he is ready to take on the forces of Barnett and that "I can outprint them, that's for sure. I will raise the necessary funds and will fight to keep my seat because I have a good voting record. I will take on all comers."

That's fighting language and he better be prepared to fight because Republican sources tell me White's vote FOR Gov. Bill's road tax package in the House Taxation Committee may be the weapon used against him by any primary foe that does surface. White did vote NO on the road tax when it went before the full House. Running opponents against Republicans who were not seen as "conservative" enough was a feature of the Dendahl years and a feature new GOP Chair Gorham vows to do away with. But she does not have full control of the party and what will be, will be. It all seems self-destructive to neutral observers since it is so hard to elect ANY Republican to the Legislature, never mind a "conservative" or "moderate" one, but still the family war goes on.

Ms. Young is a graduate of Brown University and not without some politics in her background. Her father is Democrat Charlie Young, one of the leading healthcare lobbyists in the state. He also was a top aide to former ABQ Mayor Ken Schultz back in the 80's and has since been a fixture on the state political scene. Trying to pin down his daughter on her political plans proved difficult with her telling me: "This is turning into a full-time job for you, isn't it?" Justine, full-time doesn't come close to describing the wonderful world of la politica. It's not a job; it's a life. They don't teach that at school, but you learn fast when you enter the fray. Just ask your dad, or Bob White.

IN DEFENSE OF SENATOR PETE
Reaction was swift and sometimes furious to our report regarding Metro Court Judge Denise Barela-Shepherd and her prospects for a District Court judgeship. (See Story Below) A fan of Sen. Pete's emails in that the "Democratic losers" are "crazy" for saying Pete and Gov. Bill are in cahoots to promote the GOP's Shepherd and must be "smoking funny stuff in their pipes." Here's more: "Do they really think Pete (while negotiating national energy policy) has the time to deal with this level of politics? I sure wish he did, because if he did, they would feel the wrath of the St. Pete they so fear!"

And Republican Seth Heath hammered the Democratic sources who complained to me that Gov. Johnson appointed mostly Republicans to judgeships during his tenure. Emailing from UNM Heath says: "The former Dean of the Law School and former Chair of the judicial selection committee did a presentation for a class of mine that showed Johnson's appointments were dang near 50/50 between the parties. So tell your Dem sources to get their facts straight before making false accusations."

You just did Seth. I welcome comment and reaction to all sides of the stories we report here so keep the e mails coming. There's a link to do so at the top of the page.

THE GUV'S PERMANENT CAMPAIGN

Amanda Cooper is a top political operative for Big Bill and also the daughter of NM Congressman Tom Udall and his wife Jill Cooper. Jill was Director of the NM Cultural Afffairs Dept. back in the 80's. Amanda helped Bill with the constitutional amendment election in September. It narrowly passed. Now the talented politico has been tapped to run a campaign office for the Guv in downtown Santa Fe. A campaign office? Already? Yup. The Santa Fe New Mexican's chief political correspondent, Steve Terrell, has the story for us http://www.sfnewmexican.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=15&ArticleID=35900

Make our site one of your 'favorites.' Bookmark it now and and visit regularly for updates.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2003
Not for reproduction without permission of the author

JUDGE SHEPHERD
What's the deal? That's what some Democratic lawyers are asking in the wake of Republican Bernalillo County Metro Court Judge Denise Barela Shepherd's climb up the judicial ladder, and possibly into a Bernalillo County District Court judge seat. Here's the scoop: The Judicial Nominating Commission sent four names to Governor Bill to fill the vacancy created by retiring Democrat District Judge Susan Conway. But, as is his privilege, he rejected the four with no explanation (Democrats among them) and asked for more names. What he got back on a 13 to 5 vote by the commission was the name of Judge Shepherd. And that's when Democrat attorneys hit the roof.

The lawyers claim the surfacing of the GOP's Barela-Shepherd is part of a political deal between the Guv and GOP Senator Pete Domenici. Said one: "Her husband is a trial lawyer and Republican who served as a State Fair Commissioner under Gov. Johnson and has ties to Pete. Some of us think the move toward Denise is part of a deal Bill cut with Pete to get his support for the constitutional amendment in September."

Quite a hit there and, of course, delivered under the cloak of anonymity. Political tongues have been wagging since Pete and Bill met before the September special election and then announced that Pete was reversing course and supporting the measure to increase distributions from the state permanent fund. It narrowly won voter approval. Bill and Pete were asked point-blank after the meeting if there had been any favors pledged for Pete's turnabout. Both men flatly denied the suggestion.

But not all are buying in. One of the disgruntled attorneys said, "it's our turn. For eight years we were in the desert. Johnson loaded up the judgeships with Republicans. Now we have a Democratic governor and we don't want more of the same. This thing isn't sitting well with a lot of us," he sniped.

The mystery continues over what, if any deal, Pete and Bill carved out. The possible appointment by Bill of Barela-Shepherd is the latest evidence the Pete-Bill deal theorists are offering up. Other theory's include the claim that Bill told Pete he would not get involved in efforts to oust Republican Congresswoman Heather Wilson.

Another reason being offered for Big Bill possibly going with Shepherd, according to a source close to the action: "If Denise is removed from Metro Court, then Republican judge Judy Nakamura, the presiding judge, could lose her razor thin majority of metro judges. That would be a Democrat reason to get rid of one or two Republican Metro Court judges. There is budget money, the court administrator position, management of several projects and all the metro court contracts at stake."

The plot is indeed thick.

Richardson has 30 days to make the judge appointment or decline and leave it to the State Supreme Court. Meanwhile, all this and more will continue to be fodder for the alligators populating the rivers of La Politica.

GOVERNOR GARY 'NOT HAPPY' WITH GOP INFIGHTING
Close associates of former GOP NM Governor Johnson tell "New Mexico Politics With Joe Monahan" he is "not happy" with the recent party infighting and is particularly disturbed by some of the sniper tactics that have been employed. Johnson has not publicly commented on the war raging in the GOP, but our sources say "he has bridges to both sides of the battle, and weighs in quietly with his opinions." Is Johnson's pledge never to seek political office again for real? "It is if his wife Dee has anything to say," quipped one of the former Gov's close friends.

Johnson's friends also tell me he is actively following the fiscal policies of Gov. Bill. "He adds up how much of the surplus that he left has been spent and he says it's already all gone." That sure sounds like someone who is still engaged with the game, even if currently on the bench. We'll keep you posted.

DENNIS AND THE DUKE CITY
NM political junkie Dennis Domrzalski currently spills ink for the NM Biz Weekly, but keeps his political credentials updated and his readers amused on his own web site. We recommend a visit. www.zalski.com For years Dennis was a tough political reporter for the ABQ Trib and these days can be seen opining Sunday morning's on KOB-TV with host Monica Armenta.

As always, thanks for tuning in. Bookmark our site--JOEMONAHANSNNEWMEXICO.BLOGSPOT.COM--and pass it on to your friends.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2003
Not for reproduction without permission of the author

Bradley is coming back. Sources close to the former NM lieutenant governor report he is done licking his wounds from a brutal 2002 campaign for governor and will seek the Republican nomination for the Public Regulation Commission (PRC) seat being vacated by Herb Hughes. The Clovis native was pummelled in his fight for the GOP gubernatorial nomination last year by eventual winner John Sanchez in a race that left the GOP deeply divided. It's a division that continues to this day as we have extensively reported on this site. (see below) Bradley can expect to confront it again in the PRC contest.

One of his main rivals will be State Rep. Joe Thompson who is aligned with the John Dendahl-Mickey Barnett wing of the GOP. Bradley split with them and for good reason. In the closing days of the 02' campaign Sanchez unleashed attack TV on Bradley accusing him of being an ally of Democratic leader Manny Aragon. The charges were widely condemned by Republicans who said they were blatantly untrue and unnecessary. At the time Sanchez was way ahead in the polls. It took a while but Walter made the peace and embraced Sanchez as the Republican Guv nominee, but not warmly, and Sanchez lost to Big Bill in a low-turnout landslide.

Associates of Bradley, who served eight years under Gov. Johnson, say he's ready for it to get rough again. As one of them put it: "Walter has been through trial by fire. He wouldn't be surprised if his own grandmother went negative on him."

Well, if Walter's grandma is still alive I'm sure she would give him some notice. Bradley does not live in the ABQ PRC district but is moving to the district so he will be eligible to run for the job which pays over 90 grand a year. He is currently an assistant land commissioner in Santa Fe under Land Commissioner Patrick Lyons, who, like Bradley, is a former state senator.

Bradley received generally high marks as Light Guv. He balanced out Gov. Gary, who sometimes went over-the-top, and he presided over the senate with professionalism and authority. No doubt he would like to have another stab at the governor's chair, but a win of the PRC job is now essential or he will be labeled a two time loser. Other GOP possibles for the PRC seat are outgoing ABQ City Councilor Hess Yntema and ABQ attorney Ward Camp.

Bookmark our site and visit regularly for updates.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2003
Not for reproduction without permission of the author

Industry sources, speaking off the record, have put together the details on Larry Barker's ouster from channel 7 for readers of "New Mexico Politics With Joe Monahan."

Barker's quarter-century service to 7 apparently meant little when it came time to count the beans, and these days the bean counters are definitely in charge. I am told that 7 management wanted Barker to dramatically increase his on-air contributions. In fact, the sources say, Barker was told he would have to do four pieces a week for the ABC affiliate, including consumer-oriented stories plus his famous "Target 7" spots. Barker and his producer, Charles Wollmann, balked at the prospect saying it would mean a poor quality product.

But 7, facing a slow ratings slide the past couple of years, said it was either their way or the highway. So Larry took the road to channel 13. What about the non-compete clause standard in every reporter contract that says you can't go to work for a competing station for a year? "It was thrown out the window because 7 wanted to end the deal and Barker had a contract in which he could make a case against them," according to a TV business source.

Industry veterans also do not discount the speculation, first reported here, that 7 just might be looking to bank some extra money from the Barker ouster and use it to lure back popular anchorman Nelson Martinez. But rather than unceremoniously dump new anchor Doug Fernandez they would ease Martinez back by having him do the early morning and/or noon news broadcasts. Not a deal Martinez wants, I am told. "7 may wait for Nelson to get a little hungrier, but I think there is still a chance for him coming back, said one TV insider. Martinez is rumored to have been the highest paid TV personality in the ABQ market when he left to pursue acting and music.

As for Barker, he is now ensconced at KRQE-TV with a bunch of former workmates from 7, including Dick Knipfing and Augusta Meyers. And what about Charles Wollmann, Barker's longtime producer? Wollmann has joined a stable of reporters going to work for the Richardson administration. Big Bill is sponsor of the ex-reporter Full Employment Act, and Wollmann took advantage by finding a slot as PR man for the State Investment Council. Wollmann joins 7 alumnus Pahl Shipley, who is doing PR for Governor Bill along with a bunch of other former newsguys.

Bottom line on the Barker ouster: It's all corporate folks. The three big stations are owned by stockholders. In a long ago and far away time they were a bit more insulated from the commercial world. Not anymore.

Remember to bookmark our site JOEMONAHANSNEWMEXICO.BLOGSPOT.COM and check for regular updates. Send a link to our site to your interested friends.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2003
Not for reproduction without permission of the author

Westside City Councilor Michael Cadigan will soon find himself on one of the hottest seats in town. Reliable sources tell me Cadigan has the votes wrapped up and will be selected as the Council's president when the new council meets in December.

According to City Hall insiders, speaking on deep background, here is how the deal came down in the contest for the prize between Cadigan and Councilor Eric Griego: "(Miguel) Gomez wanted too much from Eric Griego in exchange for his support. Eric went to Cadigan and cut the deal for vice-chair. Now, Cadigan will win president easily."

But then things get complicated. Cadigan is a supporter of the Planned Growth Strategy (PGS) and a supporter of the Paseo road extension. He will vote with Griego, Gomez, Heinrich and O'Malley on PGS issues, but when it comes to Paseo they will line up against him. Cadigan will be under enormous pressure from his westside constituents to make the presidency a bully pulpit for Paseo because of the recent election defeat of the street bonds. What will he do? A lot of juggling for sure.

Meanwhile, back at his District 5 ranch, foes are already gathering for Cadigan. Paul Pacheco, former head of the Albuquerque police officers union is the latest name being bandied about as a possible 05' Cadigan opponent.

By the way, Democrat Councilor Gomez is telling associates he is seriously looking at a run for the Public Regulation Commission seat held by Jerome Block and up for grabs in 04.'

The Cadigan presidency will also be a minor plus for Mayor Marty. He and Cadigan can plant the flag in the westside together, but they will part ways on almost every other major issue, leaving Chavez without a council majority, and in some cases, there will be six votes to override vetoes. But Eric Griego as president would mean all-out warfare between the mayor and the council, so the Cadigan selection will be good for civil dialogue. You remember that, don't you?
(Check out Trib city hall reporter Ed Asher's take on the final meeting of the old council)www.abqtrib.com/archives/news03/111803_news_council.shtml

ALSO OUT WEST......


KOB-TV's Neil Simon and the station came under fire over the weekend by a group of westsiders protesting the defeat of the Paseo extension. They said that during the campaign the station highlighted the fact that Paseo was not specifically mentioned on the ballot and that some voters were mad because they wanted to vote on it separately. They also criticized the station for running promos on the story. What's wrong with that? Beats me, but the group called for a boycott of Channel 4. Sounds like a classic case of killing the messenger. Besides, I'm pleased anytime any TV station here devotes airtime to an important public affairs issue and gives the crime blotter a rest for the nite.

c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2003
Not for reproduction without permission of the author

Sources inside the GOP tell me that the prospect of longtime Domenici aide Lou Gallegos assuming the post of executive director for the Bush re-election drive in NM may be fizzling. "The idea is still alive, but now there's talk of bringing in an outsider--someone from the Bush circle who doesn't have ties to either (former GOP Chair) Dendahl or (current Chair) Gorham," said one GOP'er close to the battle.

Gorham's chairmanship was flatlining before she woke up and started to fight for a say for the state party in running the Bush re-elect. She felt the Dendahlites were trying to take over. Sources repeat that Dendahl-associated consultant Jay McCleskey will not get the Bush job and assert that alone is a victory for Ramsay. "If she gets one of her own or Gallegos, that would be great, and even if she gets a neutral outside director that would also be a win," spun a Gorham backer.

The Bush NM ED could be named any day now, but sources say Sen. Domenici, tied up with the energy bill has yet to fully focus on it. That's good because this fight is way above the staff level and any compromise needs the elder statesman's full imprimatur, not just that of Republican National Committee operatives and Gorham who have fought tooth and nail.

Meanwhile, juvenile tricks are in full play in the ongoing squabble over Ramsay and the Dendahlites. The chairman of the Cibola County Republican Party released a letter calling for her resignation Monday signed by a dozen and a half fellow county chairmen from across the state. But Tom Carroll, Ex. Director of the State GOP, said his staff reached 12 of the chairmen so far and they disavowed signing the letter sent by Cibola Chair Gary Whittington.

To all you politicos trying to execute coups, we thrive on the action, but could you be just a little craftier?

This is ground zero for coverage of New Mexico politics--Bookmark our site: JOEMONAHANSNEWMEXICO.BLOGSPOT.COM and check for regular updates and send a link to interested friends.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2003
Not for reproduction without permission of the author

Industry sources report to "New Mexico Politics with Joe Monahan" that longtime Channel 7 investigative reporter Larry Barker will start this week at CBS affiliate KRQE-TV Channel 13, concluding a quarter century career at 7, where he ruffled the feathers of the high and mighty throughout the New Mexico political world. Just why Barker is leaving is the subject of widespread scuttlebutt. Most observers think it's over money. Here's how one industry veteran put it: "Joe, I think 7 is trying to free up its budget to bring back Nelson Martinez as anchor. The team at 7 has not been the same since his absence and the ratings have been weaker. Martinez though will cost and that means they have to look for extra bucks."

Interesting speculation. But it could be that Barker simply wanted more money or 7 thought he was no longer the ratings pull he once was.

Martinez left 7 a year ago to pursue music and acting. But if the price is right he probably could be lured back. Meanwhile, the ratings race for the 10 p.m news shows in Albuquerque is a dead heat night after night. A veteran of the news wars told me: "It's a night-to night thing on whose going to be number one." KOAT-TV wins at 6 p.m., but their dominance at 10 is a distant memory. KOB-TV and 13 have made this a three way race for the top late-night news spot.

Barker is not a well-liked figure in political circles, and he doesn't want to be. His reports over the years have uncovered a variety of misdeeds, and one time he had a high-ranking government official crawl out of his office and onto a windowsill to avoid the Barker cameras!

So called non-compete clauses, where a reporter cannot go on the air of a competing station in the same TV market for at least a year are still standard industry practice, but sources tell me "that's not a problem" in the Barker case.

So go the TV news wars. Much like our beloved field of politics it is a never ending quest for viewers and votes.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2003
Not for reproduction without permission of the author