What does Rory Ogle know that we don't? Is the GOP ABQ NE Heights State Rep thinking the electorate will just forget about the wife-beating charges he faces? That the Dems will just say "aw shucks, Rory's a nice guy, let's leave him alone?" Just what is it that gets into some guys once they get a few votes and make their way to Santa Fe? And what is it in the New Mexico body politic that makes outrage such a precious commodity?

Say what you will about ABQ State Rep. Joe Thompson, but when he was busted for DWI after yelling from the rafters about the need for tougher DWI laws he did the right thing and announced he would not seek re-election. Ditto for disgraced District Court Judge John Brennan, busted for coke-snorting.

But apparently Rory doesn't understand that when you hit your wife with a bed headboard and you are in a drunker stupor while doing it, you are not suitable for public office!

A friend of Ogle's reports he is "hanging tough" and right now doesn't plan on resigning. That same friend tells me Anita Ogle is still “hopping mad and hurting” and there is no forgiveness from her around the corner for Rory. She plans on divorcing him.

If Ogle gets to stay, just what is the standard of behavior for our elected officials? Show up and breathe? Come on, Rory. Do the right thing. Already you are causing grief for GOP Chair Allen Weh who called on you to resign and cited the epidemic of domestic violence in the state as one of the reasons.

WAITING FOR THE WOMEN
Ogle
Now, with each passing day, the drumbeat is going to grow louder. State Senator and Dem congressional contender Richard Romero has already stated: "If he remains in office, Mr. Ogle will bring shame to the State Legislature." Next, we need to hear from Congresswoman Wilson, First Lady and leading anti-domestic violence advocate Barbara Richardson and female lawmakers, especially Ogle's fellow Republicans.

The usually level-headed State GOP House leader Ted Hobbs is saying of Ogle's escapade: "Everyone makes a mistake." Right, Ted. "Sorry I got wasted honey and slammed you with a headboard, but don't worry, it won't happen again and oh, by the way, I think I would make a great legislator. Can I count on your support?" Earth to Ted: If this 'mistake" is allowed to stand it's a libel on all of you at the Roundhouse.

Ogle is unopposed for re-election. Only a write-in candidate can get on the ballot at this point and would have to declare by the end of the month. Dont be surprised if one does if Ogle continues his down-in-the-bunker act. Ogle must resign by August 31st to get his name off the ballot in time. The Bernalillo County GOP Central Committee would name his replacement. If he resigns after the November election, the Democratic-controlled Bernalillo County Commission would fill the Ogle vacancy.

When it comes to public officials why should we give a darn about their "personal tragedies," their family dysfunctions or their emotional imbalances? Did we hire them so we could give them group therapy, or to handle our hard-earned tax dollars and uphold the laws they pass?

Bad enough that Anita Ogle got slammed with a bed headboard. Now, New Mexico is being given a national black eye by a legislator who claims "he is thinking of his family" and not the public. Rory, think about your family all you want, just don't do it on public time or on the public dime. Get out while the getting is good.

HASH WITH HEATHER

Having over a million bucks in your re-election kitty gives you time to indulge in those little luxuries of life. Besides being able to stay in nice hotels, you can help out your political friends. That's what Congresswoman Heather Wilson is doing as she hosts a $125 a pop Friday lunch for ABQ NE Heights legislative hopeful Greg Payne. The kicker is that Payne may not even need the 10 grand or so he will raise at the Albuquerque Country Club affair. So far, he is unopposed for the seat being vacated by the GOP's Joe Thompson.

But Bernalillo County Dem Party Chair Linda Lopez has said she is hunting for a Dem to replace the one who quit shortly after winning the primary election. Meanwhile, populist Payne is taking no chances and will hang with the country club Republicans as long as he needs to, and he will spend the money on his campaign, opposed or unopposed.

DEFINITELY QUIRKY

Not many weblogs about Albuquerque and New Mexico seem to hang around very long, but the twenty-somethings and the adventurous are still being ably serviced by Quirky Burque, a weblog that takes a walk on the wild side quite regularly. Adults only please.

Make our site, WWW.JOEMONAHAN.COM, one of your favorites and e-mail a link to interested friends. Interested in advertising to NM's large political community? E-mail me from the top right of this page, or call 505-243-4059 for details.

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