Justine
Now that they have a new chairman picked, top Republicans are starting to focus on their hotly contested primaries in the ABQ NE Heights where the first shots have been fired. First up is the generational battle between incumbent freshman GOP State Rep. Bob White and 24 year old Justine Fox Young. White tells me he has filed a complaint with the Secretary of State's office after a flyer went out attacking him for criticizing State Rep. Joe Thompson for getting picked up for drunk driving. The letter from "Republicans for Responsibility" chastised White saying the print shop owner had a DWI of his own back in 1962. White is not complaining about that. He says he estimates that the flyer was sent throughout District 30 and cost more than $500.00 If it did, the committee needs to be registered with the Secretary of State. He's checked. It is not and he has filed the complaint,

Meanwhile, Young, legal secretary to Mickey Barnett, attorney and ringleader of the braintrust of ex-state GOP chair Dendahl, is raiding the Democratic Party for support. In a fundraising invitation, she lists Dan Weaks and Marla Shoats as hosts of the April 30 event. Weaks is a lifelong Democrat and a leading Santa Fe lobbyist. Marla Shoats is his lobbying partner. Both are old friends of ex-House Speaker Raymond Sanchez. Justine's father is Democrat lobbyist Charlie Young. Even so, Justine says she is the anti-tax candidate and it's White who has been consorting with Democrats. White wonders just how long Young has been a Republican.

It's a strange concoction up there, with Young favored by prominent Democratic lobbyists and at the same time being positioned by Mickey as the bright hope of the GOP's Dendahlites to gain legislative power. White is the frontrunner in the race. But sources in the district report Young is walking hard and mailing heavy. Turnout may favor the 60 something White. But hard work never cost anyone votes. We'll keep you posted.

IGNITON BILL IGNITES RACE

Remember that ill-fated measure to force every New Mexican to install an ignition interlock on their car even if they had not been arrested for DWI? It required all motorists to purchase the expensive option and it came courtesy of Dem State Rep. Ken Martinez of Grants. Through the grapevine, Martinez expressed puzzlement on why I strongly felt the measure was a political disaster. Ken, here's your answer.

In the NE Heights of ABQ, where ex-State Rep. Rob Burpo is challenging fellow Republican and incumbent Rep. Larry Larranaga, Burpo has trotted out Larry's support of the ignition interlock bill which was soundly defeated, but not before a good portion of lawmakers signed on to the bill. It made national headlines and was ridiculed coast to coast. (did they read it before they voted!?) Burpo and others are going to touch a nerve with this one. Conservative R's who especially don't like big government are prime targets and that's where Burpo is aiming. The only consolation for Rep. Martinez is that it's Republicans who are fighting over the far out bill.

Much of Larranga's district used to be represented by Burpo, who left it to unsuccessfully seek the R nomination for Guv in 02.' Adding insult to injury, Burpo's campaign signs say, "Let's Return Rob Burpo" as if he had never left the Roundhouse. Well, he did leave, but the question now is can he get back by taking out Larranaga, who has allied himself with the forces of ex-state party chair Dendahl, a group that Burpo sees as public enemy number one. The district is solid R so no D's need apply. Burpo vs. Larranaga: A key race to watch for Primary 04.'

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(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2004
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