New Mexico's own Karl Rove

After Richardson's remarkable victory in 2002 over John Sanchez, a one time airline steward, Dave Contarino, the Gov's now part time Chief of Staff, was hailed as a Kingmaker, earning the title "New Mexico's Karl Rove." 4 years later, the title seems almost prophetic considering similar circumstances that Rove and Contarino find themselves today. Both Contarino and Rove have had responsibilities shifted away from policy and back to politics. Contarino is moving over to run the Governor's re-elect (hmm, thought somebody else would be doing that) while Rove is moving into mid-term status-quo protection mode.

Luckily, Dave doesn't have to worry about losing Dem seats in the legislature since that operation is in the capable hands of the State Party and the DNC funded organizers, right?

I'm sure there are more differences between the two political strategists, namely height, weight and dietary preferences, but I think the similarities between their respective challenges are a lot more interesting. Consider the following:

• The Republicans in D.C. have Delay and his trial, Dems in N.M. have Vigil and his trial.

• The GOP have the Dukester, NM Dems have Montoya.

• The GOP have Abramoff, we've got Riordan.

• Bush has Rove, Richardson has Contarino and New Mexico has the Shaft.

Next post will introduce the concept of The Four C's: Corruption, Cronyism, Conflicts of Interest and Competence, the Governor's corruption initiative and maybe we'll touch on the Three D's as well. Stay tuned NewMexicoMatters is back in action (at an undisclosed location).