We Out

Legislature adjourns, politicians turn to campaign season

Sine die 

The Latin phrase that everyone pronounces differently means the same thing to all at the Capitol: It's time to go. Lawmakers hit the mandatory noon deadline on the 30-day session yesterday, having agreed to a number of bipartisan measures, including a wide-ranging crime bill that will toughen penalties for felons with a gun and also help enroll more inmates in Medicaid before they leave prison. The governor has until March 7 to sign any bills in front of her.

Final session

Democratic lawmakers had some kind words for the governor in her last legislative session. She had some harsh words for them before also praising the progress they made on a handful of measures. The session had a marked absence of toe-to-toe standoffs between the Legislature and the governor. Still, many lamented missed opportunities early on in the governor's tenure and said they're anxious to get to work next year, regardless of who is in the governor's office.

Spaceport wins

The taxpayer-funded Spaceport America came out ahead in the session, winning a privacy battle for some of its contracts with aerospace companies, as well as $10 million to build a new hangar. In one of the session's great understatements, Rep. Patricia Lundstrom, D-Gallup, called the venture "an asset that's been underutilized." A partnership with Virgin Galactic that has been touted by both Govs. Martinez and Richardson has yet to produce a space tourism flight that entrepreneur Richard Branson indicated was just a few years away when the facility was built.

Former senator to be sentenced

Phil Griego finds out if he's headed to prison today. Convicted last year of public corruption charges that stemmed from an SFR story, he faces a maximum sentence of around 18 years. Griego's attorney says in a sentencing memo that the attorney general is targeting the ex-senator and other politicians recently convicted of corruption charges and other crimes have done far less prison time.

Gonzales’ relative claims assault

A relative of Mayor Javier Gonzales says he sexually assaulted her starting when she was 8 years old and he was in his early teens. The woman made the allegations to New Mexico State Police last month. Police interviewed her and opened a file, then contacted District Attorney Marco Serna to talk about the statute of limitations. The case is tied up with a local political group that has vocally opposed Gonzales since the sugary-drink tax election, Santa Fe Power (or Santa Fe Voice), and activist Roger Rael.

Take the month off

Bob Davie is about to do something for which he'd howl at his football players: The University of New Mexico head football coach will miss a big chunk of spring practice. His 30-day suspension starts tomorrow. Davie won't be paid during the forced break, which will cost him around $70,000. UNM suspended Davie after two investigations revealed violations of school policies. Davie allegedly told players to "get some dirt on that whore" after a student accused one of them of sexual assault.

Not going to answer that

Gov. Susana Martinez gave that response yesterday to a reporter who asked if she planned to vote for Steve Pearce as her successor in November. It would seem a no-brainer, as Pearce is the only Republican to qualify for the ballot. But the congressman from Southern New Mexico has suggested the need to pivot away from some Martinez economic policies.

Brief blast

The ski industry welcomed the unexpectedly precipitous storm that just left our state. Most northern resorts received around half a foot, with Ski Santa Fe getting twice that. It'll be cold around the state today, with the southern half having a shot at some rain and snow. Much more snow is needed to sustain the state through the spring and summer into monsoon season. Temperatures will warm once more this weekend.

Thanks for reading! The Word hopes you're one of the lucky few to have President's Day off.

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