It was announced as a PAC to help Hispanics, but Big Bill isn't letting that stop him from pledging his bulging PAC account to help Rio Rancho Democratic Anglo State Rep. Tom Swisstack, who won election by the closest of margins in 2002. Just seven votes separated him from incumbent Marsha Atkin. Now, Swisstack, a major friend of Bill's, and director of the Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention Center, is going to reap the benefits.

It would be instructive to know what qualifies one as Hispanic in the eyes of Bill's PAC, (Moving America Forward) Swisstack phoned in to me with the news that he is proud to sport Italian and Slovakian heritage. No Hispanics in the family tree, Tom says, but he is an ardent admirer of the culture. In an interview with Eric Maddy of the Rio Rancho Observer, the Guv said Swisstack is going to be taken under his wing, regardless of his ethnic background.

"One of my major priorities is the re-election of Rep. Swisstack. He's been very effective on DWI and education. He was probably the most effective freshman in the last session, and he works on a bipartisan basis. He's not an ideologue, and I think he represents you very well. So I'll campaign extensively for him. My political action committee will make a substantial commitment in radio and newspaper advertising and direct for mail for him. Keeping him is a major priority. I do recognize the growing Republican trends here."

The Swisstack seat is one the GOP is pinning their hopes on, and rightfully so. It is a true swing district with 40% D's and 41% GOP. Swisstack's opponent this time is retired military man Glenn Walters. But with Bill's PAC sloppy with cash the guidelines as to who gets the dough appear to be getting relaxed. Kind of reminds you of those Native Americans who claim 5% Indian heritage but want to open a casino.

KERRY AND NM GEOGRAPHY

Senator Kerry had to cancel his visit to NM today because of a veterans vote back in D.C., but even before that some wags were wondering why the soon-to-be Dem Prez nominee was planning yet another trip to UNM. He visited there in February during the NM Prez caucuses. Why not head out to Rio Rancho in search of some suburban swing voters or up North to nail down the Hispanic base? Kerry has the UNM crowd in the bank. But this being modern campaigning it seems as long as the contenders get three TV cameras to cover them they are happy. But Kerry will not be on the ground all that much in NM, and it would seem it is time for his campaign gurus to start introducing him to other areas of this diverse state where many still know very little about him.

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(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2004
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