There I stood, deep in the South Valley admiring the fall foliage, when suddenly a group appeared--alligators! "Oh no," I thought, "not politics on this nice holiday weekend." But soon I found myself escorted down streets lined with houses built before Lincoln was President. I was taken to the very heart of La Politica, the birthplace of the centuries old tradition of no-holds-barred political power plays. Here, there are 'movidas' so complex that they would leave Karl Rove scratching his head. Being a gringo from Pennsylvania, I was honored to be admitted to this shrine so I sat quietly in the inner sanctum and listened...and listened.

On State Senator Linda Lopez: She has "put too much on her plate," the alligators said, and a Democratic primary opponent for her may surface. The name offered up was Yvette Griego of the Bernalillo County Parks and Recreation Department and a niece of former South Valley Bernalillo County Commissioner Al Valdez, who was appointed chairman of the NM Veterans Service Commission by Governor Bill. Here's how the playbook is being written:

Linda was the ringleader to get the State Senate to adjourn during the recent special session called by the Guv. The move failed, but had Senate Majority Leader Aragon, and reportedly the Guv, hopping mad. Lopez is now eying the Senate President Pro Tem job, but can only get it like Richard Romero did--with a coalition of several Democrats and all the Republicans. No Democratic governor wants that. Also, she did not get on board to save Manny when he lost the pro tem position to Romero by one vote a couple of years ago. On top of all that, Lopez' name circulating as a possible candidate for ABQ Mayor in 05' has also given rise to resentment.

Those hoping to take her down a notch believe primary opposition "should give her something else to think about." Linda is also seen as aligned with former Democratic party chair and now Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, who tangled with South Valley political alligators during her tenure as party chief. I was told any positioning over Lopez does not necessarily point to a divide between the Gov and Diane, but shows the separate interests they have for the future.

Ousting Lopez would be no easy task. She is seeking a third term and has had easy rides since her first election in 96'. If primary opposition to Linda develops and comes from Big Bill and Manny with the quiet hand of Al Valdez guiding the action, it will never be known publicly. These are decisions made deep in the caverns of La Politica where your correspondent was ensconced on your behalf and then returned to the infinitely less complicated and nuanced world of ordinary politics. I will have more for you tomorrow on "My Lost Weekend" in the Valley.

NO AIRPORT DELAYS FOR STATE TREASURER VIGIL
That's because Vigil doesn't fly anywhere. In fact, on a trip to a New York City investment conference the state's top money man opted for the train over flying. Publicly it's been a quiet year for CPA Vigil who has been at the center of some major political controversies the last twenty years. But he's a popular name on the ballot winning two terms as state auditor and now one as Treasurer. The fly in the ointment in the Treasurer's office has always been over the commissions that are paid to the brokerage firms that do business from the billions of dollars in state accounts. It's a big bowl of honey and if a state treasurer can't keep a wall up between his campaign and those firms, trouble can occur. Vigil hails from Las Vegas, NM and has 16 brothers and sisters (not a typo) who have been important assets to Vigil's political success.

By the way, Jan Goodwin, who Vigil defeated in the 02' Democratic Treasurer primary, landed on her feet with Governor Bill appointing her Secretary of the Taxation and Revenue Department. CPA Goodwin received high marks when she directed the State Board of Finance under Governor Gary. And in another "by the way," former State Treasurer Michael Montoya, who Vigil served as Deputy Treasurer, is reported to have ended his long bachelorhood and married one of his former staffer's from the Treasurer's office. Montoya, also a CPA, sought the Southern NM Congressional seat against the GOP's Joe Skeen in 00', but friends say he no longer has the political bug and will not seek public office again.

GOP UPDATE: THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD
Sources report GOP State Chair Ramsay Gorham traveled to Texas recently to continue negotiations over the role of the state party in the Bush reelection effort here. The warfare over that issue wreaked havoc in recent weeks, (stories below) but there still has been no announcement of love and peace and just what role state will have with national.

Make our site one of your 'favorites.' Bookmark it now and and visit regularly for updates.

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