BLOTZ
The PR positions in state government are looking like Northern bureau's for Channel 7 and the Journal as the parade of reporters and broadcasters into the waiting arms of Big Bill continues unabated. Word now is that former KOAT-TV anchorman Tim Blotz has saddled up in Santa Fe and is posted in the office of Lt. Governor Diane Denish.

Blotz, a popular weekend anchor at 7 for three years, is the latest to hang up the microphone and join what working reporters refer to as "the dark side." Tim, a native of Wisconsin, is on contract to the Light Guv to provide PR for the Children's Cabinet Group which she directs. Blotz, who insiders say drew good ratings, told me he was hitting the ceiling at 7 and there was no chance that he was going to be promoted to weekday anchor so he decided to go out on his own. Besides working with Diane, he is producing documentaries with Chris Schuler and his Christopher Productions. (Chris is an alumnus of KRQE-TV).

Reporters have been fleeing newsrooms in droves in the Duke City this year. From KOAT alone, Pahl Shipley, Charles Wollman, Matt Dillman and now Blotz have made the switch. The Journal's Bill Hume, S.U. Mahesh, and just this week, chief politics writer Loie Fecteau (see story below) have gotten aboard Big Bill's press caravan. KOB-TV contributed to the cause when Conroy Chino became Secretary of Labor. And don't forget the ABQ Tribune. Gilbert Gallegos, one of New Mexico's top political analysts, threw in the pen this year and joined the Guv's team as well. You gottta wonder what these 'glamorous" reporting jobs are paying these days. Apparently not enough. We'll do a story on that later.

Is the hiring of all these press experts making a difference or going to make a difference in the way Bill is treated? No, but it does insure that there will be plenty of news going out keeping his profile high indeed. For her part, Denish has played it cool when it comes to the spotlight, appearing on occasion, but never usurping the Guv, as the training manual for Light Governors instructs. But a little dab of PR certainly can't hurt her future prospects, especially when you have Patsy Madrid looking over your shoulder.

By the way, former Gov. Johnson press secretary for eight years, Diane Kinderwater, an alumnus of KOB-TV, is now a spinmeister for State Senate Republicans. Like I said, we've got enough ex-reporters up there to open a newspaper and TV station. I can see it now: "Good Evening. This is Dick Knipfing. Here's the latest news from KBIL.......(Other news anchors, please don't get mad that we used Dick as an example. We're sure all of you will be getting equal offers from Bill soon)

WANT YOUR MESSAGE TO REACH THOSE HARDEST TO REACH? ADVERTISE HERE

If you own a business or are with a major New Mexico company and need to reach the key-decison makers in the Land of Enchantment this web site is THE place for your message. Who reads "New Mexico Politics With Joe Monahan"? Our audience is the elite of the state: Top executives and CEO's of major NM based companies, elected officals at all levels, top government staffers, journalists in New Mexico and around the nation, our Congressional delegation, Washington insiders, judges, attorneys, mayors and anyone else with an interest or stake in the outcome of the political process. In other words, the very hard to reach.

In the coming election year, we will have special insider reports from the Legislature, exclusive analysis of the key election races and reporting that is quoted in such prestigious publications as the National Journal's "Hotline" and Campaign and Elections Magazine. Our audience will continue on a high-growth path.

It really is an unique opportunity because you cut thru the clutter and reach an audience with influence and high disposal income. Our inagural sponsors, Enterprise rent-a-car and Joy Junction, see the high value of being here and we thank them. You can join them and get your message to an audience that is critical to your future success in New Mexico. You or your ad rep can call me directly at 379-9050 for details, or email me at jmonahan@ix.necom.com. There's a link at the top right of this page. We guarantee your message will be seen by the powerbrokers of New Mexico, and you will be supporting an endeavor whose mission is to provide a needed forum for all the important happenings on the state poltiical scene.

Make our site one of your 'favorites.' Bookmark it now and and send a link to interested friends.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2003
Not for reproduction without permission of the author