Direct from the scene, I have the poignant details of the big memorial service for New Mexico's longest-ever serving Congressman, Joe Skeen. The legend died Monday of Parkinson's disease at the age of 76. The send off he received had to be one of the biggest political funerals in state history. Three of the estimated 600 attendees report for "New Mexico Politics With Joe Monahan." Here are highlights from their reports:

"Joe, the place was packed with politicos of every stripe and every generation. Gov. Richardson, all the former governors, except Gary Johnson, the entire state congressional delegation and many legislators were there. They had one of Joe's boots filled with flowers in front of the church and a sheepskin emblazoned with the Skeen Ranch brand. A big picture of Joe on a horse looking out over New Mexico was flashed on a screen behind the podium. Richardson pointed at it and said: 'That's how we want to remember Joe.'

"Heather (Wilson) lost it several times during her speech. Joe was her mentor when she first went to Congress and they were very close. When she started crying, the place broke up. Pete (Domenici) started his speech with a whisper. He was pretty shaken, but gathered steam as he continued. Richardson was powerful. He said Skeen was a man of 'conviction, courage, honesty and integrity.'

"State GOP Chair Ramsay Gorham presented Mary Skeen with the original John Trever cartoon that ran in the Journal this week in which Saint Peter welcomes Joe to heaven by saying: 'Come on in, we have you written in.' (Skeen won election to Congess via a write-in vote in 1980) Journal State Editor John Robertson was there and several federal judges, including Judge Conway, a former GOP state senator from the old days. Governors Toney Anaya and Jerry Apodaca flew down in Governor Richardson's plane."

"One of the funny moments was seeing all the Republicans who support Ramsay Gorham sitting on one side of the church and all the John 'Dendahlites' sitting on the other side. There was obviously no peace-making going on. There was a reception following the two hour memorial at the Roswell Civic Center where the family greeted everyone."

"At the service, they talked about how Joe and Mary, who were married for 58 years, eloped to Tijuana, Mexico when they were teenagers. Joe had to come back and tell Mary's family, and that was his first political negotiation."

Thanks to my three on scene reporters for these anecdotes. Our condolences go out to Joe's wife Mary, the entire Skeen family and congressional staff.

HE COULD BE YOU, BUT HE'S "N. E. MANN"

We love to hear from insiders in the know, but understand not all can go public. Here's a sample of "insider" writing from N.E. Mann, who will appear on these pages on occasion with insights I don't think we will get anywhere else. Today, thoughts on all the talk about Albuquerque being divided between East and West and the defeat of the street bonds in the October election.

"The only sure thing about the vote is that it did not constitute a declaration of war by Easters against Westers. That's just more of the media's usual, "Let's you and him fight." People know what growth is: more attention is paid to people who haven't moved here than the people who ARE here. And not everyone is convinced that new roads to promote growth are necessarily a good idea while they are being told to put another brick in their toilet and replace their lawns with dust and attractive weeds. Those messages are at cross purposes.

The word on our water future has been communicated. Loudly and at times stridently. Where civic duty has failed to carry the bucket, the message crafters have gone to guilt - the well that has no bottom. So, to avoid sin, the community decided to express an opinion on growth by momentarily shortstopping the roads that facilitate it. Votes like this are the body politic's equivalent of, "Can we talk about this?" Failure to get the word out? No way. Failure to communicate? Yes way."

Thanks, Mr. Mann. And to all you other "N.E. Mann's," the e mail line is open at the top of the page. Let's hear from you.

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"Dream on" is the response of the Gen. Wes Clark New Mexico campaign to our report that Dean plans a quick killing here and will "take the state." A "Stop Dean" movement is going to bloom here in the weeks ahead and Clark's people say it will be their guy who will spearhead it.. "We think we are the only credibile alternative and a big reason is the the Hispanic voter,"' a Clark advocate told me. He pointed out that Democratic heavyweight Ed Romero blanketed the state with personal invitations for Wednesday's grand opening of Clarks NM campaign headquarters in ABQ. "Ed has literally raised millions for the party. He's tapped in and if he commits to this deal Clark could make a move."

So far Dean's main appeal has been to NM's Anglo professionals and young voters, leaving the Clark camp an opening to make the Hispanic play. A spokesman for his campaign, Luis Vizcaino, told me Clark "will have the resources" to put up TV ads. He says Clark speaks fluent Spanish and we can expect some Spanish TV. But what personal appeal Clark has to Hispanics is a great unknown. In addition, turnout among Hispanics at the caucuses may not be as impressive as the Clark strategists hope. Also hanging over the General's head is his ties with former President Clinton and Hillary and whether he is just a stalking horse for them and their hopes to cling to power.

Former ABQ Mayor Jim Baca, an appointee of Clinton's, has endorsed Clark as has former Governor Jerry Apodaca, adding to the Hispanic flavor of the Clark candidacy here. Next week the campaign will announce another roster of "prominent Hispanics" who will give the nod to the general.

Brian Burke, Clark's NM campaign manager, was busy moving furniture into the campaign offices this week. Now that they've got the furniture moved the question is can they move Clark's numbers? Stay tuned.

JERRY APODACA: STILL DOING IT HIS WAY

One of my lasting memories of former Governor Jerry Apodaca is walking into the popular Santa Fe watering hole "Vanessie" and seeing Jerry at the mike belting out the song "My Way." Only in New Mexico! The lyrics of that classic mimic Jerry's topsy-turvy political life and times. Now the winter of his career has been lighted by Governor Bill who will announce next week that the Education Building in Santa Fe will be named after Apodaca, who served as governor form 1975 to 1979. Apodada, a Las Cruces native, was a school teacher before becoming a state senator and governor. The naming of the building after him is generating no controversy, unlike his days in the limelight of La Politica. That's because Apodaca is now under the scrutiny of history, not poltical opponents, and he comes out looking pretty good. In a conversation with him we talked about his success in education and he pointed proudly to his initiative to start statewide kindergarden and increases in teacher salaries--10% a year for four years-- that he pushed thru the Legislature.

As governor, Apodaca had terrible battles with opponents and the press, but he forged ahead with a sweeping reorganization of state government that has stood the test of time. And long before Governor Johnson, he was touting the benefits of exercise. He served as chairman of President Carter's Council on Physical Fitness and completed the Boston Marathon while governor. Jerry's poltical fortunes faded after his governorship. A bid for the U.S. Senate failed, as did a second run for governor in 98'. But he certainly did things "his way." Today Jerry is a consultant in Santa Fe with Butch Maki and Associates, a lobbying firm with very close ties to Gov. Bill. He is as fit as ever and keeps in touch whith his five children. His marriage to Clara ended in divorce, but she's remembered as one of the most active and productive first ladies in state history. Today she is involved in public affairs in Washington.

Apodaca helped plant the seeds for the sweeping education reforms passed by NM voters at the polls this year, and Big Bill is graciously paying down a debt to New Mexico's past with the building honor. The dedication will take place in Santa Fe Dec. 18th with Richard de Uriarte, the former governor's press secretary who is now a top editor at the Arizona Republic, presiding as master of cermonies. Jerry Apodaca will tell you he raised hell when he was governor. But he was a doer, and when it came to education he did good.

GREENS GROAN OVER BACON

Not all Greens are happy with the Kucinich for President campaign. KOB-TV's Neil Simon, following up on the story we broke earlier this week (see below), reports that Carol Miller, NM Green Party Chair, is put out by Bacon's decision to do a taped phone message in support of Kucinich and being dialed to Greens across the state. Miller thinks Bacon is being used. But she does plan to welcome back any of her Green Party faiithful who swich to the Dems just to vote for Kucinich in the Febraury 3. caucuses.

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Jeremy Reynalds, director of New Mexico's largest emergency homeless shelter, has this to say to all of you politicos who have been fortunate to find success in the Land of Enchantment: Reach into those well-lined pockets and help those in need. And I want to second the motion.

All of us in the political game have a great opportunity to share some Christmas joy through this web site by simply clicking on the Joy Junction icon on this page and making a donation via Paypal. It's quick, easy and it will mean a better life for literally thousands of people. Last year Jeremy and Joy Junction provided help to over 5,600 men, women and children. Clearly, your donation will make a difference. If you work in politics or government, you are especially aware of the needs in New Mexico. Donating today to Joy Junction, one of New Mexico's most treasured not-for-profit agencies, is a great way to express the Christmas spirit. And it will make you feel pretty darn good about yourself too! The funds will be used to provide food, shelter and life skills to New Mexicans who need a helping hand to get back on their feet. So let me join with Jeremy Reynalds in wishing you a Merry Christmas and urging you to click on and make a donation right now.

JUST DON'T CALL ME NAMES
There are some bruised egos over a move in Washington to name the newest federal courthouse in downtown ABQ after Senator Domenci. An upset brigade of supporters of the late NM Governor and Federal Judge Ed Mechem think it's high time Mechem was so honored. The say that Pete, who unlike Ed is alive, should wait his turn. In other words, when Pete joins Ed in the great beyond.

One of the Mechem supporters wrote: "Ed Mechem was a federal judge for many years. Pete is a legislator. Ed's name belongs on that building." Further, the Mechem advocates say, the decision to name federal courthouses is usually reserved for the judges of the federal district the building is in, not the Congress.

Mechem was in his 90's when he died earlier this year. He was a Las Cruces native and served several terms as a GOP governor in the 50's and early 60's. There's been talk of naming the federal courthouse in Cruces after Mechem, but nothing has happened. The group of Mechem supporters is contemplating going public with a letter to the federal judges alerting them of their concern. Of course, the whole problem could be avoided if we required buildings only be named after dead people. That's the way it used to be. But now there's all kinds of stuff named after politicos who are still walking tall. Let's hope those so honored don't succumb to any human failings in a major way while they are still with us, lest we find ourselves having to remove a bunch of nameplates from prominent places. That would surely amuse Ed Mechem.

TELL ME ABOUT IT ON THE RADIO THURSDAY
Let's talk some politics together Thursday from Noon to 1 p.m. on KKNS-AM 1310 Radio in ABQ. The aforementioned Jeremy Reynalds hosts a bouncy talk show there each Tuesday and Thursday and top lobbyist Scott Scanland and I will join him Thursday to take a look at the latest from La Pollitica. We'd like to hear from you so call in with your comments and be on the air with us. The KKNS call-in number is (505) 260-1310

Remember to e mail me with your latest political news, or take on all things political. We don't need your name, just your news tips and opinions. Bookmark out site and send it to interested friends. Thanks for your continued support.

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Bernalillo County Commissioner Steve Gallegos has suffered a "mild" heart attack, but is expected to make a full recovery, according to friends of the veteran New Mexico political figure. Gallegos was recovering Tuesday at ABQ'S Presbyterian hospital. Gallegos will leave the county commission next year after an eight year run. He is retired from Qwest and recently began work on a contract basis at the New Mexico Department of Labor in ABQ. A friend of Gallegos said the heart attack was "a wake-up call" for the hard driving Gallegos. Gallegos began his political career on the ABQ City Council. He is in his early 50's.

Governor Howard Dean is going for a quick kill in the February 3 NM presidential caucuses. Campaign officials tell "New Mexico Politics With Joe Monahan" that Dean began a TV ad run today and plans to stay on the air for the duration of the contest. Dean was on the air here earlier this year and is the only Prez candidate so far to buy TV. Now next week when Democrats start requesting absentee ballots for the caucuses, Dean will apparently be the only contender of the nine on the airwaves. Syndicated columnist Jay Miller tells me the ads are "hard-hitting" and that Dean says what Enron executives did to their company is what Bush is doing to the nation. In addition, I have been told by Francisco Castillo, a veteran political operative and head of the Dean NM campaign, that Dr. Dean will visit Las Cruces next Tuesday for a rally at the famed Roberto's restaurant.

Also, teams of Dean walking crews from surrounding states are here and will work every weekend blitzing neighborhoods across the state until February 3. They started the door-to-door canvassing this weekend in ABQ, Santa Fe and Las Cruces. Castillo, a hardened political veteran who worked on Gov. Bill's campaign, threw down the gauntlet at the opposition, saying: "We are blitzing New Mexico and we are going to take it."

And there's more. The Dean campaign now has a web site devoted exclusively to New Mexico. www.deanfornewmexico.com The internet has been key to the good Doctor's campaign, knitting together supporters nationwide and raising him millions of dollars.

Dean is clearly the Democratic man of the hour. The Dean juggernaut is building steam nationally with former Vice President Gore handing the Vermont governor a suprise endorsement. He has 10 full-time workers in NM, more than any other candidate, a big campaign headquarters in ABQ and one in Santa Fe and plenty of money in the bank. Most of the votes for the caucuses will be cast by absentee ballot. Democrats start requesting them Dec. 15 and casting them in early January.

The rest of the presidential campaign here is relatively quiet. Dean is simply overwhelming everyone. Wednesday General Clark opens his ABQ campaign headquarters with the help of Democratic heavy Ed Romero. But big Ed will have to pull out all the stops if he plans on catching the dashing doctor. Dean has come to play in New Mexico and the game clock is turning fast.


POLITICING AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE
The politicos were packed to the rafters this weekend at the annual Christmas bash hosted by former State Rep. Kurt Lohbeck and his artist wife Barbara at their ABQ NE Heights home. Two governors, a congressman, the attorney general and the ABQ Mayor were just some of the political heavyweights jammed into the roomy house. Politics was the featured entertainment. Lou Gallegos, floated as a possible unifier for the torn-apart state GOP flatly told everyone he will NOT play the role of peacemaker. "Joe, I'm retired," said the veteran political fireman. GOP Chair Gorham and national Bush operatives continue to talk over what the state party role will be, but optimism over an early settlement was not in the air.

Former Governor Jerry Apodaca, soon to have a state building in Santa Fe named for him, clicked glasses with predecessor Dave Cargo. Former Rep. Manuel Lujan and stylish wife Jeanne made the rounds as well. Mayor Marty bumped into his assistant city attorney Pete Dinelli and AG Patsy Madrid was another holiday celebrant. The artists in attendance pondered the affair with bemusement, as if considering a possible painting. Fortunately, no one was asked to pose nude. But a good time was had by all anyway. Lohbeck is a veteran politico, former CBS News correspondent and one time aide to Lujan. His photo gallery features him with six U.S. presidents. I was assured none were digitally altered.

BEN LUJAN PLAYS SANTA FOR HIS FLOCK
Over at the Albuquerque County Club this weekend it was State House Speaker Ben Lujan putting on the ritz for his Speaker's Fund. An elite group of about 75 lobbyists, politicians and business types gathers for the $150 a pop event, with proceeds going to Lujan's favored House candidates next year. Among those on hand was junior tycoon and former State Sen. Phil Maloof. Phil ran against Congresswoman Heather Wilson in 98' but now lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Maloof family still has considerable business interests in the state. Their Palms hotel in Vegas is a smash hit, despite a wavering economy. Also toasting happy holidays with Big Ben was State Reps. Dan Silva, Gail Beam and Al Park.

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Death came to Joe Skeen Sunday evening in a Roswell hospital at the age of 76, but it came after a life that left deep footprints in the sands of New Mexico history. The man was a giant, both physically and politically. He was the only New Mexican in history to get to Congress via a write-in vote, the longest serving Congressman in state history, elected to eleven, two year terms, and he was the leader of one of only two successful overrides of a President Clinton veto.

Joe Skeen's life was written in ink.

THE EARLY YEARS
Skeen was among the last of a generation of New Mexican leaders (e.g. Bruce King, Pete Domenici) who started politics before the TV/internet age, when voters not only knew their Congressman on a first name basis, but expected to. Skeen played to his times with a well-honed personal approach that won him thousands of friends and eventually extraordinary influence in the House of Representatives where he was one its 'Cardinals,' the chairman of the key House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee from which he dispensed literally billions of dollars. It was pretty heady stuff for a sheep rancher from Lincoln County, but Skeen comported himself without arrogance and pretense. He was 'a good ol' boy' and it was that personal force, rather than a 'dot your I's and cross your t's approach' to legislation, that won him friends on Capitol Hill and in the White House.

Like many big winners in political life, Skeen started as a loser, getting beat in a 1956 Republican primary for Lincoln County Commissioner. His zest for the game was undaunted and he went on to win election to the state senate in 1960 where he served as minority leader. The catch was that there were only four Republicans in the senate. Skeen was their leader. They could have met in a phone booth, but Skeen's leadership abilities were obvious. He commanded respect on both sides of the aisle because he gave it.

In 1970, with his star on the rise, Skeen was named the GOP's pick for Lt. Governor. Now U.S. Senator Pete Domenici led the ticket. They lost to Bruce King, the only statewide loss ever for Pete, but Skeen collected himself and came back in 1974, this time leading the ticket in a hard-fought race against Democrat Jerry Apodaca. It was another heartbreaker for Skeen, losing by only a couple thousand votes to his fellow state senator. But the flame only flickered and in 1978 the state GOP rewarded the hard-charging Skeen with the GOP governor nomination yet again. This time he was again up against Democrat Bruce King, but the results were the same, another cliffhanger Election Night and another heartbreak for Skeen.

I recall the voting machines jamming in the Republican Northeast Heights of Albuquerque that day. About 100 Republican dominated precincts would not register GOP votes for part of the day. The problem was fixed, but many Skeen supporters believed he would have won the election without the incident. But he decided not to fight. Like Nixon in 1960, Skeen felt a court battle would tear the system apart and in the end would be futile. He repaired to his Picacho ranch, still wealthy and successful, but not in the roughest realm of all--La Politica.

But fate resurrected the garrulous Skeen. In 1980 Congressman Harold Runnels passed away and the Democrats nominated David King, a nephew of Bruce King from the north, to replace the southern NM Congressman. A voter rebellion of historic proportions took hold. Skeen and Runnels' widow both launched write-in campaigns against King. Skeens's startling victory in that contest catapulted him into history and elective office.

MR. SKEEN GOES TO WASHINGTON
Upon reaching the Capitol, Skeen shared office space with fellow Republican Congressman Manuel Lujan. I was in the same office at the time serving as Lujan's press secretary and was in close quarters with Skeen for a time. He was already a legend because of the write-in victory, but he was all down-home as he prepared to take up space in his own office. Skeen was gracious as he worked away at a humble staffer's desk. It soon became obvious that Skeen was a gentleman not because it was the politic thing to do, but because it was in his breeding. Working briefly near Skeen also impressed upon me his towering physical presence. He was not exceedingly tall or overweight--just big. He was a towering man, built out by nature and years of the outdoor life. He is how many in the world envision Americans: big, powerful, Western and outgoing. He wore the land in his smile and in his heart.

We wondered at the time if Skeen would truly be content as Congressman. After all, it was the governorship that had infatuated him, and at first Skeen was indeed a bit reticent in the job. But he apparently did not dwell on what could have been. "I never heard him mention those losing governor races," one close former staffer told me. "He was a lot like Reagan. The past rolled off his back. And legislatively he had much the same approach as Reagan. He was a delegator not a detail guy, a leader who told you what he wanted done and expected you to do the job." As the years went by he embraced his job fully and dedicated himself to protecting what he perceived as New Mexico's interests and enjoying his life. Every two years for eleven times Skeen stood before the voters and each time he was re-elected without much trouble. It takes a big man to to take a big man down, but on occasion, when some strong challengers did emerge, they never could close the stature gap with this genuine New Mexican.

He commanded incredible loyalty among his staff. Suzanne Eisold spent all 22 years by Skeen's side as his Chief of Staff, basically dedicating her life to his success, and so did others, too many to mention here. They called themselves the "Skeen Team." They were like super glue and they stuck. On the homefront, Mary Skeen tolerated an ever-commuting Congressional husband and kept the couple's lives on track, helping to run the ranch in Picacho and raising their family. Much of Skeen's success is owed to her patience and wisdom, but she was a traditional, out-of-the-limelight Congressional wife that the public-at-large did not know.

Skeen's job included working with the powerful Domenici, whose imposing presence was always felt by the entire NM Congressional delegation. But Skeen, perhaps more than any of his NM colleagues, commanded Domenici's respect. He brought to the table a biography of success in the business world and it added to his confidence in dealing with all comers.

He reached his zenith of Congressional power when he successfully led the override effort against a line-item veto by President Clinton of military construction projects that included several in New Mexico. It was one of only two Clinton vetoes to be overridden by the Congress and it cemented his reputation as a leading House "Cardinal." His fame in the agricultural arena was national. Today the Joe Skeen Institute for Rangeland Restoration stands at Montana State University, courtesy of the Texas A&M graduate. For New Mexico, the controversial low-level nuclear waste site, known as WIPP, was never controversial in Eddy County where it opened as a result of Skeen's legislative acumen. Today the Carlsbad area economy is closely wedded to the facility and its high paying jobs.

A NEW MEXICAN IN THE WORLD
Skeen's early inspiration in politics came from NM Governor Ed Mechem. "If he had any role model, it was Ed Mechem," a Skeen associate told me. Later, Skeen signed on with Ronald Reagan. As a reporter, I recall covering Skeen and Reagan at an ABQ news conference in the 70's, before Reagan was elected president, and where Skeen showed off his sometimes acerbic wit. In introducing the New Mexico press contingent, he told the President-to-be: "Governor, here's our press corps---such as it is!"

But if Skeen held any grudge's, he never let on in public. He was a conservative Republican, (some would say arch-conservative) who rarely veered from the party line, but his was never the politics of the personal. His critics might argue he never had to get personal because he had easy re-election campaigns, but that would be too dismissive of an era in politics where being civil mattered. Another Skeen legacy that should not slip by the wayside is integrity. Can you ever recall any serious allegation against him for misuse of funds or shady business dealings? He adhered to an ethical standard that saw him through nearly half a century of public service without a major controversy in that regard. Pretty solid stuff.

Toiling in the Republican minority for those many years on the Hill had to take its toll on Skeen. Being a backbencher is never fun, but having the patience to wait for the turn and the courage to act when it comes, is what makes a mere politician a leader. When the GOP tidal wave took hold in 94' Skeen rode it for all it was worth. Thousands of New Mexicans owe their livelihoods to his persistence.

As accomplished as his legislative record was, it is not how he will be best remembered. Skeen rose above politics to symbolize New Mexico's place as home to genuine American spirits whose attachment to the land developed a set of values that men like Skeen wore on their sleeves. Their seize-the-moment, anything-is-possible philosophy is the quintessential dynamic of a state and nation that have not even reached middle-age but lead the world.

Giants walk here. Joe Skeen was among them. New Mexico and America heard his steps.


(top photo credit: Patterson/ABQ Journal)

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2003
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