Friday, December 12, 2014The Christmas Wish List: What The Politicos Want Under Their Trees It wouldn't be Christmas without a wish list and that includes our beloved politicos. Let's take a sneak peek at their lists with the help of our undercover elves. . .
You would think Gov. Martinez would have little left on her wish list after scoring a big re-election win and seeing her Republican Party take control of the state House of Representatives for the first time in 60 years. But it turns out Susana has one very important wish--not to have a second term like those that preceded her under GOP Governor Gary Johnson and Democrat Bill Richardson.
Johnson had a good run in his first term only to see his popularity disintegrate in his second as he even fought with members of his party. Richardson arguably had one of the most productive first terms of any governor in state history, only to crash and burn his second term amid allegations of pay to play. He scored a 69% re-election win in 2006. When he left office his popularity had plunged to the 30's. Susana's second term begins January. Will this be her last very Merry Christmas as governor?
Lt. Gov. John Sanchez has the same Xmas wish as Susana: Don't let her go down the tubes or I go down with her and ruin any chances I have at getting the 2018 Republican gubernatorial nomination.
The newly empowered House Republicans have a Christmas wish with a lot on the line. They wish that the hard-right members of their party don't start talking about repealing gay marriage or changing abortion laws or they could lose in 2016 the historic House majority they picked up in the November election.
The House Democrats now playing second fiddle to the Republicans wish that at the least the Republicans leave them a few good parking spaces at the Roundhouse.
ABQ Mayor Richard Berry has a long wish list. After all, most of his previous wishes have gone up in smoke. The city's economy has yet to make a recovery from the Great Recession, Albuquerque's national reputation hit the skids because of the numerous fatal police shootings and while he had a majority Republican city council when he started in office he now faces a Democratic majority. So for His Honor the wish list includes putting some business points on the board by attracting new jobs, getting the APD stabilized and handling the Dem councilors with agility. And one other wish: That John Sanchez does not seek the '18 GOP gubernatorial nomination because Berry also has his sights set on that.
As for the ABQ City Council, the nine members have a popular wish for the season. They want a best selling book. Their pick? "How to Win Friends and Influence People" because for the past four years they haven't been doing much of either.
MORE WISH LIST 
Now that the R's have taken over the US Senators Martin Heinrich and Tom Udall have plenty of time to make a wish list. So much time that they say they will get back to us on that.
Southern Congressman Steve Pearce also doesn't need much time writing up his wish list. His gift also came early as he soundly defeated Rocky Lara who wanted to get close enough that she would be set up for second bout with Pearce in 2016. After the thrashing she received from Pearce that dream is now as distant as the Christmas Star.
Northern Democratic Congressman Ben Ray Lujan doesn't have much room under his tree for any of his Christmas wishes. Not after House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi put an extra large gift under that tree. She named Lujan chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and instantly made him a leading national Hispanic political power player. Now that's a gift worth celebrating with some eggnog.
This column was also published in the ABQ Free Press, on newstands now.
Thanks for stopping by this week. 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 2014. Not for reproduction without permission of the authorThursday, December 11, 2014Killing The Holiday Cheer: NM ranked 49th On Another Of Those Lists, Plus: Susana's Inaugural Booty, The Land Commission Recount And Kari And The Cops . . . Nearly 22% of New Mexico residents lived in poverty last year, the second highest rate after Mississippi. A typical household in New Mexico earned less than $44,000 in 2013, below all but a handful of states. The state’s crime rate was also higher than in all but one other state, with 613 violent crimes reported per 100,000 residents in 2013. . . People left New Mexico faster than they moved into the state. Between the middle of 2010 and July 2013, the state lost 9,750 residents to migration alone. S&P recently revised its outlook on New Mexico’s credit rating to negative from stable. The revision was based on New Mexico’s weak economic recovery from the recession and over-reliance on government aid and the energy sector. Hey, there's some news in there. We didn't see anything around here about the state's credit outlook going negative. But it did--a few days ago: New Mexico's dependence on energy revenues and government funding brings a negative outlook to the state's AA-plus rating from Standard & Poor's. That news could mean higher borrowing costs for the state. We can't recall when a major ratings agency last hit us with this kind of negative revision. . . And the state's dependence on tax income from the oil fields got slammed home once more Wednesday as oil prices plunged yet again--to near $61 a barrel. You'll recall just a few days ago state policy makers said for the budget year beginning July 1 they are counting on an average oil price of $66. In Santa Fe, that oil price is getting eyeballed more than a burning Zozobra. . . If things get really bad maybe Susana can hold a fund-raiser for the state. She's pretty good at it: (In 2010) Martinez' inaugural committee capped its contributions to $25,000 and publicly disclosed contributors. But this year, the governor's inaugural committee is capping contributions at $50,000. $50,000 contributions for the inaugural committee? What? Are they hiring Lady Gaga to play? RECOUNT TIME
The duo sparred over recount procedure but the state Supreme Court ordered it to go forward. That drew rare praise for the all Democratic court from none other than the state GOP and its new chairwoman. We'll check to see if something is freezing over somewhere. KARI AND THE COPS Can we give you Senior Alligator analysis on the predicament of Bernalillo County District attorney Kari Brandenburg when it comes to pursuing an indictment against the cops who shot and killed homeless camper James Boyd earlier this year? Okay, thanks. Actually, it does not appear to be much of a predicament. . . These elder Gators say even though Brandenburg has been investigated by APD on bribery charges involving burglaries conducted by her drug-addicted son, any indictment would stand the smell test. That's because of the now infamous video of the Boyd shooting. Sure, Brandenburg's charges would be called biased, but that would last about as long as snow on the ground in Hobbs. The national media would quickly shift the focus to the fact that a police officer in the USA involved in a shooting was actually indicted. The Boyd video would go viral all over again. Brandenburg's status would be a footnote. At least that's how those scaly denizens of the Gator pond see the deal. Brandenburg says she expects action on the Boyd shooting in the spring of next year. She also has said she will evaluate her position on handling the case in light of the APD investigation which is now in the hands of the attorney general. SEEKING A CHAIR
She's a woman. She's an Indian (and the R's have now chosen the Laguna Pueblo Governor as their vice chair). As a single mom, Deb has a great story, having literally pulled herself up by her bootstraps. She believes in the right things, is a champion for middle and working class people. She is an experienced campaigner. She made a lot of friends as a candidate, raised a considerable amount of money. She's my former student. I'm loyal. She asked me. How could I say no? I didn't. I stick. And not halfway with me. In for a penny, in for a pound. She called and asked me for $250. I gave it. She texted me and asked me if I would introduce her at her kickoff. I texted back: "Count on it!" She texted back: "Thank you." Can she win? Will she? I think so. I hope so. She ought to. Harris, 84, is a former chairman of the Democratic National Committee. INTO THE SUNSET Off they go, all those retiring state legislators, including this one: Retiring state Rep. Anna Crook, R-Clovis, will be honored today at the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce’s annual legislative breakfast. . Crook announced in February that she would be retiring at the end of the year after more than 20 years as the District 64 representative, most recently serving on the taxation and revenue and transportation committee. Clovis City Commissioner Randy Crowder was elected in the November general election to fill her seat. Can you imaging having the name of Crook and getting elected for 20 years? She was doing something right. 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 2014. Not for reproduction without permission of the author
Wednesday, December 10, 2014Race Underway For Dem Party Chair; Haaland First In; Status Quo Or A Bloodletting? Plus: Filling Mimi's Shoes; House Vacancy Eyed By Former Senator, And: No Frozen Inaugural Fingers; Guv Opts For Indoor Oath
We must build bridges in our communities, capitalize on our strengths and focus on winning elections. I am not one to sit idle, nor will I speculate on what went wrong this past election, or criticize anyone for what they did or didn't do. I see that many House races were lost by 300-400 votes, and all I know is that those seats belong to Democrats. But what went wrong with this election for the Democrats is exactly what many of them want to talk about. Haaland seems to be saying that because some of the Dem House seats were lost by 300 or 400 votes that the election was somewhat of a fluke and not a deeper commentary on the messaging crisis the state Dems have had. The Dems have lost two governor elections in a row, lost the NM House for the first time in 60 years, failed to regain the secretary of state's office this year and appear to have lost the state land commission office. In addition, they continue to confront a ruling conservative coalition in the state Senate that is cemented by Martinez Democrats. The passion and energy in New Mexican politics is all on the Republican side. Worred Democrats say their party needs new blood and perhaps a bloodletting. If Haaland is content to preside over the status quo that could make room for a stiff challenge. That is, if the veil of apathy over what has happened to the majority party is to be lifted. FILLING THE SHOES
Former ABQ Dem State Senator Bernadette Sanchez now lives in Stewart's NE Heights district and is said to be interested in being named by the BernCo Commission to fill her shoes. But some Dems fret that Sanchez might not be a reliable Dem vote, citing her move to reinstate the tax on food in 2010. It didn't go anywhere but in the process Sanchez alienated the liberal wing of the party who called her bill "The Tortilla Tax" and passed out tortillas at the Roundhouse. If Sanchez wins the appointment it won't make much of a difference for now. The House is newly controlled by the Republicans. But down the road--in 2016--the Dems hope to take the House back. If they do that by just a vote or two they worry that Sanchez could thwart their efforts by entering into a coalition with the House R's. Will that give the majority Dems on the commission second thoughts about sending her to Santa Fe? A decision is expected later this month. Stay tuned. NO DEEP FREEZE  In a twist the inaugural ball on New Year's night will not be in Santa Fe, but at the ABQ Convention Center. Tickets are required. Pre-inaugural events include a "Governor's Gala" Dec. 28 in Las Cruses at the Pan American Center and a December 31st 5 p.m. mass at Santa Fe's Cathedral Basilica. Info and tickets for all events is here. By the way, Maria Berry, wife of ABQ GOP Mayor Richard Berry, will chair the ABQ inaugural ball. Hey, what about Debbie Sanchez, wife of Lt. Gov. John Sanchez? He's running for Governor in 2018, too, you know. THE BOTTOM LINES Readers have been weighing on what is New Mexico's most iconic building after the UNM athletic director nominated the famous basketball "Pit" as numero uno. Reader Joe Craig comes with his faves: Los Poblanos is one of the top three cultural gems in New Mexico. From the huge Peter Hurd mural to the Gustave Bauman carvings, it is a continuous work of art with a history going back to 1716. With its John Gaw Meem architecture from 1930's to the current stewardship of the Rembe family it is nothing short of remarkable. Los Poblanos coupled with Acoma Pueblo and Taos Pueblo all take your breath away. There is nothing in Santa Fe that even comes close to Los Poblanos..... 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 2014. Not for reproduction without permission of the author
Tuesday, December 09, 2014A Deft Deflection: DA Brandenburg Bounces Ball Back To APD; Firmly Denies Criminal Charges; Hangs Tough And Acts Cool Amid The Heat, Plus: Santa Fe's Unusual Optimists
Brandenburg emphatically denied any wrongdoing of any sort: "I did not do anything wrong. I am absolutely clear I did nothing wrong or commit any violation," she declared of the bribery and witness intimidation charges brought against her by APD. That puts her squarely on the public record without equivocation and tosses the ball back into the court of APD which has sent the investigation results to the state attorney general. Has APD--itself drenched in scandal--overreached? Brandenburg seems confident it has. Presuming she will be cleared, she said she hopes the media gives that eventual news as much play as the charges are getting. Brandenburg wasn't flawless during her half hour meeting with reporters at her attorney's office but she was pretty darned close. The Legal Beagles and Alligators said the DA came across poised, professional and sincere and that she also managed to connect on an emotional and human level. That was especially so when she spoke about being a single parent and the difficulty of having a child who is addicted to drugs. If APD was hoping their leak to the ABQ Journal would result in some sort of quick political knockout, they miscalculated. There is still much to know, however. On the advice of her attorney and because she has not seen the police report, Brandenburg would not discuss details of the case or the charges. That means this show is far from over. HITS FROM THE HIGH ROAD Even as she said she was taking the "high road" she did manage to get in some digs against her chief antagonists--APD and the ABQ Journal. Of the newspaper she said:
We are troubled that the existence of the investigation was leaked to the Journal. . . The integrity of any investigation is compromised when there are leaks. . . At the least the motive of the investigation is called into question. . .
The paper reported that it gained access to the case through a request under the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA). It did not mention any tip or tipster. But Brandenburg pointed out that it was a leak to the Journal that prompted the paper to file the IPRA.
As for APD, she pointed to what she deemed a flawed probe:
We do have serious concerns about the investigation. Key people were not interviewed, including myself.
That raised the question of why no one at APD contacted Brandenburg who happens to be the chief prosecutor for the county. If the charges prove false it might put the city in the ironic position of being sued by Brandenburg.
LEGAL BEAGLE CORNER  Brandenburg has been dubbed soft on the cops because she has not charged any officers in the dozens of police shootings in recent years that prompted a federal civil rights investigation by the Department of Justice. Looming large at the news conference was Brandenburg's continuing review of the most notorious of the police killings--that of homeless camper James Boyd. The police lapel camera video of the incident shocked the state and nation. If Brandenburg were to ever reverse course and decide to charge police officers with a crime, it would be the Boyd case. Because she is nearing a decision on that case, it prompted speculation that dark forces were conspiring to take Brandenburg down. If she did charge officers Keith Sandy and Dominique Perez in that shooting she could be accused of retaliation against APD because of its investigation of her. Is she concerned that she now has a conflict of interest and will have to turn that case over to an outside authority for final review? "We will definitely be evaluating that," she replied. If she keeps the Boyd case in her purview she is now saying that a decision would likely come "in the spring." On November 21 the newspaper reported: ". . . Her office was expecting to complete its review of several officer-involved shootings by Christmas. She said, a decision on whether state charges will be filed in connection to the James Boyd shooting is expected by early 2015." It has been reported that the Feds will not charge any officers in the Boyd killing so the future of the case is all on the DA's shoulders. SUPPORT AND SEETHING Social media was awash with comment on Brandenburg's trouble, both supportive and seething. Here's a sample: Phillip Howell wrote:
Every parent who is on the road of misery with a drugie child knows the impossibility of the journey. Nothing, other than the death of your child is as difficult as this journey. I do not know any facts, therefore any comment about Ms. Brandenburg and this story-other than the difficult journey of a child's addiction- would be wrong.
Aya Peterson said:
She'll defend herself by pointing to the fact that she never paid these people as proof that there was never a deal. In other words, her kid ripped them off, she offered to pay for it, and then she ripped them off all over again, only now she'll be calling them liars to boot. So, she'll be victimizing the hell out of these people in her own best interest. But hey, "I have never at any time violated the law. My friends and colleagues know this." I wonder what all the innocent people she's coerced into plea deals would say? Maybe we should ask them?
An anonymous writer did not agree that Brandenburg handled her news conference well: I felt it was lacking. She did not deny that she offered to make restitution on behalf of her son in exchange for no charges to be filed, which is the problem. It is the appearance of impropriety and the use of her position do help her son that the public will not forgive nor forget. All she said was "I have done nothing illegal or unethical." The strongest defense is that the investigation is politically motivated, that APD leaked it, and the Journal published it, but she did not go there which tells me this is far from over..
THE LAWYER
A final note on all this. Brandenburg's criminal defense attorney is Peter Schoenberg. He may be familiar to some who remember he was also the lawyer who defended former Governor Richardson when Richardson was being investigated for corruption charges by a Federal grand jury. No charges were ever brought.
This is the home of New Mexico politics.SANTA FE'S OPTIMISM
Both Department of Finance boss Dr. Tom Clifford and State Sen. John Arthur "Dr. No" Smith--the most famous of the hawks flying over the Roundhouse--say that there will be about $140 million in new money for the budget year that begins next July 1. Due to the oil price crash, that is now half the original new cash estimate of $280 million. But even as Clifford was briefing lawmakers on the outlook, West Texas crude was crashing again--down $2.88 a barrel to $66.19. By Clifford's own accounting each dollar drop costs the general fund $7.5 million. The Legislative Finance Committee is projecting that the oil price will average $66 a barrel for the next budget year--exactly where we are right now. If we head lower and stay there, the proverbial call of "look out below" will be heard echoing around the Roundhouse Rotunda. Clifford and Smith are not about to say the state will have to dip into its reserves next year--or God forbid--raise taxes somehow. But if the oil bear stays out of his lair a more than ample state reserve of over $610 million (about 10% of the over $6 billion projected budget) will be eyed hungrily by lawmakers. Thanks to years of soaring oil prices Santa Fe's theme song has been, "How High The Moon?" Suddenly, the new hit is "How Low Can You Go." 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 2014. Not for reproduction without permission of the author
Monday, December 08, 2014Brandenburg's Gate: DA Gets Mired In Muck As Her Decision Nears On Controversial Police Shooting; The Questions Being Asked, Plus: New GOP Chair Says State Party Should Be About The Cash Not The Ideas, And: Freshman Senator Snags Whip Post
There will be plenty of questions for Brandenburg about what exactly she did or did not do to help her son dodge responsibility and possible criminal charges for two burglaries he was allegedly involved in, but there are also other questions raised. Update: At a news conference Monday Brandenburg said: "I have never at any time violated the law. My friends and colleagues know this." She said her son is a drug addict and has been in jail three times. "I have never nor would I ever do anything other than hold him 100 percent accountable for his actions." She also said "absolutely not" when asked if she committed any ethical breaches. Asked if she will continue to review police shooting cases, she said, "I will continue to do my job." But added that she will evaluate her position going forward. She also indicated there would be no decision this month in the shooting case of James Boyd. Entire video of news conference here. What immediately struck seasoned observers was the timing of this. The ABQ Police Department learned of the allegations against the DA in October 2013. Now--within weeks of when Brandenburg could announce whether she will pursue criminal charges against former APD officers Keith Sandy and Dominique Perez in the controversial shooting of homeless camper James Boyd--this news breaks. Brandenburg has never charged a police officer for their role in a police shooting, but the Boyd slaying drew international attention and looms large. Brandenburg said she was personally investigating the Boyd case and was preparing to make a decision on criminal charges early next year. Does this new twist mean she may send the Boyd shooting to a preliminary hearing before a district judge presented by another DA's office? Otherwise, she seems damned if she moves to charge the officers and damned if she doesn't. Another question: APD began its investigation in October 2013. Why did it not turn it over to an outside law enforcement agency since it involved the district attorney who has the authority to charge APD officers with crimes? On November 25 APD asked the attorney general's office to review its year long investigation. The question is whether it should have ever been an APD investigation. Is there a conflict of interest here? And how about how fast that open records request from the newspaper was fulfilled by APD which has a history of dragging its feet on such inquires? The detective wrote his letter to the attorney general on Nov. 25 and only days later the letter and the story land on the front pages. How come APD doesn't respond so quickly for IPRA requests for police lapel camera video and so many other requests? Another question thrown out: Has the DA been intimidated by the ongoing APD investigation into her and her son and thus not charged any officers in police involved shootings? On the political front, are the allegations damaging enough to eventually force Brandenburg to resign? That would have major political impact as Republican Governor Martinez would get to appoint Brandenburg's replacement. Even if Brandenburg stays through the end of her term the allegations may already have put the R's in a position to stake a claim for the office in 2016. R's will pressure Brandenburg to resign, perhaps citing the case of ABQ Public Safety Officer Darren White who interfered in the handling of an auto accident involving his wife and was forced to quit. How will Attorney General-elect Hector Balderas, a Democrat, handle the case? The hot potato is going to be in his hands as the term of Attorney General King ends Dec. 31. Public opinion is bound to be harsh on Brandenburg, although she will win some sympathy as a mother tyring to help a son. She is midway through her fourth, four year term as DA, the longest tenure in modern history. She has a high-powered criminal defense attorney and from what has been disclosed so far she seems to have walked a fine line in her son's alleged criminal activity. No matter the outcome of the Brandenburg incident, it is another black eye for the state's largest city. APD is under investigation by the Department of Justice for the many police shootings and the District Attorney is now mired in muck. Add to the mix a don't-worry-be-happy ABQ Mayor and City Council and a relentless economic recession and you have a city adrift. Where will the waves take us next? PARTYING WITH THE R'S
Maestas is the daughter of former NM GOP chairman Allen Weh who clashed with Martinez for the 2010 GOP Guv nomination. But the party and the position are not what they used to be as the money and power has shifted to the anything goes super PACS. The Martinez camp was content to see John Billingsley out of the post which he used to poke at key Martinez aide Jay McCleskey. The Guv's political aides were nowhere to be seen at the Saturday convention. Martinez is expected to travel heavily in the next two years as she looks for a perch on the national stage and raises money for the GOP. She will leave behind the often bitter intraparty strife that has accompanied her tenure. It is epitomized by the discontent with Martinez of former GOP Chairman Harvey Yates, Jr. who backed Maestas. Maestas, whose professional background is as an executive with her father's CSI Aviation, also had the backing of GOP southern Congressman Steve Pearce who has no lost love for Susana and company. With that kind of backing Maestas (247 votes) trounced challengers Max Barnett (110) and Rick Lopez (87). A complete list of the new state GOP officers is here. While the chair position has been diminished it still has the bully pulpit. Media interviews, speeches, news releases and the like still give her an opportunity to help shape the narrative (without stepping on the toes of Susana and the newly in charge state House Republicans). But Maestas indicated she doesn't want to wade into issues much and will concentrate on raising money: “The party's goal, their responsibility, is to raise money so that we can support our candidates who are out there running. The party doesn't need to be the organization that has the platform, they need to be the organization that is the support … We need to be strong and make sure candidates and county (Republican) chairs have what they need.” Well, maybe. But the political parties are unlikely to be major players in the individual races in the super PAC era. It would be nice if they were for those R's who chafe under the thumb of the Martinez Machine. It had its hand in several super PACs this cycle. As for Maestas's assertion that the party should not concern itself with a platform, what is a political party without ideas? A perpetual fund-raising vehicle? Maybe she just wants to spare herself involvement in the deep chasm between the social conservatives and the corporate wing of the GOP. Maestas, 42. will give the male dominated GOP a female face as the '16 presidential cycle comes into view. Given her background she should be able to raise enough cash for the party not to go penniless. The next challenge for the GOP could come from its right wing as it pushes social issues like pro-life. Talk is already surfacing of a parental notification bill for teens wanting abortions. That is something the GOP House and Martinez can probably sign on to. However, if more stern anti-abortion measures start to advance, look for trouble to start. WHIPPING IT
Padilla, 42, is a freshman senator so this is a particular feather in his cap. He is aligned with Dem progressives which will make for interesting observation as he deals with Dem senators aligned with the R's and who comprise a ruling conservative coalition in the 42 member chamber. Sen. Michael Sanchez of Belen was again chosen as majority leader. The 2015 legislative session begins January 20. Other actions taken by the caucus are here. 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 2014. Not for reproduction without permission of the author
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