NEVER Should Have Been Prosecuted

Yet, another case that should have NEVER been prosecuted:

The clerk accused of selling alcohol to an intoxicated Dana Papst shortly before a deadly crash that claimed six lives was found innocent by a Sandoval County jury Wednesday.

Shanna Renee Lovato, 31, sobbed when the six-person Magistrate Court jury, four men and two women, returned with the verdict after deliberating 11/2 hours.

Lovato was suspected of selling Papst a six-pack of beer at the Chevron Redi-Mart in Bernalillo before he drove the wrong way on Interstate 25 east of Santa Fe and hit a minivan, killing five members of the Gonzales-Collins family. Papst also died. The wreck occurred in November 2006.

What befell the Gonzales-Collins family is a tragedy. However, there are only two parties to blame here, Papst and our legal system. Papst was a menace to society and the death of this family was completely preventable had he been where he belonged, behind bars:

Papst was convicted of auto theft in 1984 and of driving while intoxicated four times -- in Adams County in 1982, in Westminster in 1987, in Adams County in 1990 and in Eagle County in 1991. His license has been suspended numerous times for other driving offenses; he was cited 12 times for speeding, driving with a suspended license and equipment violations, among other things.

Instead, the state decides to try to make everyone else responsible for preventing the actions of criminals - everyone, but the criminal. Of course, the irony of all of this is that in an unrelated case one man is being sent to jail for preventing future criminal actions by a habitual criminal.

The Bigger Threat to Society

Now you tell me who is the bigger threat to society? The decorated marine that the District Attorney's office had thrown in jail for protecting his family and his property or the six-times-convicted drunken driver (subscription) STILL swerving around on our streets :

Ignition interlocks are supposed to keep convicted drunken drivers off the road if they drink any alcohol.

That didn't happen Saturday night, when a six-times-convicted drunken driver got behind the wheel of his interlock-equipped pickup, started it and hit the streets.

Dan R. Gallaher, 38, of Albuquerque was driving with a blood-alcohol level more than twice the presumed level of intoxication when police pulled him over on Montgomery NE, according to a criminal complaint filed at Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court.

Gallaher has six prior DWI convictions, according to the New Mexico DWI Resource Center. He had an ignition interlock and an interlock license, the criminal complaint says.

Of course, the District Attorney's office is more interested in sending "messages" to law abiding citizens than to protecting us from criminal predators:

Noting the victim's two prior burglary convictions and making reference to recent car theft statistics, [Assistant District Attorney Theresa Whatley] said the court should send a message to people about being overly zealous in protecting their property.

Well, I think the District Attorney ought to take a close look at what people are saying about this message. The District Attorney has gotten a free ride for too long:

"I feel like I'm in Heaven," exclaimed a giddy Bernalillo County District Attorney Kari Brandenburg from her downtown ABQ office . She was giving me her reaction to the news that she will have no Dem primary opponent and no General Election foe either. A free four year ride is a rarity in the high-profile DA's job, and Kari was relishing the moment.

This is an elected position and the escalating crime rate combined with the persecution of heroes is a wonderful reminder of why it is an elected position.

Based on a press release I received late yesterday afternoon, it looks like we are going to be able to do something about the ongoing failures of this office:

Lisa Torraco today announced her candidacy for the office of Bernalillo County District Attorney.

"I can not in good conscience stand by and watch as our legal system continues to fail those it is designed to protect and prosecute those whose greatest crime is protecting their families and property from criminal predators," Torraco stated during a press conference on the steps of the District Court.

At a recent Crime Convention Conference sponsored by the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, it was noted that everyday 17 houses are broken into and every 95 minutes a car is stolen.

"Crime is an ever increasing problem in our city," added Torraco. "Yet, the District Attorney's office is focusing their efforts on sending message to law abiding citizens that it is not okay to protect their families by throwing a decorated Marine behind bars for protecting his family from being burglarized by a twice convicted felon.

"The DA zealously pursues cases against law abiding citizens and dismisses others against repeat offendors – there seems to be no rhyme or reason." Torraco adds "The police are doing their jobs, we deserve a District Attorney that does hers.

"I am stepping up to the plate to do the job that needs to be done. I live here, I'm raising my children here, and I will fight to throw criminals, not heroes behind bars."

Lisa Torraco is a 1991 graduate of University of New Mexico School of Law. Upon graduation Torraco worked as an assistant district attorney for the Second Judicial District. In 1993, she worked for the Santa Fe District Attorney's office where she was appointed to lead the Child Abuse Division for Santa Fe, Rio Arriba and Los Alamos Counties. A career prosecutor, Lisa Torraco has prosecuted all levels of felony and misdemeanor cases and was awarded "New Prosecutor of the Year" in 1993.

Disclosure: I have signed Lisa Torraco's petition to get on the ballot and had the pleasure and honor of joining her on the Jim Villanucci show yesterday afternoon during the 3:00 hour.

Three Strikes You're Out

Our legal system is broken when an honorably discharged veteran is sent to jail for protecting his private property from being burglarized by a twice convicted felon (subscription):

Elton John Richard II made split-second decisions— good ones— as a member of an elite Marine reconnaissance unit clearing towns ahead of the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

But District Judge Albert "Pat" Murdoch ordered Richard to spend two years in a New Mexico prison Friday for a decision that propelled him into a fatal pursuit of a man he thought was breaking into his home in 2004.

Richard, then working a Department of Energy courier with a Q clearance, fatally shot Daniel Romero, 34, after chasing him from his yard to Paseo del Norte.

That was taken from a Journal article over the weekend. Today's article makes it even clearer that sending Mr. Richard to jail is nothing short of a travesty of justice (subscription):

Police later located a friend of Romero's, who told them he needed parts for his Bronco and dropped off Romero in the neighborhood with a screwdriver and a hammer thinking he was going to steal a Bronco.

According to a police report, the friend parked on the street near a Dumpster and saw Romero come running from a house where a Bronco was parked in the driveway with a man running after him "beating him up."

Confirmation that there was criminal intent and the twice convicted felon was indeed caught in the act of burglarizing the private property of a law-abiding citizen - a citizen who had put his own life on the line numerous times in service to our country. Service to insure that we have the right to protect our private property.

How is this service repaid?

Assistant District Attorney Theresa Whatley said the case was one of a good man doing a bad thing.

Noting the victim's two prior burglary convictions and making reference to recent car theft statistics, she said the court should send a message to people about being overly zealous in protecting their property.

It's time to send a message to the District Attorney's office that criminals belong in jail, not people protecting their property.

Employer Sanctions Coupled with Union Sanctions

Severe employer sanctions for those who knowingly employ illegal immigrants is part of the solution for enforcing the immigration laws currently on the books. It seems we also should consider severe sanctions against certain unions (subscription):

Immigrant-rights advocates are giving a key piece of advice to help illegal immigrants avoid deportation — remain silent.

The advice is being given out at monthly forums organized by at least three pro-immigrant community groups. The forums, which attract hundreds, are held to tell immigrants what the laws are, what their rights are and to combat racial profiling.

Immigrants who attend are given pamphlets called, "En boca cerrada, no entran moscas," a popular Spanish phrase that means "Flies can't enter a closed mouth."

"Silence is the most important right. Remain silent," says the four-page pamphlet, which is published by Somos America, Radio Campesina and the United Food and Commercial Workers Union.

The pamphlet says that under law, it's the job of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to prove that someone is not legally in the country. The pamphlet includes a card that can be handed over in case of arrest by an immigration officer.

Well, if the UFCW wants to play this game, then I've got a simple proposal to put forth. Any union that knowingly recruits an illegal immigrant for membership should face the same level of sanctions as any employer that knowingly employs an illegal immigrant. Unions should also have to complete an I-9 for all members.

You Tell Me Which Party is More Open

Not that long ago, I taped an episode of KNME's The Line with former Democratic Party Chairman John Wertheim (Episode 119, Chapter 3). Unfortunately, the day we were taping also happened to be the day that Governor Bill Richardson announced he was pulling out of the Presidential race, so our on air time was greatly reduced with the majority of the show being webcasted.

During a portion of that webcast, John thought he had a pretty good zinger (evident by the smile on his face) about the Democratic Party process being more open and involving than the Republican Party process. I couldn't disagree more, and I think this recent article about the Chaves County Pre-Primary Convention makes my point:

The Democratic Party of Chaves County nominated 32 delegates Wednesday evening, who are to attend the Democratic Party of New Mexico Pre-Primary Nominating Convention to be held March 15 in Rio Rancho, N.M.

A total of 40 delegates from Chaves County in Congressional District 2 are required to attend the convention and help determine which candidates will appear on New Mexico's June 3 primary ballot. Delegates will also consider a platform during the convention, which requires 60 percent of a non-secret vote to be adopted.

Eight of the 40 delegates who are members of the State Central Committee, are automatic delegates.

This means that 20% of the delegate slots are already taken by the party hierarchy. Compare that to the Republican Party in New Mexico where everyone, regardless of their position, has to run to be a delegate, and it is evident, at least in New Mexico, which party is more open to change by grassroot activists.

Democratic Vote Buying

There has been a lot of talk both in the local and national news about the Democratic Party's superdelegate system, and the role they may play in picking the Democratic nominee for President:

First-term Rep. Carol Shea-Porter supports Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination, even though her New Hampshire constituents voted for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

"It came to a virtual draw in our state" in last month's primary, she says of the mismatch in positions. "I think it's a moot question."

In her case, perhaps so. But Shea-Porter is not alone, and increasingly in the close Democratic race, the political intentions of delegates picked outside the primaries and caucuses are cause for controversy.

It turns out that one reason that superdelegates are going to vote against their constituents desire is cold, hard cash. It seems being a superdelegate is one way Democrats are able to pad their campaign coffers:

At least two of New Mexico's Democratic "superdelegates" — party leaders who might end up choosing the nominee for president if the race between U.S. Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton remains tight — have received campaign contributions from the candidates.

Obama's political action committee, Hope Fund, in 2005 made two contributions totaling $4,200 to U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman's 2006 re-election campaign. Meanwhile, Clinton's HILLPAC gave $5,000 to Gov. Bill Richardson's 2006 gubernatorial race.

Keep that in mind the next time you hear about Democrats calling for campaign ethics reform in New Mexico.

Cuts Should Begin in Governor's Office

Over the next couple of weeks, the Governor is going to line item veto various capital outlay projects. That is all well and good, but you've got to wonder if he shouldn't look at his own office first as a home mansion of unnecessary expenditures:

The Governor's Office has five public information officers, including two who have duties at other state agencies. Salaries for the five cost taxpayers about $404,000 a year.

Seriously, five public information officers? How can that be in New Mexico's best interest?

Standing Room Only at GOP Conventions

I spent the weekend at various Republican Party pre-primary county conventions around the state. There was record, standing room only turnout in several counties. This clearly indicates that the Republican base is energized and involved in the process. Yet, there doesn't seem to be a single story in any of the newspapers.

Seems a little inequitable, don't you think?

It's Like I'm Totally Psychic

At the end of January, I wrote that after the Democratic Party held its caucus it would say something along the lines of:

We far exceeded our expectations. Despite the fact, that significantly less money was spent than years passed, more than [fill-in the blank] the number of people we projected turned out. This is a clear indication that people are eager for a change in Washington. Blah, blah, blah....

Well, today the folks over at Democracy for New Mexico are reporting the following from NM Democratic Party Chairman, Brian Colón:

“Today’s canvass results for regular and absentee ballots provide hard evidence that New Mexico Democrats are ready for change in the White House,” said Chairman Colón. “From ending the war in Iraq to providing solutions on health care and education, these two candidates have energized Democrats in every part of our state. With an official turnout of 54% more than the last caucus, the 2008 Democratic Caucus turnout was absolutely unprecedented.”

Can I call it or what? I'm thinking I ought to send Chairman Colón a bill.

Governor Loses in a Showdown

The Senate showed during the last legislative session that it had a backbone, and it looks like that just may be a contagious condition around the Roundhouse (subscription):

Sen. Linda Lopez, D-Albuquerque, put it more diplomatically.

"The governor was gone for a year. And things in our state have changed in a year," she said.

"He can't run for re-election. For some people, that is a factor— lame-duck governor."

House Minority Whip Dan Foley, R-Roswell, said he has noticed a change this year in legislators' attitude toward Richardson.

"There seems to be many more Democrats standing up (to Richardson) this year," Foley said.

Signs of legislative independence are abundant.

Apparently, backbones among legislators is not something Governor Bill Richardson finds particularly enamoring. Or, maybe he just didn't like reading a headline in the state's largest paper that screamed, "Is Gov. Now A Lame Duck?" The Governor is bent on testing those newly found backbones with threats and challenges (subscription):

Richardson said he would press the Legislature in 2009 to address the employer payment mandate and insurance requirement if lawmakers approve an acceptable health care bill this session.

The governor hinted that he would call a special session if lawmakers fail to make the change he wants for the appointment of the authority's executive director.

"I don't pose veiled threats. I've had special sessions before,'' Richardson said. " And I'd say the odds are, if there is insufficient action on health care reform, there will be a special session.''

Well, I'd say "odds are" if the Governor called a special session when every member of the Legislature is up for re-election, he will unequivocally prove that he is a lame duck Governor. I am confident that Senate, and quite possibly the House, will stick it to him by adjourning sine die just as they have before when the Governor has unreasonably called a special session.

One Can Dream, Right?

So, I came across this site. Before you get ready to file your taxes, you ought to try what the process would be like if we had a flat tax.

Open Letter to Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce

Looks like a broad coalition of business associations have been successful in their efforts on behalf of New Mexico businesses in fighting an unwarranted, unwelcomed and economically crippling tax pushed by Governor Bill Richardson (subscription).

The House late Sunday narrowly passed a much weakened version of Gov. Bill Richardson's universal health coverage proposal.

On a 37-31 vote, the House passed a bill that had been completely rewritten over the weekend by the House Judiciary Committee. That bill eliminated Richardson's plan to require all New Mexicans to have health insurance and to tax some employers who do not offer their employees health insurance [emphasis added].

Of course, the one business organization that CANNOT claim this as a victory for common sense is the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce (GACC). The GACC was actually the only business organization whose leadership took it upon themselves to be vocal supporters of this seriously misguided legislation.

As such, the coalition made up of organizations, who remember that their first obligation is to protect their members interest, is taking this as an opportunity to remind the GACC of what it means to actually represent the interests of the business community:

An Open Letter
To the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce

Terri Cole, President/CEO GACC
Paul Sowards, Bank of Albuquerque
Don Chalmers, Don Chalmers Ford
Lonnie Talbert, Summitt Electric Supply
Rick Alvidrez, Miller Stratvert
Del Archuleta, Molzen-Corbin & Associates
Norm Becker, Manuel Lujan Insurance Inc.
Mike Burgess, KOB-TV
Frank Chavez, Pueblo of Sandia
Del Esparza, Esparza Advertising
Sherman McCorkle, Technology Ventures Cindy McGill, Public Service Company of NM (PNM)
Tom Morton, Albuquerque Convention Center
Cynthia Reinhart, KPMG, LLP
Ron Stern, Lovelace Health System
Cheryl Willman UNM Cancer Research Center
Greg Winegardner, Wells Fargo Bank NM
Michael Zientek, Gap Inc.
Eloise Gift, Keller Williams Realty

Dear Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors:

It is of great concern that the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce (GACC) consistently takes positions on legislation and public policy issues contrary to the interests of New Mexico businesses and in direct opposition to the welfare of small businesses in the state. GACC’s latest position advocating for the inclusion of employer sanctions in the “HealthSOLUTIONS” bill is unfathomable.

“HealthSOLUTIONS” places an impossible burden on New Mexico’s small businesses. The bill mandates employers pay an annual penalty or tax to the state of up to $500 for each full-time employee and up to $250 for every part-time employee. The definition of employee includes those working only 90 days a year, and “full-time” is defined as working as few as 20 hours a week! Unbelievably, the bill would expand this tax by 2011 to all businesses, no matter how small – even one or two employees.

Under the GACC supported “HealthSOLUTIONS” proposal, small businesses would be penalized for creating more jobs. New Mexico’s small businesses often have narrow profit margins that can’t absorb a $500 per employee tax on job creation. We should be doing exactly the opposite – creating subsidies for small businesses that can’t afford to both create jobs and offer health insurance.

Small businesses are the very strength of New Mexico’s economy. The proposed “HealthSOLUTIONS” tax would be economically crippling to labor-intensive businesses, including small manufacturers, restaurants, hotels, family farms, and retailers. By supporting this poorly designed legislation GACC is clearly advocating punishing and penalizing the small business engine which creates vitally important new jobs in New Mexico.

The big businesses represented on the GACC board can afford to pay health insurance premiums to their employees and most probably do. Unfortunately, many of these big businesses are also laying off workers at alarming rates.

We do not believe that a small group of 18 individuals representing big business interests, heavily state regulated industries, and a few chosen suppliers have the right to speak for the entire business community. We resent and reject your ongoing claims to the public and legislators that you are the “voice of business”, especially small businesses which you clearly do not represent. You should be aware that GACC is the only business group in favor of this healthcare proposal. Several other business organizations have formed an employers’ coalition to strongly oppose the “HealthSOLUTIONS” legislation. These groups include:

Association of Commerce and Industry
Associated Builders and Contractors
Dairy Farmers of America
Dairy Producers of New Mexico
Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico
National Federation of Independent Business
New Mexico Farm and Ranch Bureau
New Mexico Grocers Association
New Mexico Ground Water Association
New Mexico Petroleum Marketers Association
New Mexico Restaurant Association

Your position on healthcare is yet another example of a long history of questionable policy making by the GACC. Your recent support of an increase in the minimum wage at the state level is another. The fact that you have yet again taken a politically expedient position, contrary to developing a vibrant private business climate in New Mexico, is no longer surprising. However, this year you miscalculated if you thought that we were going to sit quietly on the sidelines while you misrepresent the impacts of the proposed healthcare legislation on small businesses of New Mexico. In light of the severe impacts to small businesses and citizens of the state, we urge GACC to reconsider your position on healthcare legislation.

As a small business owner (and seriously reconsidering GACC member), I applaud this letter and fully support its message. I hope that if you are a business owner reading this blog, you will add your name in the comment section urging the GACC to reconsider their stance.

The bill as originally devised no longer exits. But, if the GACC wants to redeem itself, it must now issue a statement saying that, "We've heard the message loud and clear from our members and realize that our position in support of this bill was wrong. As such, we revoke any support for this legislation, and furthermore pledge to fight any future legislation that results in new taxes for New Mexico businesses."

Some People Just Shouldn't Talk

So, Patricia Madrid has decided to jump in the fray and attack the Democratic Party volunteers for a poorly run caucus. Mind you, this was the sitting attorney general that lost a Democratic leaning district during a year when Republicans across the country got the boot from Congress.

Call me crazy, but I'm thinking this is the last person in the world who should be taking a whack at anyone's ability to organize volunteers and achieve results. Then, to add insult to injury, she throws in this classic Madridism:

In addition, a party-run caucus puts a critical vote in the hands of volunteers instead of paid, trained election workers.

“It (the caucus system) doesn’t have all the checks and balances and the years of experience of a proper election,” Madrid said.

Excuse me??? Ms. Madrid, have you actually been paying attention to how elections are run in New Mexico? I can't remember the last time an important election in New Mexico was actually decided on, or for that matter somewhere near, Election Day. As I recall, by the time you were ready to admit defeat in 2006, the Christmas shopping season was well under way.

As to "paid, trained election workers," it has obviously been a LONG time since you were down in the trenches. Let me recommend that you take a walk down memory lane and revisit just how well that paid election worker system is operating in New Mexico. Or maybe, instead of Monday morning quarterbacking, you could have offered to help raise the money, or volunteer your time, so that your party could do its caucus right.

Personally, I find it amusing that New Mexico's Democratic Caucus has suffered from the same inability as the state's paid Democratic machine to count ballots in a timely manner, or to have enough ballots at an election site. But, that aside, I just find it offensive that folks like Governor Bill Richardson or Patricia Madrid refused to get involved in the process, and then spend the days after pointing fingers at volunteers... VOLUNTEERS.

We really do need new leadership in New Mexico.

Governor Bill Richardson is a Class Act

Governor Bill Richardson spends the better part of a year gallivanting around the country and doing his best impression of Don Quixote, then comes back to New Mexico, grows a beard, and starts throwing barbs at everyone he can find. First, he calls the Legislature a bunch of do nothings, and now he takes aims at his own state party:

Gov. Bill Richardson released a statement tonight expressing his disappointment at how the caucus was run. Richardson was instrumental in getting the state’s Democrats to switch in 2004 to a caucus system that allowed them to move up the date and have a greater voice in the presidential selection process.

In the news release, the governor took credit for the success of the 2004 caucus, saying it was well-organized, well-funded and well-executed “through his personal efforts and those of his organization.” This year, the release stated, he was focused on running for president and is now focused on the Legislature.

Sorry, but if you ask me, the sitting Democratic Governor, who just happened to run for President, is the de facto head of the State Democratic Party. If he had still been in the race, you better believe he would have lent a hand and asked his minions to help. Instead, like a spoiled child, he is now pointing fingers at everyone else and saying, "It's your fault."

Kind of makes you wonder who he is going to blame when awareness of the economic downturn in New Mexico becomes common knowledge. If he stays true to form, there is no way he'll own up to the fact that his bad investments and unsound fiscal policy are the culprit, anymore then he is willing to take credit for the lack of leadership he has shown since returning to New Mexico.

One last note... neither the legislature, nor the Democratic Party officials are paid to do their job. They are volunteers. As someone, who at once upon a time ran a not-for-profit, I can tell you it is in truly bad form to blame the volunteers for the shortcomings of the paid staff.

Post Super-Tuesday Discussion with RNC Chairman Mike Duncan

This morning, I had an opportunity to talk one-on-one with Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Mike Duncan about the Super Tuesday results, and what bearing they have on the direction of the Presidential Campaign.

The first thing we talked about was the fact that on the Democratic side, there is no clear front runner and that is a clear indication that the Democratic Party is a party deeply divided right now. On the one hand, there are serious questions as to whether or not Senator Barack Obama has the experience needed to lead the country as Commander in Chief.

There also was a striking division between Clinton and Obama in views of their qualifications to be commander in chief vs. perceptions of who'd do more to unite the country. Obama was seen as more likely than Clinton to unite the country, by 50 percent to 39 percent; but Democrats said Clinton was most qualified to be commander in chief, by a nearly identical 51 percent to 36 percent.

On the other hand, huge numbers of people are grappling with whether or not Senator Hillary Clinton can be trusted.

The fact that these questions continue to loom as a large shadow over the Democratic race seem to indicate that the Democrats will go all the way to the Convention before deciding on a nominee. By contrast, on the Republican side we are seemingly moving toward picking a nominee in the not too distant future. This is good news for the Republican Party as it means that we can turn an eye (and our resources) toward winning in November.

The Chairman and I did speak about that all important political resource - money. Turns out that the Republican base is energized right now, and it is showing not only by the record number of people turning out at the polls across the country, but by their willingness to give their hard earned money.

Last year, Chairman Duncan raised over $80 million dollars. The same cannot be said for Democratic Chairman Howard Dean. It hasn't yet been released to the news media, but last month the RNC had another great fundraising month and finished with over $20 million on hand. Our Democratic counterparts aren't anywhere near that.

That's clearly evident on the home front here in New Mexico, where Democratic Party Chairman, Brian Colon has been lamenting the fact that he just doesn't have the resources available to him that were available in 2004:

Brian Colon, state Democratic Party chairman, said without the injection of money from the candidates' get-out-the-vote efforts, it will be tough to get people to the polls this time.

''The only thing that I kind of lose some sleep over is I wish I had half a million dollars to promote the thing,'' Colon said during a recent break from answering phones at the party's Albuquerque headquarters.

On the flip side, the Republican Party in New Mexico is being nationally recognized for its organization and ability to deliver results. In April, the New Mexico GOP will be hosting the RNC Chairman's Meeting in Albuquerque. As a blue state that turned red in the last election, we've won the right to be at the epicenter of the Victory campaign for 2008.

These are exciting times. The 27 million people who have turned out to vote in Republican and Democratic primaries and caucuses thus far show that the American people are once engaged in the process. Partisan politics aside, this is a GOOD for America.

Best Line of the Day

If you haven't been over to the Rio Grande Foundation's blog, Errors of Enchantment, in awhile, you're missing out. Paul gets the award for the best line of the day:

The fact is that governments should not be in the business of molding us into better people. Governments should leave smokers, fat people, couch potatoes, and others alone.

Amen to that!

It's Coming - The Endorsement

As we all know by now, Governor Bill Richardson spent yesterday watching the Super Bowl at his mansion with former President Bill Clinton. Now, he may not have officially endorsed Hillary Clinton, but that's called sending out a strong message.

Expect the Governor's endorsement of Senator Clinton to come sometime before Wednesday. My only hope is that he doesn't pick up ANOTHER page from Hillary's playbook when it comes to universal healthcare:

Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton said Sunday she might be willing to garnish the wages of workers who refuse to buy health insurance to achieve coverage for all Americans.

Ouch, "garnish the wages of workers" Isn't garnishing wages something we do to deadbeat dads and other people who fail to pay their debts? I'm sure that's going to go over well with the voters.

Can you imagine? You're working at a minimum wage job, maybe two, to make ends meet and President Hillary Clinton wants to garnish your wages to ensure you have health insurance. Yeah, that's brilliant health care policy. Clinton and Richardson are made for each other.

As a comical aside, how did these two great proponents of universal health care, former President Clinton and Governor Richardson, while away the time with the big game on the screen:

Political questions were off-limits as Clinton and Richardson sat glued to the television in a room that smelled of cigars, a table holding sandwiches and fresh fruit at arm's length.

Now, I like a good cigar as much as the next guy, but then again, I'm not asking that everyone be lumped into the same insurance pool as me.

Roads Already in Trouble

Boy, it sure looks like Governor Richardson is still playing catch up from his one year paid hiatus as Governor. Apparently, someone forgot to tell him the current financial situation of New Mexico roads (subscription):

Gov. Bill Richardson spent Thursday trying to drum up congressional support for New Mexico's Rail Runner commuter train and remained coy about whether he will endorse a presidential candidate before the state's caucus on Tuesday.

Richardson said in an interview that he met with Sens. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., and Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., and asked them to help secure additional federal money for the New Mexico rail project.

The governor said the state is seeking a three-year extension of a federal air quality grant that has funneled $10 million per year to New Mexico for the past two years. That money expires next year.

"We're committed at the state level to fund it, but we don't want to have the Rail Runner funds in the future affect our highway funds," he said. "Getting the federal government to do a little more is one of my objectives on this trip."

Sorry Governor, you're a little to late to the game on this one. The Rail Runner has already had a huge negative impact on our our highway funds. And, just how is the state committed to fund it? Hasn't anyone filled the Governor in on the fact that the state is facing a $4 Billion shortfall?

The president pro tempore of the New Mexico Senate indeed pulled no punches in addressing the attendees at the Association of Commerce and Industry's business day breakfast in Santa Fe on Jan. 22.

"We're $4 billion in the hole," Jennings said of the fiscal challenges facing New Mexico. "But luckily, we have $360 million in new dollars to solve that, so things are looking up."

Governor Richardson really ought to take a few minutes to visit with the Senator Tim Jennings.

If you ask me, the Governor is looking for funding to cover his fiscal mismanagement of state's resources for three years. You know, just long enough for him to be long gone from New Mexico and before the the realy big tax increases have to be put into place.