Dave Cargo only served two, two-year terms as governor of NM and he did it back in the 1960's when most of the current players in La Politica were in diapers or just a gleam in their daddies eyes. Despite his limited electoral success, "Lonesome Dave" has managed to insinuate himself over the years into the highest circles of political power, continues to be quoted in major media and sought out by those aspiring to political careers. Your correspondent learned some tricks of the trade from the political legend while handling his media in his 93' race for ABQ mayor which he lost by a handful of votes.

Cargo turned 75 earlier this year and I checked in with him to see if time had mellowed the political veteran who earned the moniker "Lonesome Dave' by frequently departing paths with his fellow Republicans. It turns out that time has not taken a toll on the pugnacious politico whose acerbic and insightful wit is unleashed with minimum prompting.

---On today's governor and the governorship---"It's become way too imperial. What's with the three chefs and the big security detail? We served enchiladas and posole and I had one security officer and I sometimes shared the driving duties."

--On the partisan environment--- "It used to be about party loyalty, now its about ideology, The parties have lost a good deal of their grip on things and that's why we see so much more personal bitterness."

--On big government---"Bureaucracy is the big change. It hs far outpaced population growth. And a lot of it is puffery, public relations. They spend money on things that are not at all critical."

--On the Legislature--- "It is down, but not out. The Legislature is about to start reasserting itself. It always does but because the Governor and the Legislature are of the same party it has taken longer than usual to take hold. But it will."

--On why NM is so poor--- "We have two economic classes here. And the well-off folks really don't see the depth of poverty in the rural areas and the North. That's one reason why we have not solved the problem. If people don't see the problem, they don't think it exists. Unfortunately, on this one there are no easy answers."

CARGO'S WAY

Cargo's legacy will probably not be his days as governor, although he earned reasonable performance marks. He will be most remembered for trying to build a more inclusive GOP, courting Hispanics and bringing them into the party and the government, traditional for the Dems, but not for the R's until Cargo. He also is partly responsible for the current districting of our Legislature, having brought suit against the "at large" system that prevailed until he and others won a court victory that took effect in 1964.

Cargo sought elective office many times after his run as governor, but he was never able to replicate the success he had in the 60's. But he practiced law, remained active in all things political and never stopped caring about the state he adopted after getting his law degree in Michigan. Both his parents were school teachers and Dave often seemed to be lecturing which was maddening to some. But his lecturing was never condescending. His deep respect for the traditions and people of NM earned him a wide following.

Cargo's life today remains active with international consulting, intense reading, his three sons, a daughter and a grandchild and a two hour daily exercise ritual that keeps him fit and always ready for another round of political conversation. He is also working on the Mora County Library, named in his honor. He still starts every answer to a question with "let me tell you, Joe..." And we still anticipate what's to follow. So happy birthday Governor. It seems being "lonesome" can sometimes make you a lot of friends.

Make our site one of your 'favorites.' Bookmark it now and send a link to interested friends. Want to advertise to NM's large political community? Email me or call 505-243-4059 for details.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2004
Not for reproduction without permission of the author