New Mexico Politics with Joe Monahan

Light Guv Diane Denish is apparently trying to beef up her Hispanic credentials as she hits the airwaves with a public service announcement that she narrates all in Spanish and that airs on non-Spanish TV. That's unusual for an Anglo politician in NM, most of whom shy away from speaking in their non-native tongue for fear of offending the truly practiced. Denish seems to pull it off OK, if haltingly. Her past relationships with prominent Hispanics, such as AG Patricia Madrid and ex Sec of State Stephanie Gonzales, have been testy. She also had run-ins with prominent Hispanic males during her time as chair of the state Dem party. Thus far, she is unchallenged for the 06' Dem nomination to go another four as Big Bill's number two. Insiders say that could change, but don't expect a big name Hispanic to take her on now that Madrid has apparently declined. Still, expect the Hobbs native to continue her bridge building to NM Hispanics.

The Spanish TV PSA is one of a gazillion Big Bill and Diane seem to be on these days. Some of them are provided free by the TV's, but most are paid for with the money coming from various taxpayer funded government programs. The omnipresent Bill and Diane ads add up to a decided advantage for the duo, who await word from the R's on who will oppose them next year.

DIANE'S HOUSING BOOM

Did you know that Diane Denish has a house in each of the state's three congressional districts? Hey, if the Light Guv gets bored there's always options, like a seat the U.S. House. But it's the Roundhouse in Santa Fe that remains her dream home.

A RATINGS REPEAT

It's a ratings repeat in local TV land. In the May sweeps, KOB barely beats KRQE to take top honors for 10 p.m. news watchers, results very similar to February's ratings battle. KOAT languishes in third place, but has shown a bit of progress since bottoming out a year ago. In the 6 p.m. news race, KOAT takes the top spot, but not by much over second place KOB. My TV insiders also report KRQE has the top-rated noon news broadcast in the NM market, now ranked 48th in the nation.

THE STREAM DREAM

Speaking of TV, one of the cool things being done at the city of ABQ government channel is the live streaming of all city council and county commission meetings The channel, GOV-16, is available only to subscribers of Comcast Cable, but now even non-subscribers can get to see the government meetings live, or watch them later just by going to the Web site. Why can't Santa Fe do this? Big Bill vetoed a bill that would have put up $50 grand to get the Legislature streamed on the Net. At least in Bernalillo County we are seeing how easily it can be done.

HEATHER GOES NATIONAL

Heather Wilson's foray into the debate over women in combat has won her some national attention, albeit a bit mixed. In a Washington Post report the ABQ GOP Congresswoman is dubbed "obstinate" by her majority leader in the GOP controlled U.S House. The Post dubs Wilson a "relative moderate," a term that aptly describes her as she continues, after seven years in the House, trying to balance the moderate bias of her district against her often conservative instincts. It seems with the House taking up even more controversial issues, such as banning stem-cell research, that Wilson, by comparison, will seem even more "moderate."

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There I was with my big toe plopped in the turquoise tinted pool, a cold beverage of my choice securely in hand, one eye on some of our Big City's finest bikini clad beauties and the other peeled to a paperback penned by Sinatra's valet. (Frank liked the bacon soft, never crisp) How could anything interrupt this near summer perfection? Oh, I forgot. I blog about New Mexico politics, also known as the dream killer and nightmare maker. And so it went late Wednesday as my vacation mirage (was it real?) was burst with the nervy jingle of my new fangled cell phone.

First there was former CBS News correspondent and eternal political junkie Kurt Lohbeck telling me CNN was reporting a jab at Hillary Clinton by our own Big Bill. Others called with the news, but Lohbeck, who has given up any semblance of a normal life in favor of year-round, round-the-clock monitoring of four network news channels and 56 Internet sites, was the first to break the bitter news that I would be back blogging and not sunbathing. As they say in the Godfather: "It's the life we chose."

KEYSTONE COPS

Apparently the cops at ABQ International forgot how to make an arrest and the Bernalillo County District Attorney's office was no match for the defense attorneys for alleged pot smoking and glass pipe toting NM Public Regulation Commissioner E. Shirley Baca. Her misdemeanor charges stemming from her December airport pot bust were all dismissed. Were you shocked? How could you be after learning earlier that ABQ public school boss Michael Vigil would suffer no on-the-job consequences for his DWI, when the ABQ police department was reported suppressing witness reports of accidents involving cops and when the APD evidence room scandal ($200,000 missing) goes uninvestigated? In ABQ the slogan of late is: "Leave Law and Order on TV.

As for Shirley, she trotted out a grassy knoll theory saying someone planted the pot and pipe on her and she will "soon" reveal the evil conspirator. And O.J. Simpson will give you a million bucks if you can tell him who killed his wife!

Incredibly, a top GOP Alligator was unwilling to write off Dem Shirley's 2006 re-election chances. "I've heard a few R's mentioned, but not big ones," he reports. On top of that, it was Big Bill who had earlier called for Shirley to resign while top R's, maybe embarrassed about past support from other R's for legalizing drugs, were pointedly mum.

BILL AND HILL
You Know Who
Then there's the Hill and Bill show, courtesy of the aforementioned CNN. Did Big Bill slap the New York Senator and former First Lady around, or is this all good fun? We're talking about the joke he rattled off while politicking in Omaha, Nebraska over the weekend. He noted the name of various Dem prez possibles telling the audience what each would bring to the White House if elected. For example, Senator Biden would bring national security experience. When it came time to say what Hillary would bring, the Guv said she would "bring back the furniture" she took with her. It was a reference to the allegation that White House furniture was stolen in the Clinton's final days.

It's one of those jokes the Guv paid 12 grand for from a group of D.C. punsters. He used it at the annual Gridiron Dinner where just about everything goes, including jokes implying that your possible opponent is a criminal. But telling this knee slapper about a potential rival for the 08' Dem prez nod outside the Beltway raised the eyebrows. Will Hill take this bitter pill from Big Bill? Or will she give him a dose of her own medicine? Stay tuned.

A BOTTOM LINE

In our report on Las Cruces Dem Jeff Steinborn Wednesday we said that he had lost the Dem nomination for a state House seat in Dona Ana county. But Jeff correctly points out: "I did not lose the Dem nomination for State Legislature, rather I barely lost the race. I was recruited with two months to go, replacing our Dem. candidate. I narrowly lost by 344 votes out of 13,000 cast."

As for you and yours, you are now free to resume your lives free of La Politica, but not for too long. Get your tan lines taken care of and I'll see you back here next week.

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The initial shock has worn off in Clovis, NM where Cannon Air Force Base has been targeted for closure. Now the aftershocks are kicking in. Locals are noting that 85% of the bases designated to be shut down in the past have indeed shut down. The NM Congressional delegation continues a sunny disposition on on the matter, but the odds are the odds. Here's the latest from the city at risk.

The one and only time a base was shut down in our Enchanted Land was back in 1968 and it came with a political cost as explained by Larry Morgan, chief of staff to the late Dem Rep. Harold Runnels of the southern district.

"It was the closure of Roswell's Walker AFB Base that was frequently cited by the "political experts" as bringing the end of former Congressman E. S. Johnny Walker's political career in 1968 when Ed Foreman utilized the closure of Walker and the issue Gun Control to a one-half percent election victory," recalled Larry.

If Cannon goes under it is unlikely there will be a political price to pay by any single member of our delegation today because, as Larry, notes: "It was Congress itself which created the current BRAC process specifically to 'take politics out of the BRAC process' by eliminating themselves from having any direct role in the selection procedures."

Still, some Dems are saying if there's any political impact of a Cannon closure it could benefit the D's. "This is happening under a Republican administration. Clovis is conservative and votes Republican, but an economic calamity like this could change that. Yeah, it could, but if they shut down Cannon will there be any voters left to fight over?

BACK ON THE YOUNG D BEAT
Jeff Steinborn
I've been on the young Dem beat this week and have some more for you. I lost most of my notes form a phone conversation I had with Jeff Steinborn recently, but the 35 year old Las Cruces native was clear enough that I remember the highlights. First, he has won the chairmanship of the Dona Ana County Democratic Party and is pleased to be back in the game. This after unsuccessful bids for the Dem nomination for the Pearce congressional seat and the NM Legislature. "I won't seek the Pearce seat next year,'”he told me. But he did not rule out a future run for political office. Both his losses were low-profile enough that he will live to fight another day.

Steinborn's father is a former Las Cruces mayor and big real estate player but Steinborn the younger is committed to the world of La Politica. As pressure builds for the Dems to do something, do anything, abut the mess in Iraq, Steinborn opines that young Dems are not up in arms over the war because, unlike Vietnam, there is no draft. But Steinborn and his youthful colleagues may want to start thinking about what is going to get them in power on the national stage. Their elders have lost all three branches of government to the R's. That's not much of a legacy to build upon.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
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Big Bill
The stunning sums being raised for Big Bill's re-elect (already $3 million) has some members of the permanent political establishment wondering and worrying if one the Guv's lasting legacies will be outrageously high dollar cocktail parties and dinners. New Mexico's next big fundraiser isn't actually for the Guv, but for New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer who is running for governor. The top ticket price of $15,000 is a new and dubious high water mark in the constant cash chasing. According to the party invitation dropped my way, Big Bill and Santa Fe developer Gerald Peters have set the top giving levels at $15k, $8,000 and $4,000. You can either donate one of those amounts yourself or pledge to raise it. A single. lowly guest ticket will even set you back 500 bucks which these days is political chump change.

"The lobbyists and others who must give or risk a cold shoulder are feeling the pain," one Santa Fe Alligator reports. "They have to come up with the cash and that hurts. And they wonder if the money raising standards the governor has set will stick and that in in the future they will be expected to hand out this kind of money to other politicians,"

The money being raised by the politicos demonstrates the gap between the haves and the have nots in New Mexico and the nation. Obviously, it's never been greater.

YOUTH MUST BE SERVED

Where have the young Dems been on the defining issue of their time, the Iraq war? It's the question we heard from senior Dems and blogged about Monday. Well, some of them have been speaking out but, emails former NM Young Dem Prez Sisto Abeyta of ABQ's South Valley, the media hasn't been listening. He reports he submitted three articles to the media, including one on the recruitment of students for the war in low-income communities. The 27 year old Veguita, NM native also pointed out that during his tenure it was the young Dems who brought anti-war activist Michael Moore into ABQ for the 04' campaign. Abeyta says the young Dems referenced their anti-war belief in their platform and that the media has not picked up on it and that includes your humble blogger. He's right. Coverage of those against the Iraq was has been off the radar screens. That's a long way from the coverage awarded our last controversial conflict--Vietnam.

MY BOTTOM LINES

Heard on the street: Fred Peralta, head of NM Expo, as a possible for the 06' Dem nomination for State Land Commissioner. "He's not adverse to having his name floated," reports a friend....Buyers of commercial time on Clear Channel radio stations in ABQ are being told many of the stations are "sold-out." There's not a sudden boom in advertising, but a cutback in the number of commercials the stations are willing to air. "The radio audience is drifting away and reducing commercials is become a necessity to keep our audience," explained one ad exec. He's right. I'm an XM Satellite subscriber and love it.....Heard on Letterman: "Robert Blake is considering taking another shot at marriage...And finally, as radio's Jim Villanucci says, "Here's a shameless commercial plug." It's summer driving season and our sponsor, Enterprise rent-a-car, is ready to handle all your needs. Just click on their name and rent a car quick and go anywhere. Enjoy.

Back at you tomorrow as we close in on the holiday weekend. As always, thanks for your company and don't forget to email me your news and comments.

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Daniela Glick
If New Mexico politics needs anything, it's some new faces and voices. Not that the old warhorses are not worthy of admiration, but every dog has its day and it seems that some of the dogs get decades. So we turn our eyes north to Red River where some 100 NM Young Dems gathered over the weekend and elected Las Cruces native Daniela Glick as the first female prez of the group.

If Glick is a fresh face, the issue she confronts is anything but; how do you get all those apathetic 18 to 34 year olds to the polls? Over 55% of the newly registered voters in 04' came from this age group but their turnout did not match the hype of the Kerry campaign and the state Dem machine.

Glick, a 24 year old old Georgetown grad, pledges to recruit youthful candidates as a way of increasing youth participation. Not a bad idea, but what issues will motivate them? Some NM Dems of the Vietnam era complain that Glick and her young brethren have done little to highlight differences with the Bushies over the Iraq war, an issue that just might light up some interest among youth, at least those prone to go Dem.

FROM THE LEFT

Meanwhile, from Big Bill's left comes persistent opposition, but it doesn't seem to be centered on the issues of the day, but rather insider baseball on how the state party is operating. Big Bill is the "titular" head of the party, but some of the activists at the Democracy for New Mexico site have been having a spirited debate on whether the party is being turned into a personal vehicle for the Big Guy. His political director, Amanda Cooper, provides the usual lengthy rebuttal from Bill's camp.

HEATHER & OSAMA: AN UPDATE

Remember those TV ads from Dem Richard Romero last fall slamming ABQ GOP Congresswoman Wilson for not doing enough to secure airline cargo planes from terrorist attacks? The spots became the major controversy of the campaign because they used the image of Osama bin Laden. Well, the issue of air cargo security was back before the House this month and Heather didn't flinch. She voted against an amendment that sought $1.4 billion for such things as technology to keep airline cargo holds free of explosives. Heather's campaign went ballistic over the TV ads, spending huge dollars to create a backlash against them. Judging by her recent vote she isn't having ay second thoughts,.

MY BOTTOM LINES

Longtime liberal ABQ Tribune columnist V.B. Price is out with a piece that echoes the sentiments of a lot of frustrated Dems. Is Heather Wilson turning into Manuel Lujan and Steve Schiff, the unbeatable Congressmen who preceded her in the ABQ seat?....One of the politician-bloggers writes that our little ol' Weblog was "a day late" and "stumbled upon" the potential ABQ mayoral candidacy of City Councilor Brad Winter from his site. Not so. We've been on it like a wet blanket, breaking the Winter story last November. Thursday we reported exclusively that Winter had met with GOP leaders to discuss a possible run. Hey, you get all that and we don't even ask you to vote for us......Speaking of blogging, graduate student Tom Bailey is coming at our beloved La Politica from a left of center position on his new blog....A final thought for this Monday: How come there are no pictures of Osama bin Laden in his underwear?

Interested in advertising here and reaching NM's large political community? We'd like to have you. Email me from this page for details.

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Brad Winter
Republican leaders met with moderate GOP ABQ City Councilor Brad Winter Wednesday in what appears to be a last ditch effort to get one of their own in the 2005 ABQ mayor's race. Winter's name was floated earlier this year, but he shut down the speculation. This time he told me he is more receptive and a run is not out of the question. He said he is "listening to supporters" who are urging him to get in the contest and saying that as the only R in the race he would easily make a run-off. If no candidate gets 40% of the vote October 4th, a run-off election would be held a month later.

Top R's met earlier this month with businesswoman Ann Rhoades but she did not take the bait. The GOP leaders see incumbent Mayor Marty vulnerable to a strong R challenge, but in the past moderate Winter has attracted foes in the GOP's hard right wing. That wing will have to be pacified and kept out of the action. If the party cannot unite behind one candidate, victory is improbable.

Winter is the senior member of the ABQ city council serving his second term from the GOP heavy ABQ Northeast Heights. He works for the ABQ public schools and recently married utility attorney Nan Houliston, who is also politically agile having toiled for many years at City Hall.

The Chavez camp can only hold its breath now. The Alligators who run the numbers say Winter, barring a terrible campaign, would have baseline support of at least 25%, enough to send the race and him to a run-off. Some of them even think Winter has the potential to take the whole enchilada in the initial going if everything were to break his way. A decision from the man whose critics call indecisive is just days away.

If Winter is waiting to hear guarantees of success he will be waiting a long time. No one hands you the power and glory of La Politica. You must dare to earn it. Stay tuned.

MADRID'S MONEY

The Alligators who monitor the money in New Mexico politics are musing about the $126,000 Dem Attorney General Madrid recently reported she had in her political action committee. "She can only use that money is state race. She could not transfer it to a federal account to use against (GOP U.S. Rep.) Heather Wilson. And it's very interesting that she says, 'I intend to become much more active in raising money in this PAC.' What is she intending to do with that money? It will be interesting to see." Indeed it will, Mr. Gator.

Madrid's friends say she has made no decision on a run for another office in 06' and it's possible she will sit out the cycle. Patsy was unapologetic about her PAC getting donations from law firms that did business with the state, but you can already see the GOP consultants gathered in the TV studio with that ammo.

TAOS ON TOP OF PREZ RACE

Folks in Taos know who is running for Prez as you can see in this photo snapped by a northern Alligator. It's politically correct too. No Big Bill license plate on a foreign car. That's an all American Ford pick-up sporting the prez plate. But the Guv's 2006 re-elect slogan, "Moving NM Forward," is nearly identical to Toyota's new line: "Moving Forward."

Email me your photos and political news and keep your blog moving forward and, as always, thanks for tuning in.

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A push for more power by NM GOP Chairman Allen Weh was quietly pushed back at Saturday's state Republican convention. Several resolutions, including one that would have given Weh the power to get rid of any county GOP chair who endorsed a Democrat for public office, were defeated by delegates who elected Weh to a two year term as chair.

"The chairman was not allowed to consolidate more power. The forces that ousted Mickey Barnett as national committeeman last year still have the upper hand in the party," said one delegate close to the action.

No one emerged to challenge Weh, who replaced Ramsay Gorham when she was ousted by the forces of a breakaway wing of the GOP led by lawyer/lobbyist Mickey Barnett. Things have been quiet since Barnett's ouster as committeeman. The next test will come if Barnett decides to run candidates against fellow Republicans next year as he did in the last cycle.

As for Weh, he has his hands full, Not only does he not yet have any major name candidates for senate or governor, but a Federal Election Commission audit into past party spending continues. The delegates were told that over $400,000 in campaign spending several years ago remains under examination. Was that money improperly spent on local, instead of federal races? And if so, what will be financial consequences to the state party?

BIG BILL AND THE BLOGGERS

First it was CBS News blowing up. Now Newsweek. Still, politicos continue to fret over the blogs which, if anything, have uncovered media shortcomings. For example, Big Bill told a Santa Fe open government conference what he earlier told newspaper heavies in San Francisco, that many blogs contain inaccuracies and "maybe there's a way that blogs can adhere to the same standards that many of you journalists do, and I know they're very high standards."

The statement assumes a problem. From this corner there just isn't one. What serious blogs have made errors like the "journalists" at CBS News and Newsweek? None that I follow. As for those "high standards" the governor recommends for blogs, it seems to be code for discouraging anonymous sourcing, a cornerstone of the American press for over two hundred years. It wasn't the anonymous source that burned Newsweek; it was the magazine misreading its source. It is not a case against such sources. It is a case for more aggressive and less lazy reporting when using them.

Or would we prefer a secret government, where no one can be quoted without being named? How many important stories do you think we would hear about then? Not many. How do I know? Because I was there in 1974 when Watergate was uncovered almost entirely with anonymous sources. It's not as if such sourcing is epidemic either. A recent study showed less than 7% of stories in the so-called "mainstream media" contained anonymous sources. It's higher around here and we make no apologizes for it because the record of accuracy speaks for itself.

It is unfortunate that some media corporations, fearing lawsuits or having been burned because of lax oversight, have eliminated anonymous sourcing. The public they serve is poorer for it. Besides, if government officials are so concerned about such sourcing, why don't they pledge to stop being the sources?

WHO NEEDS WATCHING HERE?

For such an infant medium, the blogs that cover politics can be proud of their record, at least those I read. Those that don't cut the mustard will be weeded out, as they should be, by the American people in the free marketplace of ideas. Which leads me to a quote from Big Bill that journalists and bloggers can agree with: "...Any time we expand the universe of information and increase the avenues to get at it, we embolden the public and strengthen our democracy."

Folks, if the politicians ever get to determine standards for anyone picking up a pen, pencil, microphone or keyboard, this whole game won't be worth a bucket of spit. If you don't think so, answer this: When was the last time the media or a blog raised your taxes, or passed a law? And it's the observers who need watching?

Nothing has changed because of the recent spate of big media errors or blog inaccuracies alleged by the governor. The error prone will make good or they will be rejected by readers. In America, the burden of proof is always on those given power by the people, not those reporting and commenting about them. May it ever be so.

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Mayor Martin Chavez
The first thing you noticed at the Saturday bash sending ABQ Mayor Marty out on the campaign trail to seek a third, four year term was the huge portrait of his honor on the side of his Nob Hill headquarters. How tall is that thing anyway? Fifteen feet? Actually, it's symbolic. At 53, Chavez has clearly outgrown the mayor's office, but his "lifepath" has had some twists. Not that there's anything wrong with being mayor, as the kids say, but the promise of what was to be hung unfullfilled in the weekend air as Chavez mounted the stage and asked ABQ for a "mandate" and to make him the first mayor to win back-to-back terms. The question of campaign 2005 is why not?

ABQ politics has settled into a pattern of sniping over issues of little importance. The grassroots anti-government populists of the past like businesswoman Elizabeth Cook and attorney Hess Yntema have laid down their arms. The Big Duke City is no longer the be all, end all. If you don't like it here, you move out to Rio Rancho or south to Los Lunas. Unlike yesteryear, today there are choices. What happens in ABQ is important, but not urgent. The Legislature's recent actions stripping ABQ of power over its water rates and zoning reflect this new political reality.

There is an air of alert apathy in our River City. The massive growth west of the river and beyond the city limits signals the inevitable future. No David, however clever, will stop this Goliath. Not at this late stage. So ABQ is not looking for a sea change, but a steady hand, someone who can escort them along the side of Goliath and not get crushed in his footsteps. They want a manager. The mayor's re-elect slogan "Leadership. Vision. Results." is way above expectations.

A NASTY CAMPAIGN?

If there had been no ABQPAC fundraising scandal, no high-profile divorce, and no APD evidence room scandal, the march to re-election would be unchallenged. "You are going to hear personal attacks," the mayor warned Saturday. And he may be right. Chavez's second term has been devoid of any defining issue to argue over. What kind of growth you are for comes closest, but is that going to excite the masses? If this is to become a contest, it will likely revolve around character and personality. It could get nasty.

For now though, as one Alligator put it,"the poker game hasn't started. Let's get all the players at the table and then we'll see." He was referring to the latest weekend rumblings that the Republicans may finally have a candidate to join Dems Chavez, Griego, Espinosa and Steele. But no matter who joins the game, they will be aiming their fire at that fifteen foot tall man on the side of a Nob Hill building.

CLIPPINGS FROM MY BLOGROOM FLOOR

GOP attorney Don Harris was at the Marty Party Saturday and so was City Councilor Tina Cummins who Harris is thinking about challenging in the Oct. 4 election. Harris ran a spirited but unsuccessful campaign for district judge last year....Also at the Marty Party: old ward heeler and former Ambassador to Spain Ed Romero, ABQ South Valley Republican Fernando C de Baca and South Valley gadfly Andrew Leo Lopez. Others mixing it up: ex Dem councilor Tim Kline making nice with the gal who defeated him four years ago, GOP Councilor Sally Mayer.

Clovis takes it on the chin like noone else when it comes to the proposed national base closings. So e-mails New Mexico State University economics professor Dr. Chris Erickson from Las Cruces: "In percentage terms, Curry County took the largest hit of any county in the nation from the base closures. Defense estimate: 20.7 % of employment, My estimate: 26%." Thanks Dr. Chris, but Ouch!

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The first thought that popped into my mind upon hearing the news that the Pentagon was targeting Cannon Air Force base at Clovis for closure was: "I wonder what Domenici is thinking? Does he have a plan to stop this?" You see, I'm from a generation of New Mexicans where such things don't happen. We add military jobs, not see them eliminated. This is New Mexico, maybe the only state that gets more dollars back from the feds than it gives up in taxes. And this is home to that legend of pork, GOP senior Senator Pete Domenici who has brought more money in here than the budget of some good-sized nations. But it appears our worst fears will soon be realized, not even our Father Protector, Saint Pete, may be able to spare us the loss of up to 4000 jobs dependent on Cannon and perhaps also the loss of Clovis as a viable city.

Behind the scenes Friday there was some tepid fingerpointing at our congressional delegation. "They should have had the mission of Cannon redefined. You could see this coming," carped one Alligator. But, for the most part, the Clovis closure had folks focused on what could be done to avert the disaster. Sadly, it seemed, not much. Big Bill immediately began to manage expectations about getting Cannon removed from he hit list saying it would be an "uphill" battle. He was right to do so as the delegation had given no inkling that this might be coming. People affected were shocked.

ALL FOR ONE, FOR NOW

The closure announcement also brought about one of those rare days in New Mexico politics when the governor and the delegation appear as one. Domenici and Bingaman, veterans of decades of power politics, Rep's Wilson and Pearce, both veterans of the military, Rep. Udall, of the famous family, who represents stricken Clovis and, of course, Big Bill, whose stature seems diminished when he deals with the routine, but rises when confronted with the stuff that really matters. It might not be wise for any individual member to get out front too much in the effort to spare Cannon. If it succeeds, there will be plenty of credit to go around. If it doesn't, the high-profile politico could take a hit.

Pete Domenici does not want the shuttering of Cannon to be part of his legacy, and neither do the rest of the state's leaders, but it may be inevitable. The challenge for them, if the fight is indeed lost, is to find other uses for the base and temper the emotional and economic suffering that thousands of our fellow New Mexicans now face.

SHERMAN'S LAST STAND
McCorkle
The politicians were quick to slap themselves on the back when they learned that ABQ's Kirtland Air Force Base, unlike Cannon, was not going to be shuttered but would actually add a couple of hundred jobs. But civilians like Sherman McCorkle deserve a good deal of credit. He helped pull it out in 1995, when KAFB was threatened with closure and has stayed on it all these years.

Big Bill kicked Sherman off the panel dealing with the issue, but saw the error of has ways and was wise to reinstate the former banker. McCorkle has been mentioned as a possible candidate for public office, but has never bit. He and the others on the Kirtland Partnership Committee panel deserve a pat on the back.

GET YOUR FIX ON ROUTE 66

The new trend in the blogging world is to bring a bunch of bloggers together and have them write on the same site. That trend has now come to our Enchanted Land. Duke City Fix features bloggers focusing on different aspects of ABQ life, including, on occasion, politics. I like the sense of community and personal connection blogging provides us in this disconnected age, especially in a transient city like ABQ. Duke City Fix and other blogs are popping up to fill the void.

Interested in advertising here and reaching NM's large political community? We'd like to have you. Email me from this page for details.

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Chairman Weh
He was to be a temporary chair, brought in to heal the wounds of a bloody intra-party rift, the impact of which is still being felt in the NM Grand Old Party. But Allen Weh will be around longer than he might have even thought, as tomorrow R's are expected to ratify him for a full term as state GOP chair.

Weh has drawn mixed grades in the year he has led the party since the ouster of Ramsay Gorham at the hands of a faction led by lawyer/lobbyist Mickey Barnett. The R's did deliver the state for Bush, but their performance has been dismal in fielding contenders for governor, senator and mayor of ABQ. Weh promises all of that will change. One can only hope so. New Mexicans deserves a two party state.

A proposal the R's will debate Saturday would give the chairman more power by allowing him to remove county GOP chairs in "extraordinary circumstances such as public support of a Democrat in a contested election." The state chair would have to have the support from other R's to do it, but it would strengthen his hand. But maybe the R's can worry about getting some of their own candidates first, before worrying about people straying to the other side.

BIG BASE DAY

Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis is recommended for closure. The rest of NM's bases are safe.

DEMS: WE'RE HAPPY, REALLY HAPPY

We hit a raw nerve when we blogged Thursday that not everyone at NM Dem Party headquarters was happy with Big Bill's order dispatching paid NM Dem Party staffers to campaign for L.A. mayoral candidate Antonio Villaraigosa. Top D operatives Matt Farrauto and Amanda Cooper, among others, begged to disagree. Amanda said "everyone" was "excited" and asked me who was the source of the heresy. Well, without disclosing the source, suffice it to say they have an accuracy rate of 99%. And I will spare further angst and not even mention the Dem who I am told expressed the upset.

Meanwhile, Matt says I am behind the times; that political parties routinely deploy staffers out of state. They do, but for nonpartisan mayor races? After all, Villaraigosa and his opponent, Mayor Hahn, are both Dems, (although I did call Hahn an R in my initial report.)

In any event what this illustrates is that NM Dem Party politics is in a delicate phase with Big Bill seeking re-election here and simultaneously running for Prez. Questions will be raised about how party resources are used by folks who simply see things differently or, believe it or not, support someone else for Prez.

BILL AND THE BLOGS

Meanwhile, Big Bill and other politicos are showing their unease with bloggers in general as they see the media universe shifting under their feet. Recently, before the nation's top newspaper editors in San Francisco, the Guv compared blogs, with their "low standards" and open opinions, to Fox News. He then threw an amusing bouquet to ABQ Journal publisher Tom Lang, saying Lang would "be the first to know" when he was ready to announce for president. Tom, I think you may want to get another scoop from the Big Guy. That "news" is as tasty as day-old bread.

That's all for now. Gotta run. Fox News is asking for my resume. Back here Monday with a fresh sack of La Politica.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
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Villaraigosa
Big Bill has given the order: Get to L.A.! The order went to several paid NM Democratic Party staffers as Dem Hispanic candidate Antonio Villaraigosa opened up an 11 point lead over incumbent Mayor James Hahn. Our insiders report there was some grumbling heard at party headquarters over the Guv's order, but Big Bill rules the roost and off they will go.

"About five staffers were shipped out to L.A. It is unusual for paid staff to be assigned work in another state and it did not sit well with everyone. But he is the governor and they are not going to say no to him," whispered an insider D.

Big Bill casts a wide net. If Villaraigosa wins next Tuesday he would be positioned to help the Guv in his 08' Prez bid. California is the mother lode of Hispanic votes, support Big Bill will need if his Prez bid is going to get any ballast in the years ahead.

BOB'S JOB

Bob Schwartz will have to quit his good paying state job if he becomes an official candidate for he GOP nomination for attorney general. That's the word from insiders who tuned into our blog yesterday where we broke the Schwartz news. "The law says a state employee seeking a state office has to give up his state employment," said one lawyer who eyed our piece. Of course, Schwartz could be testing the waters and get out before officially getting in.

A top GOP consultant also reacted to our report saying he felt Schwartz would be the frontrunner for his party's nomination, despite his ties to the Dem Guv. "He has the name ID and I don't see any other significant candidates," opined our veteran politico, who also cautioned that "Schwartz beating the Democratic candidate is a whole other story."

PAYING UP FOR PEARCE

When it comes to re-election, he's probably safer than a virgin in a house of eunuchs, but that's not stopping southern NM GOP Congressman Steve Pearce from passing the collection hat. Pearce played host to two big fundraisers this week in D.C., including one for the oil and gas industry which is prominent in his district. The other thousand a plate deal was for banking heavies. This was big national money pumped into the Pearce coffers, but there was a vague NM connection: one of the fundraisers was held at the "Tortilla Coast" restaurant.

Pearce had 59k in the bank before he started his lucrative week. No Dem has yet announced a challenge to the second term Rep, who is recovering from bad press he got when his press secretary plagiarized material for an opinion column under Pearce's name. One sarcastic Dem emails in with this revised take on an old saying: "Opinions are like assholes. Everyone has one, except Steve Pearce."

THINGS TO COME

The NM GOP has its sate convention his weekend, Mayor Marty will announce his bid for re-election Saturday and tomorrow the feds announce whether any of NM's military bases are on the hit list for closure. How can we keep up?. Only one way. I will post a Friday blog, even though I am sworn to a four day work week here by the AFl-CIO. But when La Politica calls, we answer. Actually, we are such junkies it can be a whisper and we are in full gallop. See you back here tomorrow for our special, bonus Friday blog.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
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Bob Schwartz
He has a nice, cushy state job as crime adviser to Big Bill. And he's pretty lucky too since Bob Schwartz is a Republican in a Democrat administration. But Schwartz is a restless soul and announced Tuesday he will be undoing his comfort zone and seeking the GOP nomination for NM attorney general next year. Here's the take, direct from one of our Alligators on the scene:

"Schwartz told a group of Sigma Chi alumni that he is running for attorney general. He made the statement at their luncheon in Albuquerque. Not sure how he will be received, especially after working for Richardson," penned our GOP Gator.

Schwartz, a former two term Bernalillo County district attorney, ran a close second for ABQ mayor four years ago. He has heavy name ID in the city, not much statewide. He may have competition for the GOP nomination. Insiders say ABQ attorney Nelson Spear is also eying a run. Working for Big Bill may have strengthened Scwartz's D credentials, but it may be a hindrance when the maverick politico seeks all GOP votes next June.

Whoever gets the nomination will be the underdog against the Dem who will emerge from a crowded field already off and running. Finally, will Schwartz be able to keep his good-paying job with Big Bill, even though the Guv has several Dem friends seeking the top legal post? Stay tuned.

EXPENSIVE FUNNY BONES

Here's one completely relatable to the common man in New Mexico. NOT. It turns out Big Bill's campaign fund paid $12,000 to a couple of comedy writers for that funny send-up he did at the recent Washington Gridiron dinner. Please Big Bill, if you need jokes in the future, save your money. Just read aloud some of the political headlines from our Enchanted State. That will have America laughing in the aisles. Meanwhile, twelve grand for comedy writers has them groaning from Bayard to Bloomfield.

THE MEDIA BEAT

Running a TV station isn't what it used to be. It takes a ton of dough to keep them and their news departments going, not to mention fending off competition from digital video recorders and the internet. For those reasons and more, Emmis Communications a mid-sized company, is looking at selling its 16 TV stations, including ABQ CBS affiliate KRQE which it acquired from Lee Enterprises a couple of years ago. May ratings sweeps are now underway. KRQE is a close second to KOB-TV in the 10 p.m news race.

KAGM-FM morning man Larry Ahrens, confirms that GOP Santa Fe City Councilor David Pfeffer is making the rounds and eying a possible run for the R nomination to take on incumbent Dem U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman. "He's a recent convert to the R's, has been chatting up GOP party activists and will form an exploratory committee in the very near future" reports Larry, who adds, "Alligators are everywhere!" Indeed they are Larry. And they swim the fastest in the waters of their beloved La Politica.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
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$10 Million Man?
Will Big Bill be the $10 million man? It's a question being bandied about as the Guv begins in earnest his money hunt in preparation for his 2006 re-election bid. "One recent event he held had ticket prices at $5 grand a pop. I expect there will be many others like it," commented one politico monitoring the action. (That fundraiser was held by NM gambling magnate Paul Blanchard). Big Bill raised over $8 million when he snared the Guv's job in 02'. A number of those contributions came back to haunt him in the form of news reports that some cash givers received favorable state treatment. In fact, Big Bill was forced to return several big donations when it appeared the donors received direct state benefits for their contributions. For 06', the Guv has so far raised about $3 million.

As he sets out on another record money raising binge he again runs the risk of accepting dough from sources that expect more than a half-hour chat on the Fourth Floor.

BIG BILL PACS IT IN

Meanwhile, word comes to us that the Guv's PAC, Moving America Forward, is being disbanded. Some thought he would be using it as a vehicle for his 2008 Prez bid. Now, we are told all money will flow to the re-elect fund. Any leftovers from that cannot be used directly for his Prez bid, but the law is loose enough that he will still be able to get mileage out of it on the national stage. As for Moving America Forward, it was to entice Hispanic voters to vote Kerry. But figures, which are disputed by some, show Bush actually increasing his Hispanic vote by 9% in 2004. Not exactly a PAC success story there.

If you're thinking $10 million is a ridiculous amount of money for a race in a state with a population of less than two million, you have a lot of company. But the Guv will argue that national Republicans are going to rough him up with big dollars and he is going to have defend himself. Still, the epic amount of cash being raised for political ads in one of the poorest states in the nation leaves our La Politica with quite a sour taste.

HEATHER'S ETERNAL CAMPAIGN

For Heather Wilson the TV ads never end. And here we go again. Several groups opposed to Bush's proposal to privatize a portion of Social Security have cut Spanish language ads that target just two GOP Reps--Bill Thomas, (R-CALIF), Chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, and our every own Heather, whose ABQ district has a 43% Hispanic population. The ads started running this week.

There are also English ads running against Heather who has yet to take a clear position on whether individuals should be allowed to invest their Social Security taxes in the stock market. NM's Udall is firmly against. The GOP's Pearce favors a pilot program.

PATSY'S PROBLEM

Dems are baiting Attorney General Madrid to be Heather's next victim and if they keep stroking her ego she just may bite. But most objective political pros I speak with are not optimistic that Madrid would do any better than Richard Romero who was embarrassed by Wilson in two, 10 point landslides. Some of Madrid's backers are now talking her up for other races. As we've reported, some pros say the gutsy move would be for Madrid to directly challenge Lt. Guv Denish in the Dem primary. But in an apparent effort to squash any talk of a Bill-Di split, the Denish folks are mailing me first edition bumper stickers for the 06' campaign that say, "Richardson-Denish, Moving NM Forward." For the AG, avoiding political exile never looked tougher.

THE BLOG EXPLOSION

The New Mexico political blogosphere is still growing. ABQ Tribune political reporter Kate Nash wraps us up today as she takes a look at the latest additions. Kate has a nonconformist edge. Who goes from the ABQ Journal to the ABQ Tribune? Can blogging be just ahead?

Yes, I accept advertising. Yes, we have readers who have jobs. Email me for more info.

Have some news, gossip, intrigue about NM politics? E-mail me from the link at the top of this page and let's keep the news of La Politica flowing.

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Nuclear Option
Despite pleas to make the peace, Pete is ready to go nuclear. That's the inside word as the U.S. Senate inches closer to a showdown over whether to lower the number of votes from 60 to 50 needed to get Bush's controversial federal appellate judge picks in place. A senior GOP Alligator at the ABQ Old Town Thursday lunch for VP Cheney where Pete was in attendance has the inside scoop: "During his talk, Pete thanked Cheney for being ready, if necessary, to cast the deciding vote to end Democrat filibusters over judges. It was clear that the senator will be voting for the "nuclear option" if it comes to that, informed our source.

It's called the nuclear option because if the majority GOP makes it just 50 votes to end a filibuster, it would be a radical change to the rule of the senate and unleash all kinds of consequences.

Domenici and other "moderate" R's have been getting pressure to tell their brethren to back off. Here's an example in the Capitol hill newspaper "Roll Call" from political junkie Norm Ornstein:

"The fate of the Senate now rests in the hands of a handful of Republicans who have been great figures of the Senate,
each will be judged by history on their choice in this matter. They include Pete Domenici of New Mexico.

Through most of his 32 years in the body, Domenici has fulfilled...promise of being an institutionalist. But now comes the real test.

The Senate is on the verge of meltdown over the nuclear option, an unprecedented step that would shatter 200 years of precedent over rules changes and open up a Pandora's box of problems..." opines Ornstein.

But judging from our insider's report, Pete is ready to let the nuclear trigger be squeezed, If it comes to that. Stay tuned.

THE VEEP'S CLOSED DOORS
Cheney
Maybe I'm an old school, but I don't remember the Prez or VP coming to NM and having no contact with the general public or press. But so it was at that Cheney lunch for ABQ GOP Rep. Heather Wilson at which over $200 grand was raised for her campaign kitty. Thanks to my on scene Alligators, I can report that the speeches were rather boring, with Cheney starting off with Social Security and then riffing on national security and terrorism.

But Domenici's statement was real "news" because of the tension back in D.C. There should be at least a pool reporter allowed at these events, and there should be protests from the media if there isn't. Oh, I forgot. We're at "war" and we do this in the name of "security." If you did not cough up the $1000 for the lunch, here's the meal you missed: salad, pork roast, squash medley and dessert of cheesecake with cherries and caramel sauce. No booze at the event.

JUDGING THE GRAND JURY

I received a number of responses to my plea for help to determine what discretion, if any, a judge might have if a group of citizens petitioned for a grand jury investigation into the ABQ police department evidence room scandal. I had speculated that he might have some and it turns out I am probably correct. First, the law:

"... a grand jury shall be ordered to convene by such judge upon the filing of a petition...signed by not less than the greater of two hundred registered voters or two percent of the registered voters of the county."

Yes, the petitions mandate a grand jury, but a legal beagle with experience at the district attorney level, tells me the petition language must be specific and ask for something in the jurisdiction of the court. "It just can't be a broad brush statement. There has to be a specific probe requested," our beagle reports. So, it seems if citizens did craft a narrow and specific petition for a grand jury for the APD evidence room affair they could get one. How come no one has?

NO COPYCATS, PLEASE

Let's go back to D.C and that plagiarism scandal out of GOP Rep. Steve Pearce's office. His press secretary Jim Burns copied portions of a think-tank article and passed it off in NM as original Pearce thinking. Burns is 52 and has been around the block. What was he thinking? As a former Hill press secretary myself (early 80's, Rep. Manuel Lujan) I don't have much sympathy. All Burns had to do was rewrite the relevant sections in Pearce's style and tone.

Some commentators are closing ranks behind him, but from this corner the U.S. Congress and its constituents deserve better. There are plenty of other jobs for the wayward press secretary, but they should not be on Capitol Hill. As for Pearce, this is his third press secretary in the last year or so. Time to tighten things up.

MY BOTTOM LINES

Around here, we never plagiarize, we just mangle the English language. The latest example is when I referred to the critics of Sen. Bingaman who called him "disinterested" in the job. How about "uninterested" write my critics...And did I say "empanel" a grand jury last week when I should have said "impanel?" Guilty again, but constantly repenting .

Thanks for tuning in today. Let's get together again tomorrow for more from the wonderful world of La Politica.

Have some news, gossip, intrigue about NM politics? E-mail me from the link at the top of this page and let's keep the news of La Politica flowing.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
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Sen. Bingaman
First, I checked with the Blog Ethics Board and they approved the free lunch Jeff Bingaman bought me the other day. So all you holier than thou types who feel I can be bought for a chicken sandwich, well, you may have a point. In any event, read on as I clue you in on the latest as NM's Democratic U.S. Senator gears up for a run for a fifth, six year term in 2006.

The most important stuff first. You and I may think the race will be about the usual suspects; health care, jobs, education, but Bingaman is preparing for a full frontal assault from the GOP on the terrorism issue. "They used it successfully last year and I have no reason to think they won't bring it up again against Democrats," he speculated.

He also flatly declared that he expects no cuts whatsoever to any of NM's military installations when the base closing announcements are made later this month. He was so matter of fact I probed a bit citing the near hysteria over a possible shutdown of some of ABQ's Kirtland AFB. Again, he deadpanned that he "has heard nothing" that makes him think NM will lose anything. We shall see.

Back to the campaign, just who will be around to use terrorism or any other issue against Bingaman is an open question. Gadfly Tom Benavidez who ran as a Dem against GOP Sen. Domenici in 96' is back this time as an R and running against Bingaman, but no heavyweights have emerged. Still, the Silver City native is staying in shape, jogging three to four times a week and stepping up his travel schedule and money raising. He now has half a million tucked away.

THE JEFF FILE
Anne Bingaman
Bingaman has not changed much since I first covered him back in 78' when he ran successfully for attorney general. He is an "L" guy: laid-back, low-key, likeable, laconic and liberal. The critics have been saying he is disinterested in the job and was an unlikely candidate for re-election. But at lunch he described the intricacies of Senate Finance Committee politics, his winning fight last month to restore Medicaid funding to the federal budget and reminisced about old political times in New Mexico. If disinterested, he keeps it well-disguised.

His concerned supporters may be on more solid ground when they pine for Bingaman to be more engaged with the media, and not let Sen. Domenici have so much of the limelight. But his way has worked for two decades. However, you will see more of him on TV as the election cycle begins.

Bingaman's high-powered wife Anne, an attorney and businesswoman, will again be a key strategist and player in his re-elect. "If she tells me she can't support me, it will be time to go," he joked.

But more important, will a credible Republican emerge to tell the soon-to-be 62 year old Jeff it is time to go? I am not privy to the latest polling, but as the political pendulum swings a bit conservative here it would seem Bingaman would be ripe for at least a stiff challenge, if not an upset. But voters, including many Republicans who might suffer cardiac arrest if they examined the junior senator's voting record, have bonded with him. For a good number of New Mexicans, sometimes it's more about the person than the politics. Not often, but sometimes.

As we polished off our tasty sandwiches, Bingaman agreed that it was raising the millions of dollars for yet another campaign that is the most distasteful part of politics. He then proceeded to pick up the tab. I tried desperately to stop him, but thoughts of using my lunch savings to buy those new blogging pajamas took over and the larceny in my soul prevailed. Should I declare my candidacy for something?

I'M PETITIONING YOU

If a group of citizens circulates petitions for a grand jury investigation into the ABQ police department evidence room scandal is a district court judge obligated to accept those petitions and empanel a grand jury? I blogged the other day that the judge may have some discretion. Readers say no, the judge has no discretion and must act on the petition. Can some of our legal beagles in the audience help us out on this one? No one has yet announced such an action. It probably should be the police themselves who do it.

Have some news, gossip, intrigue about NM politics? E-mail me from the link at the top of this page and let's keep the news of La Politica flowing.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
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Ann Rhoades
A political power lunch Tuesday at the downtown ABQ Hyatt hotel featuring NM GOP senior U.S. Senator Pete Domenici, NM GOP Chair Allan Weh and the object of their charms, GOP businesswoman Ann Rhoades, failed to give birth to a mayoral candidacy, report Alligators directly on the scene.

"It's late in the game and apparently Weh is trying to get something going. The R's have no candidates for U.S. senate, governor or mayor. Rhoades may have been a last-ditch hope to get in on the main political action this year. But Rhoades is not biting. She is a successful businesswoman and does not see the point of making a run for a job that takes much and gives back little," reported one reliable source.

The mayoral election is October 4. No Republican has entered the race. Mayor Marty is the secure frontrunner with $400k in the bank and total name ID. That is making it difficult for the R's to find a candidate.

I spoke briefly with Rhoades' husband over the weekend. He told me running for mayor "isn't something we plan on doing." The reports from the power lunch confirm that Rhoades, a leading human resources consultant who made a ton of money when she got in on the ground floor of Jet Blue airlines, is not about to be lured into the $95,000 a year mayoral chair.

RHOADES BLOCKED

GOP Gators report Rhoades has never held elective office and is the daughter of the late lobbyist Harold "Doc" Weiler. She served with Weh on the board of the University of New Mexico Foundation. But it appears Chairman Weh will have to go back to his rolodex if he is to find a viable GOP candidate for the top job in NM's largest city. Pete, of course, is no stranger to city politics having started his career on the old ABQ city commission in the 60's and later having a hand in city hall thru onetime aide and two-term Mayor Harry Kinney.

But the path to renewed city hall power for Pete and the R's is blocked by a well-financed incumbent, fear that getting elected mayor is the end of a political career, not the beginning, and by the simple lack of interest in trying to run a city whose politics have become very nasty. Still, a few sands are left in the hourglass for Pete and Weh. But they are falling rapidly.

CARLOS AND THE HAMMER

Sen. Cisneros
There's a new entry in the category: "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned." It's Patsy Cisneros, wife of Taos area Dem State Senator Carlos Cisneros. Cops say she attacked Carlos with a hammer Monday night and then proceeded to smash up a car belonging to the husband of the senator's lady friend outside of a Taos area cabin. The senator was not seriously injured. No, I do not make this stuff up!

A Taos police report says 50 year old Patsy was arrested at a cabin belonging to Molycorp, the company at which Cisneros works. The senator was apparently sharing company there with one Denise Ortega. The gal pal was was uninjured in the fracas, but Patsy is alleged to have smashed in a car windshield and back windows. And that's not all. Cops report Patsy "The Hammer" Cisneros also flailed away at the bedroom door of the cabin.

Carlos must be one hard-headed guy to go unharmed from a hammer attack, but no matter how tough he is he has met his match in Patsy. She's a keeper, Carlos, so get with the program. Viva La Politica! Viva Nuevo Mexico!

Have some news, gossip, intrigue about NM politics? E-mail me from the link at the top of this page and let's keep the news of La Politica flowing.

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U.S. Att. Iglesias
The ABQ Police Department evidence room scandal may, as the cynics claim, die a peaceful death with the wrongdoers laughing all the way to the bank. But our Monday report noting that top cops now believe as much as $200 grand in cash was ripped off, along with other evidence, still prompted outrage and calls for action.

"What about citizens petitioning for a grand jury investigation? If the authorities won't do it how about the people? Emailed a reader. It's a possibility. Petitions would have to be presented to a district court judge who would certify that there was enough of them and that an investigation was warranted. Would any judge have the huevos to say no?

And we had this political spin put on the scandal: "(GOP Bernalillo County Chairman) Ken Zangara has had his share of troubles with Attorney General Madrid. She came up empty handed on the police scandal. What if Zangara led the charge to empanel a grand jury?" wondered an mischievous emailer who referenced the AG's investigation of Zangara's ABQ auto dealership.

Mayoral candidate and City Councilor Eric Griego was calling for a federal investigation late Monday. That would mean Republican U.S. Attorney David Iglesias, who ran a close race against Madrid for AG in 98' and who said he would wait for completion of her probe. That investigation is done and already gathering dust as the perpetrators walk. How about it David?

Meanwhile, sources say APD Deputy Chief Ed Sauer, placed on leave while under investigation, may get his old job back from new APD Chief Ray Schultz. If so, is there a message there we don't get Chief? Shouldn't all the top cronies of disgraced former Chief Gallegos be hitting the exits?

A POLITICAL SOAP

Who needs "Days Of Our Lives," when New Mexico has Margaret Aragon de Chavez? Margaret, ex wife of Mayor Marty, was back in the headlines Monday explaining how the couple's 14 year old daughter had been cited for drinking with another teen at a backyard party in the ABQ NE Heights. And just a day or so before that Margaret was pulling herself out of contention for the upcoming ABQ mayor's race after publicly flirting with the idea. As for the mayor, his head must have been spinning from all this. He offered up a simple "no comment."

As for Margaret, when I ran into her at Starbucks the other day she wistfully told me she looked forward to resuming "a normal life away from politics." But apparently not right away. Last night she chided the mayor for not being immediately available when she was calling with the news of their daughter. And Margaret's dad, ex-state Rep. Bennie Aragon, remains on the warpath telling anyone who will listen why they should not vote to re-elect his former son-in-law.

And you think I make this stuff up? The book of La Politica is non-fiction, a never ending work in progress and always a bestseller. Only in Nuevo Mexico!

Have some news, gossip, intrigue about NM politics? E-mail me from the link at the top of this page and let's keep the news of La Politica flowing.

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Chief Schultz
Reliable sources at the highest levels of law enforcement tell "NM Politics with Joe Monahan" that they believe the cash missing from the scandal-ridden Albuquerque Police Department evidence room totals in the $200,000 area, not the $58,000 that investigators have made public. Despite the wads of missing cash, drugs, confiscated property and other evidence, state Attorney General Patricia Madrid has announced she is unable to bring the perpetrators to justice. And that has the Alligators baring their teeth.

Veteran politico and Green Party activist Steve Cabiedes was one of the first to predict that the scandal would end with a whimper and not a bang. He made that prediction here right after the forced retirement of APD Chief Gil Gallegos. Cop critic Cabiedes says even he is surprised that no one will apparently even get a slap on the wrist in connection with the biggest police corruption scandal in ABQ history "unless you consider Gallegos getting hundreds of thousands of dollars in retirement money as punishment."

Some Republicans are using the scandal to slam AG Madrid and saying that ABQ GOP Congresswoman Heather Wilson who Madrid may run against next year has been handed an opportunity to show the AG as ineffective. Others say Heather won't play with it either because politicians of all stripes fear criticizing the boys in blue.

"A lot of people cower in fear as they watch the crime shows, called the 10 o'clock news. They support the cops no matter what and this failure to address police corruption is reflective of that," carped Cabiedes.

JUSTICE DENIED
AG Madrid
Informed legal critics of the Madrid investigation claim she should have sought indictments and then put the pressure on those indicted to tell the truth. But the AG's supervising attorney on the case, Michael Cox, did not push it and is also taking a hit as outrage surfaces. "They went through three different chief investigators during the course of this. That sure didn't help keep it on track. And they subpoenaed dozens of people, way too many to focus the case. It wasted a lot of time. In the end, they threw in the towel. It's a sad chapter in state legal history," analyzed a legal eagle with insider knowledge.

Other Gators following the action claim it leaves the door open to more police misconduct and corruption. "What is the incentive for them to stop? You tell me $200 grand is stolen and a bunch of drugs and other stuff and no one is arrested? That's a license to steal," fumed another insider.

Even the venerable former Bernalillo County Sheriff Joe Bowdich who has been hired at $90,000 a year to help the new chief clean-up the mess is not exempt from the wrath of the Gators. "Here we go again. New Mexico gets a public corruption scandal and what do we do? We create a high-paying job out of it. What about all the well-paid staff already at the APD who failed? We should be letting people go, not adding them," commented a retired high-ranking city employee.

But for now blatant criminal activity that occurred within the state's largest and most important police agency goes unprosecuted and unpunished. The criminals hide in the hallowed halls tarring their brave and honest colleagues with suspicion.

NEW CHIEF: SAME OL' SONG?

And what of new APD Chief Ray Schultz? Will he seek out the wrongdoers despite the failure of investigators and prosecutors? Or is he a captive of the same system he served in for so many years and that caused this depressing episode that illustrates why so many fine people have simply given up on poor New Mexico?

Have some news, gossip, intrigue about NM politics? E-mail me from the link at the top of this page and let's keep the news of La Politica flowing.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
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