Thursday, December 10, 2020Saying So Long: Udall Wraps Up Two Decade Congressional Run He didn't sound like someone who was going to stay around DC and become the next Secretary of Interior, although he has made his interest in that job known to the Biden team. Rather, NM Democratic Senator Tom Udall, in the final days of his 20 year congressional career, finished his 23 minute swan song on the Senate floor this week with these lines: As I return home to the West, I am clear-eyed about – even troubled by – how far away our destination is. But I am optimistic that we will get there. Like we always have before.”
We'll soon see if there's a last minute surprise for Udall at Interior. As for his DC decades--10 years in the House and 12 in the Senate--they will likely be appraised by historians in the context of the Udall family and their dedication to preserving and protecting the nation's natural beauty and environment. The Senator's father, Stewart Udall, was a notable Sec. of Interior under John Kennedy; his uncle, Arizona Rep. Mo Udall, was the powerful and effective chairman of the House Interior Committee (now Natural Resources). Following in his family's footsteps Udall, 72, added protections for millions of acres of western lands and was a player in keeping the environment near the top of the national agenda. In his farewell, coming in the midst of historic climate change, he remarked: Protecting nature is about protecting humanity. It's that simple. As Vice-Chair of the the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs the tribes were never far from his mind and he delivered for them. However, needed reform of the federal relationship that would put a dent in Native economic and social deprivation was a missed opportunity. Third World living conditions on reservations, so starkly revealed during this pandemic, persist. Unlike some family political dynasties the Udalls have not been tarnished by scandal and personal failings. They are comfortable in their own skin and have a sense of mission that has served them and the nation well. As Udall told his colleagues in saying goodbye, that mission is a long continuum that runs through good times and bad: I look at the young people across this country – who are calling for change. For climate action, for voting rights and immigrant rights, for economic and environmental and racial justice. They’ve held sit-ins in my office. Probably in yours too. They are demanding that we do better. And their determination gives me hope.”
Rep. Ben Ray Lujan will take over Udall's seat January 3, 2021. Hasta la vista, Senator. COOLEST BUILDING  Located on the Rio Pueblo, Pueblo de Taos is a living Native American community that was built in terraced tiers. It contains a multi-storied complex of adobe dwellings and ceremonial buildings. Before the first Spanish arrives in 1540, Pueblo de Taos was a center of trade. This cool traditional community was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. This is the home of New Mexico politics. E-mail your news and comments. (newsguy@yahoo.com) Interested in reaching New Mexico's most informed audience? Advertise here.   (c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2020 |
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