Heather
Big Bill isn't the only sitting incumbent who is interfering in the June 1 primary contests. GOP Congresswoman Heather Wilson has decided to make the GOP State House nomination fight in ABQ’S NE Heights between State Rep. Larry Larranaga and Rob Burpo her fight. Wilson fired off a letter of support for Larry telling his constituents he is "a man of character and decency.” Larry is in a tough match with Burpo who used to represent the area before seeking the GOP Guv nod in 2002. For his part Larranaga, a longtime GOP moderate, has enlisted the support of the Barnett-Dendahl right wing of the split GOP to try to bring this one home. But it's a dog fight with anti-Dendahlite Burpo, who has been working it hard. The Dendahlites may feel they are behind as they launched attack literature accusing Burpo of working to get a road paved in front of his house while serving in the people's House.

If Burpo wins, Heather, who has also been leaning towards the Dendahlites, could have a savvy opponent on her hands. Of course, after the election everyone will make the peace and forget the nasty past. Right?

NEWSPAPERS AIM GUNS AT BARNETT-DENDAHL FACTION

Weh
Politicos around New Mexico are taking note of how the ABQ Journal and Tribune editorial endorsements of State House candidates leaves the Barnett-Dendahl wing 0 for 3. The Barnett backed contenders, Justine Fox-Young, Mario Burgos and Larry Larranga, failed to earn a single endorsement from the ink-stained wretches. Observers safely comment that that is no accident. But some are asking where is the new chair of the Republican Party, Allen Weh, in all of this? Yesterday's newspaper had a picture of Barnett and a list of who he was backing in the GOP primary races, but there was no comment from or mention of Weh. Does he support the Barnett candidates? Does he think the NM Republican National Committeeman, Barnett, should not field candidates? Does he feel the congressional delegation should be taking sides in primary fights? Tough questions.

Seems we have two Republican parties here, and the new 'official' GOP leadership is staying eerily quiet about the fratricide being committed. But it won’t be quiet when the winners and losers will have their own vendettas, based on what happens next Tuesday. Don't say we didn't tell you.

LAURA AND THE SHY WALLETS

"Disappointing" is how several top Republicans describe the fundraising event held with First Lady Laura Bush last week at the ABQ Old Town Sheraton. "Even with tickets deeply discounted, they were a hard sell," said one GOP insider. The $1000 tickets had to be discounted to $250.00 to get people in the door, and the event, according to another GOP source “raised a whole let less than the $150,000 that was promoted."

Some in the GOP are saying the low-dough show for lovely Laura shows weakness in the Bush-Cheney campaign here. Others attribute it to Repubs being tapped out of cash after being hit on for the past year. And still others say the rancor and divisions in the party may be hurting money raising. Laura may not have been able to open the GOP wallets much, but her visit was a PR success. TV coverage focused on her reading to kids at a local school. TV news, at least what I saw of it, showed none of the money raising going on

PAID POLITICAL

Friends:

Every election is important. But this years election is especially critical to the future of New Mexico. I ask for your support for re-election. I will continue to bring strong leadership, accountability, integrity and hard work to the State Legislature as your District 30 Representative.

Over the last ten years I’ve lived here, my wife and myself have built a successful printing business through hard work and the willingness to listen to every customer. Now, with your help, I'll continue to bring that same work ethic to my constituents and to our legislature. I look forward to talking with you in the days ahead as we bring our, "Support New Mexico Business" campaign to the people and the business of Albuquerque.

Make our site---www.joemonahan.com--one of your 'favorites.' Bookmark it now and send a link to interested friends. Want to advertise to NM's large political community? E-mail me or call 505-243-4059 for details. And thanks for e-mailing me your news tips and comments. There's a link at the top right of this page.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2004
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