New Mexico Politics with Joe Monahan

New Mexico politico Vic Segura, a Major in the Air Force Reserves stationed near Saddam Hussein's old presidential palace in Baghdad, pauses from his duties and captures the drama and tension of the Iraqi situation in this e-mail missive with a Baghdad dateline:

"I am attached to Task Force 134 which was set up as a result of the prison abuse scandals. I work for Detainee Operations as their Administrative Officer. I work directly for a two star General. The headquarters is located in Camp Victory, which is close to Saddam's palace. Camp Victory is it's own safe zone. Safe here is relative.

A couple of weeks ago around lunch time I was at my desk and a loud explosion shook the building. I heard glass breaking. I sat there stunned for a few moments not sure what happened. I waited a few seconds to make sure there was nothing else coming in. I finally left my desk to see if everyone was OK. Thank God most people were at lunch. I ran into the General's Office and he was standing in the middle of the room. The glass from his office scattered all over.

To make a long story short, a 122 MM Rocket impacted about 30 yards from the building. It blew out most of our windows but no one was hurt. Luckily it hit in a lake behind our building so we didn't get the scrap metal. The water took the impact. I left for lunch 30 minutes later and my heart started pounding when I realized that if the rocket would have been 30 yards shorter, I would not be here. It took me about 5 hours to calm down."

POLITICAL HOMECOMING

Segura, an ABQ Westsider, has managed several political campaigns, including those of ABQ City Council President Brad Winter and run for a council seat himself. Despite the intensity of his present situation, La Politica still beckons to Segura who writes that he is pondering another city council run or, at the least, managing another campaign. Even in the war zones, the lure of La Politica does not diminish! May it ever be so. Good Luck Vic. See you in May.

PICK YOUR BATTLES CAREFULLY

Segura's dramatic e-mail raises the question: What happened to State Senate Majority Leader Sanchez's concern over Big Bill's plan to pay life insurance premiums for members of the NM National Guard?

Sanchez made hay over it on the Legislature's opening day. Well, it appears his concerns have been addressed. He tells the AP he was encouraged that there are no legal roadblocks, as he first thought. Even if here were legal concerns, this was not the bill Michael could do battle with the Guv on, not with the death toll of American soldiers in Iraq increasing and not with New Mexicans like Vic Segura putting in long hours in the embattled nation.

FINAL TIDBIT

Heard on the street, but not confirmed: the return of Deanna Sauceda to KRQE-TV, channel 13. The anchorwoman held forth at the CBS affiliate in the 1990's and then headed north to Colorado to take a job with Intel. TV sources now say she may be poised for a return to the tube. No word yet on what her chores would be. As always, we'll keep you posted.

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Heather
She may say it shows how "independent" she is. Others may say it shows she is losing clout. The "it" is Heather Wilson's loss of her seat on the House Armed Services Committee. Not that the ABQ GOP Rep hadn't prepared us for it. She predicted recently she would lose the seat which is a nice position to sit and watch over our national labs from. She said she would get the boot because she was on the outs with top House Republicans for not playing ball with them on every issue. Heather held on to her seat on the Energy and Commerce Committee and, while losing Armed Services, she was picked this week for a subcommittee chairmanship on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence which is relevant to defense heavy NM.

My sources who follow the D.C. action say the Dems have got it wrong when they claim that Heather is not in some hot water with House conservatives and is just trying to show how "independent" she is after being attacked for being a GOP lackey in the last campaign. Your blogger believes the Armed Services loss backs up the belief that Heather was given a mild slap by the right-wing.

PETE'S PLAY

Also, word comes from high-level sources in our nation's Capitol that GOP Senator Domenici, dean of the delegation, has been cozying up to southern GOP NM Congressman Steve Pearce who, in turn, has quite the cozy relationship with the conservative powers that run the House.

"Pete wants to get his bills through the House. That's the bottom line. Heather is not as close to the ruling faction and Pearce is," said one deep insider.

But don't take that to mean that Pete is about to anoint Pearce over Heather for his Senate seat if he decides not to run in 08.' However, it does appear the relationship dynamics in the delegation has undergone some change. That's always worth paying attention to since our fair little state receives billions each year from Uncle Sam.

YES, HE'S RUNNING. DUH?

Also on the D.C. beat, the ABQ Journal's Mike Coleman reports that a lobbying friend of Big Bill has secured a couple of Web site addresses that would be useful if the Guv sought the presidency in 2008. But the reaction to that news was curious in some quarters. There seems to be an air of disbelief that Big Bill is running for Prez. Am I, and you, my dear readers, the only ones who have been assuming that for the past two years? He has not only been running for it, but running hard. From this corner, we run everything the Big Guy does through the Prez screen.

But back on the Web thing, the Guv has a newly designed Web site and it is much better than the one he started out with when he took over. The latest news is easier to find and the layout is more user-friendly. Hope you like it since you paid for it. (Oops. Just visited there and it won't let me sign up for the news alerts. Is that because it's me, or is it a technical problem?)

NO FOR JOE
Winter
Former ABQ GOP State Rep. Joe Thompson will have to be happy with that UNM lobbying deal he snagged recently because he is not going to be doing the same for the city of ABQ. Thompson left the Legislature last year after getting busted for DWI, but has since bounced back with a lobbying career. Sources at City Hall report Thompson's name has been nixed from the lobbying list after Council Prez Brad Winter let it be known he was not a big fan.

Apparently Brad is still smarting from the sting that the Barnett faction of the Republican Party (of which Thompson's a member) gave him when he ran for re-election two years ago. They ran a candidate against Winter and even though he lost, he doesn't forget. To that, we say: politics is all about timing....and payback too.

A MERRY ROSE GARDEN?

Yeah, timing is the thing. Take, for example, yesterday at the Roundhouse. On their desks each of our 70 state rep's found a nice little basket of goodies promoting the fine wares of Taos County. It's a long-standing tradition, with many areas of the state taking part during the course of the long session. But inside the Taos basket was a bit of irony; A bluegrass CD from country singer Lynn Anderson who had been arrested just the day before for shoplifting a Harry Potter DVD at a Taos supermarket. Most lawmakers in the know got a chuckle out of it. Hey, maybe they can get some inspiration from Lynn and her biggest hit: "I Never Promised You A Rose Garden." That would make an appropriate theme song for the Legislature, wouldn't it?

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Schwartz
Late last year the phones were ringing and the buzz was on: former Bernalillo County District Attorney and now top crime adviser to Big Bill, the irascible Bob Schwartz, was off and running for a second time for the city of ABQ's top job. But now, according to deep insider sources, Schwartz will be a no-go in the October mayoral face-off after a sit-down with the Big Guy himself.

"Bob was called by the Guv who did not tell him one way or the other what he should do, but he asked for a committment on his current job, or a decision on a mayoral run. Bob told him he would be staying and not running for Mayor," says our informed insider.

It makes sense. In recent weeks Schwartz has not been heard from on the political trail. Yes, he did make some noise at the Guv's big DWI Summit, but it appears the 2001 second place Mayoral finisher will take the safe route this time around and keep his high-paying state job. He also has the perk of being stationed in ABQ, something the daily commuting set eye with envy.

R MAY MEAN RETIREMENT

Schwartz is known as a "soft R." That was his undoing four years ago when the hard-right wing of the GOP went with then ABQ Councilor McEntee, leaving only the moderate R's for Schwartz. The former DA could not quite get past Marty Chavez (I worked in the Chavez campaign) and found himself looking for a job.

Big Bill knew Schwartz was a firebrand when he hired him, causing eruptions and controversy wherever he goes. But the sharp-tongued and quick-witted Schwartz has been behaving himself in his new role. There's nothing like the lure of a big retirement check to calm even the most rebellious of us. There were rumblings early on that Schwartz had stepped on the toes of Mrs. Big Bill (Barbara Richardson) but nothing has been heard of it lately.

Schwartz could still pull a last-minute surprise and join the fray if he sees an open field with no R’s running. But even if he does he might not have the gas to make it to the finish line. Populist candidates seem to have a good outing the first go round but sputter the second time on the track.

AHRENS ON THE AIR
Ahrens
It didn't take long for veteran ex-KKOB-AM Radio talker Larry Ahrens to get back on the airwaves. The date is February 28 for the conservative talker to debut a brand new talk show on what will be KAGM 106.3 FM in ABQ/Santa Fe.

As we first reported,(see January 10) Ahrens will be joined by longtime ex-KOAT-TV anchorwoman Dianne Anderson, who will host a gab fest on the station from 1 to 4 weekday afternoons. Ahrens will begin his shift at 6 a.m. and end at 10, competing directly with the 50,000 watt powerhouse where he made his New Mexico name. Larry bailed out of KKOB (see Dec. 17) because of a salary dispute with my sources reporting he was making $140k a year and rejected a station offer of $160k. It was a jaw dropper to some media observers who said he was leaving behind a goldmine for a mineshaft. Time will tell.

The new talk station is still searching for a program director and for an afternoon talk jockey to take on the 4 to 7 p.m. slot dominated by KKOB's Jim Villanucci. Syndicated radio talker Glen Beck will be on the air from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meanwhile, Pat Frisch has permanently assumed Larry’s old seat at KKOB, where he also serves as program director.

Thanks for tuning in today. Back tomorrow. Same time. Same station.

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Chairman Cervantes
It's true that New Mexico Hispanics have had a seat at the table of power in Santa Fe for generations. In fact, the entire legislative leadership this year(the four top spots) is Hispanic. But if you look closely at the hometowns you will notice that none of the heavyweights hail from the Southern NM. More Hispanic lawmakers come from the North so it's natural that they dominate. Still, Southern Hispanics have always felt a bit slighted, and its one reason the appointment by House Speaker Lujan of Dem State Rep. Joe Cervantes of Las Cruces as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee is putting some smiles on the faces down there.

The 44 year old Cervantes takes the helm at a critical time for the committee, dealing as it will with hyper-controversial DWI laws and voter ID proposals. For a time, informed sources report, there was a bit of a tug of war developing over whether the chair would go to Cervantes or ABQ's Al Park. Even though Al has seniority over Cervantes, the Las Crucean got the nod.

It didn't hurt that Cervantes waged a behind-the-scenes campaign for House Majority Leader, eventually yielding to Ken Martinez who may have seen the wisdom of giving a helping hand to his short-lived rival. Park was named vice-chair. What makes that interesting is that both Joe and Al have expressed interest in seeking the 2006 Dem nomination for Attorney General. Will their egos get in the way of their work?

THE CHILE CONNECTION

Cervantes gets high marks in the IQ department from lawmakers and some who have known him since he graduated form UNM Law School and went to work in 1991 for the high-powered Modrall law firm in ABQ. But the Cervantes roots are in Cruces. While they were passing down political power the past four generations in the North, the Cervantes family was passing down the family farm, mostly chile. This is no hand-to-mouth operation, and as Cervantes potential foes know, provides him with a solid financial base if he does indeed go after the AG's post.

The affable Cervantes, who I shared a late-night political conversation with at the famous Double Eagle restaurant in Old Mesilla not long ago, has firsthand experience with New Mexico power playing. He grew up near former Guv Jerry Apodaca. His first campaign was at the age of 15 going door to door for Jerry in 74'. Later he was a page in the state Senate.

The early handicapping on the AG's race is muddled with a bunch of candidates probably seeking to replace Patsy Madrid. But it's a good bet that Cervantes and Park will be near the top if they both run. The rap on Park will be that he is a pet of Big Bill and that the people want an AG who will be truly independent, like Patsy, not a tool of the Fourth Floor. The rap on Joe could be that he has not shown that he is a true team player when it come to Dem Party politics.

But that's all ahead. Right now, this favorite son of the South has been given a prime piece of Roundhouse real estate to tend. If he does it as well as his family grows chile, we may witness the emergence of a new player on that biggest of farms, the one known as La Politica.

A GOP GIFTHORSE?
Leader Martinez
Speaking of new House Majority Leader Martinez. Some politicos think he may be on his way to making another big error. Remember last year when he proposed an ignition interlock device on every car in NM, not just those owned by DWI offenders. That one backfired bigtime. Now the Grants lawmaker is saying proposals that would have voters give ID at the polls needs to be taken away to an interim committee for more study. It's really a way of killing the whole deal. But New Mexicans are highly supportive of voter ID. And going in to this session the GOP made it clear that it would be making the measure a banner proposal.

Martinez might want to talk to NM Dem Party Chair John Wertheim before he makes a final call on dealing a death blow to any voter ID bill. John was slapped around pretty good in last year's campaign over this one. The GOP is in dire need of some big issues for 2006. Will leader Martinez and Speaker Lujan give them some of what they are looking for? Stay tuned.

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Ernie Mills, Bob Barth, Bill Feather, Larry Calloway. All of them were giants in covering the New Mexico Legislature. Today they are all gone from the Capitol (only Calloway survives and is long retired)leading to the question: who is the dean of the NM press corp in Santa Fe? Well, it ain't one of the good ol' boys any longer.

The honor (or the punishment) goes to the Associated Press's Deborah Baker. She has been covering the Merry Roundhouse for 15 consecutive years and has nearly 25 years with the legendary wire service. Baker knows New Mexico politics can be off the beaten path having covered legislatures back East. Her boss, Santa Fe AP Bureau Chief Barrey Massey, is close behind with 12 sessions under his belt and also 25 years of AP experience, including many in Washington, D.C.

That grizzled journalism veteran, Steve Terrell of the Santa Fe New Mexican, is covering his fifth session, even though it seems he has been around forever. Walt Rubel covers for a slew of southern NM newspapers, including the Las Cruces Sun-News.

I miss wire service veteran Calloway for revealing where the bodies are buried in the state bureaucracy; radio's Mills for his institutional memory; radio's Barth for his work ethic and the AP's Feather for his devotion and fairness.(Syndicated columnist Jay Miller is still on the job and brings the history of NM to today's readers)

But it's Baker and Massey who continue the AP tradition and its reports with an edge. (Massey filed the other day about "smoke and mirrors" allegations in Big Bill's budget). They are on the mark year after year, no matter who is in power. It's also easier to read them in years past as the newspapers outside of ABQ carry them the most and those papers are now on line.

THE INKLESS FUTURE

Much of the future of covering politics will be in providing analysis and perspective. The daily press is still obsessed with covering as much "news" as possible, even if it's just a bill introduction. And they do a good job of it. But in the years ahead, internet-trained readers will be seeking more than just the facts.

Talented thirty somethings like the ABQ Trib's Shea Andersen and the ABQ Journal Capitol team of Lenderman, Nash and Miles will see their jobs redefined in ways we can only imagine today. I know. Thirty years ago when I was hammering out missives at KUNM-FM radio in ABQ, I never imagined a thing called the internet nor that I would be writing on it. It's all part of the long march of our beloved La Politica.

IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY
Rep. Pearce
Is it to early to be thinking about a day when GOP U.S. Reps Heather Wilson and Steve Pearce might face-off for their party's nomination for a U.S. Senate seat? Apparently not. Roll Call, an insider Capitol Hill newspaper, mentioned Heather as a candidate for the GOP in an article titled "Searching for a Dream Team." This in regard to Dem Senator Jeff Bingaman and if he chose not to make a re-election run.

No sooner had that hit the streets (and the Net) than I get this e-mail from the Hill and an obvious Pearce backer. "I disagree that she is a "Dream Team" candidate. If Bush 04' proved anything, it was that a strong conservative candidate with a good turnout operation can win by tapping into the southeastern portion of the state. Someone like Steve Pearce would probably have a better shot at winning both the nomination and the general election. Trying to win as a Republican in New Mexico is now nearly impossible if you focus your efforts on Albuquerque and run on a moderate agenda, like Wilson would surely attempt to do." So stung the highly placed pro-Pearce politico.

I guess it is never too early when the prize is the power and prestige of the United States Senate. By the way, most junkies expect Jeff to run again in 06', with an announcement coming after the Legislative session. We'll keep you posted.

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Senate Leader Sanchez
Sharp comments on the opening day of the Legislature from Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez has the Alligators wondering if the long awaited test of wills between lawmakers and the powerful Guv is about to unfold. At the same time, some are questioning the political skills of Sanchez and wondering whether he has what it takes to change the power quotient between the two rival branches.

Sanchez fired the first shot Tuesday by throwing cold water on Big Bill's proposal to pay life insurance premiums for members of the NM National Guard. The lawyer lawmaker said the state constitution may prohibit such a move. That is Big Bill's most popular proposal garnering support from even the Republicans and winning him national attention. Was it the right one for Sanchez to target as he made his statewide political debut under the hot lights of La Politica?

"Michael is a lawyer and he sees real issues with that measure. But politically he might want to use better judgment in the battles he chooses with the governor," analyzed one wall-leaner at the Merry Roundhouse.

How's that for a welcome to the brightly lit stage of big time power politics Leader Sanchez? Treachery and intrigue await all those who enter. And with a Governor eyeing the ultimate political prize in four years, all of your skills in the ancient art of New Mexico power playing will have to be brought to bear if you hope to change the balance of power, and therefore, the policies under which this state is guided.

Another Santa Fe Gator taking in Big Bill's State-of-the-State speech noted that "Michael was not applauding." Later, the new majority leader, who has been touted for his independence, commented on Big Bill's statement that this should be the "year of the judiciary." It should be the year of the "independent judiciary" countered the feisty Sanchez in a direct jab at Big Bill's penchant for control.

"Sanchez is letting it be know that he is relevant; that the Governor needs to consult with him on these big changes he is proposing, not just hold a press conference and act like they are accomplished goals," offered another veteran Santa Fe politico.

TENSION IS REAL
Big Bill
The Sanchez jabs may or not signal a change in the relationship with the Legislature. These matters are often cloaked in mystery. Who really knows what the discussions have been between Sanchez and the governor? Or if they have had any meaningful discussions. But the best tea leaf readers I have tell me they think the tension is real.

"Bill had it easy when (Manny) Aragon and (Richard) Romero were in the senate. They did his bidding. But now its an open field there. I think we could see the Fourth Floor paying more attention to Speaker Lujan in the House and using their influence there as leverage on Michael and the Senate because the Guv may not have quite the stroke he has had in recent years,"analyzed a Republican with an interest in these matters.

Speaker Lujan was throwing all bouquets the Guv's way opening day. His son, Ben Ray, is chairman of the Public Regulation Commission, and Big Bill helped pave the way.

Leader Sanchez may have jumped the gun in picking on a proposal to aid New Mexico's service men and women, but it did get the signal out that perhaps, just perhaps, we will see the Legislative branch attempt to reassert its traditional powers after being cowed the last few years by arguably the most powerful governor in state history.

FOLEY'S FOLLY

We told you yesterday of conservative GOP State Rep. Dan Foley's surprising vote for Dem Speaker Ben Lujan. Well, it didn't do him any good. Foley was tossed off the Judiciary and Business and Industry committee's and was last seen outside the Speaker's door apparently looking for face time in the hope of apparently salvaging a deal. Ah, La Politica. What a humbler it can be!

MAKE SOME MONEY

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Big Bill On Day One
The funniest and most revealing part of Big Bill's State of the State speech on opening day of the two month Legislative session Tuesday came near the end when he commented on his leadership style: "Sometimes I overdo it," he chuckled. And the 112 lawmakers and guests chortled in agreement. As in years past, the Guv's opening day speech was overdone, but as in past years, it served to re-establish him as the state's premier political figure (Sorry, Pete) and provided him with the setting to demonstrate his grasp of and passion for the issues of his time.

The Guv is a big occasion guy and rises to meet the moment. He can seem bored stiff in a myriad of settings but given center stage he takes command. It is a reminder of his large personality; the one he has used to often rule by edict with little protest from a state that offers him little in the way of real political competition.

The speech itself was a classic centrist affair, offering a little something for everyone. It would seem no matter what the Legislature ends up passing, Big Bill positioned himself to take a share of the credit. He continues to emphasize his tax-cutting credentials, even as some NM Republicans finally awake and try to point out to the national press that raising fees has offset many of those cuts.

HOW DID IT LOOK?

On style, the Guv did pretty well. He is from the old-school and can come cross preachy and like a ward-heeler, but his passion manages to emerge. He clearly knows his stuff and commands attention and authority. Now into year three, he may have to work a bit to get excited about another speech to the Legislature, but if he does, it does not show. He has a tongue-in-cheek humor at the right moments and his efforts at self-deprecation are funny because neither he nor the audience, who know him well, fully buy into it.The speech itself was workmanlike and thankfully devoid of phony, flowery language. Big Bill is a pragmatist, a can-do type of figure. The speech, much like Bill Clinton's famous laundry list stemwinders, fit this Bill.


Overall, I agree with my veteran observers of New Mexican politics, including ABQ talk radio pioneer Mike Santullo, that this third year of the Guv's term, a time when past Guv's have started to leak air, does not seem to have Big Bill losing steam. He can thank the R's in part. They have not fielded a tough candidate for 06' so he has less to worry about and the Legislature can't hold next year's election over his head. And the leverage of 08,' when Big Bill plans to seek the Dem Prez nomination, lies well down the road.

THE GUV'S LEFT-HAND MAN

Several political junkies pointed out what they called the unusual seating arrangement for the Guv's chief of staff, Dave Contarino. "What was he doing down there?" mused one, who noted that Dave was seated immediately to Big Bill's left, well within TV camera range. Some said the spot is usually taken by immediate family or other dignitaries, not a staffer. Whatever the case, it was duly noted by those seeking to read all the tea leaves of Gubernatorial power.

THE MEDIA PLAY

KOB-TV, which has emerged in recent years as the breaking news leader, provided wall-to-wall coverage of the speech, the only commercial station to do so. KNME, per tradition, also carried it live in its entirety. KNME actually beat KOB on cosmetics. What is with the dark lighting on channel 4? The KNME picture was brighter and the close-ups of the Guv more revealing. But KOB gets credit for streaming the speech live on the internet and for flashing the key points on screen during the talk.

THE SETTLING SENATE

The story we broke here on January 7 came to fruition on opening day. 74 year old Ben Altamirano of Silver City was elected Senate President Pro Tem, busting the coalition of R's and D's that had led that chamber the past few sessions. The committee assignments we also first reported should soon become official as well. The ABQ Trib's Shea Andersen tells us that Tom Garrity, former spinner for the Albuquerque Public Schools, has picked up a PR contract to spin Ben's work, replacing former TV reporter Stuart Dyson who worked for old Pro Tem Richard Romero.

FOLEY'S BIG FLIP
Rep. Foley
Outspoken hard-right GOP State Rep. Dan Foley of Roswell had the jaws of his fellow R's dropping at the Roundhouse opening day when he cast his vote for Speaker of the House. He voted for Democrat Speaker Ben Lujan! Why? Most speculators attributed it as a slap at his fellow lawmakers who defeated him for House Minority Whip at the hands of Terry Marquardt. Others thought Foley cut a deal with the Dems to keep his committee assignments, or get more "pork" for his Chaves County district.

Foley has been the most vociferous of Big Bill's critics, so making a deal with the Dems seems highly unlikely. If Foley was "punishing" his fellow R's for rejecting him in caucus, he may have ended up punishing himself when it comes to any statewide political ambitions he may harbor. A final point: Foley has been affiliated with the break away Barnett faction of the GOP and his vote for Lujan again demonstrates the inability of the minority party to fully unify and take on the Dems who are led by this most powerful of Governors.

If the next two months are going to give this Guv real trouble, it appears it is going to come from within his own ranks. And that's today's bottom line.

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The Merry Roundhouse
Big Bill likens the 60 day Legislative session kicking off in Santa Fe today to the kitchen sink. In other words, as in sessions past, he is throwing everything at the lawmakers, including the proverbial kitchen sink. I am getting MEGO (My Eyes Glaze Over) just thinking about it. There is less carping by the lawmakers about it this time. Perhaps they are getting used to it. But the big reason they are not whining too loudly is because of the huge amounts of cash floating around the Capitol. They are telling us nearly $300 million is available over what was spent last fiscal year.

A lot of that will go to Medicaid and education, but it still leaves a bunch for the 112 solons to divvy up. That 300 mil doesn't include the hundreds of millions in "pork projects," (funded mostly by bonds) that will also get off the drawing boards in the next two months. Hey, when you are fat and happy, what's to complain about?

Yes, there will be kicking and screaming and gnashing of teeth over a few key issues, but there's enough money to go around to pacify even the most grumpy politico. It will have to be another year when this Guv and the Legislative leadership are tested on how they govern during lean times. Until then, bring on the pork and those rising oil prices making this party possible.

HERO WORSHIP
Mayor Marty
Love was in the air at the most unlikely of events this weekend--the Guv's "DWI Summit" at ABQ Metro Court. Attendees tell us that ABQ Mayor Marty Chavez was given to calling Big Bill his "hero" for convening the summit. Not to be outdone, the Big Guy called Marty his hero for being tough on DWI.

It's no secret that relations between the 11th floor of City Hall and the Fourth Floor of the Roundhouse have been a bit chilly. Neither leader is given to taking the back seat. But Mayor Marty is up for re-election this year and does not need a disgruntled Guv on his hands; one who could even throw up a candidate or two against him. And maybe in Mayor Marty Big Bill sees truth to the proverb "that the devil you know is better than the devil you don't." In any event, if the lovemaking sticks it will boost the Mayor's chances in the Fall.

DOWNTOWN BEAT

Over at City Hall, we are hearing that former State House GOP Minority Whip Joe Thompson has been lobbying for a lobbying contract. Thompson, out of the game since being picked up for DWI last year, recently won a deal to lobby his former Capitol workmates on behalf of the UNM Board of Regents. At last word, the city deal to lobby Santa Fe was up in the air, but new Council President Brad Winter was not keen on the idea. That's not surprising. Thompson is a longtime associate of GOP lawyer/lobbyist Mickey Barnett whose faction fielded a GOP candidate, Pat Milligan, against fellow Republican Winter in the 03' city election. Winter won easily. And don't rule Winter out of the 05' Mayor's race quite yet. Friends say he is still considering a run.

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Oh, the drama! Or is it really? The latest antics of ABQ GOP Congresswoman Heather Wilson has the Alligators out and fishing for the real story on her relationship with the U.S. House GOP leadership. Heather was quick to point out recently that she was in the doghouse with the chair of the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee (upon which she sits) for making noise about the cost of the Bush Medicare drug proposal. She said she was threatened with removal from the committee. But the chair never issued a public statement and Heather ended up staying on the panel which is vital to New Mexico because it oversees money for Los Alamos and Sandia Labs.

Now Heather is saying she may be kicked off the House Armed Services Committee by conservative House ringleaders because she is too "independent." That committee is also vital to us because it authorizes money for the weapons portion of Sandia labs--about a billion bucks or so.

Heather needs a "waiver" from her Energy Committee chair to serve on Armed Services and is painting a pessimistic picture of her chances, even though she has asked top Republicans to help her. A decision will come later this month.

REALITY CHECK

Dems and Washington insiders critical of Heather are saying all of this commotion is about her getting attacked in last year's election for being a lapdog of House Majority Leader Delay and his conservative minions. Here's two quotes cobbled together from insider D’s with D.C. backgrounds:

"Heather won handily, but the attacks on her for being too conservative in an independent district like Albuquerque did hurt her. A lot of us (Dems) think she is trying to shed that image in time for the next campaign and may be getting help from the very leaders she claims to be disagreeing with. She’s acting like a drama queen."

Does that mean Heather will end up staying on Armed Services as she did Energy, or will she really be kicked off and shown to be the "independent" she claims to be?

My DC sources say in the long run what really matters is that the ABQ congressperson be tapped in to the dough that keeps the town ticking. When it comes to that no one cares who looks "independent." If Heather is tossed from a committee that gives our area power and money it will not be a feather in her cap. It could, however, be a thorn in her side come the next campaign.

AT PEARCE'S PLACE

And what about sophomore Congressman Steve Pearce from southern NM and that coveted spot on the House Appropriations Committee he talked of getting during his campaign against D Gary King? Well, it turns out that Steve is still loved by Delay and company, but because of several insider factors he failed to get named to the most powerful of the committees. Says a Washington insider: "His chances will go up once he serves four years. Getting on that one takes more time." Pearce remains on the Resources and Transportation committees.

I'M STILL IN D.C.

Still more from Capitol Hill: Insiders tell me the new chair of the all-powerful House Appropriations Committee knows about New Mexico. Our Gator in the know has this to say about Rep. Jerry Lewis of California. "He was a close friend of (the late NM Congressman) Joe Skeen and was the keynote speaker in 2002 at the dedication of the Joseph Skeen Library at New Mexico Tech in Socorro. Lewis has also appeared in Albuquerque to campaign and raise money on behalf of Heather Wilson."

And a final note from a top D.C. confidant who has seen and done it all. Commenting on Heather's real or imagined problems with the House leadership, he reminds us that back in the 70's former NM Congressman Harold "Mud" Runnels, a conservative from southern NM, lost his seat on the House Budget Committee whe he did not support a measure from House Speaker and top liberal Tip O'Neill. "Harold came out fine because he recognized Tip and the liberals were not supported down south."

Thanks to all my insiders for their help with today's report. You will get stuff like they give nowhere else so be sure to check back here often.

JOIN ME ON KNME-TV

Just what is Big Bill and his 112 friends known as the NM Legislature up to? Join me and other media gabbers with moderator Kate Nelson Friday night at 8:30 p.m. on KNME-TV, Channel 5 as we preview the long, (oh, so very long) 2005 Legislative session. See you then and, as always, thanks for stopping by.

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Sen. Duran
Big Bill is out with another big proposed budget increase but the "conservative" Republicans in our Enchanted Land remain quiet as the proverbial church mouse. Does the cat have their tongues? Or is it that anything that says 'tax cut' leave them speechless and paralyzed to act?

There does seem one issue the often divided GOP might be able to rally around in the upcoming 60 day session: Voter ID. Alamogordo State Sen. Dianna Duran, a possible GOP candidate for Secretary of State in 2006, is all ready with a
voter ID bill and fellow Otero County lawmaker, State Rep. Terry Marquardt will introduce the same version in the House.

The Guv split with some Dems when he said favorable things about voter ID in the last campaign. Now the R's have an opportunity to hold his feet to the fire on an issue they enjoy overwhelming popular support on. But will they?

THE GORHAM'S GOODBYE

The Gorham's are going. That according to friends of the onetime NM power couple. Ramsay and Frank Gorham gave a lot of time and dough to the state GOP, but she was ousted in a coup and replaced by current chair Allen Weh. The Gorham family made a fortune in the oil business and friends say they will relocate to that oil capitol of Houston TX. They sold their North Valley home last year. Ramsay's ABQ North Valley senate seat went to lobbyist John Ryan in the November election. Frank served as chairman of the Bernalillo County GOP.

The Gorham's were called into service when the GOP chairmanship of John Dendahl had run its course. But the Dendahlites never forgave her and the party has yet to fully unite after the bitter battle that ended with her ouster early last year.

TRACKING JOHN

Another big name R, ABQ North Valley ex-State Rep and 04' Guv candidate John Sanchez, made the blog a while back when it was said he had built a home in the ABQ city limits and was eyeing a run for ABQ mayor. But I need to check that out further. That house may be in the county, according to R's in the know and Sanchez has not been making any noise about running for Mayor. He has, however, not ruled out another run for Guv in 06.'John, just make it easy on us and drop us an e-mail.

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Big Bill
It hasn't taken Big Bill very long to figure out where he thinks his Dem Party should go in the wake of the devastating loss to Bush. The Guv was making the national and local media rounds Monday touting his proposed legislation that would have the state pay for $250,000 worth of life insurance for the nearly 4,000 active members of the NM National Guard. No other state provides such a benefit and the Big Guy is getting some good national press on the measure, including a mention Sunday from Andrea Mitchell on NBC's "Meet The Press."

It's all part of the positioning for 2008 of course. And the Big Fella's supportive move of the military is not lost on those conservative Dems who abandoned the party in droves last year Some will call it pandering. Others will call it leadership pointing out that Big Bill at least has a compass and a road map to lead Dems out of their wilderness.

INSIDE THE SENATE

Top level Republicans are reacting to our Friday report detailing how the State Senate Dems will bust the coalition of R's and D's in the senate by giving wavering Dems plum committee posts. They see Big Bill's fingerprints all over the deal (which was apparently solidified at a Senate Dem caucus meeting this weekend).

Here's how one of those R's analyzed the new line-up in a late-night e-mail: "The interesting point is that while trying to give the possible malcontents something, he had to leave out many competent Senators who have been there for a while especially from up north. They might feel more responsibility about representing their constituents than representing Big Bill. Those that sold their souls for a committee chairmanship will now be obliged to answer to Bill. If they stick with the coalition the Dems will still be in control--committees will be proportional. Republicans will probably only get a couple of vice-chairs out of the deal--But maintaining the Senate's integrity will be the main thing."

Maintaining integrity is a great goal, but maintaining power is the first order of business. On that, Big Bill and the Dems are leaving the Senate R's in the dust, and the coalition too.

PETE'S PAIN

Meanwhile, back in the U.S. Senate Pete Domenici is saying he is rested and ready. This in the wake of continued speculation about the health of the 72 year old and whether he has the stamina to chair the Energy Committee. Pete will be 73 in May. He says new arthritis treatments have helped him and he is not in chronic pain. His late campaign foray into Indian country on behalf of Bush hurt Kerry here and in turn Big Bill. That also had to ease his pain.

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Anderson
Veteran TV news anchor Dianne Anderson will be back behind the microphones, but not the cameras, as she joins with former KKOB-AM radio host Larry Ahrens in trying her hand at talk radio, report reliable insiders. The duo will set up shop at AGM Radio in ABQ. It's unclear which FM frequency AGM will switch to accommodate the two high-profile talkers. Some industry sources say it will be at 106 FM. Whatever, they will have an uphill fight to get a significant audience, say the media experts.

"Diane is well-know but has shown little interest in politics or controversy, the staples of talk radio. There will be a curiosity factor but she will have to prove herself in a medium that in many ways is actually much tougher than TV. Larry also has high name recognition, but the station he will be on will have much less power than KKOB and it is doubtful he can attract the kinds of numbers he did there," analyzed one radio exec monitoring developments.

Anderson recently left KOAT-TV where she anchored for nearly 15 years. Friends say it was not related to poor ratings, even though KOAT has slid into third place in the 10 p.m. news for the first time in a generation. The comely anchorwoman said she wanted a more family-friendly schedule, but the station would not accommodate her. That brought some comments from fellow news hounds who pointed out that journalism is not a "family-friendly" profession and those who get ahead often sacrifice family life for the ratings race.

It will be several months before Anderson and Ahrens light up the phone lines at the new talker. They will do separate programs. Time will tell whether the magic they bottled at their old outlets will transfer to their new media home. Stay tuned.

SANCHEZ INTRIGUE

Raymond Sanchez
Santa Fe wall-leaners think they see a behind-the-scenes deal in Big Bill's naming of former NM House Speaker Raymond Sanchez to the University of New Mexico Board of Regents. The conspirators think the Guv will now not have too hard a time with Raymond's Senate Majority Leader brother, Michael Sanchez, and Michael's well-known "independent streak." They think Raymond's appointment to the UNM board makes Michael "grateful" to the Guv for the appointment.

It's an open secret that Big Bill touted Sen. Phil Griego for Majority leader in the early going, but he could not make the grade. The naming of Raymond has other Alligators claiming Big Bill got a "twofer" with Raymond, pointing out that new House Majority Leader, Ken Martinez of Grants, is a protégé of Raymond, who in turn was a protégé of Kenny's father, the legendary former House Speaker Walter Martinez. Aaah, the web and intrigue of our beloved La Politica.

THE BURGOS BLOG

Republican Mario Burgos has caught the blogging bug. Burgos, who unsuccessfully sought a a seat in the state house last year, decided to stay in the game anyway and blogs regularly from his conservative armchair and PR shop in Santa Fe. You can check him out here.

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Altamirano
Call it the price of power. Veteran insiders deep in the know at the Santa Fe Roundhouse tell "NM Politics with Joe Monahan" that it appears the State Senate coalition of Dems and R's will be busted, but in order to get the deed done several major committee chairmanships will go to "turncoat" Dems who previously voted with the R's to make the coalition, or were seen as possible crossovers to keep the coalition alive.

The top shocker: ABQ Dem State Senator Cisco McSorley as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. That's the same Cisco who voted with the R's to make the coalition possible with then-Sen. Richard Romero as President Pro Tem.

Another big bomb: ABQ State Sen. Shannon Robinson as chair of the Corporations Committee. The volatile Robinson never voted with the R's for the coalition, but was so incensed at the coup of Pro Tem Manny Aragon at the hands of Romero that insiders say he was a possible turncoat.

Yet another headline: ABQ State Sen. Dede Feldman holds on as chair of the Public Affairs Committee. This after she toyed with the idea of running for Pro Tem herself and maybe even looking to the R's for help.

Another failed Pro Tem contender, Sen. Carlos Cisneros (D-Taos) will remain as chair of the Conservation Committee, according to my exclusive sources who say their information is solid. (No chair for Sen. Pete Campos who also made a bid of Pro Tem)

AGE POWER
Fidel
And one more surprise for you: 81 year old State Sen Joe Fidel of Grants has apparently decided to assume the chairmanship of the all-powerful Senate Finance Committee where he has been vice-chair. This after months of rumors that he was not keen on taking on the heavy workload. Senator John Arthur Smith will have to settle for vice-chair, report our Santa Fe Alligators with decades of Roundhouse power playing under their belts. Current Finance Chair Ben Altamirano of Silver City is slated to take back the President Pro Tem's chair exclusively for the Dems and is giving up his finance chairmanship. Altamirano is 80. The old bulls rule!

This deep insider info is so hot I am told that top Legislative Republicans are still in the dark. "When you have the power you act. Ben had to give to get. But it appears that after five years of life the coalition has had a stake driven thru its heart," said one of the Alligators speaking to me from the very heart of Santa Fe power.

It's the Senate Committee on Committee's chaired by Ben that will officially name the chairs when the Legislature convenes in less than two weeks.

The news will be greeted warmly on the Fourth Floor of the Roundhouse. Big Bill inherited the oddball Senate coalition of D's and R's, but if they were able to keep it alive under his reign he would look impotent to fellow Dems. Not a position you want to be in when you are running for national power.

FINAL NOTE

The State Senate is looking pretty liberal from this corner. Michael Sanchez as majority leader and liberal Senators McSorley, Feldman and Robinson chairing committees. The R's have their work cut out for them. These chairs have also been a thorn in the side of Big Bill. But only those who dare to play have a chance at power. The Democrats who strayed, or threatened to, are living examples of that.

For Big Bill and the regular Senate Dems this is the price they willingly pay as they invoke the age old techniques of the Movida and move aside the minority party at all costs.

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Bustamante
In these contentious times the power of the Secretary of State to interpret and administer election laws is highly coveted by both political parties. For the Dems it has been easy street as they have held down the office for decades. But a three way fight for the Dem nomination for the position is shaping up for 06' and has some Dems a bit concerned. A direct report from a top Dem Alligator goes like this:

"Joe, there are three contenders so far for the job. Former Secretary of State Stephanie Gonzales, Bernalillo County clerk Mary Herrera and Santa Fe County clerk Rebecca Bustamante. Rebecca has had a very controversial term, including highly publicized arguments with the county commission. Her nomination could cause the Dems some trouble. I think Stephanie will be the early favorite, but some of us think nominating Rebecca could lead us to the same problem we had when Art Trujillo won the nomination for land commissioner two years ago," reported our Dem source.

Trujillo, you may recall, lost the Land Commission post to Republican Pat Lyons because of Trujillo's ethical baggage. It was only the second time in decades that the GOP was able to get one of their own in that powerful post. It may be unfair to dub Bustamante the weak link in the race. She may argue she has the toughness to stand up to the R's. Still, it may seem impossible for the GOP to grab the power of Secretary of State, but if they are smart they might start looking around for a solid candidate.

INTEL CHIPS IN

The Intel spinmeisters were earning their dollars this week as they phoned into the blog with concerns over a story we linked to questioning the $2 billion dollar tax break the Rio Rancho semiconductor firm will get as a result of Sandoval County approving a $16 billion dollar industrial revenue bond for the company, the biggest in U.S. history.

Former TV anchor August Meyers, now spinning for the chipmaker, told us that Intel questions the Reuters report, saying it was not balanced and did not mention the benefit that Sandoval County would receive. The report did mention that the county could reap up to $95 million from Intel over te next 15 years for passing the bond, but Meyers said Intel will do that and more and pointed out the contributions the giant firm has made to the county and state over the years.

For political junkies, the 1994 defeat of Dem Governor Bruce King at the hands of R Gary Johnson will always be linked in a way to Intel. It was King who pushed for the first round of tax breaks for the company in the early 90's that made possible a big expansion, one which led to the the hiring of Gary's Big J Enterprises, an employment contracting and construction firm. Johnson's made his big money with Intel and used a chunk of it to retire Bruce. So go the ironies in our beloved La Politica.

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Can't even the winners be happy? NM Dems have good reason to bitch about the state of their party after Kerry's loss here, but even winning doesn't stop the back stabbing and finger pointing in La Politica. GOP sources report in that they are upset even though Bush won the state. Why? Because the state party finished up with close to $200 grand in the bank; money these disgruntled R's say should have been used to help statewide judge candidates and R candidates in close contests like Ward Camp's closely fought battle for Public Regulation Commission in which he lost to Dem Jason Marks.

"The November election was the Super Bowl. We should have spent every penny and then some," argued one embittered R. But supporters of State GOP Chair Allen Weh say the party ended up with a big surplus because big money came in at the last minute and Weh did not have time to dole it out. The critics fire back that party pros knew money would be coming around Election Day and should have kept spending and tried harder to pick up a state senate or house seat or two.

Whatever the case, Chairman Weh has indicated he will seek re-election to the post this year and no doubt will use the rare party cash surplus as a campaign point.

WORDSMITH ON BOARD

KOB-TV's Neil Simon checks in to let us know the Guv's office confirmed our Tuesday report that a new speechwriter came on board this week at the Fourth Floor. He is Scott Downs and joins the Big Bill media stable after working the Guv's office in Indiana. Welcome to New Mexico, Scott. Not that you will be seeing much of it. But someone will slide a sandwich under your door every once in a while.

TV PARTICULARS

KRQE-TV, Channel 13 recently finished in first place in the hotly contested 10 p.m. November news ratings for the first time in its over 50 year history. But the naysayers said it was because a bunch of old people were watching, not the 25-54 year olds that advertisers covet. But sources come through with the age breakdown and they confirm that 13, which beat out KOB-TV by a nose, is performing solidly among the younger audience.

"While KRQE's households were up 33%, adults 25-54 increased 80% from a 3.5 to 6.3 rating. Adults 18-49 were up 75% from 2.4 to 4.2. KOB experienced a 7% drop in this age group, KOAT a whopping 25% drop. KRQE is now second in this group," informed our deep media insider.

By the way, recent radio ratings in ABQ put new liberal talk station KABQ-AM 1350 with about a 2.0 share of the audience. Not bad for a start-up. Are there more lefties out there than we thought?

Keep the email coming so we can all keep up with the latest on La Politica. You can remain anonymous, just don't be too vindictive.

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In another sign that Big Bill will soon be headed back to the national stage, reliable sources report he has hired a speechwriter to help craft the message that he hopes will land him a spot on the national ticket in 2008. The new addition comes on the heels of the Guv's assumption of Chair of the Democratic Governors Association and the continuing speculation on who can best pick up the pieces of a shattered Democratic Party. The new speechwriter (don't have the name yet) last worked at the office of outgoing Indiana Governor Joe Kernan who lost his bid for election to Republican Mitch Daniels.

The new wordsmith will join message managers Billy Sparks and former ABQ Trib reporter Gilbert Gallegos on the Fourth Floor of the Merry Roundhouse. Pahl Shipley picks out the Big Fella's ties. (Hey, Shipley's a TV guy) Chief of Staff Dave Contarino remains major factotum.

If the Guv is serious about running for the White House, he will be using the services of his speechwriter soon. Candidates vying for 08' can be expected to appear at various events in New Hampshire and Iowa this year. The Guv's national ambitions got a pop from New York Times columnist Bill Safire who appeared on NBC's "Meet the Press' this weekend. He was asked, partly in fun, who he thought would lead the Dems in four years. He predicted Indiana U.S. Senator Evan Bayh for Prez and Big Bill for VP. Hmmm. Perhaps that speechwriter from Indiana can let the Guv know more about his possible rival for the top slot.

DOWN IN DONA ANA

There was plenty of lawmaker misbehavior to occupy our attention in 04', but no where was it more noticeable than down in Dona Ana County. Get a load of this list of 2004 officialdom misdeeds from a Las Cruces reader:

--County Commissioner Art Terrazas saw electric theft charges against him dismissed by a judge who said prosecutors did not prove how much theft occurred. He was accused of illegally tapping into an electric line and sucking the electricity into his mobile home.

--County Clerk Ruben Ceballos was removed from office after being convicted of numerous violations of state election code.

--Deputy County Treasurer Rocio Gamboa was arrested for an outstanding warrant; court records show a string of traffic offenses.

--Magistrate Judge Reuben Galvan was suspended from the bench and now faces criminal charges of rape and bribery.

--Public Regulation Commissioner E. Shirley Baca of Las Cruces was arrested at the Albuquerque airport after screeners found marijuana and drug paraphernalia in her luggage.

It seems Billy the Kid would feel right at home in his old stomping grounds, even in the 21st Century.

Keep the email coming so we can all keep up with the latest on La Politica. You can remain anonymous, just don't be too vindictive.

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Goodbye 2004. I'm sure going to miss you. I fear that the resplendent headlines of the past 12 months including, "Judge Brennan Busted for Coke" and "PRC Commissioner Baca Nailed in Pot Bust" simply were too good to happen again. But this being New Mexico perhaps my fear is misplaced. When in the 400 years of this Enchanted Land's history have our public officials failed to live up to the high regard we hold them in? Don't worry abut 2005. It will be anything but boring.

One of the headline makers of 2004 was GOP State Rep. Joe Thompson of ABQ's far NE Heights who was busted for drunk driving after sponsoring tough anti-drunk driving laws. The mishap ended the Legislative portion of his career, but apparently not all public activity. Joe was seen shmoozing with Big Bill for most of the Wake Forest UNM Lobo basketball game, just a day before it was announced Thompson would be on of UNM's new lobbyists for the upcoming 60 day session. He will get 20 grand for the work.

Attorney Thompson's place in the GOP is interesting for the Big Guy. He is close to GOP power player/lawyer/lobbyist Mickey Barnett who can count on the friendly ears of State Reps Youngberg, Fox-Young and Dan Foley. Mickey's sway is a far cry from the golden olden days, but that's still three votes and three voices that Big Bill doesn't need against him at all times.

Thompson and the Dem Guv got a along just dandy at the legislature. In fact, one of the Big Guy's few political miscues in 04' was when he came out with a wimpy statement regarding Joe's DWI arrest and took major heat for it. But the alliance persists, again highlighting the trouble the GOP is having in making a unified pitch against the popular occupier of the Fourth Floor.

PHIL, WHERE ART THOU?

Speaking of that UNM lobbying deal, what happened to veteran lobbyist Phil Larragoite and the $96 K he was raking in for doing the job before Big Bill's UNM Regents awarded the deal to Thompson and former Senator Romero, among others? Losing the fat deal has to hurt. Will Phil recoup with another government venture, or is he out in the cold? Just asking.

YOUR DOLLARS FOR DEALS

The biggest financial winner of 04' in the NM business community was Intel. The giant chip maker in Rio Rancho won a deal from the Sandoval County Commission that will allow it to save two billion dollars in taxes in the coming years. That's right, two billion. The deal has drawn national attention as critics ask when is enough enough in trying to attract and keep jobs?

The intel hit brings to mind the never-ending hype over Eclipse Aviation. The thing has been in the news for five years and is now getting taxpayer money from the state investment fund. The politicos are orgasmic over its future prospects. But critics ask: if the idea is so great why does it need millions in taxpayer money to get off the ground? What happened to private funding? And should taxpayers invest in stuff that takes years and years to become reality? How about jobs for the people of today? They are just asking.

Happy New Year and thank you for tuning us in. Please email me your political news, gossip etc. You can remain unnamed and there's a link at the top of this page. We are always interested in hearing from old and new Alligators alike.

Make our site, WWW.JOEMONAHAN.COM, one of your favorites and e-mail a link to interested friends. Interested in advertising to NM's large political community? E-mail me from the top right of this page, or call 505-243-4059 for details.

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