2005 is a wrap. So when your grandkids check out their New Mexico history books years from now what will they learn about the year that was? Most likely the Robert Vigil-Michael Montoya treasurer scandal will be the one story with any staying power. The most unforgettable line of the year, and perhaps in state history, came from that scandal when ex-Treasurer Montoya was quoted about the corruption: "It's how we do business in New Mexico," he asserted. Will the scandal spur our present leaders and the next generation to make that line "inoperative?" We can only hope.

Another event that may earn a footnote in those history books is the spike in oil prices and the wealth it brought to one of the poorest states in the nation. And history will surely judge whether our Governor and Legislature exercised imagination and innovation in spending that money and whether they finally began to tackle the generations old problems that have kept us at or near the bottom of the national rankings in key quality of life measures.

One of the enduring ironies of New Mexico is that it has one of the biggest savings accounts, (the huge Permanent Funds) in the nation and lately some of the largest annual surpluses. Yet, we remain mired in social and economic purgatory. Somehow New Mexico must summon the will and get at the root causes that have held us back. Our Governor and Legislature may have to gamble on jobs and education programs and other concepts that might fail and cause them some political hurt in the short run. But don't the recent riches bestowed upon our state come with an obligation to do more that just construct buildings?

Political leaders are fond of adopting slogans for the new year. How about this: "The Year of Opportunity." Wouldn't it be something if the NM history books of 2050 said 2006 was the last year we ranked last?

FINAL SPIN

Big Bill's spin doctors were not quite ready to hang out their Christmas stockings late Wednesday. They were pointing out how a a baseball scout from long ago has surfaced to buttress the Guv's contention that he had every reason to believe that he was to be drafted by major league baseball. The old timer said he was authorized to offer $25k to sign up the Guv but it never came to pass because Big Bill's father wanted him to finish school.

The Guv bought himself a credibility gap when it was reported that he had never been officially drafted by major league baseball as he had stated on his resume. He's hoping the scout's recollection will bench that story in the new year.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

New Mexico's politics can easily exasperate the most patient soul, but when it does there is consolation that more than compensates, and it's usually not any further than your doorstep. The ever-changing skies, the desert, the mountains, the forests. Great artists swoon in their presence and spend lifetimes attempting to capture their essence. Every day New Mexico is like your first Christmas: magical, mystical and larger than life. Enjoy.

Here's my annual Christmas card to you. I'll see you back here January 3, 2006. Until then, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to New Mexicans everywhere.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
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Jim Baca
The bells of La Politica ring with breaking news even with the holiday just hours away. Late Tuesday as I was buying expensive gifts at the neighborhood Wal-Mart, my cell phone played Jingle Bells forcing me to set them aside. If you miss getting yours, blame it on Jim Baca. That's right Baca is back. My phoning Alligator informed that the former two term State Land Commissioner will try to make it three, and that sets up an exciting duel for the 06' Dem nomination with Ray Powell, also a former two term land boss. This news was enough for me to put the gifts on lay-away and head back to the blog.

When I reached Baca (who is currently toiling part-time for Big Bill) at his ABQ North Valley home he said that pending a final conversation with wife Bobbi, he was a go. He even tried out a campaign slogan on me: "Save the Enchantment." It could also be "Save My Political Career." When he faced voters in 2001 for re-election as ABQ Mayor he finished fourth.

TELL US WHY

So why, after serving as commissioner for eight years, does Baca want the job back? "I want a constitutional amendment that would conserve more of our state lands. That's issue one," the longtime environmentalist told me. And he added a personal note. "I am now 60. A lot of guys my age feel life is over for them. I don't. I still have a lot to give and a lot to learn," offered the former director of the federal Bureau of Land Management. (Hey, with big Social Security checks, free medical care and plentiful Viagra, being sixty something doesn't sound so bad.)

The Alligators, who would work Christmas Day if we let them, floated to the surface with analysis. "Jim has the edge. A low primary turnout favors a Hispanic and a liberal like him," chimed in one.

Maybe. But Powell is a savvy politico. Neither veteran will hesitate to run an aggressive campaign to capture this prize. And watching it all will be unlikely Land Commissioner Patrick Lyons. The GOP incumbent won in 02' on the back of the drunk driving record of his Dem opponent. It won't be so easy this time and Pat will need all of the $1 million friends say he hopes to raise. But he too is tough and shrewd and maybe the R's best hope for an 06' statewide win.

YAWNER TURNS EXCITING

So a June primary election that looked to be a big yawn is shaping up as one with some spark. The three way contest for AG, now the Land commissioner duel, plus a two way race for State Auditor. And late yesterday a reliable Alligator told me: "Joe, it looks like Dem (ex-State Treasurer) James Lewis is gearing up for a run against (State Rep.) Lucky Varela for Treasurer."

The unfolding competition among Dems will make for some tough campaigns, but it is healthy for the state's majority party and will make for better elected officials. The R's need to get solid candidates aboard for these offices and concentrate on unifying themselves for the battle ahead.

Keep it coming politicos. But wait until after Christmas, won't you? I have to get that shopping done sometime.

SHE DID IT ALL
Carol Kinney
Carol Kinney was a polished player of the political arts for better than half a century. She was instrumental in getting then-husband Harry Kinney twice elected mayor (1974-77 1981-85). Carol, 82, died of a stroke last week while visiting Massachusetts.

I first met her in 74' as a cub reporter for KUNM-FM radio covering Harry's first inauguration. (Jim Baca became his press secretary). She was tough, elegant, involved, determined and committed. Her contributions to New Mexico go on and on and you can see them here. As ABQ's first, First Lady in the modern era, she set the standard and did it with class. It was a life fully lived on the brightly lit stage of La Politica. And now, with deserved applause, it's exit stage right for New Mexico's Carol Kinney.

ONE MORE TO GO

Can you believe it? The calendar will soon turn to a new year. But we have one more blog to go before going on holiday with you until 06.' Join me tomorrow for a final take and some holiday cheer. And thanks for visiting today.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
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Geno Zamora
If you believe the polls, there is good reason the Dem field for Attorney General has been shrinking; it's because Gary King has a whopping lead. A poll that the son of ex-legendary Governor Bruce King conducted two months ago shows him garnering 34% of the vote with ABQ State Rep. Al Park, who recently dropped out, placing second with only 5%. Park is a believer in the King poll telling me his own survey, done before he threw in the towel, showed Gary with even more strength--38%.

The writing on the wall became clear to ABQ attorney Eric Sedillo-Jefferies who, as first blogged here, called it quits last week. That leaves just Santa Fe attorney and former Big Bill legal counsel Geno Zamora and District Attorney Lemuel Martinez remaining to duke it out with King, a former state who has had a bad run of late. He lost out to Big Bill for the 02' Guv nomination and got whacked in 04' by GOP U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce. But the stars may finally be aligning for a King comeback.

Zamora and Martinez are no quitters and Geno's friends tell me he has raised nearly 300 grand. Lemuel will run as a conservative tough on crime Dem who has statewide appeal. His fundraising will be critical. There are rumblings that things could go negative between Geno and Lemuel, but both are glad there's now only two, instead of three, Hispanic candidates in the field. That gives one of them the chance to consolidate that crucial voting bloc and perhaps give Gary a real fight.
Since attorneys general tend to go places (think Bingaman and Udall) this is a race that all of us will enjoy watching.

TONEY ON THE TRAIL
Anaya
Was that former liberal Dem NM Guv Toney Anaya walking around last night at the GOP Bernalillo County headquarters holiday party? Sure was, according to our insiders. And he was tagging along with none other than GOP AG candidate Jim Bibb who is married to Toney's daughter. "That's like Typhoid Mary going to the Red Cross party," joked one R wag. Besides being Guv, Toney was a crusading NM attorney general back in he 70's. The other R running is Bob Schwartz, crime advisor to Dem Big Bill. Of course, Toney or Bill would never try to have any special influence with a Republican Attorney General. Of course not!

DIANE'S TAKE

I'm quite confident that the story regarding Big Bill's public physical contact with Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish (see story below) and her blunt quotes pertaining to it, is legitimate news. Just like when Light Guv Casey Luna had his disagreements with Governor King. In fact, I think the story will probably advance nationally if Big Bill's Prez campaign takes off. But there's always room for another view and Diane begs to disagree with us and the original take in the ABQ Journal. She blogs in with this:

"I'm surprised at your reaction because, frankly, it was a non-story. The Governor and I have a great relationship. Herb (Denish) and I have known and worked with Barbara and Bill for 20 years. He's an outgoing guy who sometimes teases people to lighten things up.

To clarify, when I said the Governor was sometimes annoying I also said like a little brother or a classmate in school. That was not in the story. The story and your blog tried to make the Governor's charismatic manner sound like something it wasn't.

Any inference or suggestion of anything inappropriate is just plain wrong. Any suggestion of a problem with my relationship with the Governor is dead wrong and wishful thinking on the part of our opponents." So said our state's #2 as the story made the rounds.

Thanks for stopping by. Please e-mail your political news, comments, corrections or criticisms. There's a link at the top of the page. See you tomorrow.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
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Bill & Diane
Forget about that spaceport, new high schools or commuter rails. Nothing beats out the Battle of the Sexes for headlines. And that's what NM Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish opened up as she unloaded on Big Bill like we have rarely seen. The Saturday shocker hit the news stands with a front-page photo of the arm of a grinning Guv dangling dangerously near the Light Guv's forbidden zone and accompanied by a batch of scathing quotes from Lady Di that had prudish cheeks turning as red as Santa's suit. It will be yet another historic entry in the never-ending book of La Politica; one they'll be reciting in the years ahead more than Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The only thing missing is the ending, but oh my, what a beginning.

The ABQ Journal headline hinted innocently at merriment: "Hands-on Governor" it read, but from there it was all grinch for the Guv. The photo of him and the Light Guv seated at a groundbreaking ceremony depicting him with a devilish smile was a political nightmare. Where the hand on the gubernatorial arm was finally ending up was not clear. (Di said her leg) but where that photo will end up was as clear as the Christmas star that guided the three wise men: on the campaign trails of Big Bill. (The Journal did not post the snapshot on its Web site nor publish other photos of the duo they referred to in their article).

And then there were those quotes that had Mr. and Mrs. New Mexico spilling their Christmas blend Starbucks: "He pinches my neck. He touches my hip, my thigh, sort of the side of my leg," revealed the state's #2. It all sounded like an office holiday party gone bad. Won't someone please hide the mistletoe?

But there was more. According to Denish, Big Bill is "silly" "adolescent" and "annoying." Hey D, tell us what you really think.

And then she crowned the Christmas tree saying the Guv had never touched her in an improper way, (what was that photo then?) but added that physical contact in a public setting could be, as the Journal paraphrased her, "misconstrued." Oh no, let's not go there--An Affair To Remember?

IT'S A HEAD SPINNER
Back slapping Big Bill
Have you caught your breath yet? OK. Let's continue and ask and answer the questions your inquiring minds are dying to know. How did this come about? Why did Diane D unload the heavy artillery? What are the political implications?

The Guv's back slapping and bear hugging are trademarks. But when it comes to showing affection in the post-Monica Lewinsky age you are best advised to make it a guy thing. The Journal photog let the flashbulbs fly as Big Bill played Bad Boy Bill with Di. Those photos (only one was published) were shown to her and then she was asked for her reaction.

"Diane was cornered. I think she felt if she did not come out swinging the unwashed public would interpret the photo as her having an irregular relationship with the Governor. She said as much. Second, the behavior is offensive, especially to women, and if she did not separate herself from it she would be severely hurt politically when she sought the Governor's office herself," analyzed an Alligator in good standing around here.

POLITICAL FALL OUT

"The story hurts the Governor most where he has been trying to to gain some traction--on the conservative East Side. This is not the type of stuff that wears well in the Bible Belt. Diane is a native of Hobbs and helped him carry that area. He can hope the story fades away, but if the R's bring it up during the campaign he will need her by his side for damage control.

"In a way this may give Denish some leverage. It would be silly for Bill's operatives to go after her, although in some quarters of the Democratic Party she will be hit for being so blunt. He might try to give her more responsibility to show that he takes her seriously and respects her, and by inference, the critical female swing voters." So said a Dem soothsayer with contacts at the highest levels.

NATIONAL FACTOR
Hillary
"This could hurt Bill more in his presidential bid than in the Governor's race. He will spend $10 million here if he has to and this incident, as long as it is isolated, should be overcome. But the leading presidential candidate is Hillary Clinton and this is a slow pitch across her plate. Denish is an elected official with credibility who is a fellow Democrat. It's damaging because it raises all kinds of questions and the photo is just the type of stuff the opposition can and will try to use to derail him in conservative Iowa and New Hampshire. But it could also hurt him on the left with feminists and liberals who are important in the nominating process." So said a source who asked for complete anonymity. And I mean complete. "Don't even call me an Alligator," they pleaded.

Also from the ranks of our in-the-know sources came this:

"One thing that comes to mind is whether Diane will try to soften the blow and say she may have been a bit harsh or otherwise try to pull Bill out of this. Of course, he's the one who put himself here and any more publicity could be self-defeating."

If the Guv was looking for help from his cabinet to bail him out, he was disappointed. For example, outgoing crime adviser Bob Schwartz, apparently trying to defuse the incident with humor, offered up this hapless one liner: "He's never laid a finger on me. Maybe I'm just not his type." Ha Ha. Not.

CALLING THE GHOSTS OF XMAS

Big Bill said his physical approach is "innocent" and the way he connects with people. "I guess that's what I get for being friendly." No, it's what you get when you run for President of the United States, scrutiny that would make a proctologist wince.

For Big Bill political events have been moving faster than Santa's sleigh. He took a fall on his faulty baseball resume and his use of state aircraft. He started bouncing back with the big spaceport and commuter rail announcements. Now, he's back where he started faced with yet another remodeling job.

For Denish the break with Bill will be a defining moment of her political career. We need the ghost of Christmas Future to tell us how it will play out. But right now the ghost of Christmas Present is scary enough.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
Not for reproduction without permission of the author

Never mind fending off the Alligators. Judging by the email that came pouring in here about ABQ Westside school board member Robert Lucero he could soon be swimming with the fishes. Well, maybe not that dire, but reaction to our Monday blog giving credit to Lucero for helping to persuade the Guv to put up cash for two new Westside high schools had the crowd on Lucero's trail. Some clarifying is definitely in order.

We didn't say Lucero was solely responsibile for the schools which will be built if the Legislature approves Big Bill's recommendation. Lucero himself pointed out that neighborhood activists, parents and the Guv deserve a large share of the credit. But yer little ol' blog is titled "New Mexico Politics" for a reason. We rate the ups and downs of our beloved politicos, not private citizens. After all, it is those elected who have the power over your purse and noone else.

Political junkies we consulted from both sides of the aisle handed out kudos, some begrudgingly, to Lucero for his lobbying tactics. But Westside activists like Cheryl Jorgensen, Joe Valles, Dan Serrano, State Senator Joe Carrarro and Laura Horton were also important players in winnng the schools. But if things went south the public and press wouldn't go looking for them, (excepting Carraro) but a posse would form to get the elected Lucero.

CREDIT RATING

With that as background, here's a few on-the-record insider takes on the Westside school caper. First, Laura Horton, secretary for the Westside coalition.

"I'm all for giving Lucero credit for confronting the Guv but he was an invited guest of the friendly picket. The picket was solely a product of community members of the Northwest High School Planning Committee. Robert was just a happy member of the bandwagon, which included Westside students and parents. In addition, we have been working for over six months with the Westside coalition of neighborhood associations to achieve this goal. We gave the Guv's staff every opportunity to jump on this and when they didn't, the students and parents were called into play."

THE JOE VALLES VIEW

"It was members of the West Side Coalition of Neighborhood Associations that first introduced the "two high schools by '08," concept. We now have your "article" giving credit to Lucero, who wasn't even part of the initial discussions and who just lately "eased" into the "two schools" bit. You were way too generous. We've been working our collective asses off to get the Governor to do it and he did.

Valles is president of the West Side Coalition of Neighborhood Associations

THE GUV WEIGHS IN

And this from Big Bill's press office: "Obviously, the grassroots pressure from parents and students (including Robert Lucero) played a major role in the Governor’s decision. The parents and neighborhood leaders told him that they recognize he is a friend of the West Side, but they understandably wanted additional help from the state at a time when the state has the resources. The Governor agreed, stepped up to the plate, and will work with the Legislature to pass the needed legislation."

Lucero never sought us out. We called him and we maintain our original analysis that he scored on this one. But we won't be taking any walks with him along the river bank. Robert attracts too many Alligators.

THEN THERE WERE THREE

That fierce fight for the Dem NM Attorney General nomination has one less warrior. ABQ trial lawyer Eric Sedillo-Jefferies is bowing out. He has called friends to pass the word, say our relaible sources. Will Eric endorse one of the other three contenders, Gary King, Geno Zamora or Lemuel Martinez? And what does the smaller field mean for this premier 06' race? We'll address those questions next week right here.

Appreciate your company. Come on by again soon and don't forget to email me your political news and comments.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
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DA Brandenburg & Rep. Picraux
I had a two pronged agenda Monday night. Dash through the desert to the Dem Diane Denish announcement party at Sandia Resort and Casino and then head south to Isleta Casino and Resort for the Xmas show of the nationally acclaimed Brian Setzer Orchestra and a complete escape from politics. But knowing me as you do, you bet correctly that I never did escape the politics. Truly, I am a condemned man, selected by the Gods to demonstrate to others the dangers of a one-track life. But it's really not so bad. Kind of like being consigned to a velvet cage. So come on, let's party.

It was the top NM women political players who dominated the scene at the posh and new Sandia hotel where Governor Stuwart Paisano greeted one and all and where an in-the-round buffet was laid out with people moving around it like a human Lazy Susan. It's where I ran into Dem Bernalillo County District Attorney Kari Brandenburg and ABQ State Rep. Danice Picraux.

Perky Kari was all grins and in the holiday spirit. I did not want to crash the mood by asking why in God's name we can't get a drunk driver's blood test back within 24 hours like they do in the real United States. So I didn't. And Danice was too cheery to ask about power struggles in the House Democratic caucus so I bit my tongue on that one too. I did inflict some discomfort by insisting on a camera phone photo, but I think it looks pretty good, don't you?

TIS' THE SEASON
Archuleta-Loeser & Cordova
I had never met the female power duo of the Bernalillo County Commission, Deanna Archuleta-Loeser and Teresa Cordova, but there they were beaming from ear to ear. And why not? The political pros downplayed their performance expectations. But a year into their terms, so far, so good. For Denish too. She has raised a million bucks, none of it her own money and is unopposed for the Dem Light Guv nod.

After all the welcome pulchritude, I headed over to testosterone alley where holding forth was living legend lobbyist Robert McBride, ABQ Metro Court Judge Ben Chavez ("I've handled 8,000 cases in my first year!") and ABQ District Court Judge Michael Kavanaugh. He was collecting petition signatures for his wife, newly appointed ABQ Metro Judge Julie Altweis. The new job will be like a vacation for Julie who has for years worked the violent crimes beat in the DA's office.

With the clock ticking toward Setzer hour, I looked for the Queen Bee herself, but the lonely ballroom podium signaled I was going to miss her. I spotted blogger Chantal Foster of Duke City Fix and thought she might be able to fill me in later on, but she said she is pretty apolitical. However, she did offer to get me a doggy bag from the buffet. I declined the gracious offer and headed for the exits prepared for my complete escape from La Politica.

NO ESCAPE!

At Isleta a long line snaked from the "Will Call" window. As we joined the merry makers we immediately spotted ABQ GOP State Senator John Ryan. (Yes, a swinging R) and now I'm thinking "Godfather Part III"--"Every time I try to get out, they pull me back in." But it was I who chatted up politics with John and wife Melissa as we waited for the big show. (It was terrific.)

The evening concluded with late night hamburgers at the famous Frontier with Green Party friends. All in all I ended up meeting members of all three parties and attending two others. That's five parties on the night of my attempted escape from the lure of La Politica. The Gods would be proud.

E-mail me your news and comments and help keep the politics coming. There's link at the top of the page.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
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D Guv Apodaca & R Vivian Cordova
It seems it was Christmases long ago when D's and R's could get together and celebrate without rancor or resentment. Heck, today you can barely get both sides in the same room during a Legislative session. But you don't have to wax sentimental to get a dose of the "Good Ol' Days" when La Politica was bloody, but not a blood sport. You just show up at the annual Xmas bash thrown in ABQ's NE Heights by longtime R Kurt Lohbeck and his artist-of-note-wife Barbara. There, just like they used to at the old Santa Fe Bullring, the two sides mix it up with scotch as the lubricant and heaping platters of delicious, politically incorrect food serving as the tie that binds.

Over 250 guests trekked through the Lohbeck digs Sunday, including former Dem Guv Jerry Apodaca, former ABQ R Congressman and Secretary of Interior (and my old boss) Manuel Lujan, Jr. and Attorney General and D congressional hopeful Patricia Madrid. News headliners included veteran political operative, businessman, boxing promoter, Friend of Big Bill and NM Game Commission Chair Guy Riordan.

With Riordan in the news, my conversation with him and Governor Jerry turned comical. As we huddled in a kitchen corner Guy would interject every few seconds, "Joe, this is off the record." I took the hint and killed the instant text messages to the ABQ Journal. Jerry sported a wry smile as if recollecting all those times (1975-78) he was the one on the hot seat. Today he works with Santa Fe lobbyist Butch Maki, enjoys his grandchildren and the success of his former wife and NM First Lady Clara who recently returned from D.C. to a high-powered position at the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation.

MADRID AND MANUEL
Samantha & Patsy Madrid
An interesting moment came when Madrid and Lujan kibitzed over the groaning buffet table. Was congressman past with congresswoman future? Patsy hopes so and rattled off a litany of issues she sees coming in her showdown with R Congresswoman Heather Wilson. Helping her on the trail will be her niece, Samantha Madrid from Las Cruces, who will tackle the campaign before tackling law school and adding another lawyer to the Madrid stable. The spirit of the affair was bipartisan, but Manuel, 77, is a straight-ticket R and wife Jeanne makes sure he stays that way.

Other political talk focused on the race you would expect, the four way Dem duel for Attorney General. D assistant ABQ city attorney and former City Councilor Pete "The Demolisher" Dinelli handicaps AG for Gary King. Dinelli is in charge of tearing down condemned properties and has done such a thorough job folks were crossing out their addresses when they handed him their biz cards. But that won't stop Pete's political itch. Someday you just may see him run for AG, but right now he and wife Betty are celebrating the season and the re-election of his boss, Mayor Marty.

PARTY NIGHTCAPS
Jessica Kartalija & Kurt Lohbeck
Generation X was ably represented by KOB-TV anchor/reporter Jessica Kartalija who lamented the heavy news menu despite the approach of the holidays. "I need a vacation," she exclaimed. But in her biz a vacation is a twenty minute nap. Sorry guys, Jessica was accompanied by her boyfriend who will go nameless out of courtesy for his safety from you jealous types.

And what of Big Bill's re-election? That's as expected as Santa on Christmas Eve, if not as anticipated. But lifelong R, biz exec, and ex-State Fair Commission Chair Tom Tinnin gave it a try as he nursed some spirits in Kurt's corridor. He bemoaned the lack of aggressiveness in pursuing the Guv in the GOP, among the media, the Legislature, the...Well, you get the idea. But it was nothing personal, winked Tom, reminding us as we greeted the crisp night air accented with a whiff of pinon of the way it was on those Christmases long ago.

Keep the politics coming. E-mail your latest news, tidbits and comments. And, as always, thanks for tuning in.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
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Robert Lucero
He stands just five feet and three inches, but it's hard to imagine any New Mexico politico riding higher these days than Robert Lucero. The ABQ Westside school board member has pulled off a deft public relations coup and helped deliver major league bacon in the form of two new high schools for his population exploding district. And because he engaged political master Big Bill in his power play, the Alligators of La Politica are taking notice. What did Lucero do?

What he did was help organize a "friendly" demonstration at a Big Bill ABQ book signing pleading for the Guv to cough up cash for the badly needed schools. The cajoling got the Guv over to Cibola High within days. Once there, Big Bill seized the opportunity presented by Lucero and company to live up to his own billing as the "Education Governor" and told ecstatic Westsiders they would get their schools. (The Legislature has to approve the entire $290 million statewide new school package).

Lucero, 47, was quick to hand out credit to neighborhood groups, the Guv and Westside legislators. But Lucero, who was laughed at and worse when he ran for ABQ mayor in 93', was the only politico to actually confront the Guv in such a public way and had previously called for a separate Westside school district if the schools were not built.

"He laid it on the line and he gets credit for it because he would have taken the hit if nothing happened. His re-election to the school board next year is a done deal." Said one ABQ Alligator.

"GRANDSTANDER" DOES GOOD

Lucero, who works for Bernalillo County government managing information, has long ached to be a player, but the other six school board members have practically ostracized him. His detractors have called him a "demagogue" and "grandstander." But now he's a grandstander who helped deliver 115 million smackers and two new schools. The gratitude earned from thousands of students and their voting parents won't be short-lived.

"I was 6 feet, four inches tall before I took this job. They have pounded me down," joked the diminutive Lucero the other day. The self-described "conservative Democrat" said his future political plans are for school board only.

When the Guv announced the big school news, Lucero was unusually low-key. As the saying goes: "When you arrive, you don't have to shout about it."

ON A RELATED NOTE....
Ira Robinson
Not many political careers are built on ABQ school board service. NM Court of Appeals judge Ira Robinson is about the only one who in the past generation has gone on to higher office. And Ira was Bernalillo County District Attorney before he went on the board....

Maybe current APS board member and Republican Gordon Rowe could become the second. His name, among several others, has surfaced as a possible replacement for ABQ GOP NE Heights State Rep. Greg Payne who is resigning to head the city's transit department at a salary of $96,000 a year.

And how about the power of ABQ's Westside? The numbers crunchers say nearly 10 percent of the statewide vote next year will come from there. Expect more, not less, goodies for the booming area.

Did you know...both Lucero and APS Board President Paula Maes have extensive backgrounds in broadcasting. Lucero toiled for years in the promotions department of ABQ public TV station KNME and Paula has been in the biz since the 70's. She now heads the NM Broadcasters Association.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
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Does ABQ get a bad rap when it comes to crime? The matter came up after I riffed in my "state of the city" that the "ongoing crime wave" was the Duke City's biggest problem. But ABQ Journal science writer John Fleck, who we blogged about on a different matter Wednesday, chooses to see the bright side of the equation. He e-mails in: "Joe, this is from the FBI's Uniform Crime Report:

Albuquerque MSA, violent crimes per 100,000 residents: 2000--945.7--2004--842.8

There's clearly an 'ongoing TV news crime wave,' but by the best measure we've got violent crime has declined over the last five years in Albuquerque," corresponds Fleck.

Well, John has a point. But the rate of violent crime has been going down everywhere as the population ages and as tough on crime platforms take hold. But when you look at the FBI's 2004 violent crime report, you see that ABQ's reputation as a violent place is not entirely undeserved.

According to the 2004 stats, the national rate of violent crimes per 100,00 persons is 465.5. ABQ, as Fleck pointed out, comes in with a rate of 842.8. Yes. it is down from 2000, as it is elsewhere, but compared to the rest of the nation the city still ranks #14 on the list of most violent metro areas. There are more than 320 metro areas ranked.

ALL CRIME ALL THE TIME

As for Fleck's 'ongoing TV crime wave,' it deserves serious consideration. The local TV's have been criticized nationally for going overboard and insiders here will even tell you they fear straying to far from the crime beat and risk a setback in the ratings.

Even NM TV news dean Dick Knipfing has defended his station's heavy crime coverage saying ABQ is "a violent town." But does that mean it has to be the dominant theme night after night? Apparently so if you want to attract viewers who are still interested. But according to one study between May 1997 and May 2003, early-evening news programs lost 16% of their available audience share or more than 3% a year. Late news programs lost even more, 18%, again more than 3% each year. Will constant crime coverage win them back?

MY BOTTOM LINES

The bottom line is that ABQ, compared to other metro areas, does have a very serious crime problem. But it's also worth pointing out that many victims of crime are themselves involved in criminal activity. For the vast majority, living in ABQ is not a proposition that puts your life in danger as media coverage might sometime convey. In fact, most residents are most concerned about property crime which gets only scattered attention because it lacks the sensation of the latest shooting.

The folks who run the TV news game are hard working professionals who mostly get it right and get it fast. And there is plenty of crime to report. But the steady diet of crime headlines make their broadcasts borderline irrelevant to an ever-growing number of educated viewers who used to watch religiously. Now, in the name of ratings, they often appeal to the lowest common denominator. While that may not be a crime, it is a shame.

Thanks to John for the thought provoker. You can catch more of him on his very own blog.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
Not for reproduction without permission of the author

Rep. Wilson
It will be the premier New Mexico political race of 2006. No doubt about that. In fact, I recently fielded a call from the national desk of the Los Angeles Times to discuss what contest they will target as a bellwether for their readers. The Heather Wilson-Patricia Madrid face-off is one of two they are considering tracking from beginning to end to keep tabs on the national mood and whether the GOP House majority is endangered.

Which leads us back to Heather's bold statement that it would be looking in "the rear view mirror" and a "distraction" for the House Intelligence Committee, of which she is a member, to investigate pre-Iraq war intelligence and where and how it went wrong. Why the controversial statement now, which Dem Madrid seized upon to score early political points? And not just with the partisans. The ABQ Journal, generally supportive of the GOP's Wilson, slapped her wrist with this editorial and then followed with a slew of letters to the editor taking her to task.

Curious insiders are asking just how this story emerged so early as a campaign hot potato. Me too. So I checked in with veteran Journal science writer John Fleck who penned the missive that kicked off what will be a long and hard fought congressional duel.

THE FLECK FACTOR

Fleck informs that Heather, on a tour of Sandia Labs with House Intelligence Chair Peter Hoekstra, did not raise the issue. "I asked the question because I have been following the controversy over aluminum tubes in Iraq that were mistakenly thought to indicate an Iraqi nuclear weapons program. I was not approaching it as a political question."

But Heather's hard-hitting language immediately red-flagged the story and it ended up a page one write-up and launched the campaign over the war.
Madrid
And why was Heather so hard-hitting when she usually plays low-key on issues that divide the moderate district? Several theories abound including one that she turned it up because she was with her committee chairman who has stalled a pre-war probe. Another longtime Heather watcher said the tough tone was really not that unusual, but choosing to use it on the hyper-controversial Iraq war was the issue.

The Dems are hoping that the refusal to investigate will have long legs. "Even if the war turns her way, we will still have this issue of what went wrong. It's something that even supporters of the war may relate to and her position can be summed up neatly in a TV spot," analyzed the campaign operative.

It's worth repeating. The Iraq war is comparable to the campaign politics during the Vietnam saga. Before it's over Madrid and Wilson will both have their mettle tested like never before. And that's what makes for a premier political race.

AUDITOR ANGST

We've got a contest for the Dem nomination for state auditor. Tuesday we reported that Jeff Armijo was in the running, but that some Dems were hoping for a rival. They have one. Tom Buckner, deputy superintendent for the state Regulation and Licensing Department is out collecting signatures.

He tells me he has served as a bank examiner for the FDIC and has lived in Rio Rancho since 97.' He's 64 and was appointed to his post by Big Bill. He also worked for Attorney General Madrid as a Medicaid fraud investigator. He adds: "I've got nothing against Jeff. May the best man win." And 35 year old Jeff, second cousin of ABQ Mayor Marty, phones in: "I like Tom." Come on fellas, you're going to give politics a bad name.

Is there an R auditor candidate yet? Not that I have heard. Have you?

SPELL CHECKER FOR HIRE

Sometimes I even surprise myself with my bizarre late-night spelling screw-ups. Tuesday it was R Guv candidate "J.R Damson," when it should have been "J.R. Damron." I guess the question isn't who shot J.R. but who butchered his name. I have lashed myself ten times with a wet noodle and will now link to Dr. D's Web site as atonement for my sin for which I was gently roasted by several watchful blog editors.

BOTTOM LINE

Listen, but listen quick. The state GOP has put up a radio ad on conservative talker 770 KKOB-AM labeling Big Bill "King Bill" as they try to make hay over his pro baseball record. It's more of a symbolic play as the ad is up on just one station and ends Thursday. But it's the "earned media" they are after which they just got here and from the AP's Barrey Massey as well.

Corrections, criticisms, and of course, the latest political news, is always welcome. There's an e-mail link at the top of the page. Drop me a line. See ya' soon.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
Not for reproduction without permission of the author

Domenici & Bingaman
A couple of years ago it looked as if the decades long collegiality between New Mexico's two U.S. Senators might be in jeopardy, but with Campaign 06' rapidly nearing it appears to be love and peace again between R Senator Domenici and D Jeff Bingaman who is is seeking a fifth, six year term to the senate. How cozy are the two senators whose combined tenure in he World's Most Exclusive Club suprpasses that of any other state's delegation?

"Jeff is mainly vulnerable from conservative Eastside R's and D's. It's natural for him to court Pete who can give him valuable cover with those constituents and its equally natural for Pete to warm up to Jeff as the R's come under fire for skyrocketing energy prices. Past differences are overcome by that equation," analyzed one campaign veteran.

Pete is chair of Senate Energy and Jeff, once the chair himself, is now ranking Dem. Earlier this year they banded together to pass an energy bill that Dems roundly criticized for being too friendly to major energy corporations, but one that Bingaman nevertheless supported, earning Pete's gratitude not to mention that of NM's oil and gas industry.

THE BUDDY SYSTEM

The Energy and Commerce Comittees recently held a joint hearing on high energy prices featuring the heads of the major oil companies who were later accused of lying to the senators when they testified they never met with Vice-President Cheney's energy task force in 2001 to plot energy policy. Then the news broke that that was not the case and it was Pete and the R's on the hot seat for refusing to have the oil execs take formal oaths at the hearing.

Not to worry. Jeff was quick to join Pete in signing a letter asking for answers from the oil bosses and not raising a stink about the oath-taking. It was nice cover for the senior senator.

Insiders in D.C. say Pete, as in the past, will not get active in the campaign against Bingaman. There is really no pressure for him to do so as the Bingaman race is not targeted by the national R's.

When it comes to being in the U. S. Senate membership has its privileges. Mutual back scratching apparently being one of them.

COMINGS AND GOINGS

Coming onto the scene: Dem Jeff Armijo, a member of the ABQ TV-I Governing Board, now campaigning for state auditor. But one branch of D's says Armijo, who is in the travel biz, is not their favorite and they are looking to recruit another candidate, but there's no rush of applicants. Outgoing auditor Domingo Martinez is reportedly looking to get into Santa Fe county government when his term ends next year.

Dem Al Park is staying put. He says he will seek re-election to his ABQ State House seat after flirting with the notion of running for attorney general and then state treasurer. It's probably the smart move as both races were an uphill climb. He has raised over six figures for his campaign treasury, leaving him an odds on favorite for another House term and time to mull a future run in more friendly territory.

Finally, an R wag e-mails in his campaign slogan for GOP Guv hopeful and Santa Fe radiologist J.R. Damron: "He can see right through Bill Richardson." Hey, that and $10 million and it just might work.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
Not for reproduction without permission of the author

Martinez
Speculation became fever pitched in media circles when ABQ NBC affiliate KOB-TV announced that longtime and popular native New Mexican TV anchor Nelson Martinez was being given his walking papers, but refused to give a specific reason. Martinez would only say that it was "complicated" and he was hiring an attorney. Here's the exclusive insider report on what really happened.

When it comes to TV news always start with the ratings. Because, for better or worse, (mostly worse) that's all that really matters in the bottom line biz it's become. The numbers for the broadcasts Nelson anchored (4 and 5 p.m) since joining KOB two years ago consistently lagged KRQE AND KOAT. With that as a backdrop Nelson was ripe for the picking, or the kicking.

"Management claims Nelson canceled a recent 4 p.m. anchor appearance saying he was too sick to go on, but was seen later that day at the book signing for Governor Richardson in ABQ's North Valley. On top of that, the station is said to have video of Nelson at the signing shot by a KOB crew. It was the straw that broke the camel's back," reports our reliable TV informer who has spent decades in the tube trenches and who adds that Nelson is disputing management's take hence the attorney.

You mean Nelson may have laid his career on the line for Big Bill?! If so, will he be rewarded? Heck, the Guv has hired half the journalists in New Mexico for lesser reasons. Nelson is one of the great Mariachi musicians in our state so do you suppose Music Commission honcho Nancy Laflin, once a TV news anchor herself, can make some desk room for Nelson?

KRQE TAKES THE TEN
Dick & Erika
As for the TV news wars, in the November sweeps KRQE again rode the strength of CBS primetime to capture another narrow win over KOB-TV for the 10 p.m. news title. ABC affiliate KOAT was third. To the chagrin of us political types who yearn for more varied coverage, the three stations have come to depend on an even heavier mix of crime stories. But in TV news it's not yearning that determines what gets on the air. It's what earns. Who says crime doesn't pay?

RETRO ANCHORS & RADIO WAVES

Let's stay on the media beat to tell you that another TV anchor veteran, Jane Metzler of 1980's KOAT fame, is now being heard in ABQ/Santa Fe. She's a national anchor for Fox News radio which airs on KAGM 106.3 FM. And in a twist of irony, Dianne Anderson, of 1990's KOAT anchor fame, gets to listen to her as she conducts a midday talk show there...Katy Zachry, one of a number of young and aggressive reporters signed up by KRQE to take them to the top of the 10 p.m news heap, is leaving the station for TV news in Hartford, CT., the #28 market in the nation. ABQ has now inched up to #46.

Over at NM's #1 radio station, 50,000 watt giant 770 KKOB-AM, Big Bill got a lesson in how quick conservatives will turn on him, despite his attempts to romance them with tax cuts. National talker Sean Hannity last week panned Big Bill profusely for his new position on Iraq--set a definitive timetable for withdrawal--and even threw in a hand grenade over the Guv's resume mishap. Hannity is so pro-Prez that critics have taken to calling him "Bush's Bitch." But Big Bill and Sean were cozy together, until now. Lesson for the Guv? Sometimes the one you're using, is using you.

Finally, one of the writers for "Late Night With David Letterman" could not resist lampooning the Guv over his baseball blunder calling it his "Field of Hallucination. To which the Guv and his minions say: "Amen. Better to take our lumps now than later."

And with that we say thanks for tuning in. Send me your news and comments via e-mail.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
Not for reproduction without permission of the author

ABQ liberals, given a stern whipping by ABQ Mayor Marty Chavez in the October city election, may get a consolation prize. According to City hall insiders, Councilor Martin Heinrich is poised to take over the council presidency when the new council and mayor take their seats.

"It appears Martin has five of the nine votes. Republican Craig Loy appears to be a vote short. At this time, the smart money is on Heinrich," reports our nose counter.

Dem Heinrich is playing it close to the vest, noting that it is another week before the vote and that he is not "ready to count his chickens before they hatch." That said, the SE Heights first term lawmaker sized up the factionalized council this way: "I think it will take some time to determine where enough consensus exists to craft good legislation."

Heinrich has been an even tempered solon, but an unabashed liberal whose possible presidency is raising the hackles of some in the biz community who are still miffed over his advocacy of a citywide minimum wage (It narrowly failed at the ballot box). Despite Mayor Marty's big win and the pro-growth politics it signifies, there are four councilors, including Heinrich, who can be counted on to slow down the hyperactive 11th floor.

The council prez is largely ceremonial and serves just one year. But he does get to appoint members to council committees and other government bodies, so there would be a chance for Heinrich to push his agenda.

MARTY'S THREEPEAT

When he takes the oath today for an unprecedented third, four year term, Mayor Chavez says he will be "liberated" because he is not running again and can make decisions without political consideration. It's true he's not running for mayor again. The City Charter says he can't. But does anyone really think the ultimate political animal is done with elective office for good? He ran for for Guv in 98' and has always kept his eye on the U.S. Senate. Insiders take with a a grain of salt his claim that there will be no politics in his future or in the decisions he makes in the next four years. Whether he will be successful at future political endeavors seems the more relevant question.

PERLMAN: OUT OF THE OYSTER
Perlman
The Mayor's new number two, UNM public administration professor Bruce Perlman received his inauguration into public life this week when he was described in the papers as "a founder" of the infamous ABQPAC which landed the Mayor in so much hot water. The issue is not expected to be an obstacle to his confirmation by the city council, but Perlman has to wonder if the slogan will someday end up on his tombstone.

Perlman comes from the Ivory Tower and while lacking the lengthy government experience of predecessor James Lewis, the UNM bureaucracy has provided him plenty of opportunities to face down the Alligators. Now he will be knee-deep in them in one of the hottest seats in the city. The CAO-designate is known for his keen sense of humor which one surmises he will be calling on frequently in the challenging days ahead.

2009 OR BUST!

Sure, right now it's all Marty all the time. But it's never too early to get ready for the next mayor. 2009, here we come! Councilors Michael Cadigan and Ken Sanchez are already on the short-list. Both of them are from the West side.

The buzz around today's inauguration of Mayor Chavez is curiously sedate for a personality who is so front and center. Little advance publicity and no big parties like four years ago. Maybe after having the job so long he finds less of a need to shout about it--at least on opening night. Or maybe it's the absence being felt of social butterfly and ex-mayoral wife Margaret Chavez.

MY KIND OF TOWN

The state of the city is good, contentious as always, but good. The government supported economy chugs along, the city is clean and local government has been relatively scandal-free. (The bugaboo being the unsolved APD evidence room rip-off). For growth, Chavez's re-election means more of the same. And is that so bad? It's not like we are L.A.

The next four years will finally see settlement of the age-old road arguments--Paseo del Norte will be extended, an expanded Montano Bridge will be a done deal and more roads and schools will be built on the West side to accommodate growth. Why? Because we had an election where the arguments were aired and the people voted. Don't like it? There's another city election in just two years.

ABQ's biggest problem is the ongoing crime wave and the poor image it has spawned nationally. It has also been a considerable impediment to economic growth. Chavez has done about all he can in getting tough on crime. Now we face difficult social and economic issues to beat this problem. The mayor wants to butt in to the local education system which is the first line of defense against crime. He will get his head kicked in for it, but if he doesn't burn political capital on the number one issue, what's the point of having power?

Always enjoy having you here. Come back again soon.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
Not for reproduction without permission of the author