Did you notice that standing ovation at the legislature on opening day for Lt. Guv Diane Denish? And when was the last time you heard of a Light Guv getting to carry her own legislative package? Big Bill rewarded Diane for her past year of loyal service by letting her carry the bills to get tough on the methamphetamine labs popping up all over. By chance, I ran into Diane just before the session began. She was very relaxed and at ease. Obviously the Hobbs native has not adopted the hyper-active ways of Big Bill, and it suits her just fine. Being the political agitator I am, I even brought up the name of her archrival, AG Patricia Madrid. But she didn't even blink. In fact, she gave a faint smile.
And why not? Diane has been on a bit of a roll this past year. She has worked hard to get where she is in politics (several losses) and has not taken anything for granted. She crammed for her positions as presiding officer of the state senate and has drawn solid reviews for her knowledge and style. She's also presiding over a children's cabinet group, has had no negative press and her candidate for president, Senator Kerry, is coming off of a big win in Iowa.
Her political soft spot is support among Hispanic Dems. She is still paying the price for hard-hitting ads she did against former Secretary of State Stephanie Gonzales when they both sought the LT. Gov. nomination in the 90's, and the aforementioned Madrid can always be counted on to keep the heat turned up.
Lt. Guv's can be a thorn in the side of Guv's. Remember Casey Luna under Bruce King? But Denish is taking the road well-traveled by Walter Bradley under Governor Gary. Like him, her personality is quite different than the governor she serves, and she also has Walter's same business-like approach. Bradley's dream of getting the top job went unfulfilled. That's one similarity Diane definitely does not want to share with her predecessor. Her time will come, but for now this 'lady in waiting' is fine with being a picture of patience.
BLOTZ BIDS GOOD BYE
By the way, for all you media guys and gals looking to join your many colleagues in the warm embrace of Big Bill, there's an opening. Tim Blotz, who is helping out Denish with her PR, is leaving. Blotz, a former channel 7 anchor, will be back before the TV cameras at at FOX affiliate in Minnesota. Minnesota, Tim? Take some hot green chile. Meanwhile, the search for Blotz's' replacement is on.
WE'RE IN FARMINGTON AND WE'RE SEMI-LIBERAL!
The conservative Farmington Daily Times wrestles with the state's Medicaid crisis, and comes to some suprising conclusions in this Daily Times editorial.
Make our site one of your 'favorites.' Bookmark it now and send a link to interested friends.
(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2004
Not for reproduction without permission of the author