Jeremy Reynalds, director of New Mexico's largest emergency homeless shelter, has this to say to all of you politicos who have been fortunate to find success in the Land of Enchantment: Reach into those well-lined pockets and help those in need. And I want to second the motion.

All of us in the political game have a great opportunity to share some Christmas joy through this web site by simply clicking on the Joy Junction icon on this page and making a donation via Paypal. It's quick, easy and it will mean a better life for literally thousands of people. Last year Jeremy and Joy Junction provided help to over 5,600 men, women and children. Clearly, your donation will make a difference. If you work in politics or government, you are especially aware of the needs in New Mexico. Donating today to Joy Junction, one of New Mexico's most treasured not-for-profit agencies, is a great way to express the Christmas spirit. And it will make you feel pretty darn good about yourself too! The funds will be used to provide food, shelter and life skills to New Mexicans who need a helping hand to get back on their feet. So let me join with Jeremy Reynalds in wishing you a Merry Christmas and urging you to click on and make a donation right now.

JUST DON'T CALL ME NAMES
There are some bruised egos over a move in Washington to name the newest federal courthouse in downtown ABQ after Senator Domenci. An upset brigade of supporters of the late NM Governor and Federal Judge Ed Mechem think it's high time Mechem was so honored. The say that Pete, who unlike Ed is alive, should wait his turn. In other words, when Pete joins Ed in the great beyond.

One of the Mechem supporters wrote: "Ed Mechem was a federal judge for many years. Pete is a legislator. Ed's name belongs on that building." Further, the Mechem advocates say, the decision to name federal courthouses is usually reserved for the judges of the federal district the building is in, not the Congress.

Mechem was in his 90's when he died earlier this year. He was a Las Cruces native and served several terms as a GOP governor in the 50's and early 60's. There's been talk of naming the federal courthouse in Cruces after Mechem, but nothing has happened. The group of Mechem supporters is contemplating going public with a letter to the federal judges alerting them of their concern. Of course, the whole problem could be avoided if we required buildings only be named after dead people. That's the way it used to be. But now there's all kinds of stuff named after politicos who are still walking tall. Let's hope those so honored don't succumb to any human failings in a major way while they are still with us, lest we find ourselves having to remove a bunch of nameplates from prominent places. That would surely amuse Ed Mechem.

TELL ME ABOUT IT ON THE RADIO THURSDAY
Let's talk some politics together Thursday from Noon to 1 p.m. on KKNS-AM 1310 Radio in ABQ. The aforementioned Jeremy Reynalds hosts a bouncy talk show there each Tuesday and Thursday and top lobbyist Scott Scanland and I will join him Thursday to take a look at the latest from La Pollitica. We'd like to hear from you so call in with your comments and be on the air with us. The KKNS call-in number is (505) 260-1310

Remember to e mail me with your latest political news, or take on all things political. We don't need your name, just your news tips and opinions. Bookmark out site and send it to interested friends. Thanks for your continued support.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2003
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