Friday, August 09, 2013A "Transcript" Of A Tamaya Meeting Between The Koch Brothers, Susana, Paul Ryan And Eric Cantor; Guaranteed Summer Smiles Are Up Next Party activists are emailing in saying the move would allow current Chairman Sam Bregman to make a run for Governor. Bregman said when he ran for chair this spring that he would not be running for Governor in '14. Judging by initial reaction among some county party officials, this proposed rules change is going over like a lead balloon. Nadia Sikes, Otero County Dem Party Chair said: This rule change would be inappropriate. I would vote against it. But if Sam does want to run for Guv, there are no shortage of possible candidates to replace him as chairman..... Now some fun satire as we take you to the Hyatt Tamaya resort in Bernalillo where this past week the conservative billionaire Koch brothers hosted a secret political confab featuring appearances by ex-VP candidate Paul Ryan, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and none other than our very own Governor Martinez. How would you like to have been a fly on the wall for a meeting between all of them? Well, courtesy of one of our Alligators in the pond, we bring you the (fantasy) transcript of that hush-hush, on the down low session. It comes from a Dem Gator so Republicans---prepare yourself, Setting: A meeting room at the Hyatt Tamaya. Present: Governor Susana Martinez, The Koch brothers, Rep. Paul Ryan, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and the man behind the curtain, Jay McCleskey Koch Brother I: My brother and I thank you for hosting us in your beautiful state, Governor. Koch Brother II: We’ve come here, Governor, to lay the groundwork for Republican gains in the Congress in 2014 and to take back the White House in 2016. You could be a big part in making that happen. The GOP is no longer about John McCain, Mitt Romney and Bob Dole. We’ve overseen the development of a new product of exciting new GOP leaders like Eric (Cantor) and Paul (Ryan). Isn’t that right, boys? Ryan, Cantor: Yes, sir! Koch II: As you can see with our fine gentlemen here, we have no shortage of handsome, dark haired, white guys that easily could make the pages of GQ or be mistaken as former members of the Backstreet Boys. Ryan, Cantor: Yes, sir! Koch II: Um, right. Tone it down boys. In other words, Governor, we need to spice up our line-up. We tried with Senator Marco Rubio and he just won’t stay in line and Senator Rand Paul is more crazy than spicy. Governor, we need you on the team. Kind of like Batman and Robin need a Catwoman or the guys on the Jersey Shore need a Snooki. Well, maybe that’s not a good example. Anyway, we want to get to know you better Governor, ask you a few questions , and see how we can work together. Susana: That would be fine, but I don’t have a lot of time, I think I have to read some books to third graders in Tijeras or something. A lot of our lazy third graders can’t read, you know, and I’m trying to read the books for them. Koch Brother II: Ok. Really? Tell us a little bit about what you’ve accomplished. We’ve seen you in People magazine and you get lots of nice headlines. I see here the Albuquerque Journal just wrote a story with the headline, “Martinez Skilled at Public Relations.” That’s quite a headline. Sounds like a headline written for a high school newspaper, like, “Jennifer Lopez is a Really Good Singer.” Who do you pay for those headlines? Susana: Actually, we don’t pay them, we threaten them. Koch Brother II: Oh, wow, very good, I like how you took a page out of the Nixonian handbook. Good. Who’s the man running your PR? Susana: He’s the guy over there, behind the draperies, that’s Jay McCleskey (Susana points to a man in a baseball cap hiding behind the draperies). Koch II: Oh, I see, why is he wearing a headset? Susana: The headset, oh, that’s what he uses to talk in my ears. He helps me with the tough questions. Koch II: Ah, I see. That’s OK, Sarah (Palin) used to do that and, um, well, that worked out for her. Kind of. Walk us through what you’ve done, Governor. (Susana adjusts her earpiece)
But the real fun has been the free drinks Chuck and I get at events, the fact that people recognize me and that they appreciate more and more who I am and what I’ve accomplished. I’m an inspiration to people, especially young girls, many of whom can’t read. Oh, I also got to see the pope, too, in Rome, And I drive in a big car with a big desk—in the car. Can you believe that? I sometimes wonder, how’d they get this big desk into this car? Koch II: Ok, Ok, I get the point. Tell me what have you done to stop the giant government bureaucracy that stands in the way of progress? Our folks like to hear about that. Susana: Well, we’ve basically ground it to a halt. We really think governing is a thing of the past and a waste of time. Governing’s just not what I’m about. I’m more about prosecuting and reminding folks that I’m good and they’re bad. Koch II: Right. And how is your re-election looking? Are you going to get a challenge? Susana: It looks great. We’re on cruise control. It’s amazing considering the state is going down the tubes. Poverty is up and unemployment is up. There are no jobs on the horizon. I sometimes wonder what I would have to do to make people care or get mad at me. Maybe if I laced the green chile with strychnine or something they might notice. . . Koch II: No opponents? Susana: Not really, I mean the people they put up are like characters from “One Flew Over the Cookoo’s Nest,” except, without the behavioral health treatment. Get it? (Everyone laughs uncomfortably. Susana goes on. . .) Koch II: And the Democratic Party, are they on your case? Susana: Hell no! Their Chairman, Bregman, is like a castrated bull. Koch II: We could also use your input on how to better attract Hispanic voters to our cause. We did a poor job of it last election, so what can we do better?  Susana: Well, first you have to stop telling Hispanics that you are intent on deporting them. That doesn’t go over well. I have two techniques I like to use. First, if you're going to take something away from Hispanics or make their lives more difficult, blame it on someone else and say it’s beyond your control. You had to take away their health care because Obama forced you to, or we can't create jobs because the federal government is taking them away from us. The second strategy I use is to sell it with a smile. For instance, how could I possibly reduce funding for developmental disabilities when I’m in People Magazine smiling with my disabled sister? See? It’s not that hard! Koch II: That’s really not bad. Paul, Eric, you could learn something from her. Ryan, Cantor: Yes, sir! Koch I: Sounds like you have it all under control, Governor. I think this can be the start of a beautiful friendship. Our money, teamed up with your image is a winning combination! This is the home of New Mexico politics. E-mail your news and comments. (jmonahan@ix.netcom.com) Interested in reaching New Mexico's most informed audience? Advertise here.   (c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2013. Not for reproduction without permission of the author Thursday, August 08, 2013Susana: Trying To Keep Her Nose Clean For '14, But It's Getting A Bit Dicey, Plus: More Political Connections In Behavioral Health Drama, And: Light Shed On NM Koch Brothers Meet The corruption theme was instrumental in electing Republican Susana Martinez Governor in 2010.This photo posted on Facebook by ABQ GOP State Senator Lisa Torraco neatly sums up their argument--that Dems are responsible for a Third World corruption narrative that has held the state back. Can Susana ride the corruption horse again in '14? Well, she might, but she is having trouble keeping her own nose clean now that she has the reigns of government. There's that controversial 25 year racino lease awarded by the administration to the ABQ Downs that is under investigation by the FBI. And there's that statement from ex-NM GOP Chairman Harvey Yates that he is no longer skeptical of allegations of corruption in the administration. And now there is the behavioral health drama. POLITICAL BEHAVIOR? Was politics involved in the suspension of Medicaid payments to 15 New Mexico nonprofits who were then replaced by five Arizona providers? The AZ firms are getting contracts worth up to $18 million. That's for starters. The administration says the NM nonprofits were suspended because an out-of-state audit showed there was cause to believe that they were ripping off Medicaid and that they had no choice but to suspend payments to them. The attorney general is now investigating, but the audit isn't being released. We revealed yesterday that Tuscon, AZ automotive mogul and prominent Republican donor Jim Click has deep ties to the Arizona behavioral health community and that as recently as May threw a fund-raiser for Governor Martinez. Now more from a reliable Alligator: Martinez went to Tuscon to meet Click on December 2, 2009. Click automotive later gave her a $5,000 contribution. (The link to that contribution is here.) La Frontera CEO Dan Raineri sits on the board of Linkages, the nonprofit founded by Click that provides employment opportunities for the disabled. La Frontera of Arizona has received a $4.75 million NM behavioral health contract. It is one of the five Arizona providers brought in. (In a first draft Wednesday, we had reader Greg Lennes reporting that Click also sits on the board of directors of La Frontera. He does not.) In the 2012 election cycle Click and his family gave over $450,000 to a variety of GOP candidates, including Mitt Romney. GRIST FOR THE MILL  This is all grist for the mill for our reader/sleuths. Another reader gets into that Journal report based on leaks from the secret audit-- that the heads of Teambuilders--one of the nonprofits suspended from doing business--raked in $1.5 million in salary and other income from the nonprofit. He calls himself our "mental health Alligator:The Journal reported that the Freedle's made close to $1.5 million per year. According to the Form 990 sent in to the IRS by Teambuilders for 2012, they made a combined salary of $428,913 from Teambuilders and a total combined salary of $167,333 from other organizations. for a total of $596,246 for 2012. According to the form 990 for 2011, the total was $626,398. According to the Secretary of State's office, they have also made political contributions to (ABQ Dem State) Senator Jerry Ortiz y Pino, who is leading the charge to call in the Federal government to examine the audit that led to the suspensions of the NM nonprofits. Martinez may be politically connected to the Arizona nonprofits, but those opposing what happened to the NM providers are also politically connected to the providers. Deep and thorough investigative reporting will probably reveal that it is all politically connected. Unfortunately, those who pay the price for all of this are the clients served and the people of New Mexico. I would encourage those doing the investigating to look at every form 990 the individual providers have filed. Look at who has the big salaries, and then cross-reference it with political connections and contributions. Not a bad idea, mental health Gator. Cross check it all. But state senators getting contributions is one thing, a Governor--whether it be Richardson or Martinez--is another. The chief executive has the power to decide who ultimately gets the contracts or has them suspended. KOCK BROTHERS (CONT.) It took the national press--the Politico--to shed more light on the secret Koch brothers meeting conducted this past week at the posh Hyatt Tamaya resort near Bernalillo and attended by Governor Martinez: Rep. Paul Ryan, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez secretly spoke to wealthy donors at the Koch brothers’ recently concluded summer gathering on the outskirts of Albuquerque. The 2012 vice presidential candidate and No. 2 House Republican are return participants to the twice-annual seminar, which also drew wealthy donors and conservative nonprofit leaders including American Enterprise Institute President Arthur Brooks. Martinez has done her best to separate herself form the ultra-conservatives in her GOP. Hanging with the Koch brothers and trying to keep it secret doesn't exactly help that aspect of her image making. EARLENE ROBERTS  On the passing of Earlene Roberts of Lovington, the former state House Minority Whip, southern GOP Congressman Pearce said:Earlene was a good friend and I was honored to serve alongside her in the New Mexico Legislature. I have many great memories of working together—she was my mentor during my first year in the legislature, and became a friend and role model. Earlene was never afraid to do the right thing, and was always eager to serve New Mexicans and improve our great state. She will be deeply missed by her many friends and the countless lives she touched—her family is in my prayers. Former NM GOP Chairman John Lattauzio also eulogized Roberts, 77, who died Tuesday of cancer: Joe, The loss of Earlene Roberts saddens those who knew her. A highly principled legislator, she played a large role in the growth and respect for the Republican Party of New Mexico through the 90’s. She always worked for her constituents and all New Mexicans. My prayers and sympathy go out to her family and all who loved her. THE BOTTOM LINES We had Dem State Treasurer candidate Pat Padilla working as "deputy treasurer" in the Bernalillo County Treasurer's Office. We are told he is on contract to the office, but does not work as an employee there. This is the home of New Mexico politics. E-mail your news and comments. (jmonahan@ix.netcom.com) Interested in reaching New Mexico's most informed audience? Advertise here. (c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2013. Not for reproduction without permission of the author Wednesday, August 07, 2013Exploring The Political Connections Of Arizona Firms Called In To Take Over Health Care, Plus: More On The Koch Brothers And NM, Also: Death Claims Ex-GOP House Minority Whip Earlene Roberts The state contracts to replace the NM firms are for up to $18 million. Reader Greg Lennes got to work on our question and comes with this: Joe, There is a link between Susana Martinez and Jim Click, a Tucson businessman who is the founder and president of Linkages, a nonprofit whose mission is to increase "employment opportunities for people with disabilities." The CEO of La Frontera, Dan Ranieri, serves on the board of directors of Linkages with Click. On May 7, Jim Click hosted a fund-raiser for Governor Martinez. Here is the invitation: Jim Click, Jr. and the Southern Arizona Hispanic Republicans (SAHR) invite you to join Governor Susana Martinez for a reception on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 5:30 p.m. at The Viscount Suite Hotel, Tucson, Arizona $100 per person *Contributions to Susana Martinez for Governor are limited to $10,400 per election cycle per legal entity. Personal, Corporate and PAC contributions are acceptable.*
I wonder if Click introduced Ranieri of La Frontera to the Governor?
This newspaper report says: The $4.75 million contract with La Frontera provides for hourly pay rates for its top officials for the next 90 days that include $300 an hour for an executive director, $275 an hour for a chief operations officer and a chief financial officer, and $250 an hour for a manager. After 90 days...La Frontera should be fully billing Medicaid and those transitional pay rates will expire, according to HSD... That's good investigative reporting, Greg. In the game of La Politica, always follow the money. Always. TEAMBUILDERS  The audit commissioned by state Health and Human Services and that led to the suspension of 15 nonprofits that provide behavioral health programs with Medicaid funding has not been released, but a select portion--a sensational portion--was leaked to the ABQ Journal. Let's take a look:An audit of 15 behavioral health providers in New Mexico says a couple who run a Santa Fe-based nonprofit that provides Medicaid-funded services to children and families is estimated to make as much as $1.5 million a year in salaries and other income. The Albuquerque Journal reports that the audit says Shannon and Lorraine Freedle derived much of that income from leases paid by the nonprofit, TeamBuilders Counseling Services Inc., to holding companies owned in full or in part by the Freedles and other TeamBuilders officers. Sounds pretty bad, but another of our readers who says he knows no one involved in the story--is on the case and comes with the pushback: The Journal story treated the rental payments to the officers of the nonprofit as though they got something for nothing. There may be some federal regulatory problem with officials of a nonprofit leasing property to the nonprofit. But it's likely the nonprofit needed space to operate and what it needed may or may not have been available. If it needed space, the nonprofit couldn't get a bank or other loan to buy or build a facility because their state contracts is their only asset. And even if space were available in all the locations the nonprofit operates, it's questionable if the nonprofit could have gotten a suitable lease on a space that would work for them. Landlords won't spend lots of money on leasehold improvements for tenants with little capital, even those with state contracts because, as we have just seen, they can be cancelled or just not renewed. So the officers of the nonprofit may have been the only ones who could have borrowed the money and leased, bought or built the space the nonprofit used. In any event, even if there was a regulatory problem, the only really relevant question is: Was the rent fair? If it was, then there is no rip-off at all and the termination of the contract can't be justified. The Journal story didn't provide this most important detail about the whole arrangement. Maybe the audit didn't either? Who knows? Attorney General King has the audit. He refuses to release it because, he says, it is part of a criminal investigation into allegations raised in the audit. The Martinez administration has also refused to release the audit. THE KOCH VISIT The Kochs and their allies apparently entertained conservative politicos like Congressman Paul Ryan and Governor Martinez. A reader writes:
The Koch brothers don't give directly to campaigns. Too limiting. They prefer to fund independent expenditure groups. Governor Martinez may already be looking for independent expenditure money to get past the state contribution caps that are now in place but were not in 2010. No more checks for a couple hundred thousand.
Martinez received hundreds of thousands of dollars for her 2010 Guv run from a wealthy Texas developer. Individuals can now give no more than $10,400 to a candidate for the NM primary and general elections. But independent groups--like those financed by the Koch brothers--can raise and spend unlimited amounts of campaign cash.
EARLENE ROBERTS
Roberts, 77, served in the legislature from 1989 to 2005 and rose to the position of House Minority Whip. She lost her seat in the House when she was primaried in 2004 by Keith Gardner who went on to take on the seat in the general election and who is now the chief of staff to Governor Martinez. Here's one of our reports from '04 on that campaign that exemplified the bitter division in the GOP. Earlene stood up to the faction of the GOP that in the late 90's advocated drug legalization. It was a key reason she was primaried by Gardner who was backed by then-GOP national committeeman and lawyer/lobbyist Mickey Barnett. She did get her revenge when she backed George Buffet over Barnett when Barnett ran for re-election as GOP national committeeman. Buffet defeated Barnett. Roberts owned a successful real estate business in Lovington where she lived. She was a true blue social conservative. GOP political consultant Bob Cornelius said: Earlene Roberts was a stalwart, principled conservative who fought for what she believed in and fought against what she thought was wrong and harmful to the state and her constituents. She was a friend and mentor to me and countless others. She was a fighter to the very end. She was indeed a fighter. She called us several times during her 2004 battle for pointed exchanges on the battle of the day. She commanded respect and it was not surprising that the feisty lady from Lovington climbed to the top of the ladder of her beloved La Politica. THE BOTTOM LINES Coverage now from the Los Angeles Times of the devastating drought that has taken hold in New Mexico. Like the Great Bear Market that has fundamentally changed the economy here, the drought is also tearing at the very fabric of our state: In this parched state, the question is no longer how much worse it can get but whether it will ever get better — and, ominously, whether collapsing ecosystems can recover even if it does. The statistics are sobering: All of New Mexico is officially in a drought, and three-quarters of it is categorized as severe or exceptional. Reservoir storage statewide is 17% of normal, lowest in the West. Residents of some towns subsist on trucked-in water, and others are drilling deep wells costing $100,000 or more to sink and still more to operate. Experts say climate change is the culprit that is altering the West in fundamental ways. This is the home of New Mexico politics.
E-mail your news and comments. (jmonahan@ix.netcom.com)
Interested in reaching New Mexico's most informed audience? Advertise here. (c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2013. Not for reproduction without permission of the author Tuesday, August 06, 2013Koch Brothers Intrigue: They're Apparently Burrowed In At Bernalillo; Readers Play Sleuths, Plus: Radio Talker Villanucci With Final Swan Song For ABQ
I wonder if Paul Ryan was going to stop by and say "hi" to the Koch Brothers who, may or may not be sequestered with a few of their friends at Hyatt Tamaya. A source told me, not confirmed, that the Hyatt kitchen has been taken over by personal chefs. They also say that everyone working this week had to pass background checks, that all rooms and facilities are rented but not necessarily occupied.
And take a look at this from the Hyatt Tamaya reservations page:
We would like to inform all of our guests that we will be fully occupied from August 3rd through the afternoon of August 6th. During these dates there will be no access to the resort and overnight stays, restaurant reservations, spa and salon appointments, fitness center, horseback riding and golf tee times will be unavailable.
One of our Gators told us that Rep. Ryan told fellow passengers he was headed to NM to see Governor Martinez. The Guv's office confirms a meeting with Ryan but did not reveal that she also reportedly met with the ultra-conservative and controversial Koch brothers.
STILL SWINGING Another sleuth reader writes: Susana met with a group of very wealthy conservative donors. I heard the name Koch mentioned, Saturday evening at the Tamaya resort. This is according to a friend of mine who literally bumped into Susanna as she arrived with her security entourage. And from another reader/Alligator: Joe, the Tamaya event was billed/posted at the hotel as "ABC Foundation." How's that for transparency? Warm up the black helicopters, we're headed for a landing at the Hyatt heli-pad! THANK YOU, READERS  The billionaire Koch brothers parked right in our own backyard and no one asks the Governor about it? No one--except us. NM Politics with Joe Monahan is ground zero for no-holds-barred political coverage--uninhibited by pressure from anyone. We understand why others may yield to the pressure from those in power. It can be intimidating. Our pledge to you is that we will never yield--no matter how wealthy or powerful the opposition. No matter how intense. That's what sets us apart from the pack. We are here to serve you and you alone--our readers. And we have a 10 year track record on this blog to back it up. We welcome your advertising inquiries in support of our efforts. 2014 Dem Guv contender Linda Lopez keeps taking swings at Governor Martinez, and Attorney General Gary King has to start wondering if they are scoring with party activists who will meet next March to place candidates on the June primary ballot. Lopez, an ABQ state Senator, earlier called on Martinez to release all records pertaining to the controversial 25 year racino lease for the ABQ downs. She is one of very few Dems to call Martinez out on that subject. She is now hot on the Guv's trail over the behavioral health uproar. Lopez penned this newspaper op-ed calling for Medicaid payments to be reinstated to NM providers who had them ended when the administration said there was evidence of fraud. FEEDING THE KITTY '14 Democratic State Treasurer hopeful Tim Eichenberg isn't waiting to make a statement about his race. The former ABQ state Senator and Bernalillo County Treasurer has already donated $50,000 of his own money to the effort, says his campaign. Eichenberg, owns an ABQ real estate firm. Also running for the Dem nod is former Bernalillo County treasurer Pat Padilla who works on contract with the current BernCo treasurer. And in other early '14 cycle news, an announcement for the NM Court of Appeals: A long-time New Mexico Attorney, Kerry C. Kiernan, announced his candidacy for the Court of Appeals...He is seeking the seat of Judge Celia Foy-Castillo who retired earlier this year. It is currently held by (Republican) Judge Miles Hanisee, who was appointed by the Governor to hold the seat until the next election. Kiernan will run as a Democrat in the primary election to be held in June 2014, with the General Election in November 2014. VILLANUCCI SWAN SONG  Did I want to leave Albuquerque, and KKOB? Not really. I was very happy and comfortable in New Mexico, I had lots of great friends. I spent six years fixing up my home in Sandia Heights. I was making a comfortable living (Villanucci, at KKOB for 14 years, says his peak salary including talent fees topped out at about $140,000 a year) and I was very happy. That all changed about two years ago with new owners... I probably could have stayed in Albuquerque, endured a big pay cut...I spent many months trying to find out what they wanted to do with me and was ignored, so on Feb 28th, I was no longer under contract... Did I quit or get fired? Well, legally, if you are going to have to endure a massive pay cut and your contract is not renewed it gets into a gray area...I know that I was free to go, so I went to Las Vegas. I spent most of March thru May there...I got hired in Portland and went on the air in June at KXL 101 FM doing the 9 to Noon (Pacific Time) talk show. I am very fortunate to have landed in a great place...I wanted to let everyone know what happened. And that although I miss New Mexico, I am in a real good spot. I can be heard on the KXL 101 FM web site and can be reached at jim@kxl.com, @villanucci on twitter, or Jim Villanucci on the Facebook. THE "ALLIPORKER"  I am following your fun (and excellent) coverage. At best, is this Alligator hunt going to end up as an insider deal to get pork pay and vacation tine for state police buddies married to Governor staffers? Sure, you can dress the pig up and hunt 'er down but the squealing is still going to happen.. One of the two state police officers who accompanied Franco to Louisiana as part of a security detail has a wife who works in the Governor's office. The trip was (and is) especially controversial because it occurred when the Martinez administration was negotiating a 25 year racino lease that was eventually awarded to the ABQ Downs. Two of the Downs' owners live in Louisiana. THE BOTTOM LINES
We erred when we blogged in our first draft Monday that ABQ Dem City Council candidate Matt Biggs was receiving public financing in his race. He is raising private money. So is Republican Janice Arnold-Jones. We said she has raised about $5,000. She says the number is $16,000. Biggs also says he has raised about $16,000. Democrat Diane Gibson is also running for the ABQ NE Heights seat. She is receiving about $40,000 in public financing...
Interested in reaching New Mexico's most informed audience? Advertise here. This is the home of New Mexico politics. E-mail your news and comments. (jmonahan@ix.netcom.com) (c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2013. Not for reproduction without permission of the author Monday, August 05, 2013Berry Dodges Potential Bullet As Abortion Ban Is Poised To Be Bumped From Oct. 8 Ballot, Plus: One City Council Race Is the Most Likely For A Run-Off; Which One? And: Blog Welcomes Westside Chamber Some observers would say the city clerk and city council could have stepped on the gas to make sure the amendment made the Oct. 8 ballot, but a leader of the drive that gathered 27,000 petitions to force the ballot question says she doesn't mind if the election is held in November. Some 12,000 of the 27,000 signatures have to be verified for the amendment to get a vote. That is still expected. We also expect at least one run-off election to be held for the city council in November. In addition, a ballot initiative that would amend the city's new minimum wage law could also be placed on that November ballot. Petitions are now making the rounds to restrict future increases in the $8.50 an hour minimum that was approved by 66 percent of the voters last November. The Oct. 8 election was always going to be mainly about the economy, APD and Berry's job performance, but the anti-abortion proposal that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy--with very limited exceptions--stood to shake up the mayoral race. And anything that makes people pay attention to the contest is good for Dinelli who needs a good turnout to score the upset. Berry is hoping to pull 50% of the vote Election Day against Dem Dinelli and Republican Paul Heh. If he doesn't there will be a mayoral run-off election between the top two vote getters. If that happens the anti-abortion amendment could again become part of mayoral politics. MOST LIKELY The Alligators and insiders all point to one city council race that is most likely to be forced into a run-off Oct. 8. It's the ABQ NE Heights seat held by Republican Janice Arnold-Jones. She faces two Dem challengers--Matt Biggs and Diane Gibson. If no candidate gets 50 percent we have a run off in November. Arnold-Jones was appointed b to the council this year by Mayor Berry to fill a vacancy when Councilor Mike Cook resigned. It's a swing district. Gibson has qualified for about $40,000 in public financing. Biggs is privately financing and says he aims to raise more than $40,000. Arnold-Jones opted to raise money privately. So far she says she has collected about $16,000. One other note--our council watchers say if the Arnold-Jones seat flips to the Dems, the council is likely to have a 5-4 Dem majority next year. The council is now GOP controlled, 6 to 3. Six of nine city council seats are on the October 8 ballot. Early voting starts September 3 with voting at the City Clerk's office. PEOPLE PLEASING 
...The story of (the Governor's) long time devotion to her sister Lettie, stricken with Cerebral Palsy at an early age, is a heart warming story of love, caring and commitment.
Unfortunately there is another side of Susana Martinez...She has consistently abandoned New Mexicans with disabilities. In her interview she failed to mention that 6,600 families are on a 10 year waiting list for DD Waiver services. The Developmental Disabilities Waiver Program helps eligible New Mexicans maintain and develop skills needed to live a quality life in their local communities...
She also failed to mention that her administration...cut services to families just like hers to the tune of $9 million in state funds and $36 million in federal matching funds; funds that could have provided desperately needed services to other families caring for their loved ones with developmental disabilities...
Martinez is to be...commended for her unselfish devotion to her sister Lettie. To take on Lettie's care throughout her life may have been a burden at times but the joy of doing so was clearly worth every minute. I just wish Martinez would show the same love and caring for the rest of New Mexican families caring for loved ones with disabilities...
PAUL RYAN TO NM
A friend snapped the attached shot of Congressman Paul Ryan at the gate in O'Hare on Sunday. He was waiting on American flight 3701 to ABQ and after he boarded he told the passengers he was on the way to New Mexico to meet with Governor Martinez. He arrived here just after 3 p.m. Sunday but no word on where he went from there. As you know, Ryan, the 20102 GOP VP candidate, is being widely discussed as a potential 2016 GOP presidential candidate. We've been hearing of a high-dollar fundraiser around town this week, though I don't have any alligator-level sources to confirm it. WELCOME ABOARD  We're pleased to welcome to the blog the ABQ Westside Chamber of Commerce. Here's some info they sent:
The ABQ Westside Chamber of Commerce was formed approximately five years ago by a group of small business owners led by longtime businessman Dan Serrano. They were concerned about the direction of Westside growth and economic development as well as providing a mechanism of support for small businesses.
The Westside Chamber has come to recognize that there are overlapping issues and concerns that relate to creating and sustaining strong business development, job growth and a prosperous community. With this in mind, the Westside Chamber is and will continue to be proactive with all issues requiring strong leadership, involvement and visionary moxie.
Luis Hernandez, Jr. is executive director of the Westside chamber. Interested in joining or learning more? Just click on their ad.
Interested in joining the ABQ West side Chamber in advertising here? Just drop us an email and we can get you started.
This is the home of New Mexico politics.
E-mail your news and comments. (jmonahan@ix.netcom.com)
Interested in reaching New Mexico's most informed audience? Advertise here.
(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2013. Not for reproduction without permission of the author |
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