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Morning Word 12.10.2012 0 Comments

Morning Word, 12-10-12

The New Mexico news recap

By Matthew Reichbach

Another week and there was some big news over the weekend. The state Senate Democrats nominated Sen. Pete Campos, D-Las Vegas, to be Senate President Pro Tem. This doesn't necessarily mean he will be, as a coalition of Democrats and Republicans can elect someone, as is what happened with Sen. President Pro Tem Tim Jennings.

The Republicans had their own news this weekend, as the Republican Party of New Mexico State Central Committee met in Albuquerque and elected John Billingsley as state Party chairman.

Billingsey is an interesting choice because he was highly critical of Jay McCleskey in an opinion piece run in several columns. McCleskey is Gov. Susana Martinez's top political adviser.

On to the Word:

Milan Simonich absolutely scorches David Doyle, calling him "Legislature's loudest whiner" because he and the Republican Party of New Mexico have asked for the courts to overturn the election because of long lines in Rio Rancho.
You and cohorts filed a motion with the District Court of Sandoval County "respectfully requesting" that it declare you the winner of your District 9 race against Democratic Sen. John Sapien, right.

Is that how it works, Mr. Doyle? A judge should declare that a loser -- you -- gets to win an election because the lines were long and voter machines were lacking?
Steve Terrell previews the House leadership battles:
Democrats in the House of Representatives are expected to choose their leaders on Friday. House Majority Leader Kenny Martinez of Grants is expected to get the nod for speaker of the House, replacing current Speaker Ben Luján, D-Nambé.

Two House Democrats, Debbie Rodella of Española and Rick Miera of Albuquerque, have said they are running for the majority leader job.
Terrell says that the Senate Republican leadership is not expected to be changed, despite the change in makeup of the Republican caucus following November's elections.
KRQE looks at the upcoming battle over how to use New Mexico's budget surplus.

The Albuquerque Journal reports that Susana Martinez is already fundraising for 2014.
Capitol Report New Mexico's Rob Nikolewski has his take on the Republican leadership votes and includes tweets from Darren White.
The Albuquerque Journal says don't panic yet about your IDs because of REAL ID.
Starting in December 2014, a state-issued driver’s license or ID card can’t be used by someone under the age of 50 to enter a federal building or board a commercial airliner unless the license complies with the Real ID requirements.

That applies to everyone else starting in December 2017.
TV stations and radio stations love to talk about the issue, perhaps because it drives ratings -- but they usually fail to mention it won't affect New Mexicans until 2014.

And members of Congress say they expect the upcoming deadline to be extended once again since so many states are, like New Mexico, not close to complying.
Three groups are pushing for public financing and more campaign finance disclosure in New Mexico's elections.
State liquor laws are very convoluted in New Mexico. And the owner of La Cumbre Brewing Co. wants one of these laws to be changed.
But Erway is concerned that a 16-year-old law that requires small breweries to pay much higher taxes when they cross a key size threshold could curtail his company’s growth.
Zane Fischer wrote a column in 2009 at the Santa Fe Reporter about the confusing nature of the laws. Fischer wrote:
Off-site licenses are granted to both brewers and vineyards. Beer brewers may have two and wine producers may have three. Why? Because the legislators who dreamed this up were probably drunk. Beer brewers may use their off-site locations to sell both packaged products and beer by the full pint glass (or less). Wine producers may sell packaged products and offer wee little tasting samples but may not sell wine by the glass. Why? Because the legislators who dreamed this up were probably drunk. This means it’s possible to use a brewer’s license to open up two beer bars with no other real restrictions, but a wine bar isn’t allowed.
The State Labor Board ruled against the Aztec teachers' union in a dispute with the school board.
The New Mexico Business Weekly says what is in its latest edition, including a look at the ABQ Uptown expansion, health care changes in New Mexico including the health insurance exchange and a look at how close to opening Spaceport America is compared to other spaceports.
New Mexico Labor and progressive groups will be rallying in New Mexico" to protect the middle class from cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits and to end the tax cuts for the richest 2%" according to a press release announcing the 4:00 action.
The Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee meets at the State Capitol today and tomorrow.

The Capitol Buildings Planning Commission meets tomorrow in the state capitol.
MoveOn.org members will protest at Rep. Steve Pearce's office over his position against ending the tax cuts on the two percent who make the most. Pearce wants to extend all the Bush-era tax cuts.
The hearing over the suspension of the Questa school board will be held on December 10 according to the Taos News.
The Dec. 10 hearing is meant to give the board a chance to “appear and show cause why the suspension should not continue and be made permanent,” Skandera’s letter states. It is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at the Taos Convention Center on Civic Plaza Drive.
No more redeeming your welfare funds at bars or clubs.
Rez monsters? The Farmington Daily-Times says that a large amount of "bizarre creatures" have been reported on the Navajo Nation.
Some believe that if a person sees Bigfoot, they will die a year later. If a person sees a miniature tyrannosaurus rex, also believed by some to be alive on the reservation, they might turn to stone.
Incumbents won in SE New Mexico Republican primaries according to the Carlsbad CUrrent-Argus. These include races in the 5th Judicial Court District Judge and District Attorney positions.
The Las Vegas Optic reports on a man who was recently arrested for his 12th DWI.
KOB says there was snow across New Mexico.
KRQE says there was snow across New Mexico.
KOAT says there was snow across New Mexico.
The Santa Few New Mexican said it snowed in Santa Fe.
The Albuquerque Journal said there was snow across New Mexico.

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