"Dream on" is the response of the Gen. Wes Clark New Mexico campaign to our report that Dean plans a quick killing here and will "take the state." A "Stop Dean" movement is going to bloom here in the weeks ahead and Clark's people say it will be their guy who will spearhead it.. "We think we are the only credibile alternative and a big reason is the the Hispanic voter,"' a Clark advocate told me. He pointed out that Democratic heavyweight Ed Romero blanketed the state with personal invitations for Wednesday's grand opening of Clarks NM campaign headquarters in ABQ. "Ed has literally raised millions for the party. He's tapped in and if he commits to this deal Clark could make a move."
So far Dean's main appeal has been to NM's Anglo professionals and young voters, leaving the Clark camp an opening to make the Hispanic play. A spokesman for his campaign, Luis Vizcaino, told me Clark "will have the resources" to put up TV ads. He says Clark speaks fluent Spanish and we can expect some Spanish TV. But what personal appeal Clark has to Hispanics is a great unknown. In addition, turnout among Hispanics at the caucuses may not be as impressive as the Clark strategists hope. Also hanging over the General's head is his ties with former President Clinton and Hillary and whether he is just a stalking horse for them and their hopes to cling to power.
Former ABQ Mayor Jim Baca, an appointee of Clinton's, has endorsed Clark as has former Governor Jerry Apodaca, adding to the Hispanic flavor of the Clark candidacy here. Next week the campaign will announce another roster of "prominent Hispanics" who will give the nod to the general.
Brian Burke, Clark's NM campaign manager, was busy moving furniture into the campaign offices this week. Now that they've got the furniture moved the question is can they move Clark's numbers? Stay tuned.
JERRY APODACA: STILL DOING IT HIS WAY
One of my lasting memories of former Governor Jerry Apodaca is walking into the popular Santa Fe watering hole "Vanessie" and seeing Jerry at the mike belting out the song "My Way." Only in New Mexico! The lyrics of that classic mimic Jerry's topsy-turvy political life and times. Now the winter of his career has been lighted by Governor Bill who will announce next week that the Education Building in Santa Fe will be named after Apodaca, who served as governor form 1975 to 1979. Apodada, a Las Cruces native, was a school teacher before becoming a state senator and governor. The naming of the building after him is generating no controversy, unlike his days in the limelight of La Politica. That's because Apodaca is now under the scrutiny of history, not poltical opponents, and he comes out looking pretty good. In a conversation with him we talked about his success in education and he pointed proudly to his initiative to start statewide kindergarden and increases in teacher salaries--10% a year for four years-- that he pushed thru the Legislature.
As governor, Apodaca had terrible battles with opponents and the press, but he forged ahead with a sweeping reorganization of state government that has stood the test of time. And long before Governor Johnson, he was touting the benefits of exercise. He served as chairman of President Carter's Council on Physical Fitness and completed the Boston Marathon while governor. Jerry's poltical fortunes faded after his governorship. A bid for the U.S. Senate failed, as did a second run for governor in 98'. But he certainly did things "his way." Today Jerry is a consultant in Santa Fe with Butch Maki and Associates, a lobbying firm with very close ties to Gov. Bill. He is as fit as ever and keeps in touch whith his five children. His marriage to Clara ended in divorce, but she's remembered as one of the most active and productive first ladies in state history. Today she is involved in public affairs in Washington.
Apodaca helped plant the seeds for the sweeping education reforms passed by NM voters at the polls this year, and Big Bill is graciously paying down a debt to New Mexico's past with the building honor. The dedication will take place in Santa Fe Dec. 18th with Richard de Uriarte, the former governor's press secretary who is now a top editor at the Arizona Republic, presiding as master of cermonies. Jerry Apodaca will tell you he raised hell when he was governor. But he was a doer, and when it came to education he did good.
GREENS GROAN OVER BACON
Not all Greens are happy with the Kucinich for President campaign. KOB-TV's Neil Simon, following up on the story we broke earlier this week (see below), reports that Carol Miller, NM Green Party Chair, is put out by Bacon's decision to do a taped phone message in support of Kucinich and being dialed to Greens across the state. Miller thinks Bacon is being used. But she does plan to welcome back any of her Green Party faiithful who swich to the Dems just to vote for Kucinich in the Febraury 3. caucuses.
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(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2003