Legislators cower in his presence, diplomats defer, the press flocks to his job offerings. So who will stand up and take on Big Bill? Why, it's none other than Judge Judy! Bernalillo County Metro Court Judge Judy Nakamura that is. Friends of the jurist, who holds sway over the 16 judges at the state's busiest court, tell me she is working to round up the votes to keep her presiding judge title in the face of a move against her led by the forces of Big Bill.

Republican Nakamura could find herself out, observers say, as the result of Bill's engineered promotion of the GOP's Denise Barela- Shepherd to District Court. No doubt a Dem will get the Shepherd seat, leaving Judy a GOP vote shy of a majority and another term as Presiding Judge. But Nakamura is NOT throwing in the towel, friends say, in what is expected to be a duel between her and Judge Michael Cavanaugh who, according to sources, is Big Bill's contender for the post. (see story below) ABQ's Judge Judy may not have her own TV show, but she does have a solid record and the respect of a lot of folks. She spearheaded court reforms that have saved the city of ABQ millions in police overtime.

Her willingness to fight does not surprise one supporter. "Judy is anything but through. This is not all politics. Her competency could get her the one Democrat vote she needs." The Metro Court Christmas tree (contracts, prestige etc.) is at stake in the forthcoming battle. Maybe Big Bill is actually looking forward to a challenge. So far, his opponents have done little to train him for fiercer combat on the national stage to which he aspires.

CLARK: GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS' PAST

Dem Prez contender General Wesley Clark has yet to campaign here, but he is lining up old line political names in an effort to slow down Dr. Dean in the February 3 NM Prez caucuses. Chief Clark Honcho Ed Romero, doing some spade work for his old friend and Clark supporter, Bill Clinton, has filled out the 'NM Executive Committee' for Clark with a lot of "former" officeholders. But he's hit a brick wall getting current politicos on the bandwagon. Former legislators Jerry Sandel, Fabian Chavez and Odis Echols back Clark, joining former Guv Apodaca and former ABQ Mayor Baca. All are war horses of past campaigns, but Clark is going to have to mine some current powerbrokers if he's to seriously challenge Dean who has targeted our state with TV ads and field organization. Meanwhile, Dennis Kucinich will be back in NM today. In Las Cruces he will make a pitch for the liberal vote, his latest attempt to wound the good Doctor Dean in our backyard.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU

On Christmas Eve we will walk thru a brilliant field of luminarias near the Albuquerque Country Club, feast on tamales and maybe sneak a peek at a present or two and enjoy family and friends. Maybe it's old fashioned, but I still like to wish friends "Merry Christmas!" I know the generic "Happy Holidays" has been in vogue of late, but somehow that phrase does not evoke the joy and hope symbolized by that cheery Christmas greeting.

Here at year's end we'll take in a movie or three, catch the big exhibit at the ABQ Museum before it leaves town and do some paperwork. Yes, even the pen of La Politica must rest on occasion. It's a pleasure to have your company and I look forward to being with you again after the holiday. If you need a political "fix" there's lots of material in our archives that you will find of interest. And if you are looking to help another in the spirit of the season, just click on the "Joy Junction" icon at the top of the page and make your donation. Meanwhile, stay warm and be well.

Merry Christmas!
Joe

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Battling Jerome Block better get ready to vacate the premises at the state Public Regulation Commission. That's the word from legal observers who were at the Supreme Court hearing this past week where Block argued that he should be allowed to seek another four year term to the job that pays over 90k a year, plus $300,000 for staff and expenses for each commissioner.

Block went to court after the Attorney General's office ruled he has served the two permitted terms and must get out. But Block says because one of those terms was for only two years, he is entitled to one more bite out of the apple. Readers of the tea leaves at the hearing tell me the Justices' questioning did not appear disposed to Block's pleading. "It would be a shocker if the court went with him based on the tenor of the questions," said our inside source. "But it's risky business predicting any court ruling, so never say never."

Block has been on the PRC since it morphed from the State Corporation Commission in 98.' Block served on that panel as well. The seat is safe Democratic, takes in a big chunk of Northern New Mexico and also sneaks into Bernalillo County. Win or lose, Block will have opponents in the June Democratic primary for the seat. Former State Senator Art Rodarte of Espanola and City Councilor Miguel Gomez are two of the names being bandied about. And outgoing Bernalillo County Commissioner Steve Gallegos could be another seeker. His friends could not tell me if he resides in the Block district or the Lovejoy district. Dems Bob Perls and Keith Dotson are already in the race.

The PRC has done no better than the old SCC and has been the focus of constant controversy, despite the high paying commissioners, who make nearly as much as the governor. Talk continues about abolishing the panel and making it appointive, but there may be reluctance in the Legislature. After all, some of them may want the big bucks job down the road.

ADELE BACA CINELLI HUNDLEY

She has a storied political past and wants to make some future waves. Former ABQ City Councilor Adele Hundley is running for the Dem nomination for the state senate seat being vacated by Congressional hopeful Richard Romero. The ABQ Downtown/Barelas seat has already drawn columnist and liberal activist Jerry Ortiz y Pino. Adele was married to the late Gene Cinelli in the early 70's and took his state House seat two years after he passed away. She is a Democrat but with old ties to GOP Senator Pete Domenici. Her maiden name is Baca giving her strength in the heavy Hispanic district. And she is married to former Mortgage Finance Authority Director Tom Hundley. Adele lost her city council seat to Eric Griego in 01.' It will be the new versus old in this contest, which could draw more candidates before it's all over. Ortiz y Pino has signed up the newcomer consulting group Soltari while Hundley will rely on her lifelong district ties. Republicans need not apply in the solidly Democratic district.

ROMERO SAYS BIG BILL IS HIS MAN, BUT IS BIG BILL HIS?

At the first meeting of the three contenders for the Democratic nomination for the Wilson Congressional seat, Romero opined that Big Bill was in his corner. That was news to his opponents, Miles Nelson and Eli Chavez. Nelson was miffed hat envelopes with a Bill endorsement on them went out to voters. But the envelopes were from Romero's race two years ago, and Bill's spokesman said there is no official primary endorsement. But that did not stop the Senate President Pro Tem from flatly declaring that Bill is supporting him.

Romero may have done a little deal with Bill when he reversed course during the recent special session and supported the Guv's tax increases. But alligators in the Valley pounced on that and told me Romero made a huge mistake by not having the Guv introduce a redistricting measure in the special in exchange for his support of the tax increase. Not only did Romero end up supporting the controversial tax package, but he did not get redistricting. Bill attended a Romero fundraiser recently, probably as part of Romero's support for the taxes. But that ain't much of a Christmas present for Richard, who has an uphill battle against the GOP Congresswoman, and maybe even a little trouble in the primary against Nelson and Chavez. Then again, some of the alligators swear that Senator Pete cut a deal with Big Bill to protect the Wilson seat in exchange for Domenici supporting the September Conny Two Amendment vote, and that Bill's hands are tied.

Oh, what a tangled web we weave in this lovely land of La Politica.

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(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2003
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