Does Big Bill need a hearing aid? That's the question political observers were posing Thursday as they digested the Guv's statement embracing ABQ GOP State Rep. Joe Thompson who was busted for DWI this week and has withdrawn from the Public Regulation Commission (PRC) race as a result.

The Big Guy said Thompson "deserves a second chance,... is a first-rate lawmaker" and a "first-rate human being. At this difficult time for Joe and his family, we should all offer him our support."

Say what, Bill? No condemnation of the drunk-driving? No dismay in a top legislator who sponsored tough DWI bills only to commit the crime? No throw of a bone to the anti-drunk driving crowd and others decrying the "hypocrisy?" KOB-TV, among others, hit hard again last night pointing out that Bill says he is the Guv who has no tolerance for any state employee driving drunk, but did not apply that standard to Rep. Thompson.

BIG BILL: MY PAL JOEY

The Big Fella's bouquet to the House Minority Whip perplexed politicos. But one Republican said Thompson is the type of GOP legislator Bill likes. "He did not raise any noise this session on any of the governor's legislation and he did not bring up any controversial issues so the GOP could embarrass the governor." said a deep insider. Others pointed to Thompson's coziness with some Dem legislators, including Ken Martinez of ignition interlock infamy, as the political reasoning behind Bill's peck on the Thompson cheek.

Other observers claimed to be "mystified" and "astounded" by the Guv's love letter to Joe, which contrasts starkly with Big Bill's pre-session assertion that "DWI is my top priority." The voices of anti-drunk driving activists, Thompson's constituents on TV and callers to Jim Villanucci's KKOB radio show apparently were lost on the Fourth Floor. But the message was heard clearly here in the big city: public tolerance for legislators driving drunk is nil. And, Joe's embrace of tough laws and then violating them, especially rankled an electorate who often see the Legislature and Guv as protectors of special interests. As those comments echoed, Big Bill, self-identified agent of change, looked more like leader of the status-quo.

Some emailed that State Senator Griego and State Rep. Stewart also had DWI's, so Thompson's is no big deal. But they miss the point. Griego and Stewart are not major players in the legislative leadership or in their political party. Thompson is in the legislative leadership and a major player in the ongoing war in the state GOP. He is also a Republican, a party with a strong record of working for DWI reform. But, most important, times have changed.

The Griego-Stewart binges happened some five years ago. It was Big Bill who helped push the DWI issue to the top of the heap. Thompson was aware of the new public attitude when he withdrew from the PRC race right away. Didn't the Guv hear that? Or was he too focused on giving Thompson some payback for past help? Message to the Fourth Floor: Check the hearing aid section of your local Wal-Mart. We need the Guv back.

Meanwhile, Thompson's foes in his own party were quick to pile on Thursday. GOP State Rep. Bob White of the ABQ NE Heights called for Thompson to resign as Minority Whip. And State Rep. Ron Godbey of the East Mountains called for Thompson to resign all together. White is being challenged by Justine Young, the legal secretary to Mickey Barnett and Thompson. And the duo have fielded Republican opponents against Godbey for several election cycles. It is this "primarying" of fellow Republicans that has caused so much of the intraparty war. Opponents of the Dendhal-Barnett-Thompson faction are hoping to end it all by ousting Barnett from his Republican national committeeman's post at the state GOP convention in June.

THE HANGOVER

Meanwhile, Thompson remained under wraps, but speculation raged anew that he might try to keep his House seat despite the DWI. But sources close to him told me this week he would not, and they stuck to that Thursday. "He faces an arraignment in April and sentencing soon after with possible jail time. I don't think that will sell. He will try to take care of his personal problems." Said one.

Thompson is only 37. His nightmare week will not be the end of him. But his arrest, reported nationwide, was a step back
for the image of New Mexico, its Governor, Legislature and its politics. Perhaps those commenting on this should keep that in mind when they say its a "personal" matter.

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(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2004
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