Sanchez
Who knows where Big Bill's whirlwind political career will take him, but if he does decide to hang around these parts, either by choice or circumstance, he might find himself doing a political deja vu. Word comes to us from Los Alamos that GOP 02' Guv candidate John Sanchez did everything but announce there that he will seek a rematch with the Big Fella in two years.

Some may be afraid to watch after the drubbing John received the first time around. While the fight wasn't fixed, it surely was a mismatch. But Sanchez is nothing if not a believer in himself. And why not? He has an appealing personal success story, looks great on TV and loves to campaign. And he has friends in high places. Among them is Karl Rove at the White House who has taken a personal interest in the ABQ North Valley businessman who served one term in the state house after ousting Speaker Raymond Sanchez in an historic political duel.

John is now a regional director for the Bush re-elect drive and is using the opportunity to travel the state and perhaps set the stage for the rematch with Bill. Here's what he said in Los Alamos as reported by the L.A Monitor: "No candidate can win that is outspent by $7 million. We forced Richardson to run like a Republican because he wouldn't have been elected otherwise. After eight years of Republican leadership, the pendulum was swinging the other way but Richardson needed to capture the conservative Democrats. It's those conservative Democrats that are having buyers remorse-the ones I didn't get that now say they made a mistake. I'm not here to say what my political plans are, but I can tell you I've never been more committed to getting New Mexico back on the right track."

Yep, It looks like a rematch if Sanchez can keep other Republicans out. And with Big Bill's popularity, why would they run? But John, please get on some political steroids before you jump in, we can't watch another match that has to be stopped by the ringside doctor.

HEY BILL, CALL ME AL

About that $1000.00 a pop fundraiser held Tuesday night in Santa Fe for State Rep. Al Park courtesy of Big Bill. (See my April 28 report). We are told by sources in the know that the event was "very successful." Translated to an educated guess, Park probably raised at least $25 grand. And a sidebar. Big Bill's generosity will surely be rewarded in the Legislature by Al who is already being talked up as a future Attorney General candidate, but Bill may also make friends with Park's father, a heavy-hitting lawyer with international business connections. That, according to a source close to Park Jr., who says such connections could come in handy for our Guv if he re-enters the national political arena.

A wild week so far in La Politica, so make sure you check our reports below so you don't miss anything. And a special note to Big Bill: Please slow down next week, we need a rest!

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(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2004
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