From downtown ABQ comes confirmation from one of our insiders that Democratic Bernalillo County Commissioner Deanna Archuleta has informed her fellow commissioners that she has accepted a job--assistant secretary for water and science in the Interior Department-- with the Obama Administration:

Commissioner Deanna Archuleta informed fellow Commissioners Wednesday at 3 p.m. that she HAD indeed accepted a position with the Interior Dept and would be leaving/resigning from Bernalillo County Govt on April 30th.

Archuleta is the chairwoman of the commission. Her impending resignation clears the way for Big Bill to appoint a replacement for Archuleta. That replacement would finish Archuleta's term which runs through 2010 and would have to decide whether to seek election to the seat next year. Among the names circulating to replace Deanna: Former county commissioners Lenton Malry and Tom Rutherford and AMAFCA flood control board member Danny Hernandez.

ESPINOZA TO EXIT?

Is NM Expo manager Judy Espinoza headed for the exits? One of our Senior alligators says it appears something is in the works. The scenario circulating would have Espinoza, a longtime government fixture, being offered another post while Big Bill fills the Expo slot with new blood. Espinoza's name is among those being floated as a possible replacement for Bernalillo County Commissioner Deanna Archuleta. Last year's state fair took a major attendance hit when the economy tanked.

THE BLOCK FILE

Reaction to the week's big story--the indictment--of Public Regulation Commissioner Jerome Block, Jr. and his dad, Jerome Block, Sr. Former ABQ GOP State Rep.Rory Ogle has this angle:

The Democrat liberals--aka Progressives--have been telling us for years that if only we had public financed election we could eliminate political corruption and the influence of money in elections. Wel, l I guess Jerome Block has become the poster child for those of us who have said this will not work and if anything may actually increase political corruption by those who would do anything to cheat the taxpayers.

Can the Legislature impeach this guy?

Yes, Legislature could impeach a PRC commissioner. The Legislature doesn't meet until January, unless there is a special session in the fall which is possible. Something to monitor.

Well, Jerome Block Sr. e-mailed in reaction to that impeachment talk:

Joe: The constitution states, state officers are "liable to impeachment for crimes, misdemeanors and malfeasance in office,.....". The alleged violations occurred before Jerome Jr. took office. What basis would the legislature have for impeachment?!

The statute that the Attorney General is prosecuting under states that if the Secretary of State finds that a candidate violated the act she can "fine the candidate or refer it to the Attorney General". OR not AND. Mary Herrera fined the hell out of Jerome Jr.  

Jerome Block Jr. & King
You could almost hear the chest thumping at the NM Attorney General's office. The double-dip indictments of Public Regulation Commissioner Jerome Block Jr. and his dad, Jerome Block Sr., himself a former PRC commissioner, were the first substantial public corruption charges AG Gary King has produced from a state grand jury since taking office in 2007. (Read the indictments here.)

"We prefer to to do our talking in court," declared a spokesman for King as he declined comment on the indictments, perhaps with a bit too much swagger.

But the AG and his minions have reason to be over-sensitive. When we interviewed King in early March he responded to critics who said he was not active enough in exposing official wrongdoing.

"This isn't CSI on TV and we don't do things in an hour, but in the next two years you are going to be hearing more about our efforts. Pay to play is not going to be tolerated in New Mexico." He declared.

The block case is not a pay to play case and at its roots it is a garden variety corruption case--alleged misuse of campaign money given to Block under the state's public financing system for PRC candidates. Block has already admitted he lied about the use of the funds when he made restitution to the state.

Still, this will be a major deal for King who will now be under pressure to get a plea or win at trial. The Blocks are not known for backing off and Jerome Jr. immediately rejected any suggestions that he resign his commission slot and let Big Bill appoint a replacement. The 32 year old Block, the father of two sons, also gave the TV sleuths the slip when they sought his comment, leaving PRC Chairman Sandy Jones to do damage control.

Block was was elected in 2008 and his term runs until the end of 2012. The power of his position was reinforced on the day of his indictment. The PRC was holding a hearing on a rate increase request from electric utility PNM.

The attorney general told us in early March he was cool to a possible 2010 Dem guv run. We believe it, and see him going for re-election as AG next year. The indictment of the Blocks and perhaps some to come in a state housing scandal could calm concerns that ethics watchdogs have had over Gary's zeal and make the notion of a Dem primary challenge to King even more remote.

ADVANTAGE GOP?

State R's would like to take advantage of Block's woes, but one of our Dem readers was quick on the trigger on that angle:

Am I the only one that laughed out loud when I read this statement from GOP Chairman Harvey Yates?

“Jerome Block’s indictment serves as yet another example of how the Democrat grip on the state of New Mexico has eroded trust in public officials...Citizens of this state deserve elected officials who are honest and promote transparency, not officials who abuse their position for personal gain...What we need is a true two-party system which will bring checks and balances to our government.”

That from the party that didn’t even run anyone for the open seat on the PRC last year that Block now holds. The R's want a two party system, but their party is so weak they don’t have anyone to run for anything. Where are those candidates to challenge Dem US Reps Heinrich and Teague to give us our much needed two party system?

Well Harvey, the Dems have a point. No R ran against Block last year and there are few on the playing field. If we are to have a two party system in New Mexico, reformers say we need a Republican Party that attracts moderate as well as conservative voters and sheds the consultants, pollsters and hangers-on who have helped bring the party to this imperiled point.

Block did get election opposition--from the Green Party's Rick Lass who managed to hold Block to about 56 percent of the vote in the heavily Dem Northern PRC seat.

BY POPULAR DEMAND

Okay, it's back by popular demand, even though it needs to be updated because Jerome makes so much news. It's Jim Terr's version of "Block Around the Clock." It's all yours, Jim....



Jim, we're out of seat and bloggin' while dancing....Oh my!

US ATTORNEY SCRAMBLE

Careers are at stake in the scramble over who will become the next US Attorney for NM. Santa Fe attorney John Pound has been mentioned as a leading prospect. His law firm popped up in the papers recently when it was reported that it had received a contract to defend the state against pay-to-play charges leveled by Frank Foy, a former investment officer for the state.

Replacing the GOP US Attorney with a Democrat has been a go-slow affair as the pay-to-play investigation into Big Bill's administration continues. A Sunday newspaper article threw out yet a new timeline for possible indictments in the case---the end of April. The probe has been going on since August

DEFENDING DOUBLE-DIPPERS

Expect more on the legal beat if Big Bill signs a measure that puts restraints on state government "double-dippers"--employees who retire for a couple of months and who are then rehired with both their government salary as well as their pension. The double-dipping has caused a lot of outrage and deserves the Guv's signature but he is hesitating because of lobbying from state employees. Meanwhile, the legal beagles say lawyers are already being lined up to challenge the measure if Bill doesn't cast a veto. Not just a few state government workers are pulling down over $100,000 a year by double-dipping--not a pretty sight in this economic mess.

CAMPAIGN UPDATE
Romero & Friends
On the ABQ mayoral campaign trail, Dem Richard Romero reports:

To place my name on the October ballot, we must collect 6,574 signatures -- 2% of registered voters -- by the end of April. We've already collected about 7,000 signatures, but we need to get to 10,000 to ensure qualification. With your help, we can do it. We expect to turn in the remaining signatures in the next two weeks. On Saturday, April 17, you are invited to my home for a "Volunteer Appreciation" potluck and party.

Mayoral hopeful RJ Berry, the one Republican to qualify for public financing, is out with one of his first policy proposals:

A top priority of a Berry Administration will be to...create a user-friendly, searchable web site at that will allow citizens to track government spending.

Searchable information to be targeted will include: The City's "Checkbook" and General Ledger Accounts Contract Amounts and Vendors; Government Salaries; and Study and Program Data.

MORE SOS

The Journal picked up on our Monday blog on Santa Fe County Clerk Valerie Espinoza weighing a Dem primary challenge to Secretary of State Mary Herrera. Here's that take.

PAY TO PLAY

How about some pay-to play--Pennsylvania style.

THE BOTTOM LINES

Thanks to our Alligators and other sources we had quite a busy week around here leading up to the Easter holiday. Monday we had the exclusive that Santa Fe County Clerk Valerie Espinoza is weighing a 2010 primary challenge to incumbent Dem Secretary of State Mary Herrera. Man, did that one race around the state....On Tuesday the intrepid Gators were at it again breaking the news of where the money came from for Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White's committee to repeal the repeal of the state's death penalty...Also Tuesday, an Alligator who may now be eligible for Senior status, helped us break the exclusive news of Ned Farquhar's appointment to a high-ranking post at the Interior Department...On Wednesday there was even more breaking news courtesy of our insiders--that ABQ police commander Conrad Candelaria has been among those interviewed for the US Marshal's position and that GOP State Rep. Kathy McCoy is likely to give up her legislative seat to make a 2010 run for the Bernalillo County Commission.

That's the kind of stuff that greases the wheel of La Politica. And it's a whole lot of fun, too. Thanks for hanging with us.

From Albuquerque, I'm Joe Monahan reporting.

E-mail your news and comments.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2009
Not for reproduction without permission of the author

Conrad Candelaria
One of our Alligators checks in with the news that NM US Senators Bingaman and Udall and their respective staff chiefs recently interviewed nine candidates for the US Marshal's post here. They will narrow that down to a handful before making a final recommendation to the White House which will make the appointment, subject to Senate confirmation. Among those interviewed--according to our Gator---was Conrad Candelaria. He is listed on the West Side Commander for the ABQ Police Department.

The Marshal slot is a plum federal position, responsible for providing security to the federal courts and judges and also tracking federal fugitives. The post has been held since early 2002 by Gordon Eden, who worked with GOP NM Governor Gary Johnson before winning the appointment from President Bush. We're told Eden was one those interviewed by the Democratic Senators, but it is widely expected that a Dem will get the choice slot. A decision should come before mid-year.

HELP NOT WANTED

Don't look for a new chief of staff on the 11th floor of ABQ City Hall to replace Bianca Ortiz Wertheim who left the post to becomes state director for Dem Senator Udall. Insiders say Mayor Chavez, up for re-election this year, is unlikely to fill the $80,000 a year job. With the city under the financial gun--the projected deficit for the fiscal year starting in July could be over $50 million--the decision is not surprising. Chavez did take some heat recently for filling the $75,000 position of transportation czar when that job became vacant. Chavez has submitted a budget that calls for no layoffs, but also calls for not filling vacant positions--except, of course, transportation czars.

Meanwhile, at City Hall in Rio Rancho the recession has hit home., One of the TV stations reported this week--we forget which one-- that the city is asking some employees to take voluntary furloughs to help make ends meet. Rio Rancho has been slammed by the layoffs at Intel--it's largest employer--where in the past year or so full-time jobs have gone from 5,200 down to about the 3,000 level. Rio Rancho is being dubbed the foreclosure capital of the state. One out of 32 homes went south there in 2008. And to think a couple of years ago we were writing about how Rio Rancho seemed to be beating ABQ in building up their economy.

If things are so tight in Rio Rancho, why are they paying $102,000 for a development director? In this environment can't the city negotiate a better deal, especially when the leading candidate is a double dipper? The question goes to City Manager James Jimenez and Rio Rancho Mayor Tom Swisstack and the city council which will probably approve the appointment today.

MAYOR SCHULTZ--NONPERSON?

Former ABQ Mayor Ken Schultz will be sentenced April 29 for his role in the Bernalillo County Metro Court corruption scandal. Schultz pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of mail fraud in connection with the scandal that ended with former State Senate powerhouse going to federal prison. Schultz now lives in Nevada.

Mayor Chavez recently defended to KOB-TV's Stuart Dyson his decision to take the former mayor's portrait down from the mayoral gallery at city hall, saying Schultz pleading to a felony was his justification. But Schultz was not convicted of a crime while mayor, and besides, if we were to start taking down politicians portraits because of seedy behavior, we could end up with white walls and no pictures.

Back to the current mayor and this year's October 6 election. We are still at three candidates and likely to stay that way unless "green developer" Rob Dickson can pull a rabbit out of his hat, not to mention over 6,500 petition signatures needed to get on the ballot. Dickson reports he has collected 1,000 of the needed John Hancocks. Chavez, Richard Romero and RJ Berry are all expected to submit more than enough signatures to qualify when the deadline hits April 28.

MOVING AND SHAKING
Rep. McCoy
Insiders don't expect GOP State Rep. Kathy McCoy to seek a fourth term in the Legislature. They see her running in 2010 for the Bernalillo County Commission seat held by Michael Brasher. McCoy, whose Bernalillo County East Mountain area district also includes portions of two other counties, has long been interested in environmental issues. She could have a major impact in that area as a commissioner. Brasher is term limited and likely to seek the ABQ City Council seat held by fellow Republican Don Harris. If Brasher were to beat Harris, the remaining year on his commission term would be filled by appointment from the Governor.

E-mail your news and comments.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2009
Not for reproduction without permission of the author

GOP Chairman Yates
We've been among those pounding the table over nonprofit groups flooding the political system with millions of unaccountable dollars, and today there's another reason to do so. In NM, the nonprofits have been mainly of the liberal variety but now NM Republican Party Chairman Harvey Yates, Jr. is talking out loud about forming nonprofits to combat the libs:

State campaign finance limits will stifle fundraising for Republicans in the coming election, Yates said. So to compete with Democrats, conservatives could form 501 (c)(3) and 501 (c)(4) nonprofit, tax-exempt groups, which Democrats have used for fundraising, he said.

"Defensively, the conservatives are going to have to do the same if they cannot work through the Republican Party," Yates said. "Under the new legislation, they will have great difficultly working through the Republican Party because the Republican Party can donate to a candidate no more than $5,000."The nonprofits may raise money without reporting contributions, Yates said.

The progressive nonprofits burst into the headlines and became embroiled in controversy last year when they were active in a number of Dem legislative primaries. One of our Senior Alligators who tracks the nonprofit action provides some refresher info:

..An outfit called the Proteus Fund (out of Amherst, MA), along with the McKay Family Foundation (the Taco Bell heirs), have teamed up with the local likes of the NM Community Foundation and others to recast the political and policy landscape in six states (NM included).

According to a document recently pulled from public view (but which I printed out beforehand), on the Proteus website, groups led by NM consultant Eli Lee have received and spent about $2 million over the last couple years. Their budgets were 650k in '07, and $1.3 million in '08. No word on what they're getting for '09, and we may never know because they don't have to report either sources or expenditures.

The Legislature made a stab at plugging the giant nonprofit hole, but came up short this session. The nonprofits are now in federal court fighting to continue their federally exempt tax status, arguing they are not campaigning but advocating for issues and don't have to tell the public where they get their money or where they spend it. However, many veteran observers say the NM activity in the 2008 was blatantly political. Attorney General King and Sec. of State Herrera both want these groups to register as political committees and report their money.

Will the possible addition of unaccountable funds from conservatives flooding into state campaigns prompt liberals and progressives not affiliated with the nonprofits to take a second look and treat this like the "ethics" issue it is? Or is hidden money acceptable as long as you agree with the goals it is spent on?

If the nonprofit octopus continues to grow tentacles, the US Attorney in NM may soon have some more work.

MORE MONEY FOLLOWING
Darren White
Where is the first round of cash coming from to fund Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White's political action committee to repeal the repeal of the NM death penalty? D.C. Alligators send word that Republican White finished his unsuccessful 2008 ABQ congressional race with about $20,500 in cash. They said he could use that money for the state PAC, although if he did it would not be known until first quarter reports are filed later this month. White is not known to have had any formal fund-raising efforts so it's probably a good bet that he tapped his leftover congressional money.

White's repeal committee made a small TV buy to launch the effort, but legal experts say the quest of the Sheriff to get as many as 100,000 petition signatures to place the measure before the public may be for naught. They say the state Constitution prohibits a ballot initiative for public safety measures.

MARTIN'S MONEY

Meanwhile, the man who defeated White for the ABQ congressional seat, Dem Martin Heinrich, has been busy on the fund-raising front. Supporters of Heinrich say they expect him to show some solid numbers in his first federal report since assuming office. The freshman lawmaker is in pretty good shape politically, even if his campaign coffers were not getting stuffed. Usually by this time there are rumblings of possible opponents for a House freshman since they are most vulnerable in their first bid for re-election. But a check with party insiders reveals no names being circulated to challenge Heinrich in either the Dem primary or in the 2010 general. The R's are sure to find a candidate, but who remains a mystery. Not that Heinrich's fund-raisers are overjoyed about that. They would like to be able to raise more money by being able to point to a specific threat to his re-election.

ANOTHER NM INTERIOR APPOINTEE
Farquhar
One of our reliables is reporting that Ned Farquhar is being tapped for an Interior Department post. No word on which slot. Farquhar is a former enviornmental advisor to Big Bill. More recently, Farquhar has been on the ABQ staff of the Natural Resources Defense Council, serving as Energy and Climate Advocate for the nonprofit group in nine states in the Interior West. He has also authored a regular environmental column for the op-ed pages of the ABQ Journal.

Late word: Farquhar was named deputy assistant secretary for Land and Minerals Management, announced Interior Secretary Ken Salazar Tuesday. Here is the announcement.

The appointment does not require Senate confirmation.

News of the Farquhar appointment comes on the heels of the news that Dem Bernalillo County Commissioner Deanna Archuleta is also apparently headed to DC and Interior. Earlier, Mike Connor of Las Cruces was tapped by President Obama to lead the Bureau of Reclamation.

Farquhar's appointment may not go down all that well with industry groups that have tangled with the NRDC, but his political experience with Richardson should help. Most important, New Mexico is starting to build a small corp of appointees in the new administration, vital for the well-being of this federally-dependent state.

PAYNE'S PLEASURE

Who says the R's, on the defense with shrinking numbers in the Legislature, can't get something passed? ABQ Senator Boitano fought for years and this year finally won the battle to Webcast Senate sessions. And then there was this GOP score as described by Big Bill's office:

Governor Richardson has signed SB 136, Veteran In-State Tuition. The new law allows any veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces--along with their spouse and dependents, no matter where they live--to pay New Mexico resident tuition rates at any certified institution of higher learning or vocational center in New Mexico...B 136 was sponsored by (Republican) Sen. William Payne of Albuquerque...

ABQ's Payne is the R's new Senate Minority Whip and a lawyer who holds the rank of Rear Admiral in the US Navy. Dem Ed Sandoval carried the bill in the House.

FROM SANTA FE

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - A former prosecutor from northern New Mexico has been hired as director of the state bureau of elections. Secretary of State Mary Herrera announced today that A.J. Salazar will assume the post of elections director on April 20th. Salazar will be paid $95,000 a year.

STILL ON THE BEAT

The ABQ Journal's Bruce Daniels--the paper's "News Seeker" was recently listed here as one of the Journal veterans who'd be retiring in a couple of months, but Bruce says while he will be reducing his hours, he will still be on the dawn patrol:

.. I'm actually going to be around a little while longer. I'll still be doing the News Seeker in some fashion or other starting on June 1, but on contract with the Journal, at reduced hours. So I'll still be swiping your stuff at the crack of dawn.

Dawn is a good time to swipe from a Midnight blogger.

A LETTER FROM LOS LUNAS

A longtime correspondent writes of the recent Valencia County Democratic Party convention:

Greetings and Salutations from the Kingdom of Valencia,

Chairman Moises Griego was re-elected Valencia County Chair unanimously in a rare show of solidarity. The Vice Chair is Michele Mares which is interesting in that she recently left the staff of Light Governor Denish and was picked up by the Secretary of State....Both Denish and (Secretary of State Mary) Herrera were in attendance. Denish and husband Herb stayed for the whole show. Ana Pope was elected to her third term as State Central Committee person. And former State Representative Al Otero postponed an operation to introduce Lt. Governor Denish.

As always, your humble servant....

We lost track of Al Otero who served in the Legislature from the Valley of Bernalillo County from '83 to '88. According to its Web site, Al is now working as a special assistant for the head of the NM Workers Compensation Administration and lives in the Los Lunas area.

Thanks for making us New Mexico's "must-read" Web site. E-mail your news, comments and political happenings.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2009
Not for reproduction without permission of the author

Valerie vs. Mary?
The 2010 political landscape continues to take shape with another statewide office possibly headed toward a heated Democratic primary contest. We told you about the developing face-off for the Dem nod for Land Commissioner featuring Santa Fe County Commissioner Mike Anaya and former Land Commissioner Ray Powell. Now, Santa Fe County Clerk Valerie Espinoza appears to be inching closer to taking on incumbent Secretary of State Mary Herrera in what would be another closely watched showdown. Espinoza toyed with a run in 2006 when Herrera, then Bernalillo County Clerk, ascended to the SOS office. But this time around she appears more determined, telling us in a recent email:

I am heavily considering and confident that I’d have a shot...I have gained much support from those who deal with the office on a professional level. I’m so tempted based on the need to make that office function. I will decide before June.

Espinoza, serving her second four year term as Santa Fe clerk, had a grandfather who was a State Senator. She grew up in the heart of the north--in Española--where her family had a gas station across the street from the restaurant owned by the famous politico Emilio Naranjo. Espinoza worked at Los Alamos Labs for 20 years and for five years in the Secretary of State's Office under Shirley Hooper.

An Herrera-Espinoza primary could be competitive, despite Mary's incumbency. Valerie could poll well with Northern Dems and Mary is well-known in Bernalillo County. The south could be up for grabs. Of course, another contender could get in and change that calculus, or Espinoza, who has proven to be an adept fund-raiser, could forgo a run.

Herrera has had a relatively placid term, but Espinoza's supporters claim she has done nothing memorable. The press has been impatient with the SOS for not getting the office's Web site up to snuff when it comes to candidate financial reports. But Herrera was recently named president of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, is well-liked in the party and has a strong ethical reputation.

DI ALONE?

It's interesting to see possible primary battles develop for SOS and Land Commissioner while we still await word on who--if anyone of stature--will definitely challenge Lt. Governor Diane Denish for the Dem Guv nomination. Insiders still say State Senate Leader Michael Sanchez is unlikely to go and Attorney General Gary King does not seem excited by the prospect. That could leave only actor Val Kilmer standing between Denish and the Democratic nomination. The way this state has been trending, it is going to a nomination worth its weight in gold.

MALRY MOVING?
Malry
Fresh stuff for you on that behind-the-scenes play for the Bernalillo County Commission seat held by Deanna Archuleta and who insiders say is headed for a job in the Obama Interior Department, perhaps as soon as this month. Lawyer and ABQ School Board member Marty Esquivel has been on the short list to win appointment to the seat by Big Bill if and when Deanna vacates, but Marty checks in with the news that he not playing:

Thanks for the mention in your fine blog...Wanted to let you know I took myself out of the running for the county commission spot. It was a great opportunity, but just is not the right fit for me, my family or my law practice at this time. I’ll continue on the school board as president and as coach of my son’s little league team. I’m not sure which one will kill me first.

Thanks for that compliment, Marty. Of course, it has nothing to do with us pushing you to run for Congress a couple of years ago. And before the R's grumble, we feel the same about R Jon Barela when it comes to giving the system fresh blood--or an enema--whichever medical procedure you find most appropriate. Anyway, back to the action already....

Downtown insiders now say they see former commissioner Lenton Malry as a leading prospect to win the appointment. Lenton was the first African-American to serve in the NM Legislature and was previously elected to the Archuleta seat in the ABQ SE Heights area. He has been working for the county as a neighborhood coordinator and recently went part-time. (He has also been an Election Night fixture on KANW-89.1 FM with yours truly since 1988.) One question: If Malry, 68, does secure the Guv's appointment, will he be a placeholder or run for a four year term in 2010?

Former county commissioner, lawyer and lobbyist Tom Rutherford has also been mentioned as a possible and Danny Hernandez, a member of the AMAFCA flood control board, called in to let us know he's interested. As for Deanna, she's not saying what the future holds, but she was spotted at Walgreen's---picking up a prescription for Potomac Fever.

A WEE BIT OF DRAMA

A bit of drama livened up an otherwise routine meeting Saturday of the Bernalillo County GOP. A defense contractor physicist, Charlie Tipton, was elected as the new county chairman after defeating two other contenders. Michael Meyer, an investment advisor, was expected to run and win, but dropped out. One of those defeated was Tito Madrid, a former field operative for ex-ABQ US Rep. Heather Wilson. A Wilson supporter says it was not a rejection of Heather because she was not urging delegates to support Madrid.

Also on hand for the session was ex-US Rep. Steve Pearce, and one of our Alligators reported:

I saw the two of them (Steve and Heather) talking cordially which tells me that they will not be running against each other.

Well, at this stage of their careers these two old pros could manage to act cordial while locked in a room with deadly tarantulas, but it does seem unlikely that we will have a rematch of the '08 US Senate primary in which the duo faced off and Steve won. Wilson is still on the fence on whether to make the move for the GOP Guv nod. Pearce continues to eye a possible run for his former southern congressional seat, or perhaps a run at Governor--if Heather stays on the sidelines.

LEADING THE GOP

Informed observers say NM GOP Chairman Harvey Yates seems to want to keep the party on the right, believing that the GOP was not conservative enough in '08, causing its historic NM defeat. Others strongly disagree, saying the party needs to push to the middle as it did in the past when the term "moderate Republican" was not an anachronism. They argue that bedrock conservatism has seen its peak for now, and was never that defining in moderate New Mexico. Still, few were willing to step forward and lead the troubled party. Yates was and it is his ball to run with.

If Yates goes too far right some GOP analysts believe there could be yet another day of reckoning in 2010. If so, the optimists among them see the small party finally building a coalition from the center that could bring back some semblance of power.

All of this is music to the ears of the Dems who now have more control than perhaps anytime in the post WWII era. The state's entire congressional delegation, the governorship, the two chambers of the Legislature, all statewide executive offices, excepting one, and the vast majority of the 33 counties are all under the Democratic banner.

Republicans may be shut out, but not conservatives and the few moderate R's that populate the area. Like the old days when the Dems dominated and the R's were on the mat, there is a conservative-moderate Dem faction to check the liberals from going too far. That was amply demonstrated in January with the election of Roswell Sen. Tim Jennings as President Pro Tem.

WHITE'S WORLD

Will Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White seek the GOP nod for Lt. Governor in 2010 or some other office? It seems he wants to try to extend his political career, despite the waxing he received in last year's ABQ congressional race. White has formed a political action committee to repeal the repeal of the death penalty recently signed into law by Big Bill. The PAC has started a Web site and cut a TV commercial. It will be interesting to see how much the PAC has raised and from whom. It will also be interesting to see if White's drive to get tens of thousands of signatures to place the repeal on the NM election ballot is more than grandstanding.