Bizarre Coincidence

A couple of weeks ago, I received a call from the Albuquerque Council of International Visitors, and was asked if I I'd be willing to sit down and talk with some visiting Pakistani journalists about the role of social media in political coverage. Then today I read this (subscription):

Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, who resigned Monday under intense political pressure, could seek asylum in the United States and is considering making his home in New Mexico, according to a respected Pakistani journalist and scholar.

Shuja Nawaz , author of a new book on the Pakistani military, told the Journal on Wednesday that Musharraf's safety is in jeopardy in Pakistan and he is contemplating his next move.

Nawaz said he learned of Musharraf's interest in the Land of Enchantment "from a well connected person in Pakistan," but Nawaz stressed that the information is "unconfirmed."

I'm sure one thing has nothing to do with another, but you have to admit that it is a bizarre coincidence.

Wonders Never Cease to Amaze

The City Different has yielded a conservative blog written by a PhD. Who da' thunk it possible of Santa Fe? Moralia is very well written and worth a read. Especially the following posts:

• Oppose Obama for the right reasons
• Who's to blame for gas prices?
• Deliver us, Lord, from the swing voter

Enjoy.

Bill Richardson Attempts Blogger Counterspin

Some of the biggest names of the left wing blogosphere panned Governor Bill Richardson earlier this month for his performance to date on the campaign trail. For example Daily Kos' founder, Markos Moulitsas, had this to say about Governor Richardson:

Richardson is really becoming the buffoon of this campaign... I can't believe I ever flirted with voting for the guy. He's now down in Kucinich/Gravel territory on my list.

Update: Ooops, I forgot about Richardson's other epic pander -- claiming that he's both a Yankees and a Red Sox fan.

Now it looks like the Governor is attempting to do some counterspin by releasing this video:



Unfortunately, for Richardson's campaign the ship has sailed on this one. He is finding himself in the same place as another Governor four years ago, who made just one mistake too many.

I'll Second That

Look, I'm partisan. I make no bones about it. I'm a Republican and proud to be a Republican. I support our elected Republican leaders. I proudly stand with our President, and I support our military efforts in the Middle East.


I'm the Chairman for the RNC's 2008 Victory efforts in Bernalillo and surrounding counties. I'm proud to welcome the Vice-President to Albuquerque from the tarmac, and I don't think twice about hamming it up to raise money for the New Mexico State GOP as a "celebrity" waiter (that's me as John Lennon, NOT Sonny Bono).


But, I'm also a guy who started this blog almost three years ago as an experiment. I wanted to stay involved in politics after I lost my bid for a seat in the State Legislature, but I also wanted to get in on the ground floor of the social media discussion. I wanted to learn about the marketing potential of blogs and understand the social media revolution from the inside out.

Along the way, I've had an opportunity to "meet" some terrific folks. I've had people comment on this blog or link to me from their own website who agree with very little, if anything, I have to say. And you know what? My life is richer for it.

Does this sound like my goodbye post? Don't worry, it's not. I'm not going anywhere. I'm having too much fun. Sure, I've had more than a few people who have wondered aloud if it is really a wise business decision for me to continue to write this opinionated, partisan blog day in and day out. Some may even think I'm doing more harm than good if I ever want to run for office again. But you know what, if I'm not electable as me, then I don't want to be elected.

Along those lines, I think we really need more WYSIWYG people in politics and in business. That's why, I'm going to join Eye on Albuquerque in tipping my hat to Sheriff Greg Solano, who recently commented:

Not only will I continue to blog, I have even started a new blog which will detail the run for Lieutenant Governor in a personal and honest way that I believe has never been done in New Mexico politics. One thing I vowed when I first ran for office was that "politics will not change me, I will change politics".

There is no chance, I'm ever going to vote for Sheriff Solano - our views on almost everything just don't line up. But, I can't help but think that if more candidates on both sides of the aisle began an honest discussion to put their thoughts and opinions out there three years before an election the world would be a better place.

What can I tell you? I guess I'm an idealist at heart, albeit a partisan one.

Time is Tight

Sorry folks, I'm running late here. I've been traveling and haven't had much free time. There is a lot I haven't had a chance to talk about. So, let me suggest you go visit another New Mexico blogger who has a few interesting thoughts on Governor Bill Richardson among other things.

New Political Blogger Down South

Always glad to welcome a new political blogger to the scene. The latest New Mexican to start poliblogging is Aaron Henry Diaz, a nineteen year old from a political family in Las Cruces. I'm not crazy about his top two choices for President (either McCain or Richardson), but he does ask an interesting question:

I would also like to learn why the Republicans of New Mexico are so inefficient and disunited that in turn allows a one party system in this state. I think Mario Burgos offers a clear commentary on the subject.

Ok, you got me, I liked the fact he says I offer a clear commentary on the subject (see Ben, flattery will get you links). Anyway, check out Aaron's blog. I'm not sure if he is to the right or the left, but it doesn't really matter. We need more nineteen year olds in New Mexico who feel blogging "is a tremendous opportunity for me to be a 'citizen soldier' and initiate a dialogue on issues that affect our society."

Beating the Cameras

Just found a new ABQ blog, check out it out here.

The Bloggers Are Coming

It looks like there is a public forum coming up on January 24th for those who would like to be elected to the APS School Board. And guess what? Two of the candidates are bloggers:

Candidates for the Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education will participate in a public forum on Jan. 24.

The forum will be moderated by the League of Women Voters and will give members of the public an opportunity to hear the opinions and views of the candidates.

There are three candidates, Cecilia C De Baca, Dolores Griego and Richard Sanchez, who want to represent District I, the district that encompasses the South Valley of Albuquerque.

In District 2, on Albuquerque's west side, the candidates are Cynthia Jones and incumbent Robert Lucero.

The five candidates from District 4, the Downtown and University area of Albuquerque, are Vanessa Alarid, John Edward, Martin Esquivel, Charles MacQuigg and Pauline Nunez.

The forum will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24 at the APS administrative building located at 6400 Uptown Boulevard NE.

Now that should make for an interesting night.