We still don't know who sponsored that automatic negative phone 'poll' to Bernalillo County Republicans Tuesday night that hit State Rep. Joe Thompson and Big Bill over Joe's' DWI arrest. Appropriately, I have been anonymously emailed the poll transcript and the results. But the information is not too useful without knowing who sponsored the survey and why. The e-mailing insider claims 1600 Republicans responded to the negative survey, which means thousands more were phoned but decided against responding.

The consensus opinion in the political community seems to be that the poll was, as one politico concluded, "Republican cannibalism." Thompson was clearly the target of the survey, as you will see, and Big Bill was thrown in for good measure. Thompson, said one R, "has made a lot of "enemies." and suspects the attack survey came from fellow Republicans. As I said when Joe was busted, he has played political hardball and there would not be much mercy from his opponents. That's one prediction with 100% accuracy. Here's the negative survey, the first Dirty Trick of New Mexico Campaign 04.'

"This is a brief survey about DWI and public accountability. This is not a sales call and we only want your opinion on three quick questions:

Background: Republican State Representative Joe Thompson was arrested at 2 a.m. on Central Avenue for Driving While Intoxicated. This was only one day after attending a Bill signing with Governor Richardson that toughened DWI penalties.

Question #1: Currently State Employees are fired when they receive a DWI. Should elected officials like State Representative Joe Thompson be held to a different standard and not be forced to resign their office?

Press 1 if you believe Representative Thompson should be held to a different standard for his DWI (Option 1).
Press 2 if you believe Thompson should be treated like all state employees and be forced from office (Option 2).

Question #2: Gov. Bill Richardson says he has a "zero-tolerance" policy when it comes to DWI, but Richardson says Thompson should be an exception to this rule.

Press 1 if you agree with Richardson that state lawmakers should get a second chance while state employees do not (Option 1).
Press 2 if you disagree with Governor Richardson and you believe that there should be consequences for DWI (Option 2).

Question #3: Now that you know that Rep. Thompson was arrested for a DWI after attending an anti-DWI bill signing ceremony, would you vote for Thompson for another office?

Press 1 if you would vote for Thompson in the future (Option 1)
Press 2 if it you would not vote for Thompson (Option 2).

As for the results, according to the e mail, they got the anti-Thompson-Bill results they were looking for. Over 80% selected option two for the first two questions. And, 75% would not vote for Thompson after taking the push poll. My experts estimated this attack survey could have gone into as many as 15,000 Republican households to get the 1600 responses. All you Democrats have got to be enjoying your seats in the spectator section, but I have a feeling it won't be long before you guys have your share of blood on the floor, so no gloating please.

SPECIAL AD RATES FOR NM PRIMARY CANDIDATES

Candidates will be at the starting gate next Tuesday when they file their petition signatures. I am offering special primary ad rates for political office seekers on this web site; an ideal way to reach the truly politically involved in NM--those who vote and those who frame the races. So give me a call (505-243-4059) or e mail me at jmonahan@ix.netcom.com and let's get your campaign before the state's most likely voters. Call now and do a two month agreement and I will post your ad for free for the rest of March!

c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2004
Not for reproduction without permission of the author

KOB-TV has held on to the number one position in the crucial race for ratings at 10 p.m. It was a very narrow victory, but a win just the same. KRQE-TV was right behind and KOAT-TV found itself in the unusual position of number three at 10 p.m. when the three network affiliates showcase their news muscle. The tight ratings fight guarantees the intense local TV news wars are going to stay that way. February was a "sweeps" month when the stations load up on all kinds of bizarre crime stories and other such fare to boost their ratings and thus their ad revenue. Here's our exclusive report from our deep TV insider:

"KOB won the 10 p.m. news by a point or so, with KRQE in second and KOAT in third... if you're looking at weekdays. If you take a seven day average, KOB beat out KOAT by a fraction of a point with 13 in third place. KOAT won @ 5 & 6 p.m. with KOB edging up @ 5p.m. with newly added anchor Nelson Martinez.

Keep in mind, all of the numbers so far come from overnight household averages, and do not include age demographics, which are key to selling advertising. Those should be in by the end of March. It seems every ratings period it gets closer to a three-way horse race."

Thanks Mr. Insider. Those may be the closest news ratings in the history of the ABQ market.

THOMPSON SAGA UPDATE

Political insiders are still baffled as to who sponsored that 'push' poll that swept into Republican households in Bernalillo County Tuesday night. (See Mar. 10 report) State GOP Ex. Director Tom Carroll tells me the party had "absolutely nothing" to do with it, and have no idea who or why the poll bashing Thompson for his DWI arrest and Big Bill's support of him was done. Theories abound, including the unlikely one that Thompson's supporters commissioned the anonymous poll to gauge the damage done. Whoever did it was likely in violation of some election laws that call for disclosure.

Meanwhile, GOP business luminary Carol Monroe, head of "Republicans for Richardson" phoned in Wednesday to tell me she will not seek the seat Thompson is apparently vacating (we won't know for sure until filing on Mar. 16) Carol did say she had been 'getting "two or three phone calls a day" urging her to run, but business commitments make it impossible. She added that she still supports Big Bill and Thompson, who she would like to see stay in the race. As for Thompson, KOB-TV is reporting that he has checked into an alcohol treatment center.

ON THE MEDIA FRONT

A reader in D.C. reports that newsman Chris Wallace of the Fox News Network singled out Thompson and his sponsorship of DWI measures and his subsequent arrest labeling it "hypocrisy." That was the theme in general in the national media and local TV stations. As for the state's newspapers, the coverage has been lighter and contrasts with the heavy play in the electronic media and internet. The ABQ Tribune is the first to editorialize over Thompson's actions, damning him with faint praise. The Trib editors congratulate Joe for getting out of the Public Regulation Commission race and say after he clears up his DWI he might come back politically. The inference being he will NOT get the paper's endorsement for political office this election year.

SPECIAL AD RATES FOR NM PRIMARY CANDIDATES

Candidates will be at the starting gate next Tuesday when they file their petition signatures. I am offering special primary ad rates for political office seekers on this web site; an ideal way to reach the truly politically involved in NM--those who vote and those who frame the races. So give me a call (505-243-4059) or e mail and let's get your campaign before the state's most likely voters. Call now and do a two month agreement and I will post your ad for free for the rest of March!

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2004
Not for reproduction without permission of the author

Late last night voters in ABQ's NE Heights reported to "NM Politics With Joe Monahan" that they were the targets of a "push poll" about the recent DWI arrest of GOP State Rep. Joe Thompson and Big Bill's comments regarding the case. The poll was done by automatic phone calling and hit the Guv and Thompson by asking whether legislators should be treated differently from regular citizens when it comes to DWI; whether they were aware that Big Bill offered his support to Thompson after the arrest and whether they would vote for Joe Thompson. The polling was done anonymously with no sponsor or candidate mentioned to those being queried. It appeared the poll was targeted exclusively to GOP voters and was intended to "push" those polled to have negative opinions of Thompson and Big Bill.

All this came on a day of intense speculation and political fever over he DWI arrest of Thompson and what will happen in the race for his seat in the far NE Heights of ABQ. Late word came to us that it's even possible that Bill could be getting involved! The deadline for filing petition signatures for all legislative candidates is now only days away (Mar.16). Thompson withdrew from the Public Regulation Commission (PRC) race when he was busted last week, but speculation continues on whether he will try to stay in the NM House.

NEW PLAYER SURFACES

Thompson is not talking, but his chief political operative, Patrick Killen, is saying that petition signatures may be collected on Thompson's behalf just in case Thompson, despite his DWI, decides to rejoin the fray. But if he was serious, why not circulate the petitions himself and face the voters now? Former ABQ City Councilor Greg Payne is already announced and running hard. And now I have learned exclusively from GOP sources that ABQ business heavyweight Carol Monroe, the head of 'Republicans for Richardson' in the 02' Guv's race, is seriously considering a run for the Thompson seat! That brings the Big Bill factor front and center.

No question Monroe would be a friendly vote for Big Bill, just like Joe. But her Richardson association could be a major obstacle in the conservative district. But Thompson was able to play down his backslapping with the Big Guy, so maybe Carol could do the same. Besides the Richardson tie, Monroe was also a member of the steering committee for the controversial Citizens for Greater ABQ Committee which spent heavy in the last ABQ election to get "pro-business' city council candidates elected. The group failed miserably and was derided for negative campaign tactics.

PAYNE
I reached Payne late last night on his cell phone while he was campaigning door-to-door. He said he "welcomed all comers" to the battle and called Carol a "quality" candidate, although he was not convinced she will run. Monroe was not available for comment. Payne pointed the finger at his old nemesis, County Commissioner Tim Cummins, as perhaps having a hand in encouraging a Monroe candidacy. On Wednesday, word was circulating that Monore has decided NOT to run. Payne disavowed any knowledge of the push poll hitting Thompson and Big Bill. GOP officials were not available for comment. One polling expert speculated that the Guv's misstep in embracing Thompson after his DWI may be being used to unite the severely divided Republicans against the Guv. "They can make the governor a common enemy among the R's. That could be the premise behind the polling since it was apparently aimed only at Republicans." He said. Others speculated that the poll could have come from supporters of Thompson who were trying to guage the damage done to their man, and test his future viability.

From this corner It all seems the prelude to an election campaign that will pull out all the stops as the scramble for Roundhouse and White House power escalates day by day.

Make our site one of your 'favorites.' Bookmark it now and send a link to interested friends. Want to advertise to NM's large political community? Email me or call 505-243-4059 for details.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2004
Not for reproduction without permission of the author

Linda, look out for the alligators! According to sources deep inside the ABQ South Valley opponents of Lopez, who aspires to become Senate President Pro Tem, is the target of a late breaking movida that would give Linda an opponent in her Democratic primary for a third term. "The move appears to be directed from the Governor and legislators who want to start pouring cold water on Linda's ambitions," said one Valley alligator long involved in the complicated moves that are the hallmark of Valley dealmaking.

But filing day for legislative candidates is just a week away, and getting a strong opponent against Linda is no easy task. She has been re-elected by solid margins. But with word out on the street that she's willing to become Senate leader the same way Richard Romero did, her rivals feel an urgent need to slow here down. Romero ousted Manny Aragon from the top job with the help of the R's and a few stray Dems. Now, ABQ's Lopez, who is also chair of the Bernalillo County Democratic Party, sees an opening for her to do the same.

Her Dem foes think they have a good alternative to Lopez in Sen. Pete Campos of Santa Rosa, but a Senate Pro Tem with the R's stamp has become a way of life now and Campos is no shoo-in so Dems are plotting to find a way out. Adding intrigue to all this is the rocky relationship between Light Guv Diane Denish , who presides over the senate, and who pushed Lopez aside when both sought the Light Guv Dem nomination. Any Lopez rival that does emerge will have a high hill to climb. Voters tend to value independence, so if the coup plotters are to succeed they will have to first find a worthy contender and then twist a lot of arms.

MADD MAD AT BILL

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) were slow off the mark in reacting to the DWI arrest of ABQ GOP State. Rep. Joe Thompson. Now, they are trying to make up for it by issuing a statement saying they disagree with Big Bill's forgiving and non-punitive attitude towards Joe who was busted near Downtown ABQ and will enter a plea Wednesday.

MADD chief Terry Huertaz went on TV after Thompson's arrest and said the lawmaker had called her to apologize. But Huertaz, like Big Bill, did not condemn the action, or take note that Thompson had just sponsored get tough DWI legislation. Huertaz tells me the MADD board of directors "is a large one and it takes time to get a consensus." She said in the future they may form a subcommittee of the board so they could react quicker to major news on their pet project. MADD looked anything but mad in its initial reaction to the Thompson mishap and supporters of the group, who give sizable amounts of cash to keep the flame burning, took notice. That may have influenced the new MADD get tough line towards Bill and Joe.

By the way, where are all the newspaper editorials in NM on the Thompson arrest? The subject made headline news across the nation, but the print newshounds here are not seeing the story fit for much print, at least not yet.

90,000 REASONS TO RUN

Joe Thompson threw in the towel on his race for the Republican nomination for the ABQ seat on the utility regulating Public Regulation Commission (PRC) right after his arrest. That opened the door for some new contenders. Word comes to us from GOP sources that Vivian Cordova, a longtime NM politico with ties to former Congressman Manuel Lujan, is scurrying to get enough signatures to meet Tuesday's deadline and get on the ballot. Insiders report Cordova believes if he is the only Hispanic R on the ballot he might be able to snare the nomination and the $90,000 a year job. Meanwhile, ABQ City Councilor Tina Cummins has also joined the PRC fray. Friends of ABQ Mayor Marty say they are happy to see that because she is no friend of frontrunner and former fellow Councilor Hess Yntema, who led an ethics probe against the Mayor last year. Cummins can run and not win and still stand for re-election to the council next year.

AND FINALLY....

Lifelong NM politico Kurt Lohbeck is lighting the 62nd candle on a bithday cake today. Yesterday, we took notice of ex-Guv Dave Cargo's 75th year and right after ran into Lohbeck who then broke his birthday news. Lohbeck and Cargo worked together back in the 1950's trying to persuade college kids to become Republicans. (Talk about dreamers!) Apparently Lohbeck is still practicing the art of persuasion as he bought all the drinks at his own impromptu birthday party.

Make our site one of your 'favorites.' Bookmark it now and send a link to interested friends. Want to advertise to NM's large political community? Email me or call 505-243-4059 for details.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2004
Not for reproduction without permission of the author

Dave Cargo only served two, two-year terms as governor of NM and he did it back in the 1960's when most of the current players in La Politica were in diapers or just a gleam in their daddies eyes. Despite his limited electoral success, "Lonesome Dave" has managed to insinuate himself over the years into the highest circles of political power, continues to be quoted in major media and sought out by those aspiring to political careers. Your correspondent learned some tricks of the trade from the political legend while handling his media in his 93' race for ABQ mayor which he lost by a handful of votes.

Cargo turned 75 earlier this year and I checked in with him to see if time had mellowed the political veteran who earned the moniker "Lonesome Dave' by frequently departing paths with his fellow Republicans. It turns out that time has not taken a toll on the pugnacious politico whose acerbic and insightful wit is unleashed with minimum prompting.

---On today's governor and the governorship---"It's become way too imperial. What's with the three chefs and the big security detail? We served enchiladas and posole and I had one security officer and I sometimes shared the driving duties."

--On the partisan environment--- "It used to be about party loyalty, now its about ideology, The parties have lost a good deal of their grip on things and that's why we see so much more personal bitterness."

--On big government---"Bureaucracy is the big change. It hs far outpaced population growth. And a lot of it is puffery, public relations. They spend money on things that are not at all critical."

--On the Legislature--- "It is down, but not out. The Legislature is about to start reasserting itself. It always does but because the Governor and the Legislature are of the same party it has taken longer than usual to take hold. But it will."

--On why NM is so poor--- "We have two economic classes here. And the well-off folks really don't see the depth of poverty in the rural areas and the North. That's one reason why we have not solved the problem. If people don't see the problem, they don't think it exists. Unfortunately, on this one there are no easy answers."

CARGO'S WAY

Cargo's legacy will probably not be his days as governor, although he earned reasonable performance marks. He will be most remembered for trying to build a more inclusive GOP, courting Hispanics and bringing them into the party and the government, traditional for the Dems, but not for the R's until Cargo. He also is partly responsible for the current districting of our Legislature, having brought suit against the "at large" system that prevailed until he and others won a court victory that took effect in 1964.

Cargo sought elective office many times after his run as governor, but he was never able to replicate the success he had in the 60's. But he practiced law, remained active in all things political and never stopped caring about the state he adopted after getting his law degree in Michigan. Both his parents were school teachers and Dave often seemed to be lecturing which was maddening to some. But his lecturing was never condescending. His deep respect for the traditions and people of NM earned him a wide following.

Cargo's life today remains active with international consulting, intense reading, his three sons, a daughter and a grandchild and a two hour daily exercise ritual that keeps him fit and always ready for another round of political conversation. He is also working on the Mora County Library, named in his honor. He still starts every answer to a question with "let me tell you, Joe..." And we still anticipate what's to follow. So happy birthday Governor. It seems being "lonesome" can sometimes make you a lot of friends.

Make our site one of your 'favorites.' Bookmark it now and send a link to interested friends. Want to advertise to NM's large political community? Email me or call 505-243-4059 for details.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2004
Not for reproduction without permission of the author