Apparently Light Guv Diane Denish opened a sore wound when she told a gathering of Bernalillo County Democrats over the weekend that she expected Richard Romero to "be our next congressman." Supporters of ER Doctor Miles Nelson, who is also seeking the Dem nomination for the ABQ congressional seat, were quick to come down on Diane saying they will not be deterred by her apparent support of State Sen. Romero as well as that of Big Bill's who has let his name be used in Richard's fundraising efforts. Denish's comments came at a meeting where all the candidates, including former DEA agent Eli Chavez, gave speeches.

Romero remains the heavy favorite in the contest to take on Heather in November, but Nelson's supporters are trying to make a race of it. Problem is it takes a lot of cash to get your car on the racetrack. Romero is stashing away the green stuff for a May offensive, while newcomer Miles continues to look for financing. It can't help when the state's two leading Dems are apparently mechanics for the Romero campaign.

GET READY...GET SET...AND GET FILING!

Meanwhile, the checkered flag is about to come down on all 112 legislative races as candidates prepare to file their petition signatures in Santa Fe Tuesday. Also, county candidates will make their intentions known. Will there be any surprise entrants or withdrawals? There usually is and we will be watching the action closely with top NM lobbyist Scott Scanland who will help me handicap the races that emerge. Denise Lamb of the Secretary of State's office will pull overtime to get you the very latest info, so be sure to check in with us this week for the answers to some burning questions. Will Rep. Joe Thompson run again, despite his DWi bust? Just how many contenders will fight for those two PRC seats? And, in ABQ, will Dem DA Kari Brandenburg draw ANY opposition?

RALLYING FOR RAY

Cancer stricken ABQ State Rep. Rep. Ray Ruiz is not alone in his battle. A couple of Saturday's ago at the Ladera Golf Club in ABQ a group of his friends gathered for an evening of comedy and fellowship and raised Ray $14,000 to help him and his family in their time of need. Although he is seriously ill with lung cancer, Ruiz says he will file for re-election. He has no announced opposition. Those on hand for the Ruiz benefit included House Speaker Lujan, ABQ Councilors Cadigan and Griego and State House members Picraux, Saavedra, Silva and Larranaga.

SPECIAL AD RATES FOR NM PRIMARY CANDIDATES

Candidates will be at the starting gate Tuesday when they file their petition signatures. I am offering special primary ad rates for political office seekers on this web site; an ideal way to reach the truly politically involved in NM--those who vote and those who frame the races. So give me a call (505-243-4059) or e mail me at jmonahan@ix.netcom.com and let's get your campaign before the state's most likely voters. Call now and do a two month agreement and I will post your ad for free for the rest of March!

EMAIL ME YOUR NEWS AND COMMENTS

Help me cover New Mexico politics. If you want to remain anonymous, that's fine. But share what you know on what's happening in your political backyard. Email me at jmonahan@ix.netcom.com or call me at 505-243-4059. There's a link on the top right of this page. I enjoy hearing from my readers and I respond to all my e mail, so drop me a line.

c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2004
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