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Thursday, December 22, 2005

2005: It's A Wrap: Our Final Take And A Peek Ahead, Also: One More Big Bill Story, Plus: A Merry Christmas From Your Blog 

2005 is a wrap. So when your grandkids check out their New Mexico history books years from now what will they learn about the year that was? Most likely the Robert Vigil-Michael Montoya treasurer scandal will be the one story with any staying power. The most unforgettable line of the year, and perhaps in state history, came from that scandal when ex-Treasurer Montoya was quoted about the corruption: "It's how we do business in New Mexico," he asserted. Will the scandal spur our present leaders and the next generation to make that line "inoperative?" We can only hope.

Another event that may earn a footnote in those history books is the spike in oil prices and the wealth it brought to one of the poorest states in the nation. And history will surely judge whether our Governor and Legislature exercised imagination and innovation in spending that money and whether they finally began to tackle the generations old problems that have kept us at or near the bottom of the national rankings in key quality of life measures.

One of the enduring ironies of New Mexico is that it has one of the biggest savings accounts, (the huge Permanent Funds) in the nation and lately some of the largest annual surpluses. Yet, we remain mired in social and economic purgatory. Somehow New Mexico must summon the will and get at the root causes that have held us back. Our Governor and Legislature may have to gamble on jobs and education programs and other concepts that might fail and cause them some political hurt in the short run. But don't the recent riches bestowed upon our state come with an obligation to do more that just construct buildings?

Political leaders are fond of adopting slogans for the new year. How about this: "The Year of Opportunity." Wouldn't it be something if the NM history books of 2050 said 2006 was the last year we ranked last?

FINAL SPIN

Big Bill's spin doctors were not quite ready to hang out their Christmas stockings late Wednesday. They were pointing out how a a baseball scout from long ago has surfaced to buttress the Guv's contention that he had every reason to believe that he was to be drafted by major league baseball. The old timer said he was authorized to offer $25k to sign up the Guv but it never came to pass because Big Bill's father wanted him to finish school.

The Guv bought himself a credibility gap when it was reported that he had never been officially drafted by major league baseball as he had stated on his resume. He's hoping the scout's recollection will bench that story in the new year.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

New Mexico's politics can easily exasperate the most patient soul, but when it does there is consolation that more than compensates, and it's usually not any further than your doorstep. The ever-changing skies, the desert, the mountains, the forests. Great artists swoon in their presence and spend lifetimes attempting to capture their essence. Every day New Mexico is like your first Christmas: magical, mystical and larger than life. Enjoy.

Here's my annual Christmas card to you. I'll see you back here January 3, 2006. Until then, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to New Mexicans everywhere.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
Not for reproduction without permission of the author

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Stop The Shopping! We've Still Got La Politica; Ex-land Boss Baca Going Again; Dem Duel With Ray Powell On Tap, Plus: Death Calls NM Grande Dame 

Jim Baca
The bells of La Politica ring with breaking news even with the holiday just hours away. Late Tuesday as I was buying expensive gifts at the neighborhood Wal-Mart, my cell phone played Jingle Bells forcing me to set them aside. If you miss getting yours, blame it on Jim Baca. That's right Baca is back. My phoning Alligator informed that the former two term State Land Commissioner will try to make it three, and that sets up an exciting duel for the 06' Dem nomination with Ray Powell, also a former two term land boss. This news was enough for me to put the gifts on lay-away and head back to the blog.

When I reached Baca (who is currently toiling part-time for Big Bill) at his ABQ North Valley home he said that pending a final conversation with wife Bobbi, he was a go. He even tried out a campaign slogan on me: "Save the Enchantment." It could also be "Save My Political Career." When he faced voters in 2001 for re-election as ABQ Mayor he finished fourth.

TELL US WHY

So why, after serving as commissioner for eight years, does Baca want the job back? "I want a constitutional amendment that would conserve more of our state lands. That's issue one," the longtime environmentalist told me. And he added a personal note. "I am now 60. A lot of guys my age feel life is over for them. I don't. I still have a lot to give and a lot to learn," offered the former director of the federal Bureau of Land Management. (Hey, with big Social Security checks, free medical care and plentiful Viagra, being sixty something doesn't sound so bad.)

The Alligators, who would work Christmas Day if we let them, floated to the surface with analysis. "Jim has the edge. A low primary turnout favors a Hispanic and a liberal like him," chimed in one.

Maybe. But Powell is a savvy politico. Neither veteran will hesitate to run an aggressive campaign to capture this prize. And watching it all will be unlikely Land Commissioner Patrick Lyons. The GOP incumbent won in 02' on the back of the drunk driving record of his Dem opponent. It won't be so easy this time and Pat will need all of the $1 million friends say he hopes to raise. But he too is tough and shrewd and maybe the R's best hope for an 06' statewide win.

YAWNER TURNS EXCITING


So a June primary election that looked to be a big yawn is shaping up as one with some spark. The three way contest for AG, now the Land commissioner duel, plus a two way race for State Auditor. And late yesterday a reliable Alligator told me: "Joe, it looks like Dem (ex-State Treasurer) James Lewis is gearing up for a run against (State Rep.) Lucky Varela for Treasurer."

The unfolding competition among Dems will make for some tough campaigns, but it is healthy for the state's majority party and will make for better elected officials. The R's need to get solid candidates aboard for these offices and concentrate on unifying themselves for the battle ahead.

Keep it coming politicos. But wait until after Christmas, won't you? I have to get that shopping done sometime.

SHE DID IT ALL
Carol Kinney
Carol Kinney was a polished player of the political arts for better than half a century. She was instrumental in getting then-husband Harry Kinney twice elected mayor (1974-77 1981-85). Carol, 82, died of a stroke last week while visiting Massachusetts.

I first met her in 74' as a cub reporter for KUNM-FM radio covering Harry's first inauguration. (Jim Baca became his press secretary). She was tough, elegant, involved, determined and committed. Her contributions to New Mexico go on and on and you can see them here. As ABQ's first, First Lady in the modern era, she set the standard and did it with class. It was a life fully lived on the brightly lit stage of La Politica. And now, with deserved applause, it's exit stage right for New Mexico's Carol Kinney.

ONE MORE TO GO

Can you believe it? The calendar will soon turn to a new year. But we have one more blog to go before going on holiday with you until 06.' Join me tomorrow for a final take and some holiday cheer. And thanks for visiting today.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
Not for reproduction without permission of the author

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Dem AG Race: Can King Be Beat? Insider Polls Have Him Way Ahead, And: Toney Anaya On The Trail, Plus: The Lt. Guv Takes A Turn In The Spin Room 

Geno Zamora
If you believe the polls, there is good reason the Dem field for Attorney General has been shrinking; it's because Gary King has a whopping lead. A poll that the son of ex-legendary Governor Bruce King conducted two months ago shows him garnering 34% of the vote with ABQ State Rep. Al Park, who recently dropped out, placing second with only 5%. Park is a believer in the King poll telling me his own survey, done before he threw in the towel, showed Gary with even more strength--38%.

The writing on the wall became clear to ABQ attorney Eric Sedillo-Jefferies who, as first blogged here, called it quits last week. That leaves just Santa Fe attorney and former Big Bill legal counsel Geno Zamora and District Attorney Lemuel Martinez remaining to duke it out with King, a former state who has had a bad run of late. He lost out to Big Bill for the 02' Guv nomination and got whacked in 04' by GOP U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce. But the stars may finally be aligning for a King comeback.

Zamora and Martinez are no quitters and Geno's friends tell me he has raised nearly 300 grand. Lemuel will run as a conservative tough on crime Dem who has statewide appeal. His fundraising will be critical. There are rumblings that things could go negative between Geno and Lemuel, but both are glad there's now only two, instead of three, Hispanic candidates in the field. That gives one of them the chance to consolidate that crucial voting bloc and perhaps give Gary a real fight.
Since attorneys general tend to go places (think Bingaman and Udall) this is a race that all of us will enjoy watching.

TONEY ON THE TRAIL
Anaya
Was that former liberal Dem NM Guv Toney Anaya walking around last night at the GOP Bernalillo County headquarters holiday party? Sure was, according to our insiders. And he was tagging along with none other than GOP AG candidate Jim Bibb who is married to Toney's daughter. "That's like Typhoid Mary going to the Red Cross party," joked one R wag. Besides being Guv, Toney was a crusading NM attorney general back in he 70's. The other R running is Bob Schwartz, crime advisor to Dem Big Bill. Of course, Toney or Bill would never try to have any special influence with a Republican Attorney General. Of course not!

DIANE'S TAKE

I'm quite confident that the story regarding Big Bill's public physical contact with Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish (see story below) and her blunt quotes pertaining to it, is legitimate news. Just like when Light Guv Casey Luna had his disagreements with Governor King. In fact, I think the story will probably advance nationally if Big Bill's Prez campaign takes off. But there's always room for another view and Diane begs to disagree with us and the original take in the ABQ Journal. She blogs in with this:

"I'm surprised at your reaction because, frankly, it was a non-story. The Governor and I have a great relationship. Herb (Denish) and I have known and worked with Barbara and Bill for 20 years. He's an outgoing guy who sometimes teases people to lighten things up.

To clarify, when I said the Governor was sometimes annoying I also said like a little brother or a classmate in school. That was not in the story. The story and your blog tried to make the Governor's charismatic manner sound like something it wasn't.

Any inference or suggestion of anything inappropriate is just plain wrong. Any suggestion of a problem with my relationship with the Governor is dead wrong and wishful thinking on the part of our opponents." So said our state's #2 as the story made the rounds.

Thanks for stopping by. Please e-mail your political news, comments, corrections or criticisms. There's a link at the top of the page. See you tomorrow.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
Not for reproduction without permission of the author

Monday, December 19, 2005

Big Bill's Blues: Lady Di Puts Coal In His Stocking; Too Close For Comfort; Says She, I'm A Friendly Guy, Says He; A Tale That Will Jingle Your Bells 

Bill & Diane
Forget about that spaceport, new high schools or commuter rails. Nothing beats out the Battle of the Sexes for headlines. And that's what NM Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish opened up as she unloaded on Big Bill like we have rarely seen. The Saturday shocker hit the news stands with a front-page photo of the arm of a grinning Guv dangling dangerously near the Light Guv's forbidden zone and accompanied by a batch of scathing quotes from Lady Di that had prudish cheeks turning as red as Santa's suit. It will be yet another historic entry in the never-ending book of La Politica; one they'll be reciting in the years ahead more than Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The only thing missing is the ending, but oh my, what a beginning.

The ABQ Journal headline hinted innocently at merriment: "Hands-on Governor" it read, but from there it was all grinch for the Guv. The photo of him and the Light Guv seated at a groundbreaking ceremony depicting him with a devilish smile was a political nightmare. Where the hand on the gubernatorial arm was finally ending up was not clear. (Di said her leg) but where that photo will end up was as clear as the Christmas star that guided the three wise men: on the campaign trails of Big Bill. (The Journal did not post the snapshot on its Web site nor publish other photos of the duo they referred to in their article).

And then there were those quotes that had Mr. and Mrs. New Mexico spilling their Christmas blend Starbucks: "He pinches my neck. He touches my hip, my thigh, sort of the side of my leg," revealed the state's #2. It all sounded like an office holiday party gone bad. Won't someone please hide the mistletoe?

But there was more. According to Denish, Big Bill is "silly" "adolescent" and "annoying." Hey D, tell us what you really think.

And then she crowned the Christmas tree saying the Guv had never touched her in an improper way, (what was that photo then?) but added that physical contact in a public setting could be, as the Journal paraphrased her, "misconstrued." Oh no, let's not go there--An Affair To Remember?

IT'S A HEAD SPINNER

Back slapping Big Bill
Have you caught your breath yet? OK. Let's continue and ask and answer the questions your inquiring minds are dying to know. How did this come about? Why did Diane D unload the heavy artillery? What are the political implications?

The Guv's back slapping and bear hugging are trademarks. But when it comes to showing affection in the post-Monica Lewinsky age you are best advised to make it a guy thing. The Journal photog let the flashbulbs fly as Big Bill played Bad Boy Bill with Di. Those photos (only one was published) were shown to her and then she was asked for her reaction.

"Diane was cornered. I think she felt if she did not come out swinging the unwashed public would interpret the photo as her having an irregular relationship with the Governor. She said as much. Second, the behavior is offensive, especially to women, and if she did not separate herself from it she would be severely hurt politically when she sought the Governor's office herself," analyzed an Alligator in good standing around here.

POLITICAL FALL OUT


"The story hurts the Governor most where he has been trying to to gain some traction--on the conservative East Side. This is not the type of stuff that wears well in the Bible Belt. Diane is a native of Hobbs and helped him carry that area. He can hope the story fades away, but if the R's bring it up during the campaign he will need her by his side for damage control.

"In a way this may give Denish some leverage. It would be silly for Bill's operatives to go after her, although in some quarters of the Democratic Party she will be hit for being so blunt. He might try to give her more responsibility to show that he takes her seriously and respects her, and by inference, the critical female swing voters." So said a Dem soothsayer with contacts at the highest levels.

NATIONAL FACTOR
Hillary
"This could hurt Bill more in his presidential bid than in the Governor's race. He will spend $10 million here if he has to and this incident, as long as it is isolated, should be overcome. But the leading presidential candidate is Hillary Clinton and this is a slow pitch across her plate. Denish is an elected official with credibility who is a fellow Democrat. It's damaging because it raises all kinds of questions and the photo is just the type of stuff the opposition can and will try to use to derail him in conservative Iowa and New Hampshire. But it could also hurt him on the left with feminists and liberals who are important in the nominating process." So said a source who asked for complete anonymity. And I mean complete. "Don't even call me an Alligator," they pleaded.

Also from the ranks of our in-the-know sources came this:

"One thing that comes to mind is whether Diane will try to soften the blow and say she may have been a bit harsh or otherwise try to pull Bill out of this. Of course, he's the one who put himself here and any more publicity could be self-defeating."

If the Guv was looking for help from his cabinet to bail him out, he was disappointed. For example, outgoing crime adviser Bob Schwartz, apparently trying to defuse the incident with humor, offered up this hapless one liner: "He's never laid a finger on me. Maybe I'm just not his type." Ha Ha. Not.

CALLING THE GHOSTS OF XMAS

Big Bill said his physical approach is "innocent" and the way he connects with people. "I guess that's what I get for being friendly." No, it's what you get when you run for President of the United States, scrutiny that would make a proctologist wince.

For Big Bill political events have been moving faster than Santa's sleigh. He took a fall on his faulty baseball resume and his use of state aircraft. He started bouncing back with the big spaceport and commuter rail announcements. Now, he's back where he started faced with yet another remodeling job.

For Denish the break with Bill will be a defining moment of her political career. We need the ghost of Christmas Future to tell us how it will play out. But right now the ghost of Christmas Present is scary enough.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2005
Not for reproduction without permission of the author
 
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