We call him Big Bill, but young State Rep. Al Park may be calling him rich Uncle Bill. Certainly, the Guv has taken the ambitious attorney under his wing with word coming to us that Park will be the beneficiary of one of the highest priced ever fundraisers for a NM legislative candidate--$1000 a pop. Veteran politicos can only site the 2000 epic legislative battle between Raymond and John Sanchez as perhaps having an equally priced event. The fundraiser comes on the heels of Bill's famous $10,000 a ticket Wonton Party that was first reported here. (See my March 31 archive)

The 33 year old Park's “private reception and fundraiser" will be held May 4th in Santa Fe. It's being hosted by longtime politico and State Transportation Commission Chair Johnny Cope and Santa Fe attorney Bill Robins. Big Bill is listed as "special guest." Of course, he is more than that. Putting over $10 or $20 grand in Park's campaign kitty in one fell swoop will give him, if not ownership rights, certainly a long-term lease on the up and comer. The Guv said the money raised the night of the Wonton Party, perhaps hundreds of thousands, would be dedicated to Dem legislative candidates as well. Surely, our Guv and Dale Carneige both know how to win friends and influence people.

PARK FILLING HIS METER
AL PARK
Park has no problem turning to Bill as he will face Republican Kathy Leyendecker in the November election for House District 26 in ABQ's SE Heights. She is an appointee of former Governor Gary and has demonstrated fundraising acumen. As I have reported, the Park-Leyendecker battle will likely be the priciest legislative battle of the year. Park, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, is seeking a third two year term. He grabbed the limelight during the October special session when he shepherded a sex offender bill thru the House. He hopes to use that as a crime-fighting issue in the swing district which is 50% Dem, giving Kathy an opening for the upset.

But the big reason Park sees victory as essential this time is his future ambitions. He has eyes set on the 2006 Democratic nomination for attorney general, and a legislative loss to Leyendecker would be devastating. With Big Bill throwing him thousand dollar a ticket party's, Park is obviously ready to put it all on the line. Will Kathy respond? Or is Park hoping the huge dollar event will perhaps give her second thoughts about getting into a money race with him? Whatever the case, the Park campaign treasury is about to bulge. The Sandia Prep grad sent word thru the grapevine that he is up to raising $100,000 for his race if needed. When you are a Friend of Bill that could turn out to be pocket change.

GRAND OLD PARTY---FOR THE D'S

Some mischievous R's, looking to the Democratic National Convention, are already putting the needle in their rival party. Take a look at part of this "official schedule" for the Dem confab that some NM R's are getting laughs over.

6:30 p.m.- Anti-war rally no. 1. 6:40- Ted Kennedy proposes a toast. 7:00 - Tribute theme to France. 7:20- Ted Kennedy proposes a toast. 7:25- Tribute theme to Spain. 7:45- Anti-war rally no. 2. (Moderated by Michael Moore) 8:00- John Kerry presents one side of the issues. 8:25- Ted Kennedy proposes a toast. 8:30- Terrorist appeasement workshop. 9:00- Gay marriage ceremony. 10:15- Re-enactment of Kerry's fake medal toss. 10:30- Cameo by Dean 'Yeeearrrrrrrg!' 10:40- Ted Kennedy proposes a toast. 10:50- Pledge of allegiance to the UN. 11:00- Double gay marriage ceremony. 11:20- John Kerry presents the other side of the issues. 11:30- 'Free Sadaam' pep rally. 11:59- Ted Kennedy proposes a toast. 12:00 a.m. - Nomination of Democrat candidate.

Of course, the Dems can take heart that the R's are apparently worked up enough over them that they are getting an early start on the digs. With New Mexico's Big Bill chairing the Dem convention, the D's will have plenty of opportunity to return the fire.

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(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2004
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