Reliable sources at the Roundhouse report that there is NO chance of the governor’s proposed alcohol taxes passing. After being assured they were not imbibing, we asked our high-level contacts why. The reply:

“A big lobbying campaign has already started. Lawmakers are receiving hundreds of postcards from liquor industry employees, including those of the influential Maloof companies. It is effective.”

Add to that Senate Finance Chair Ben Altimirano who put on his running shoes to immediately distance himself from the booze tax when it came down from the Fourth Floor. Ben and the budget boys think state liquor taxes are plenty high already and the proposed increase that would double or triple the tax on beer, wine and liquor would make NM one of highest liquor tax states in the nation. Oh, and next year’s an election year and maybe the industry might make some campaign contributions. Think so?

By the way, Ed Mahr is the leading lobbyist for the liquor industry. He is solo now, but for a number of years teamed with the legendary lobbyist Bob McBride, who is also busy at the special session. Old timers will remember Mahr when he was managing editor of the ABQ Journal back in the 70’s. As for the liquor industry, it was one of the most powerful forces in the Legislature in the 60’s. Times change and today the liquor and tobacco lobbies are very much on the defensive, but still fighting.