State Rep. James Taylor doesn't know the shoe size of Manny Aragon, and he isn't about to ask. That's because Taylor, a ten year veteran of the State House who will be recommended to Big Bill to fill the Aragon State Senate seat by the Bernalillo County Commission tonight, doesn't plan on filling the legendary Aragon's shoes.

"James Taylor is not Manny Aragon. I will never replace him. He will always be one of my heroes because of the way he advocated for people without a voice," Taylor declared in a late-night conversation that covered his political future and the inner workings of our beloved La Politica.

Aragon has ascended to the presidency of NM Highlands University after a thirty year run in the NM State Senate that will go down in NM history as one of the most productive as well as one of the most controversial of any elected public official since we became a territory in the 1800's.

Taylor makes the move up with a bit of hesitation. After all, he has to give up his position as House Majority Whip and a possible shot at the House Speakership in the years ahead. But the Senate comes with a four year term, not two, and the prospect of a rapid rise in the leadership given the aging lions who populate that 42 member body. In fact, Taylor, 38, will soon become the youngest NM state senator.

But it could have been an even younger contender. Sources deep on the inside tell me that ABQ City Councilor Eric Griego, hearing that Taylor might not be fully committed to the jump, put a word in with Big Bill for himself. But Taylor quickly shut the door and Griego, who may have seen an opportunity like Taylor to make a statewide move down the road, will
continue to mull over a candidacy for Mayor of ABQ next year.

PATIENCE EQUALS POWER
Manny
Taylor is nothing if not a legislative junkie who enjoys the political game as much as Big Bill who will be glad to have Taylor in the Senate, but is also not upset that the feisty Taylor, who did not shy away from challenging him on occasion, will have a less public pulpit, at least until he pays some Senate dues.

Taylor says he has the patience to wait his turn in the Senate. Why not? With Manny and Richard Romero gone and social security checks awaiting many other top dogs, Taylor's turn may come sooner rather than later.

No doubt that caught the eye of State Sen. Michael Sanchez who represents Valencia County and whose county commission will also get to recommend a Manny replacement to Big Bill because part of that county falls in the senate district. Sanchez mentioned several possible replacements for Taylor to the commission and Taylor's name was noticeably absent.

But Taylor is ignoring the possible snub and preparing to "represent the rural interests" that dominate his district. He hopes to pick up a vote or two when the Valencia panel recommends, but he's a lock at tonight's Bernalillo County meeting, and more important, he has a lock on the one vote that counts--Big Bill's.

By appointment of the Guv, Taylor will finish out Manny's Term which ends this year. Taylor must be selected by the ten members of the Democratic Party Central Committee who live in the Senate district to replace Manny on the November ballot for the four year term up for grabs. That too is a done deal and expected within days.

REPLACING TAYLOR: ALLIGATORS SPEAK

It took a while, but finally the South Valley Alligators have surfaced now that Taylor is a Senate sure thing. That little bout of hesitation from Taylor on his bump-up put a damper on speculation on who would replace him in the House. But now the Alligators arise and I have the exclusive info on who is jockeying for power.

First on the list is Ralph Sigala, a 61 year old Ph.D., and vice-president of student affairs at UNM and a former director of the UNM Valencia County campus. Dr. Ralph served on the ABQ School Board back in the 80's and friends say he is working to get to the State House. Taylor speaks highly of him. And is there a Gallegos in the House? They'd like to have one. Dickie Gallegos, brother of outgoing Bernalillo County Commissioner Steve Gallegos, is an associate superintendent with the Albuquerque Public Schools, and also making his move for the Taylor seat as is Ernest Chavez, a 67 year old retired city of ABQ employee and longtime Valley political operative.

Insiders score this one for Sigala, but I add my customary caution about predicting anything that is going to happen when it comes to ABQ South Valley political power plays.

Talk on the street has it that the remaining months of Taylor's House term will not be filled, that the Bernalillo County Commission will choose to keep it vacant and let the Democratic Party Central Committee name a Taylor replacement for the two year term on the line in the November balloting. The Republicans have little hope of picking up the House seat, but express guarded optimism about Republican Fernando C de Baca, who will face Taylor in November for the Manny Senate seat. Dems call that wishful thinking.

It's true that no one will soon or maybe ever demonstrate the legislative acumen or ability of Manny Aragon. But it's also true that the time is long overdue for a new generation of New Mexican politicians to enter the game. James Taylor is about to be given the ball. Let's see if he can write a play book.

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(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2004
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