McCain: I Will Inspire A Generation

Arizona Senator John McCain spent a little more than 71 minutes talking with 475 guests at his Town Hall Meeting in Albuquerque.

Here's a link to the full AUDIO transcript.

Before the Town Hall meeting, the all but certain nominee, hosted a breakfast round table for local leaders and minority business owners at the Barelas Coffee Shop.

Before the breakfast I spoke with 9-year-old Zeke Gonzales about why he's supporting McCain.

You have to listen to Zeke articulate his views on the 2008 Presidential race in this STORY.

McCain talked about the war, national security, gas prices, offshore drilling, the economy, and Los Alamos Lab's key role in the his Lexington Project, affordable college tuition. taxes, small business, health care, the GI and Farm Bill, Earmarks, Supreme Court decisions and choices, border security, and the differences he has with Sen. Barack Obama.

He also told the crowd what he's looking for in a running mate and introduced U.S. Senate Candidate Steve Pearce, who spoke for less than a minute.

Photo: MG Bralley

No Speeches. No Soundbites. Just Straight Talk!

Sometimes reporter’s head to work knowing there’s going to be a great story ahead of them that day. I knew today was going to be special. Last Friday, after morning reporting chores, and a few beat calls, I received a call from my boss, 770KKOB News Director Pat Allen. He said Sen. John McCain’s campaign staff had invited one representative from the station to ride with the candidate from the airport to the Hilton hotel on the infamous Straight Talk Express.

After a weekend of studying every national issue, I arrived at Cutter Aviation south of the Sunport just before 3pm. Two hours later McCain’s charter jet arrived during a light rainfall. After we settled into the back of the bus, McCain told me he brought the rain with him. Jeff Jones at the ABQ Journal suggested it might translate into some votes.

Here’s the AUDIO of our 24-minute interview.

On Tuesday we'll have more audio from a special trip with the McCain campaign and sound from the sold out Town Hall meeting so check back with us here.

During the ride to his hotel, Senator McCain told the group of five invited journalist he thinks voters in New Mexico will support him this fall.

“We’re neighboring states,” the Arizona Senator said. “I understand the issues and the challenges. Senator Barack Obama has no experience and no judgment on these issues.”

McCain told me he’d like to have Barack Obama accept an invitation to have joint Town Hall Meetings similar to the one he’s hosting at the Hotel Albuquerque on Tuesday morning.

With 17 percent of New Mexico living below the poverty line I asked him what he’d do for rural New Mexicans who have been hit hard with job layoffs and gas prices.

“Jobs, Jobs, Jobs,” McCain confidently replied. “I also think they deserve a Gasoline Tax Holiday.”

McCain also talked about the estate tax and says he plans to extend President Bush's tax cuts, which would keep the top tax rate for long-term capital gains at 15 percent for most people. The cuts are set to expire at the end of 2010. More in the Seattle Times.

“If you want someone to raise your taxes, I'm not your candidate,” chuckled McCain.

The 72-year old politician also told us, on our short trip north on I-25, that energy independence needs to be a national mission. He says he’ll expand the national labs, including Sandia and Los Alamos, mission. He says he’ll invest in them for pure research and development.

“There’s a lot of talent out there. We need to invest in it,” McCain noted.

The candidate also says gas prices will drop when the country announces it will start drilling off our shores. Earlier in the day President George Bush dropped the ban on drilling. Perhaps McCain’s theory will be tested soon.

McCain says Americans send 700 Billion to countries that “don't like us very much." He say, "it’s a complete transfer of wealth."

McCain told us near the end of the interview that he believes New Mexico will be a battleground state, and that his record and knowledge of border state issues should help him win the five electoral votes up for grabs here.

McCain differentiated himself from Barack Obama with a list of policy and issue difference.

McCain say's he’s Pro-Life and "Obama favors partial birth abortions" which he says Hispanic families don't agree with. He also says his support of small businesses, and the military should carry him to the White House.

He also says he’s a Federalist and supports New Mexico’s right to create a medical Marijuana program despite his belief that it’s a gateway drug. Yet in his home doctors are not prescribing Marijuana due a the Supreme Court ruling citing a federal ban. Currently, 12 states have legalized Medical Marijuana use, according to NORMAL, the National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws. They include: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.

McCain who flew to Albuquerque from a the National La Raza Convention in San Diego, told us “Americans want the border secured first, but he believes a comprehensive immigration reform bill can be passed soon. He say’s the country needs to rely on governors like Bill Richardson to secure the border. McCain believes the Federal Government needs to provide more high tech equipment to assist Border Control Guards.

McCain also says while he stayed out of the primary he was looking forward to visiting with Rep. Heather Wilson at a private fundraising dinner.

“I admire her very much, even if she did go to the Air Force Academy,” said the Naval Veteran.

McCain says he thinks this week’s New Yorker was tasteless and offensive. See it here.

And he says Sen. Obama’s weekend Op-ed in the New York Times doesn"t match his record in the Senate.

“He opposed the surge,” McCain says of Obama. “Now he's saying we have to access the situation. He's refused to acknowledge the surge has worked. He's been to Iraq once and never asked for a meeting with General Petraus. How does he know if the surge worked or not if he hasn't talked to the commander. I'll be glad to see what he says after his visit to Iraq.”

To learn more about what McCain said about preserving New Mexico's "pristine wilderness" visit Heath Haussamen's blog.

Local photos: MG Bralley

UDALL: Middle Class Getting Hammered by High Gas Prices

Senate Candidate Tom Udall Hosts a Round Table

on High Gas Prices

Our lives are busy and everyone's on the move. But, going to work, running errands, and taking the kids to their little league games is getting expensive. The price of gas is now more than $4 a gallon, up 22 percent in a year. Everyone is feeling the pain at the pump.

U.S Senate Candidate Tom Udall got an earful from some of his constituents who are feeling the pain on Friday. Udall hosted a round-table discussion in Albuquerque at the Ever-Ready Oil Company.

Udall says "voters see record prices and record profits, and he's says they're upset."

In the short term, Udall doesn't believe there are any easy answers and "no silver bullets." Udall wants a comprehensive energy plan because the country, he says "can't drill it's way out of the problem."

Udall recommend new, clean, refineries be brought on line. He says New Mexico is doing it's part because it's one of ten state's that export energy, but he'd like to see the state take the lead in solar energy development.

Both candidates for president and all the local candidates in New Mexico know the price of gas is going to weigh heavily on voter's minds this fall when they head to the polls.

During lunch in the ERO parking lot, Udall met with eight voters at a round-table on gas prices. Udall told the group he wanted to listen to different perspectives. He heard from the owner of Ever-Ready Oil company, full time mom and real estate appraiser Jennifer Gonzales, commuter Dorthy Cole, Meals on Wheels Volunteer Gloria Hawk, President of NM State Assn of Letter Carrier Richard "Smiley" Martinez, Branch 989 Letter Carrier President Susie Romero, and Teacher's Union Political Director Sarah Adleson.

Each of them shared stories of pain at the pump. Everyone understands there is no short-term solution, but each said they don't understand the cause for the steep increases.

Gonzales, who has two young children, says she doesn't want her kids to sacrifice their activities, but told Udall she can't keep running laps around the city.

Meals on Wheels Hawk is concerned about the 12 percent increase in food costs. She said the program may lose volunteers, who have remained loyal, once gas climbs over $4.

The group's letter carriers shocked the crowd when they reported each penny increase in gas costs the U.S. government $8 million dollars. Smiley said the post office can't raise postage without an "act of congress," so it isn't hiring people and routes are being split.

Romero told Udall the postal service simply can't absorb the increasing gas prices and her mail is often delivered late because of the route splits.

Adelson says the teacher's union is concerned about keeping school buses running during the school year.

Udall told reporters in this AUDIO PRESS CONFERENCE that "middle class families are getting hammered" by high gas prices and said John McCain's Gas Tax Holiday is a gimmick that will only save an average driver one tank of gas. Udall said, "that's not the kind of relief they're looking for."


He said New Mexico should prepare to become the Saudia Arabia of Solar. He says Germany is already taking the lead. He recognized France gets 80 percent of their energy from nuclear power and blamed industry in the U.S. for not building more power plants. He told reporters speculation needs to be curbed and price gouging investigated by congress.

When pressed about hedge-fund investing Udall said, "I don’t have a problem with capitalism. What I have a problem with is the people who are getting in to the market, and driving up the price, and in many instances don’t belong in the market. The Airlines are in the market because they’re buying gasoline. That’s a legitimate example. These speculators that are in the market with paper dollars. I don’t think it’s the proper kind of speculation."

Udall claimed at least $1 a gallon of gas, or a third of the cost of a barrel, is based purely on speculators.

U.S. Senate Candidate Steve Pearce, in this INTERVIEW with Eye Witness News 4, agrees the American economy, is based on affordable gas, but says speculators are only acting on human behavior. He's concerned if congress says no to new drilling prices will be driven up even higher.

Photo credits: MG Bralley - Visit his blog and read his "Big Bad Wolf" story, and view even more amazing photos shot around UNM's campus.

AG: E.P.A. Putting Cart Before Horse in Desert Rock Permitting

Attorney General Gary King

The Attorney General's Office and the New Mexico Environment Department today filed a joint motion to intervene in a federal lawsuit between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and proponents of the proposed Desert Rock power plant on Navajo Nation trust land in the Four Corners area.

"New Mexico can not afford to sit idly by as attempts are being made to skirt the legal requirements for a new coal-fired power plant to be built in the state," says Attorney General Gary King.

The EPA indicated it will issue a decision on the plant's air permit by July 31 as part of a proposed settlement of a lawsuit Desert Rock developers brought against the agency for delaying action on the Clean Air Act permit for the plant. New Mexico seeks to intervene because the July 31 deadline would mean that the EPA would act on the permit before it completes important and obligatory environmental reviews.

For example, if the EPA acts by July 31, it would do so in violation of the Endangered Species Act. That Act unequivocally requires that any EPA decision on a Desert Rock permit be guided by a completed formal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the impacts of Desert Rock on endangered species. That formal consultation—which takes several months—has not even begun.

An unidentified protestor, photographed by Mark Bralley, listens to testimony during a NM House committee meeting in Santa Fe during at the State Capitol on February 28, 2007.

"This permitting process is truly putting the cart before the horse. We believe there a number of regulatory issues that need to be addressed by the EPA before it can make a decision on this permit," says Attorney General King.

Sonny Weahkee has protested the plant on the Navajo Nation. He is Laurie's Weahkee's brother; both Weahkees are organizers at SAGE Council, a grassroots organizing group. Laurie Weahkee is also a Super Delegate to the Democratic Convention in Denver.

State Environment Department experts have been working closely with AG's Office attorneys to formulate an action plan to identify and address environmental and legal concerns presented by the proposed power plant. Both agencies agree that important environmental issues have yet to be addressed by the EPA in the Desert Rock permitting process. New Mexico therefore must have a seat at the table in this litigation to ensure that the EPA's permitting process includes adequate protection of the environment and the health of citizens of New Mexico.

"The effects on fish and other wildlife under the Endangered Species Act must be considered; carbon dioxide pollutant levels must be determined; compliance with new federal standards for ozone pollution must be met; and the maximum achievable control technology (MACT) standards for hazardous air pollutants have yet to be addressed by the EPA."

In a letter last month to the EPA, AG King and Governor Bill Richardson warned that fast-tracking the permit for Desert Rock without the required analysis could worsen air quality and adversely affect the health of those in the region.

Photo Credits: MG Bralley

Heinrich All Smiles After New Poll Shows Him Surging.

Martin Heinrich appeared relaxed and confident as he greeted me with a smile and a handshake Wednesday afternoon. I soon learned why he was so cheerful during this lunchtime AUDIO INTERVIEW at his campaign headquarters.

Greenburg Quinlan Rosner Research, a Washington-based group, also used by Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish’s gubernatorial campaign, published their polling results showing Heinrich surging.

The poll shows Heinrich leading Republican candidate Darren White by three percentage points, 47-44, well within the 4.4 percentage points margin of error. The findings are based on a survey of 518 voters and was conducted June 29^th to July 2^nd. If accurate, Heinrich’s small lead is remarkable! Last fall a Washington, D.C. Newspaper labeled White as “untouchable” when a poll by Roll Call showed White with a 17 percentage point lead, 51-33.

Already a leading fundraiser on Act Blue Heinrich hopes to parlay the latest poll results into additional donations for his campaign’s war chest. He told me he spent more than $850,000 in the primary and expects to spend double that this fall.

Barbara Wold at Democracy for New Mexico reported that “Heinrich actually raised almost $100,000 in the campaign's one-and-a-half week end of quarter push that started with a $35,000 goal -- showing the strong support he's getting from the grassroots-netroots. Since his campaign fundraising began on ActBlue's website, supporters have donated a total of $305,781 to Heinrich there.

Wold writes:

Heinrich will need every penny as the general election cycle heats up. Heinrich's opponent, Darren White, has already received about $300,000 from a George Bush fundraiser in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, and another sizeable take at this past weekend's fundraiser hosted by outgoing NM-01 Rep. Heather Wilson. Because this is one of the premier races in the nation and the GOP would love to hang onto the seat, expect money to gush in from all the usual Republican suspects.

This weekend, Heinrich is one of a few dozen candidates who has been invited to attend the 2008 Speaker's Issues Conference hosted by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Northern California. Barbara Armijo at the NM Independent reports the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is organizing the conference. Many Democratic heavy hitters are expected to participate.

During his brief AUDIO INTERVIEW, Heinrich told me he’s passionate about the issues and that his experience on the Albuquerque City Council taught him how to work with people he disagrees with to reach bi-partisan solutions.

Photo Credits: MG Bralley

County Clerk Pledges Free, Fair and Accurate Elections During Fall Vote!

Political analysts predict high voter turnout at the polls this fall, so we decided to talk with Bernalillo County Clerk Maggie Toulouse Oliver about what she’s doing to prepare her office for the general election November 4^th.

We caught up with her on the campaign trail. In this AUDIO INTERVIEW she said her job takes priority over her campaign.

Toulouse-Oliver was appointed by Bernalillo County Commissioners in 2007 to fill the unexpired term of Mary Herrera after she was elected New Mexico Secretary of State. Prior to her appointment, Toulouse Oliver worked for more than a decade as a campaign consultant and political activist.

“Democracy is the cornerstone of our society,” said Toulouse-Oliver. “I personally think I have not only the skills and background, but the personal commitment to ensuring free, fair and accurate elections.”

A Democrat, Toulouse-Oliver collected almost 70 percent of the primary vote and easily defeated Ambrose Chavez. She’ll face Republican Richard Lloyd Abraham in the general election.

“I’m raising money, and I’m getting out to events, and talking to people about what I want to do with the office,” said Toulouse-Oliver as she raised money at a small house party/fundraiser.

The clerk says she has three goals for Election 08

1. Ensure efficient elections with technology and revamped phone systems.
2. Recruit, and train 2,300 paid poll workers.
3. Improve voter education by letting them know in advance where they vote.

Toulouse-Oliver says she has a good relationship with the Secretary of State and has renewed confidence in electronic voting machines after reviewing results from a Pew Center funded “Making Voting Work” audit.

The clerk says recommendations from the study, with UNM, have been reviewed and the actual audit results and analysis will be made public in a few weeks.

“According to state law a machine's accuracy needs to be found with 1.5 percentage points, so if the machine count to hand count is within that margin it’s considered to be an accurate machine,” Toulouse said. “If it’s not some sort of corrective action has to be taken.”

The clerk tells us she understands the audit’s results show all the results are within that margin of error.

Some 25 percent of the 2006 votes cast in two statewide offices, Governor and State Land Commission, were audited. Only 2 percent of the vote will have to be audited after the 2008 election.

“We learned a lot and shared the results with the Secretary of State.”

The clerk will be busy because in the first six months of 2008 there have been a little more 52,000 new voter registration filed statewide. Democrats lead with 27,207 registrations, while 12,926 registered as Republicans and 11,805 registered independent of any political party. Several hundred more registered as members of other political parties.

“I’m going to be out this summer visiting neighborhood associations, and civic organization meetings, all over the place trying to recruit poll workers,” said Toulouse-Oliver. “I’m also meeting with a variety of stakeholder groups to ensure they are getting their people and parties, union organizations, and other activist groups who care about elections and the outcomes of elections.”

Toulouse-Oliver says if you don’t mind working a long shift you should consider volunteering. Election poll workers are compensated for their time, but need to be patient working with the public. More information about being a poll worker is posted on the Bernalillo County Clerk's website here.

The clerk says she’ll take advantage of a new state law and begin counting absentee vote five days before the actual election

“Our ability to do that will improve our ability to get the results up swiftly,” said Toulouse-Oliver.

In past elections counting provisional and absentee ballots led to long delays in posting election results.

We’re confident with her leadership skills, voter education program, and technical planning the general election should go without a hitch. At least we can hope for a miracle.

Photo Credit: MG Bralley

"Sunshine is free, unless Exxon buys the sun"

Today the focus on energy centers around the price of oil, but the price for electricity is also increasing as worldwide demand surges. Since 1978 the Federal Government has been trying to increase the use of renewable energy sources, but has been slow to act. Only 3% comes from non-hydropower renewables.

Presently wind power is the fastest growing renewable source. Other technologies have lagged behind. But, researchers expect Solar Power will quickly become the largest renewable source within 5 to 10 years. The price for solar power per kilowatt hour is expected to be 8 to 9 cents (about the same prices as natural gas.)

Scientists often tout the advantages of solar compared to wind including:

· Power is less intermittent that wind and more predictable.

· Excess power is easier to store and does not require battery development.

Correspondent Mark Bralley attended a United States Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources field hearing on July 2, 2008 at the International Programs Building, Sandia Science & Technology Park, in Albuquerque.

New Mexico Senator Jeff Bingaman, chaired the hearing and was joined by ranking member Pete Domenici and Vermont Senator Bernard Sanders.

Sen. Bingaman told Bralley, in this AUDIO INTERVIEW, that he believes there is a great future for solar power in the Southwest, and agrees with WIPP Scientist James Conca that resistance to nuclear power is lower than it has been, but Bingaman says building a nuclear plant is an expensive proposition.

Bingaman also told Bralley we have to determine how to contain green house gases emitted from coal-fired plants. Bingaman says researchers are trying to separate Carbon Dioxide before it is emitted into the atmosphere, but the carbon capture and storage technologies are unproven.

Responding to increasing gas prices the Energy Chairman tells Bralley the country must figure out a way to increase gas production and decrease market demands.

Bralley also spoke briefly with Senator Bernard Sanders after the hearing. In this AUDIO INTERVIEW the independent politician says he’s learned from leading experts that, “there is enormous potential for solar energy in general and concentrated solar in particular.”

Sanders say’s solar power is a big deal, “I think we’re just at the cusp of exploding a technology which can help us reverse global warming, create millions of good paying jobs with other sustainable energies, and also break our dependence on fossil fuel and foreign oil.”

Earlier Sanders told the audience, of about 150 people, that “sunshine is free, unless Exxon buys the sun.”

Senator Jeff Bingaman believes government should require utility companies to provide a measureable percentage of their power from renewables.

Sen. Pete Domenici says republicans want to work with democrats and develop a bi-partisan solutions to America’s increasing electrical needs.

Complete AUDIO from the hearing is available. here. Note: The audio is intermittent until the hearing starts, about two minutes into the feed.

For more information on The NM Independent published two reports on the hearings here and here.

Audio and Photo Credit: MG Bralley

Developing News: Unlicensed Security Guards Threaten Public Safety.

In the past two months three private security guard company owners, including a former APD officer, an alleged pimp, and a convicted criminal, have either been arrested or indicted in connection with operating their illegal security companies.

Robert Hamic

A licensed private investigator, and former Bernalillo County Sheriff's Deputy, Robert Hamic, tells me in this AUDIO INTERVIEW he’s aware of at least two dozen companies operating illegally in the Duke City. Hamic publishes the NM Security Blog, and suspects there are additional felons carrying weapons, wearing uniforms and carrying security badges.

Hamic says, “convicted felons posing as armed security guards threaten public safety” in the Duke City. He’s worried because New Mexico is a border state. He believes the public responds to security guards as authority figures, and he's been frustrated with the lack of rigorous enforcement by state regulators.

Kelly O'Donnell

I checked with the NM Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department’s Superintendent Kelly O’Donnell to see if it’s a chronic problem. She confirms there are at least eight or nine on-going security company investigations. O’Donnell told me Tuesday in this AUDIO INTERVIEW, the firms can be fined up to $1000 dollars, but they only have two compliance officers assigned to monitor firms statewide. She says they run background checks on all guard applicants, but unlicensed companies simply don’t submit their guard’s names for review.

O’Donnell says they’ll start an aggressive outreach program to businesses and hopes to educate them on the critical need to confirm security companies license status. She says firms who contract security services must insist their providers be licensed by her department. If you have your provider’s security license number you may check it here.

The Superintendent also says it’s of upmost importance that armed security guards not appear to look like a law enforcement official. She tells us local police chiefs and sheriffs always have to approve private operator’s uniforms, badges and vehicles before they are issued a private patrol operator’s license.

RENT- A - COP COMPANY OWNERS BUSTED.

In April, former Albuquerque Police Officer Filberto Baca, the founder of the Armed Response Team, and operator of several unlicensed security firms, was indicted on two fraud charges. Authorities charged him after discovering he may have forged a letter from RLD which assured clients he held the proper state licenses.

In May, Bobbie McMullin the former owner of the Ice House, a nude strip club, was busted for allegedly running a prostitution ring from his storefront security company called Integrated Technical Services.

Last week, the U.S Marshall and the state’s Fugitive Apprehension Team busted a con posing as an Armed Security Guard. Brad Simmerman has been on probation since 2005, and operated American Security Unlimited. Region II Manager of Special Programs for the NM Probation and Parole Division (PPD) Gary Carson tells me that Simmerman is back in jail and being held without bond.

Simmerman told his probation officer he was only on the board of a private security company, but failed to mention he was on armed patrol. He says they don’t want probationers working as security guards and they knew Simmerman was on patrol it would have sent red flags up.

As soon as the P.P.D. team was notified that Simmerman was carrying a firearm authorities developed a plan to re-arrest him. In this AUDIO INTERVIEW Carson says after entering Simmeran’s residence, agents found ammunition, deadly martial arts weapons, and vials of anabolic steroids. Agents believe the steroids were manufactured in Mexico. The drugs have been turned over to the D.E.A., but it is unclear who Simmerman was dealing the drugs for, but they suspect it may have been for a white supremacist group. The task force also found a Whizzanator in Simmerman’s home.Carson tells us probationers use this tool to cheat urine analysis tests. Carson says Simmerman was arrested without incident.

In 2006, the State Legislature enacted new rules for training security guards. O’Donnell told me they will begin rolling out those new procedures later this summer. The new rules are posted here.

Hamic says he’ll continue to monitor the industry on his blog and Jeremy Jojola plans a video report on Eyewitness News 4 next week.

The Word Is: A Royal-Style Salute for a Man of Integrity!

Nearly 700 people honored retiring Senator Pete Domenici this weekend at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. The sold-out "Here's to Pete" salute and fundraiser was hosted by New Mexico First, a statewide non-partisan organization, and sponsored by community groups and local businesses.

ABC Political Analyst Sam Donaldson was the master of ceremonies. In this INTERVIEW, he praised the Senator's legacy of bi-partisanship. Donaldson told me he believes Domenici will spend the remainder of his term working on the energy crisis, and will best be remembered as a fiscal hawk.

The event featured music, songs, comedy, flamenco dancing and even junior cheerleaders. Domenici baseball cards were included in the media kit, and video tributes played on the big screen in the Roy Disney Theater.

Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, a Sandia High graduate, led the tributes by former staffers. In this SPEECH Napolitano told the crowed she learned a little math from Sen. Domenici after she graduated college in 1979. She says he taught her how to round up to the nearest 100 million.

Napolitano, recently listed as a Top 5 Governor by Time magazine certainly had a better weekend than her former Matador classmate, David Addington. He's the chief of staff for Vice President Dick Cheney. Read about his congressional testimony regarding the administrations treatment of prisoners at Gitmo here.

After her speech other interns and staffers appeared on stage and sang "God Bless Domenici," to the tune of God Bless America.

Domenici's daughter Clare and Sister Marianella Domenici, the principal at St. Mary's Catholic School, said in this INTERVIEW, that it was an emotional day for them. Clare said she's looking forward to spending some downtime, and going to Isotopes baseball games, with "my pop" after his retirement. And Sister Marianella said her brother looks better. She's pleased with his medical care and said it looks like everyone's prayers are working.

Domenici, sitting on a second level balcony, complete with red, white and blue banners and a U.S. Senate Seal, spoke to the crowd, from his heart, and without notes in this SPEECH.

He says he's enjoyed serving the big towns, little towns and the country. He said 36 years is a long time to serve, but it seemed like just yesterday that he first ran for the Albuquerque City Commission in 1966.

The state's junior Senator Jeff Bingaman attended the event. He told Eyewitness News 4, in this television interview, "We of course don't agree on everything, but there are a lot of things we have agreed on, and I feel good about some of the things we've accomplished."

Governor Richardson appeared via video. Richardson wondered aloud who's wife would make them shave their beard first.

Noticeably absent from the event were all three congressional representatives. Sam Donaldson later delivered him letters from the Representatives. However, both Congressional District - 1 candidates, Martin Heinrich and Darren White attended the event.

The Albuquerque Journal 's David Roybal wrote in Sunday's paper that Domenici's exit from politics will leave the state's Republican Party weakened, but former Congressman Manual Lujan disagreed. Learn why here.

Overall it was a testament to Domenici's service that so many people, from both parties showed up. Domenici said it best, "Nobody hates me"...and that is rare in politics today.

Photo Credit: MG Bralley

The Word Is: The Governor STILL has the TOUCH!

Governor Bill Richardson

Last week, on Tuesday, the state Democratic Party hosted a Unity Party / Fundraiser. The stars of the show were four of the state's Democratic Governors, including incumbent Bill Richardson, and former Governors Jerry Apodoca, Toney Anaya, and Bruce King.

Listen to Governor Richardson's SPEECH here. The Governor says New Mexico has a good chance of "turning totally blue" this fall with victories in the U.S. Senate Race, all three congressional seats, and the presidential race.

The Governor talked briefly about his failed presidential campaign. He thanked the crowed for their support said he only had "two" problems during his national bid: Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton

It seems Richardson forgot the other problems he had during the campaign, including:

Number Three:
We're reminded that former South Carolina Senator John Edwards collected more votes in early primary states.

Number Four:
Richardson was criticized for his poor "Meet the Press" interview with the late Tim Russert. He apparently flew into Washington for the show late the night before, looked unprepared, and was caught being a fan of the Boston-Yankees?

Number Five:
His dismal performances in the early debates.

Number Six:
His total neglect of local press during the run for the White House.

Number Seven
An outstanding campaign debt which the AP reports is down to about $285,000.

A TOUCHY Topic!

When State Party Chairman Brian Colon introduced the Governor, he mentioned Obama's visit to the Duke City the day before, and Obama's encouraging words about a possible role for Richardson if he's elected this fall.

Rub a Dub Dub: The governor reaches out and touches my dome for luck?

After his speech the Governor surprised me by rubbing my bald head (an aide says he does it for "luck" similar to rubbing a buddha's stomach). I wanted to talk to Richardson about the energy crisis and dependence on foreign oil.

As a former energy secretary, it was disappointing to hear him say in this AUDIO INTERVIEW that he won't support building a clean and green nuclear power plant in the state, despite the fact that he knows one plant may provide half of the state's energy needs. Richardson dismissed a followup question by bopping me on the head again.

As a past energy secretary he's also aware how viable nuclear plants are in countries like France.

The governor says he'll work to develop wind, solar, and biofuel technology first.

Richardson appears more eager to tow the party (read Obama) line regarding domestic nuclear power plants. On Saturday, Richardson delivered the weekly Democratic Party Radio address. We reviewed the text of the address here and listened to Richardson outline some of Obama's energy and economic policy ideas here.

During the Unity event Jerry Apodoca declined to address the crowd, Toney Anaya was saluted for first proposing a bullet train from Albuquerque to Santa Fe, and the Cowboy Governor Bruce King was recognized by all as being the "most popular man in the room."

Perhaps, with new poll numbers showing his approval ratings dropping below 50% approval, for the first time, Richardson felt the need to rub a head, or two, for some fresh luck before Obama makes his "pick".

To read even more about the fundraising event check out Santa Fe New Mexican reporter Kate Nash's post on her blog, Green Chile Chatter.


Photo Credits: MG Bralley