ABQ's political odd couple are about to take it to a new level. Mayor Marty is set to hire GOP State Rep. Greg Payne as his new transit director, leaving Payne's far NE Heights seat to be filled with a replacement by the Dem controlled Bernalillo County Commission.

Reached late Wednesday, the high-profile Payne (blogger, radio host, newspaper columnist, political consultant and insurance salesman) deferred to the mayor, but did say the city's bus boss needs to bring more "efficiency" to the system and "better relationships with the blue collar workers" who run the shop.

"I'd like to see us do more with advertising on the buses as a means of making the system more self-supporting," offered Payne who is serving as head of the mayor's transition team on transit as Marty prepares for an unprecedented third, four year term starting December 1.

With Mayor Marty pushing to make light-rail a reality for the Big Duke City, Payne's plate will be full when he takes on his new gig which pays $90k plus a year. He currently works for Daniels Insurance, where his boss is Dem fund-raising heavy and UNM Regent Jamie Koch.

Dem Marty and R Payne have had their ups and downs over the years, but Payne, who served a four year term on the city council, was a key player in the mayor's recent re-elect.

Robert Gutierrez, union chief for over 300 bus and van drivers, told me Payne is "young, aggressive and smart" and said his experience as a councilor would be helpful to the department. Insiders say the current transit head has been given his walking papers.

But what about Payne's House seat which he was elected to in 04' replacing Joe Thompson and for which his performance earned him "Rookie of the Year" honors from the ABQ Chamber of Commerce? Payne said he would like to serve in the seat through next year's 30 day legislative session, but a final decision is up to the mayor. City employees are barred by law from serving in the Legislature.

So, will the county commission name a D as Payne's replacement, or go with an R who is most likely to keep the seat in the November 06' election? Stay tuned.

FOOTNOTE

Tim McGivern, Payne's old boss at the weekly Alibi, has been following the politicos on his new blog where he now opines regularly on personality and policy. Check him out.

DEATH RUMOR RATTLES ROUNDHOUSE
Alive!
What is it with Big Bill and the planes? The bad karma continued Wednesday as a rumor raced across Santa Fe and the nation's capital that our Guv's tenure on this planet had been ended in a Virginia plane crash, in which two persons did lose their lives, but fortunately (now, be nice R's) our Guv was not among them. (KOB-TV was all over this one.)

Big Bill's reassuring presence (his suit looked pretty good too) was soon on display at a news conference with Dem national chair Howard Dean and where afterwards--stop the presses--he told the ABQ Journal's Michael Coleman: "I am alive!"

(This being New Mexico, a long line of job-seekers formed at the door of Light Guv Diane Denish in the moments after the premature death rumor, but it immediately dissipated upon the rumor being quashed. The disappointed hopefuls retired to the Bull Ring to drown their sorrows. I also resumed doing the blog, after announcing that if Big Bill was dead there was no point of going on.)

SUN SHINES ON GUV

While the Guv was talking to the Journal's Coleman, it was the press he wasn't talking to that was giving him a very hard time. And it was about planes, but not just that controversial $5 million jet the state purchased for his use. The feisty Rio Grande Sun in Espanola has hit with a piece questioning the Guv's extensive use of three state planes saying he uses them for even short romps like Santa Fe to Los Alamos. (We bring it to you via Crosswinds Weekly).

The Sun, paving the way for the R Guv candidate next year, has asked for records showing why the Guv has been going where he's been going, including 13 trips to Ruidoso, some of them with horse racing-casino magnate and major friend of Bill, Paul Blanchard. It's tough stuff, with the Guv's staff curiously bunkered in and refusing to release some key info and pleading security considerations. This is another one where we need to stay tuned.

LUCKY AND THE ALLIGATOR

The following is from an Alligator-in-training, but it will be harmless if it turns out wrong and I will have a new reliable Gator if it turns out right.Here it is:

Santa Fe Dem State Rep. Luciano Lucky Varela will announce his candidacy for State Treasurer next week. The powerful lawmaker, in the Roundhouse since the 70's and chair of the Legislative Finance Committee, would be the first announced Dem candidate since Robert Vigil resigned. Vigil was indicted on more federal charges Wednesday.

An Alligator-in-training is not a lengthy stint. You are either right or you shall never be a Gator again. Let's see if this one makes the cut, or if Lucky's name is just being floated yet again for an open position.

Keep the insightful e-mail and news tips coming and, as always, thanks for tuning in.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
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Montoya
The plea bargain deal of ex-Treasurer Michael Montoya, cut with the feds Tuesday, came as no surprise to blog readers. Our insiders predicted it weeks ago when they said his hiring of lawyer Jackie Robins pointed to a plea and they had it right. But what now? Former Treasurer Robert Vigil could also take the plea bargain route, but politicos who say they have talked to friends and family members of the indicted Vigil say that is not likely.

A Vigil ally told me Vigil, who resigned rather than face impeachment charges in the State House, has been urged to expand his legal team beyond attorney Sam Bregman. "He needs a lawyer or lawyers with extensive criminal trial experience. Bregman is not gong to be able to shoulder this alone."

For now Vigil is hanging tough. Bregman again reiterated that the Ribera, NM native looks forward to his "day in court." One insider said the question now is "how much Michael sings and if it will mean charges against others" in the biggest scandal in NM political history. Another question is what jail time, if any, will Montoya get.
Stay tuned.

NATIONAL RESULTS

Dems take the Guv chairs in Jersey and Virginia. California results here.

SHORT TAKES

A Santa Fe wall-leaner checks in recently regarding the health of State Rep. Don Whitaker (D-Lea), chairman of the important tax committee. "I am reporting that Don made his first appearance in several months. He attended the tax committee in Santa Fe and looks great, is sharp and on top of his game." Don's health took a dip earlier this year prompting speculation that he might resign his seat. He has not yet announced his election plans for 06.'...Friends of 88 year old ex-State GOP ABQ NE Heights Rep. John McMullan are mourning his passing. He served 18 years in the House...And why hadn't the Big Bill TV spot touting the tax rebates been corrected as of last night? The mistake in the spot--the size of the rebates--was reported Monday. What do they call that media team? "The Turtles"?....ABQ Metro Court's Janet Blair to return to City Hall as Mayoral spokeswoman? She did the job in Mayor Marty's first term. Insiders say Deborah James is set to retire and Blair may be moved back to the "press conference a day" chair.

NATALIE NAILS IT

Some love to bash it, that good ol' First Amendment that gives us the right to scribble and broadcast. Sure, the airwaves are sometimes polluted and the print can get sensational. But what's the alternative? You get the point. And so does teenager Natalie Klein of ABQ's La Cueva High. At this weekend's annual bash of the NM Foundation for Open Government, Natalie took first prize in the First Amendment essay contest. Give her a listen:

'Without the freedom to circulate ideas in word and writing, the people have lost their power to create their own government...the right to assemble peacefully gives the people a place where the simmering catalysts of free speech and press can begin to boil the waters of public life and prevent stagnated democracy."

You got it right, Natalie. And thanks for the reminder.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
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If the ex-wives and husbands start talking, can anyone get elected? The question arises in the wake of the nasty campaign for New Jersey governor which ends today and where the ex-wife of U.S. Senator John Corzine told a newspaper the senator "let his family down" and had an affair that broke up their marriage. The quote was then used in paid ads by Corzine's GOP opponent, Doug Forrester, who was then accused on the rumor mill of having an extramarital affair. So, as Mr. and Mrs. New Mexico prepare for Campaign 06' should they prep by watching reruns of Divorce Court?

Actually, our state brushed up against the politics of the personal quite recently--in the ABQ mayoral campaign. The ex-wife of Mayor Marty Chavez, after flirting with the idea of running against her ex, gave an interview to KOAT-TV in which she said the mayor had let politics take precedence over his family. Unlike New Jersey, the quote was left on the table and not used by the mayor's foes in any paid media. But they easily could have and we would have had the same mess as Jersey.

It seems each cycle the politicos push the envelope a little more, even if it disgusts the voters and has nothing to do with the jobs they seek. Will it ever stop? It's tough to say. Voters say they can't stand this stuff, but the consultants say it works. And it does, in a limited way. It often drives turnout down, keeping those who don't like the negative at home, but catering to those who respond and who go to the polls.

New Jersey gives candidates everywhere fair warning. Those of us who think what goes on in a marriage or in the bedroom doesn't belong on the campaign trail or the TV screens may soon be outnumbered, if we aren't already. And we thought this was settled with Bill Clinton.

SEEKING A SENATOR

More on that GOP race for the right to take on NM Dem U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman next year. Former Bernalillo County State Senator and former Dem turned R, Tom Benavides, apparently did not raise any money in the recent federal filing period since he did not file a report, but insiders say he is still in the race along with David Pfeffer and Dr. Allen McCulloch and is planning to gather petition signatures.

Meanwhile, the Alligators were busy asking for specific contributions McCulloch received in totaling up his $141,000 campaign kitty. Here it is at the FEC. And hard to read too. Most of it came from the oil industry and medical profession in the Four Corners area.

Others wanted to know about ABQ R State Senator Joe Carraro and whether he is running for the GOP Senate nod. He's still on the fence, according to his last e-mail a couple of weeks ago.

And why are so many R's scrambling to take on Senator Jeff who is as close to a sure thing for re-election as you can get? Says one politico: "Joe, Senator Domenici's future is still uncertain. If he decides not to run in 2008 some of these candidates may want to be positioned for that race. Of course, Reps Heather Wilson and Steve Pearce might be in on that one too. And Pete is in no hurry to announce anything.

SUITING UP

We didn't make what kind of suits the Guv wears a campaign issue. He did. His TV spot says his suits might not fit, but "he fits New Mexico." So just what kind of tailor is it that Big Bill employs who can't make his suits fit? Or does he buy the ill-fitting garments off the rack at Dillards? Or, attention rival Prez candidates, does he buy foreign suits over there on London's Savile Row? Say it ain't so! So far, no response from the Guv's people on this "pressing" matter. But here's a tip for him: Two words, Guv: Hickey Freeman. Otherwise, the GQ worst-dressed list awaits. Now about those ties...

BOTCHED TV

And one more thing on that TV spot. Big Bill's high-priced out-of-state media mavens have a bunch of egg on their faces. For the kind of money they get, can't they get it right? Here's the AP's Barrey Massey reporting that the TV spot contains a factual error:

"Oops! Gov. Bill Richardson's debut TV ad for his re-election campaign made a mistake when it touted the governor's recent efforts to help New Mexicans with high energy costs. Flashed on the screen is the wrong amount for the minimum rebate going to New Mexicans. The ad shows in white letters: "Tax rebates for gas $50-$298." However, the minimum rebate is $64. The maximum rebate is correctly stated in the ad."

Do you think Big Bill can get a rebate from his media consultants? Good luck!

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
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He's raised over $141 thousand and is popping up on the campaign trail, but the GOP U.S. Senate candidacy of Farmington urologist Allen McCullloch has so far been an under the radar affair. So much so that Quinn McCord, state editor of the political bible--the National Journal's Hotline In D.C.--checked in late Friday asking us why McCulloch's fundraising wasn't mentioned in news dispatches that did report that GOP Santa Fe City Councilor David Pfeffer has raised $21,000 in his bid for the right to take on NM Dem Senator Jeff Bingaman. Beats me, but the news is out now. McCord reports that McCulloch met with national GOP officials in early October who called him an "impressive candidate."

Meanwhile, one of our blog contributors down south, Avelino Maestas of the Silver City Daily Press, let us know that the Doc was campaigning in his area last week. Being the political junkie that he is, Maestas even forwarded coverage of the visit by his competition.

The only mention until now of McCulloch's candidacy came on your blog in August (Hey Doc, send us a photo) but it's clear that he is a serious contender for the nomination and probably the frontrunner with his San Juan County base and the ability to so far outraise Pfeffer by seven to one. (Don't worry D's, Senator Jeff has $1.4 mil in cash already). If he does get the nod, he will likely join fellow M.D. James Damron on the ballot who is the R's favorite for Guv. Neither have any political experience, but that may be just what the doctor ordered in today's political climate.

GAY LEADER GOING

Meanwhile, a GOP group that breaks with conservative orthodoxy on at least one issue continues to thrive. The Log Cabin Republicans, a gay rights advocacy group, now boasts over 200 NM members according to outgoing chapter president and local founder Patrick Killen. He's passing the leadership baton to ABQ's Michael Hills, but before he does he passes some thoughts on to us.

"I'm proud of the work that I've been able to do on behalf of NM Republicans who support equality for every American, regardless of sexual orientation. The activism of our members has been credited in-part for the veto of anti-gay legislation by the Navajo Nation President.

"Going from being an aide to a number of prominent state Republicans to a voice in the fight for gay and lesbian equality in 2004 was challenging, but I felt it was the right thing to do. One day, I hope to see my Republican Party regard homosexuality as a "non-issue" and get back to unifying issues like restraining government spending."

Killen did stick his neck out just as the national R's were effectively making gay marriage a hot button issue that helped them keep the White House. Still, if polls have it right the 20 somethings like Killen will indeed making sexuality a "non-issue" in the years ahead. However, they have a way to go. There has only been one openly gay elected official in NM--Liz Stefanics who served a term in the state senate from northern NM.

BIG BILL TV REVIEW

Do you think that Big Bill TV spot is pretty corny? The one that says his suits don't fit "but he sure fits New Mexico?" Well, you are not alone. They are pretty corny, but for the general public they work just fine, said most of the politicians I asked. They come at a sensitive time for the Big Guy. That ABQ Journal poll showing him at 53% approval among registered voters--probably higher among likely voters--has to shake up his political staff. The TV spot uses two cowboys as narrators and comes just as those tax rebates are popping up in mailboxes.

There is problem with the spot, however. It credits the Guv with accelerating the income tax cuts he got passed in 2003. That was actually done in the recent special legislative session over his objection. But he did grudgingly sign it.

The spot is the earliest in gubernatorial re-election history, but ex-State Rep Bengie Regensberg of Mora has talked of a Dem primary challenge to the Guv, and when you plan on spending a record-setting $10 million to win another four years, you might want to get started early.

Send me your comments, news, corrections and criticisms to the e-mail link provided on this page and thanks for tuning in today.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
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