Sources inside the GOP tell me that the prospect of longtime Domenici aide Lou Gallegos assuming the post of executive director for the Bush re-election drive in NM may be fizzling. "The idea is still alive, but now there's talk of bringing in an outsider--someone from the Bush circle who doesn't have ties to either (former GOP Chair) Dendahl or (current Chair) Gorham," said one GOP'er close to the battle.
Gorham's chairmanship was flatlining before she woke up and started to fight for a say for the state party in running the Bush re-elect. She felt the Dendahlites were trying to take over. Sources repeat that Dendahl-associated consultant Jay McCleskey will not get the Bush job and assert that alone is a victory for Ramsay. "If she gets one of her own or Gallegos, that would be great, and even if she gets a neutral outside director that would also be a win," spun a Gorham backer.
The Bush NM ED could be named any day now, but sources say Sen. Domenici, tied up with the energy bill has yet to fully focus on it. That's good because this fight is way above the staff level and any compromise needs the elder statesman's full imprimatur, not just that of Republican National Committee operatives and Gorham who have fought tooth and nail.
Meanwhile, juvenile tricks are in full play in the ongoing squabble over Ramsay and the Dendahlites. The chairman of the Cibola County Republican Party released a letter calling for her resignation Monday signed by a dozen and a half fellow county chairmen from across the state. But Tom Carroll, Ex. Director of the State GOP, said his staff reached 12 of the chairmen so far and they disavowed signing the letter sent by Cibola Chair Gary Whittington.
To all you politicos trying to execute coups, we thrive on the action, but could you be just a little craftier?
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(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2003
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