Kavanaugh
ABQ District Court Judge J. Michael Kavanaugh, responding to our Thursday blog detailing the heavy dose of campaign contributions he received from parties indicted or pleading guilty in the Metro Courthouse scandal, said he will donate that $8,000 to charity as has been done by other political figures who have received tainted cash. Kavanaugh said where and when he will donate the money has yet to be decided and that " I'll probably have to borrow the money."

He also pointed out that technically no judge is supposed to know where his or her campaign contributions come from. Although they are readily accessible by reading the newspapers or looking at reports on the Internet, Kavanaugh said he was unaware of the individuals who gave him the $8,000 we reported on for his '04 District Court campaign, Kavanaugh was the presiding judge of ABQ Metro court when planning for a new courthouse began and the construction of which led to the federal indictments of several parties including former State Senator Manny Aragon. Here is Judge Kavanaugh's statement as emailed to us:

"Judges are not permitted to know who contributes to their campaigns or how much they contribute. During my campaign, whenever a contributor handed me a donation, I would pass it on to my treasurer who would then make a record of it and include it in required reports to the Secretary of State. I made every effort to avoid examining the checks received and didn't open any envelopes containing donations. I have not reviewed the list of contributors to my campaign and am prohibited from doing that. I believe that the right thing to do is to donate to charity any campaign contributions received from anyone involved in the case, in order to avoid even the appearance of impropriety.

...I have fully cooperated with Federal investigators and may or may not be called as a witness in the case. My term as Chief Judge at Metro was from May of '96 to May of '99. ...Contrary to rumors and as I told the investigators, there was NEVER a secret meeting attended by me where anything illegal or improper was discussed with ANYONE relating to the courthouse project. I lobbied the New Mexico Legislature for over 2 years and that included Senator Aragon. He never asked me for anything in return for his support of the legislation and I didn't offer anything. I would never expose myself or the judiciary to anything illegal and I never even suspected anything of the sort..." Emailed Kavanaugh.

A POLITICOS EASTER

Ed Romero
La Politica slows to a crawl for the Easter weekend, and it's no wonder. Catholicism, Hispanic NM and politics have been intertwined here for centuries. Ed Romero, who started off as a ward-heeler in Bernalillo county and went on to become U.S. Ambassador to Spain, has insightful reminiscences of Easters past that are uniquely New Mexican.

One of the prized possessions left to me by my grandfather was the bloodstained disciplina (discipline) that he used to flagellate himself. It was made of leather, but some were made of fiber from the yucca plant. I remember seeing the cicatriz (scars) on his back when I would help him bathe. He also left me his books of alabados (praises), which contain the archaic Spanish of our ancestors. Throughout, there are wax stains from the burning candles because prayer books were read by candlelight.

KEEPING THE HEAT ON

David Iglesias continues to turn up the heat on ABQ GOP Congresswoman Heather Wilson and GOP Senator Pete Domenici. Now he's saying the duo may have violated the federal Hatch Act when they made those controversial calls to him last October during which Iglesias said he felt pressured to speed up indictments in the Metro Courthouse scandal. Iglesias is talking about it with the government's Office of Special Counsel.

DONA ANA DEBATE

Newly minted southern Dem congressional candidate Bill McCamley blogs in with a different take than ours on the Dona Ana county Spaceport tax. We argued Thursday that McCamley's vocal advocacy of the tax could cost him conservative support, but he asserts:

"Do you consider the Chair of the Dona Ana Republican Party a liberal? He wrote an editorial in support of the tax. So did the only Republican County Commissioner, Kent Evans...The main opposition came from the south valley alliance (a group of colinias representatives). These people wanted to see a tax but, but only if it went directly to funding for the poor." Argues McCamley.

The southern disrtrict is represenated by conservative GOP Rep. Steve Pearce.

HAPPY EASTER, NEW MEXICO

Just what is the news these days? Here's a comical take on the question to conclude our week and to send you into a Happy Easter.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2007
Not for reproduction without permission of the author

Judge Kavanaugh
Who will be the next politician to give up tainted campaign cash from indicted figures in the giant Metro Courthouse scandal? Big Bill, Light Guv Denish and AG King say they are turning over to charity money received from the indicted. But what about J. Michael Kavanaugh, the presiding judge of ABQ Metro Court when plans to build the new courthouse were first hatched and a project from which the feds say taxpayers were bilked out of $4 million?

Records gathered by your blog show that Kavanaugh, who left his Metro Court judgeship in 2004 when the Governor appointed him to District Court, received a total of $8,000 for his 2004 District Judge campaign from persons indicted in the courthouse scandal. That total represents 42% of the $18,850 Democrat Kavanaugh reported raising for his race which he narrowly won against Republican Sharon Walton.

The ABQ Tribune reported in October 2004 that Kavanaugh, a NM Highlands University graduate, received $5,000 from Toby and Sandra Martinez, the indicted Metro Court administrator and his wife who are accused of stealing $2 million. He also received $2,000 from the now indicted engineering firm partner Raul Parra who is accused of looting $770,000.

Our review of state records also shows that Datcom Inc. gave Kavanaugh a donation of $500. Parra is charged with recruiting a subcontractor, Datcom. Inc., owned by Manuel Guara. Guara, who has entered a plea bargain with the feds, would submit inflated bids to the general contractor on modifications that would be approved by Martinez. Our review also reveals a $500 contribution to Kavanaugh's '04 campaign from former State Senator Many Aragon who is charged with ripping off $700,000 in the construction of the $83 million
courthouse.

KAVANAUGH AND THE CASE

In November of '06 KRQE-TV reporterLarry Barker revealed that the Feds had questioned Kavanaugh about the courthouse caper, but Barker reported his sources told him the judge was not suspected of bribe-taking. He reported that Kavanaugh was interviewed by authorities about a meeting he had with Aragon and Martinez at which Senator Aragon said he could get construction funds for the new courthouse approved by the Legislature.

Kavanaugh became a Metro Court judge in 1991 and was appointed by Governor Richardson in 2004 to District Court. He then ran for and narrowly won a six year term in a contested election against the GOP's Walton. According to media reports, indictments are also possible in connection with the construction of the District Courthouse where Kavanaugh now serves.

Judge Kavanaugh is not legally bound to give up any campaign contributions, but some of his political counterparts have decided it is the right thing to do. Will he or won't he? Stay tuned.

MORE TAINTED CASH

The spate of politicos who received what could be ill-gotten gains in the form of campaign cash from the Metro Court indicted is an ever-growing one, that includes R's and D's. Next we could be hearing of donations received by Bernalillo county commissioners, or other judges, not just the one covered here today. Arraignments for those charged have been set for April 12.

YOUTH SPEAKS OUT
Bill McCamley
Is he young and dumb or smart and forward looking? Those are the questions surrounding the southern NM Democratic congressional candidacy of 29 year old Dona Ana County Commissioner Bill McCamley who Tuesday announced his anticipated run for the seat held by Republican GOP U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce. McCamley, who I met while doing PR work for Sunland Park Racetrack, is bright, if also tinted with youthful hubris. He has little chance of unseating Pearce in the heavy conservative CD. Even if Pearce, untouched by the US Attorney scandal roiling NM Rep. Heather Wilson, were to leave to run for a U.S. Senate seat vacancy created if Senator Domenici left, the Pearce seat would still be safe R, or conservative Dem in the tradition of the late Harold Runnels. McCamley is not a conservative. He was one of he most vocal supporters of the Dona Ana spaceport tax, a tax that appears to have narrowly passed, but drew the ire of conservatives that McCamley would need to take the seat.

McCamley will not have the '08 primary to himself. He faces opposition from 71 year old Democrat Al Kissling, who despite losing 60% to 40% to Pearce in '06, wants another chance. Insiders tell me no other major Dem candidates are expected to join the race. McCamley has curried favor with Big Bill and that may help, but liberal and moderate D's in the district who will have some influence in a primary election will press both men on their stand on Iraq. McCamley made no mention of the USA's #1 issue in his announcement. Kissling was not that outspoken about it in his last campaign. Statements anyone?

At 29, it can't hurt running a long shot congressional candidacy. It could open some doors. Bill Richardson did it in 1980 when he was 32. McCamley needs to pay some dues, and it appears he is willing to pay.

MY BOTTOM LINES

I mixed up the Dem Prez primaries in my initial take Wednesday on that Colorado poll showing Big Bill at only 2 percent. Readers reminded us that Colorado is a February 5 primary state and that it is Nevada, the first state where Bill hopes to make a major impact, has the January 19 primary. We had Colorado coming too early.

Back tomorrow with a final note on the week. Thank you, New Mexico, for your continued support.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2007
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They didn't pull away like a launched rocket, but supporters of a quarter cent gross receipts tax increase in Dona Ana county to help finance a Spaceport think they will end up putting the proposal into orbit. Unofficial results have them winning the tax election by a slim and preliminary margin of 204 votes or just 1.2%, or 50.6% for the tax and 49.4% against. Politicos on the ground told me there are still 541 provisional ballots to be counted, but based on past experience I expect many of those to be disqualified. Even if none were, making up the 204 vote margin would require the provisionals to vote 69% against the tax. Still, this being NM where odd post-election events often arise, it is best to wait for each and every vote to be counted before declaring a winner. In other words, Big Bill will have to hold his breath until Thursday when the provisionals that are accepted are counted.

State Economic Development Secretary Rick Homans, who was the Guv's point man on the election, was emailing the Governor regular updates from Las Cruces. A consultant with the Victory Group of Santa Fe, running the campaign for the tax, described himself as "more optimistic than cautiously optimistic" that they have pulled out the victory. Why so close? "It's never easy to get voters to approve any tax," He replied.

The Governor's office gave us this late night spin at 11:20 p.m. "We knew this would be a close election and that’s proven true, as tonight the vote is simply to close to call. What is clear is that the voters of Dona Ana are both cautious with public investment, and hopeful in seeking to create a high-tech, high-wage economy, and improve math and science education for southern New Mexico. It's also clear is that the election was run transparently and effectively."

Turnout was more than the 10,000 to 15,000 anticipated. 17, 358 votes were cast, (excluding the provisionals), a turnout of about 18% of registered voters. The early vote, usually consisting of older and more conservative ballots, gave the Spaceport proponents a scare early in the evening as 59% of 3,819 early ballots went against the measure.

The in-person voting on Tuesday was more broad-based and one presumes more Democratic, although prominent GOP leaders had also supported the tax increase. Voters in Sierra and Otero counties are also going to be asked to approve a Spaceport tax. Tuesday's Dona Ana vote shows approval there can't be taken for granted.

THE COLORADO CHALLENGE

The stiff challenge awaiting Big Bill to break through as a major Democratic Prexy hopeful is revealed today from the state he says is his best hope--our neighbor to the north-- Colorado. In an ARG survey just completed, Bill garners a dreadful 2 percent among likely primary voters there, compared to Hillary's 34% and Obama's 23%.

Now, some pundits may argue that the poll is meaningless at this stage, and they would be wrong. Colorado has been targeted for visits by Richardson, his first significant staff was hired there and he believes the state's growing Hispanic population--19% in 2004-- gives him a natural constituency. All of this, he believes, will lay the groundwork for a strong showing in the Centennial State that will help break him out of the second-tier of Prez hopefuls and give him a serious shot at the nomination. Thus far, the polling does not justify those expectations or even anticipate them.

Two percent is especially disappointing because southern Colorado is in the NM television market. You would think that would bounce him a point or two, but no. (The CNN New Hampshire Dem Prez poll released Tuesday shows Big Bill at 4 percent, up from one percent in February.)

The poll doesn't say Richardson can't do it, but it does say, somewhat surprisingly for a Western state Governor, that he starts from scratch and will need to spend a long, long time in Colorado's kitchen to whip up a winning recipe.

ON SECOND THOUGHT...

Jeff Bingaman picked up plenty of praise in the oil and gas counties of NM when he sought re-election in '06 and defended the big tax subsides for the oil companies put in the GOP crafted energy bill signed by President Bush in ABQ in '05. But with gas prices on the rise again and oil company profits at record levels, Senator Bingaman, the new chairman of Senate Energy in the Dem controlled Congress, has a slightly different spin on those tax breaks for big and small oil.

"The tax provisions were included to encourage more [domestic] energy production. "It's not clear they've accomplished that objective and we need to bring in some experts to make that determination."

Need experts, Jeff? Just pull into any gas station and ask a New Mexican ponying up nearly three bucks a gallon on a ten buck an hour salary. They'll have plenty of "expertise."

WANTED: EX-U.S. SENATE CANDIDATE
McCulloch
While Jeff could find his new responsibilities burdensome at times, he remains better off than the man who tried to unseat him last year. This from the AP:

"BERNALILLO--A bench warrant has been issued for a former Republican U.S. Senate candidate after he failed to appear for trial on a careless driving citation stemming from a traffic crash three weeks before the 2006 general election.

Allen McCulloch was "driving too fast for the conditions of the roadway" and was talking on his cell phone just before the Oct. 15 crash on U.S. 550 north of Cuba, the Sandoval County Sheriff's Department said.

The bench warrant was issued Monday after McCulloch did not show up for his trial in Bernalillo...The Associated Press left messages Tuesday for McCulloch, a Farmington urologist, at his office and home."

McCulloch didn't show up for his senate race either, managing a mere 29.3 percent of the vote.

Drop us a line with your latest news and comments. There's a link at the top of the page.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2007
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Polls in Dona Ana county close at 7 p.m and Spaeport tax results should be coming in shortly after. Check for them here.

Today's tax vote on the Spaceport is not as big a gamble for Big Bill as the one he took back in September 2003, but if Dona Ana county voters today were to nix a quarter cent increase in the gross receipts tax to help finance the Spaceport, it would be a blow to his political standing here and on the Prez trail. That's not expected to happen for the same reason the Guv won ((by just 195 votes) that '03 constitutional amendment vote to increase education spending from the state's Land Grant Permanent Fund. Like then, many Republicans support this tax.

The R's have the reputation of never liking a tax they meet, but they split in '03 when Senator Domenici supported Bill's tax and then-GOP Chairwoman Ramsay Gorham opposed. This time, the Dona Ana county GOP chairman is supportive of the Spaceport tax as is Dona Ana GOP County Commissioner Kent Evans. Opposition has been left to conservatives and populists not in the public arena and who lack the funding to run an aggressive campaign. The Guv's backers have the help of a professional consulting firm--Santa Fe's Victory Group.

A low turnout of 10 to 15% of the electorate is expected (perhaps 12,000 votes). Less than five percent of the 97,000 registered voted early. If Governor Richardson carries the day, the news will be greeted with a yawn. But if there's a fluke and the tax goes down, the gubernatorial standing would shrink. The polls close at 7 p.m. Results will be here after 7 p.m. tonight.

MANNY'S MOOD

Where is the lion of yore? So ask the political Alligators about former state Senate Democratic powerhouse Manny Aragon who has been mum since he was indicted last week on corruption charges in the Metro Courthouse scandal. A political associate of Manny's checks in here with the news that he has not heard from Aragon and he isn't aware of anyone who has.

"I heard Manny was at his personal cabin in Chama. I know his family is concerned for his health because of the stress of this. Manny is no longer in public life, and I don't think he feels a need to make a statement. It may be something he wants to handle on the personal level," said the Aragon insider.

Manny's foes, of course, see the silence as a sign that the lion is wounded and unable to defend himself. But he will have many defenders, including his lawyer, 62 year old David Cunningham of Santa Fe. I've asked several attorneys about Cunningham, but most had not heard much about him. He is from New York, but has practiced in NM since 1983. Perhaps the legal beagles can email us and tell us more about him and what kind of style we might see as he aides Aragon.

A COOPERATING KING

Blog reader Alan Schwartz is worried that NM Attorney General Gary King's decision to "cooperate" with the feds on the Manny case could mean this:"

"My concern would be that Gary's "cooperation" turns out to be immunity from state prosecution...Manny could cut a deal in exchange for testimony on kickbacks on other projects (assuming that actually happened). Manny then takes the role of former NM Treasurer Michael Montoya and some minor player gets thrown under the bus a la Vigil." Worries Schwartz.

AG King has not granted anyone state immunity and is trying to avoid what some analysts called the mistake of former AG Madrid who indicted key witnesses in the Treasurer scandal on state charges which they say fouled up Vigil's federal trial. Vigil was eventually found guilty on one corruption count and has been sentenced to over three years in prison. Montoya negotiated a plea bargain and has yet to be sentenced.

Also on the legal beat, I was a step behind on who ABQ criminal defense attorney Randi McGinn is representing in the courthouse deal. I blogged Monday that it was unknown, but the ABQ Journal reported back in November that she is representing former District Court Judge John Brennan. She says Brennan is not a target of the federal investigation, but has been interviewed by authorities.

The Feds are leaking to the media that more indictments may come in the investigation into the construction of the Metro Court, the ABQ District Court and the Metro Jail. Brennan, you'll recall, resigned from the bench when he was busted for cocaine possession and drunk driving.

One thing is for sure. If you are a criminal defense lawyer in the ABQ area with a half-decent reputation, you should have a client in the courthouse caper. The rumor mill still has a gaggle of politicos and lobbyists "lawyered up' and waiting for the other shoe to drop.

DON'T SHOW ME THE MONEY

Big Bill's no-holds-barred fund-raising for his '06 Guv re-elect (he raised an astounding $13 million in a state with less than two million people) has him donating money to charity from key figures in the Metro Courthouse scandal, some $35,000. Ironically, the Guv has been one of the most vocal advocates for ethics reform, but how many times has he had to give up tainted money? Quite a few. Probably no impact on his Prez campaign, but it is not going to hasten the Legislature to change ethics laws when they see the Guv repeatedly caught in the trap that no-limit, no-questions-asked fund-raising sets.

WANT ETHICS?

Want better ethics in New Mexico politics? Strengthen the two party system here. The Republicans have been flat on their backs, stricken with factional infighting and a party that became the playground for lobbyists and political operatives who have failed to move the GOP in a moderate direction to attract Hispanics and conservative Dems. That's why we've reported on it since we started this blog back in '03. A strong, moderate Republican party, unblemished by self-dealing, will mean more parity with the Democrats which will make politicos on both sides of the aisle mindful of watching their p's and q's because they will have potential competition.

Ethics in politicians is is a lot like capitalism; if it's in their self interest, politicians will be more ethical which in turn will benefit the community at large.

Keep us up-to-date. Email your latest political news and comments from the top of the page.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2007
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Big Bill
Not again! After giving the Governor a fig leaf in the form of a couple of passed bills, lawmakers ended their disjointed special legislation session Friday night, only to learn Saturday that the Governor is threatening to haul them back to Santa Fe yet again to tackle ethics reform proposals that died a painful death not only in the regular 60 day session, but in the 11 day chaotic special. The question is will Governor Richardson learn to count any better before calling another special? And, if it is clear he doesn't have the votes, but calls a special session anyway, is that governing or grandstanding?

Hardly any meaningful ethics laws passed the Legislature which came as no surprise to our readers as the Alligators predicted such an outcome before the session began. Now, with the indictment of former Senate powerhouse Manny Aragon, the Guv apparently feels compelled to put some distance between himself and his old political ally, the one he appointed president of NM Highlands University, and will reconvene his ethics task force to recommend legislation for a possible special session.

The recent not-so-special cost taxpayers nearly $500,000 and undid the comity the Governor had built with opposition Republicans and conservative Democrats. If Bill calls another special that ends the same, the state's veterinarians will have to be rushed to the Capitol to treat a full blown case of lame-duck disease. Right now, the best friend of the Fourth Floor is an abacus. Won't someone use it?

WE'RE RIGHT ON THE MONEY

It's fun to be right, and boy were we on the money on January 25 when we polled the Alligators and predicted that Big Bill Richardson would raise $5.75 million for his prez bid in the first quarter of the year. Sunday he reported that he raised $6 million and has $5 million on hand. Those are respectable numbers for a second tier candidate. Hillary Clinton's $36 mil, including money raised for her senate race last year, is astronomical, but Bill will be able to stay around and be a presence if a top tier candidate fumbles. I'll go down to the feeding area and see what the Gators say Bill must raise in the months ahead to remain competitive.

COURTHOUSE CAPER

Will there be a full-blown federal trial of former Dem powerhouse Manny Aragon on charges that he stole 700 Grand off of the construction of the ABQ Metro Court? Most of my legal observers say they expect Manny to fight, but there is another school that says don't rule out a plea bargain. "Manny's health could be a consideration, He is known to suffer from diabetes and other health issues. Also, in the past when he was busted on minor charges--gambling and DWI--he ended up plea bargaining the cases," analyzed one our lawyers. In addition, legal beagles say there could be indictments coming over other public projects that allegedly involve Aragon and his influence and in which he could cooperate with the feds.

And what about indictments in the construction of the Metro jail and maybe other government buildings? The feds are saying don't rule them out. Also, attorney Billy Blackburn, who represents the indicted Toby and Sandy Martinez says to expect more. Stay tuned.

MANNY ARROGANT?

The political requiems are coming in.

WINNING THE PR WAR

Despite spilling gallons of ink, detractors of former NM GOP US Attorney David Iglesias are getting hammered in the public relations war and the war over the truth too. Take the testimony from the chief of staff of Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez who told the Senate Friday that, in hindsight, he would not have recommended that Iglesias be fired. Now Dem Senator Charles Schumer is taking advantage by demanding that Gonzales apologize to Iglesias Iglesias for firing him. Just what Iglesias is demanding too.

The main problem for the anti-Iglesias campaign is what he's said is being borne out by the Republicans officials instrumental in his dismissal. Successful public relations efforts can influence the impact of the truth, but it can't change the truth.

OVER THE TOP?

Did we unfairly tie NM GOP US Senator Pete Domenici to indicted Manny Aragon in writing of the problems of the two in our Friday blog? Quite a few readers think so. Here's a sample.

Marilyn Hannah of Corrales writes: "Joe, you are way over the top trying to compare the so-called charges against Pete with the stealing ways of Manny. If anything, this just proves Pete and Heather right to try to get (then- U.S. Attorney David) Iglesias off his butt. "

Marilyn was referring to the phone calls Pete and Congresswoman Wilson made to Iglesias last October, calls Iglesias says were made to pressure him into speeding up the Aragon indictment to benefit Wilson's re-election bid.

An anonymous reader piled on telling us: "The Democrats try to make everything equal when, in fact, it is their party officials who have robbed from the people of New Mexico for years. Your lame attempt to show parity is laughable, even for you."

John Gonzales, executive director of the Eight Northern Indian Pueblo Council, also scored us harshly: "It is clear from today's blog you don’t really care for Senator Domenici, but you do have some affinity for Manny. You have tried and found guilty one of this state's (perhaps the greatest) US Senators of an offense equal in severity to what Manny is charged with. I think you owe an apology to Senator Domenici."

I don't know about an apology, John. It isn't Romper Room around here for either us or the politicians we cover. Also, I neither like or dislike Domenici or Aragon, nor do I find anyone innocent or guilty. But upon reflection I do believe I was careless in not making clear that I was comparing the political fortunes of Manny and Pete, not the alleged offenses that they are involved in. To make clear, Domenici is the subject of a preliminary investigation by the Senate Ethics Committee; it's an ethics charge, not a criminal charge. I was referencing the political standing of the two men when I lumped them together, not their legal standing, but I regret not making that clear and I apologize to those who were offended.

WILSON: SAVED BY THE BELL

Meanwhile, The Washington Post Sunday delved into the Domenici-Wilson relationship and how the Senator and his longtime chief of staff Steve Bell recruited her to run for the ABQ congressional seat in '98.' "She's a favorite child, absolutely," explained Bell whose role in NM GOP politics has been well-known to insiders and blog readers, but it is now being revealed in detail as the US Attorney scandal continues. Rather than helping Wilson anymore, Bell has his hands full trying to fend off rabid Democrats determined to force Domenici out. They're not the meek NM variety either, but Potomac feeders who don't let go.

Besides the troubles with his boss, Bell received more bad news recently. His old friend, David Stockman, who was head of the budget office under President Reagan in the 80's, has been indicted on securities fraud, among other charges. Stockman and Bell worked closely together when Domenic chaired the Senate Budget Committee. Later, Stockman helped Bell get a job with a major Wall Street firm, Salamon Brothers, where they worked together. He eventually returned to Domenici's side where some observers say his influence has grown as Domenici has aged and others say his influence has always been great, regardless of Domenici's years. Again, the Washington Post picks up on the Stockman-Bell connection.

MY BOTTOM LINES

Yes, former ABQ Mayor Ken Schultz, indicted along with Aragon in the Metro Court scandal, was a Democrat when he was elected in the 1980's to the city council and as ABQ mayor. But when we blogged Friday, we did not initially note that he has since become a Republican. Thanks to the reader emails for the correction...And Manny Aragon is now 60, not 59 years old as we reported. The AP says Aragon had his birthday last week...The Serrano & Sons construction ad on this site is now linked to the NM Crush football team, one of their many interests. Check it out...

News? Comments? Send them our way via the email link at the top of the page.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2007
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