They aren't going public, but there are some unhappy campers over the recent appointment by Big Bill of Isleta Pueblo Governor Alvino Lucero to the State Fair Commission. Why? Because Lucero heads up one of NM's big gambling tribes and now will have a say in how their competition, the Downs At Albuquerque, goes about its business. Those making the rumblings claim Lucero might be biased against the track to protect his own casino. But his supporters say Lucero will actually look more favorably on the Downs and its casino because he knows what it takes to keep an operation profitable. The Fair Commission will only have indirect say on most matters at the Downs.
But the commissioners will have a direct say on the lucrative liquor concession at the Fair, and as we reported here, (see Dec. 16th on this page) the resignation of State Fair Chair Carol Cloer, who Lucero replaces, raised questions about that matter. Garduno's of restaurant fame has the deal, but well-connected Fresquez Concessions wants it back. And now, the commission, minus Cloer, has decided to put the deal out to bid paving the way for a possible change. Sources say Chair Cloer was not keen on the Fresquez play, thus she bid adieu. We'll let you know when the concession deal is sealed.
GODBEY AND MICKEY AND MARIO IN THE MIDDLE
BURGOS
"Where has Ron Godbey been?" That's what his primary opponent, Mario Burgos, is asking after our report yesterday confirming Godbey would seek reelection to a fourth two year term to his East Mountain House seat. Rep. Godbey fired a shot at the 34 year old newcomer saying he "is one of Mickey's Boys." Mickey being Mickey Barnett, ringleader of the Dendahl wing of the state GOP and at war with current Chair Ramsay Gorham. Burgos called me to say he told Godbey over a year ago that he was considering running, and it was not Mickey who put him in the race. "Ron ought to get used to having opponents," jibed the up and comer who heads the non-profit Junior Achievement program in the state. In fact, Burgos said he thinks the state Republican war needs to end now, and that he supports Ramsay. But, he adds, "if Mickey, or anyone else in the GOP, wants to donate to my campaign that's fine."
A New York native, Burgos is a newcomer to New Mexico, (welcome to the wars, Mario) but his wife, Roxanne C de Baca, is a native New Mexican. The two rivals will be able to keep a close eye on each other. The Burgos' are raising their family right down the street in Cedar Crest from Godbey.
92 YEARS OF LA POLITICA
Thanks to reading Heather Wilson's newsletter (I know, get a life) I was reminded that this week New Mexico celebrated statehood day. On January 6, 1912, New Mexico became the 47th state.So if you did not have a reason to celebrate this weekend, get to it. What other place has this much political intrigue? Ok, maybe Louisiana. But who likes crawfish?
Viva, New Mexico!
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(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2004
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