The public and press may believe there's only one player on the state political stage, but don't tell it to Attorney General Patsy Madrid. She's hosting a coming out party in 2004 and she's the honored guest. The diminutive and feisty Madrid has fired several shots across the bow of Big Bill and Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, but her recent attack of Bill's cherished presidential caucuses is the one you hear echoing loudly. Madrid said the caucuses are a waste of time because they will attract few voters.

Friends of Madrid tell me she is stepping on the gas as the first year of Bill's term ends and her own ambitions for the Guv's office crystallize. "She's determined to prevent a line of succession for that office that leads directly to Diane. She's distinguishing herself now by being one of the very few Democrats to publicly disagree with Bill. A lot of them would like to, but she's the only one who has done it."

For sure, Dem dissenters seem to cower in fear of the Big Fella. But Patsy is independently elected so she can afford to fire. Still, her public opposition is notable. If for any reason Bill were to depart office, Denish would be next in line. Another supporter put it this way: "She wants the state to know she is no believer in a hand-me-down governorship. It may sound farfetched, but I think Patsy might even consider challenging Bill for re-election. She wants it that bad." Really?!

Despite her opposition to the caucus format, The AG hits the road for a two day tour for Prez contender Edwards this week; a tour that will remind New Mexicans she is not to be forgotten.

MANNY AND RICHARD: BEDBUGS OR BEDFELLOWS?

Two pro-tems of the state senate, Manny Aragon (past)and Richard Romero (present) are on the same team again, probably for the first time since they shot hoops together at St. Mary's High in Downtown ABQ. (Richard says Manny hogged the ball). Now they have joined with politico Dan Serrano to host a fundraiser for presidential contender Dick Gephardt Sunday at the Old Town Sheraton featuring Congressman Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Island (son of Senator Teddy). I asked a Valley insider if this meant Manny was supporting Richard's run for Congress. I received a flat "no" in response. Romero attacked Aragon in his first run for Congress in 02.' Seems they can forgive enough to get together for Gephardt, but not forget enough for Manny to endorse Richard. Valley alligators say Majority Leader Manny is supporting former DEA agent Eli Chavez for the Dem nomination to take on Heather in the Fall. As for Gephardt, the Missouri Congressman is getting good Valley support and also has the prominent Maloof family in his corner who maintain ties to ABQ while attending to business in Nevada.


ROD ADAIR: UNLEASHED AND UNCENSORED

If opponents of Roswell State Senator Adair were trying to chase him out of the senate the plan flopped. The GOP's Light Guv nominee in 02', responding to our report yesterday that the rumor mill had him on the fence, emailed me the following: "I am gathering signatures to run for re-election. I have never had any plans to hand off this seat. I have every intention of running again."

Adair took issue with me for publishing the rumor asking: "What was the point?" He also said I was a liberal, a member of the NM political establishment and engaged in a conspiracy with "Inside the Capitol" columnist Jay Miller. He also wrote that "you have no grounds for virtually anything you ever say." I guess I won't be using Rod in my promotional brochures. But we thank him for the chuckle and wish him well all the same as he fights the GOP brushfires that continue to burn as the party sorts out its internal power struggle. Rod is a noted Dendahlite and foe of current GOP Chair Gorham.

PREZ UPDATE

I haven't told Shea at the Trib yet, but he is 'partnering' with me to cover the February 3 caucuses. Here's the latest: Shea Andersen

Hey, we are not Fox News, but we try to be 'fair and balanced.' Please email me your comments, criticisms and general impressions of life from the link at the top of this page.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2004
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