Legislators cower in his presence, diplomats defer, the press flocks to his job offerings. So who will stand up and take on Big Bill? Why, it's none other than Judge Judy! Bernalillo County Metro Court Judge Judy Nakamura that is. Friends of the jurist, who holds sway over the 16 judges at the state's busiest court, tell me she is working to round up the votes to keep her presiding judge title in the face of a move against her led by the forces of Big Bill.

Republican Nakamura could find herself out, observers say, as the result of Bill's engineered promotion of the GOP's Denise Barela- Shepherd to District Court. No doubt a Dem will get the Shepherd seat, leaving Judy a GOP vote shy of a majority and another term as Presiding Judge. But Nakamura is NOT throwing in the towel, friends say, in what is expected to be a duel between her and Judge Michael Cavanaugh who, according to sources, is Big Bill's contender for the post. (see story below) ABQ's Judge Judy may not have her own TV show, but she does have a solid record and the respect of a lot of folks. She spearheaded court reforms that have saved the city of ABQ millions in police overtime.

Her willingness to fight does not surprise one supporter. "Judy is anything but through. This is not all politics. Her competency could get her the one Democrat vote she needs." The Metro Court Christmas tree (contracts, prestige etc.) is at stake in the forthcoming battle. Maybe Big Bill is actually looking forward to a challenge. So far, his opponents have done little to train him for fiercer combat on the national stage to which he aspires.

CLARK: GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS' PAST

Dem Prez contender General Wesley Clark has yet to campaign here, but he is lining up old line political names in an effort to slow down Dr. Dean in the February 3 NM Prez caucuses. Chief Clark Honcho Ed Romero, doing some spade work for his old friend and Clark supporter, Bill Clinton, has filled out the 'NM Executive Committee' for Clark with a lot of "former" officeholders. But he's hit a brick wall getting current politicos on the bandwagon. Former legislators Jerry Sandel, Fabian Chavez and Odis Echols back Clark, joining former Guv Apodaca and former ABQ Mayor Baca. All are war horses of past campaigns, but Clark is going to have to mine some current powerbrokers if he's to seriously challenge Dean who has targeted our state with TV ads and field organization. Meanwhile, Dennis Kucinich will be back in NM today. In Las Cruces he will make a pitch for the liberal vote, his latest attempt to wound the good Doctor Dean in our backyard.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU

On Christmas Eve we will walk thru a brilliant field of luminarias near the Albuquerque Country Club, feast on tamales and maybe sneak a peek at a present or two and enjoy family and friends. Maybe it's old fashioned, but I still like to wish friends "Merry Christmas!" I know the generic "Happy Holidays" has been in vogue of late, but somehow that phrase does not evoke the joy and hope symbolized by that cheery Christmas greeting.

Here at year's end we'll take in a movie or three, catch the big exhibit at the ABQ Museum before it leaves town and do some paperwork. Yes, even the pen of La Politica must rest on occasion. It's a pleasure to have your company and I look forward to being with you again after the holiday. If you need a political "fix" there's lots of material in our archives that you will find of interest. And if you are looking to help another in the spirit of the season, just click on the "Joy Junction" icon at the top of the page and make your donation. Meanwhile, stay warm and be well.

Merry Christmas!
Joe

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(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2003
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