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Gov. Bill Richardson at a press conference just now said this session is the Year of Fiscal Restraint. Now there's a title that's catchy. . .
The governor outlined his budget plan, which includes:
cuts to agencies of $108 million
increased tax collection of $79 million
de-authorization of capital outlay projects to the tune of $263 million
other one-time cuts totaling $48 million
For a total of $498 million in cuts and improved tax collections.
“My budget plan does not increase taxes; leaves essential services for New Mexicans intact; and keeps substantial and responsible cash reserves to protect us against further shortfalls,” Richardson said in a statement.
At the same time, though, he said it's "going to be a tough session."
Nothing could be more true. The battle has only begun over what will be cut and what won't, and it's not going to be pretty.
P.S. Here's a look at the LFC's budget plan.
The governor outlined his budget plan, which includes:
cuts to agencies of $108 million
increased tax collection of $79 million
de-authorization of capital outlay projects to the tune of $263 million
other one-time cuts totaling $48 million
For a total of $498 million in cuts and improved tax collections.
“My budget plan does not increase taxes; leaves essential services for New Mexicans intact; and keeps substantial and responsible cash reserves to protect us against further shortfalls,” Richardson said in a statement.
At the same time, though, he said it's "going to be a tough session."
Nothing could be more true. The battle has only begun over what will be cut and what won't, and it's not going to be pretty.
P.S. Here's a look at the LFC's budget plan.
So, yea we've joined the ranks of those who twitter. What's that, you ask? It's a way to receive short updates on local news. (Twitter can be used for short updates on anything, really, but I figured you might be more interested in local news updates than say, whether I'm at the grocery store or the park.) The tweets, as the entries are known, are like blog entries, but even shorter. And you can sign up to get the updates on your phone or e-mail. So you can skip your computer and still stay in touch.
It's free to sign up on our page.
I'll still be blogging on the Legislature and other goings on in state government. But look to twitter as well for the latest news. Because I can update our twitter page from my phone, I will be sending updates from committee hearings or press conferences or where ever I find myself covering news. . .
It's free to sign up on our page.
I'll still be blogging on the Legislature and other goings on in state government. But look to twitter as well for the latest news. Because I can update our twitter page from my phone, I will be sending updates from committee hearings or press conferences or where ever I find myself covering news. . .
There's more bad news on the newspaper front in New Mexico. The Albuquerque Journal says it is scaling back its distribution area. The paper also on Wednesday night and this morning laid off a few people and is set to lay off more today. More news when it becomes available.
Update, 3:57
Here's the official word from the Journal. No real specifics in the post, however, apart from saying that fewer than 10 people were let go from the newsroom. The Associated Press, however, is reporting that the cuts were in several editorial departments in Albuquerque in Santa Fe. In addition, the AP says the Albuquerque Publishing Company laid off people in the circulation, advertising, production and other departments, but the company didn't disclose the number.
Let's hope the Journal is able to continue to dedicate the same number of people it has in the past to cover the Legislature and state government, especially given the current situation with Gov. Bill Richardson. Because with something like this, the more reporters the better.
Update, 9:30 a.m. Friday
Here's our story on the layoffs.
Well apparently at least enough agents on recent investigation assignments to bump into each other, according to this story and the story it links to.
With so many agents in town, does this mean lodgers tax revenue will be up this quarter for Albuquerque and Santa Fe? Let's hope, because we haven't seen many tourists lately. . .
Photo by Kate Nash
Richardson at Monday's press conference talking about his decision to withdraw as Commerce secretary.
It hasn't been since he was a presidential contender that Gov. Bill Richardson has gotten this much media attention. But his decision to withdraw as Commerce Secretary has the national scribes busy again on this beat.
First up, Politico.com's Roger Simon says the Richardson situation is part of Team Obama's "drama" here. Obama Drama. Too bad nothing rhymes with Richardson. Hmm.
The Seattle Times says Richardson "and his cohorts have the grave misfortune to be in the orbit of a crime that has raised nationwide suspicions of "pay to play" practices in municipal bond markets" here.
Next, U.S. News and World report has a piece here by Bonnie Erbe, saying Obama should give the post to Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. This piece is interesting, not just because it comes up with another name for the Commerce post, but in part because it's written by someone who covered Richardson in Congress in the late 1980s.
Then, there's this hit by the Huffington Post. Drink another cup of coffee first, because you'll have to sort through all the links from the piece, and there are plenty. A few, however, are a little out there.
Just when you thought New Mexico had dropped off the radar screen again. . .
Gov. Bill Richardson on Monday morning say he “was hurting” over his decision to withdraw as President-elect Obama’s Commerce Department secretary and maintained he’d done nothing wrong.
“While this decision was a difficult one, I think it is the right thing to do. I made the decision over the weekend after exploring my options,” he said at a Capitol news conference.
Richardson took a handful of questions from reporters but wouldn’t comment on an ongoing federal investigation of a company that did business with the state.
He reiterated he’s done nothing wrong.
“I have faith in the criminal justice process, and we must allow it to run its course,” he said. I also don’t want to jeopardize the process by commenting on it today,” Richardson said.
Richardson answered a few questions, but declined to say whether he has a lawyer during the less-than-seven-minute press conferece.
The governor tried hard to seem jovial at the press conference, twice telling reporters that he was sorry he ruined our Sunday. . .
Update, 12:18 a.m.
Hear Richardson's press conference here.
“While this decision was a difficult one, I think it is the right thing to do. I made the decision over the weekend after exploring my options,” he said at a Capitol news conference.
Richardson took a handful of questions from reporters but wouldn’t comment on an ongoing federal investigation of a company that did business with the state.
He reiterated he’s done nothing wrong.
“I have faith in the criminal justice process, and we must allow it to run its course,” he said. I also don’t want to jeopardize the process by commenting on it today,” Richardson said.
Richardson answered a few questions, but declined to say whether he has a lawyer during the less-than-seven-minute press conferece.
The governor tried hard to seem jovial at the press conference, twice telling reporters that he was sorry he ruined our Sunday. . .
Update, 12:18 a.m.
Hear Richardson's press conference here.
An Obama official worked Sunday to downplay Gov. Bill Richardson's withdrawal as Commerce Secretary, saying it wasn't as if the country's Treasury Secretary had withdrawn.
Here's that story from Politico.com. Also, this story from Political Punch suggests Richardson wasn't forthcoming to Obama with information about the investigation. . .
So what now for Santa Fe? Look for fallout at the Capitol and all across state government as plans get changed -- again -- before one of the most important legislative sessions. More on the changes here.
Here's what I've been able to learn so far.
And here's the text of statements from Gov. Bill Richardson and President-elect Barack Obama:
STATEMENT OF PRESIDENT ELECT BARACK OBAMA
It is with deep regret that I accept Governor Bill Richardson's decision
to withdraw his name for nomination as the next Secretary of
Commerce.Governor Richardson is an outstanding public servant and would
have brought to the job of Commerce Secretary and our economic team
great insights accumulated through an extraordinary career in federal
and state office. It is a measure of his willingness to put the nation
first that he has removed himself as a candidate for the Cabinet in
order to avoid any delay in filling this important economic post at this
critical time. Although we must move quickly to fill the void left by
Governor Richardson's decision, I look forward to his future service to
our country and in my administration.
STATEMENT OF GOVERNOR BILL RICHARDSON
For nearly three decades, I have been honored to serve my state and our
nation in Congress, at the U.N., as Secretary of Energy and as governor.
So when the President-elect asked me to serve as Secretary of Commerce,
I felt a duty to answer the call. I felt that duty particularly because
America is facing such extraordinary economic challenges. The
Department of Commerce must play an important role in solving them by
helping to grow the new jobs and businesses America so badly needs.
It is also because of that sense of urgency about the work of the
Commerce Department that I have asked the President-elect not to move
forward with my nomination at this time. I do so with great sorrow. But
a pending investigation of a company that has done business with New
Mexico state government promises to extend for several weeks or,
perhaps, even months.
Let me say unequivocally that I and my administration have acted
properly in all matters and that this investigation will bear out that
fact. But I have concluded that the ongoing investigation also would
have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process. Given the
gravity of the economic situation the nation is facing, I could not in
good conscience ask the President-elect and his administration to delay
for one day the important work that needs to be done.
So, for now, I will remain in the job I love, Governor of New Mexico,
and will continue to work every day, with Lieutenant Governor Diane
Denish, to make a positive difference in the lives of New Mexicans. I
believe she will be a terrific governor in the future. I appreciate the
confidence President-elect Obama has shown in me, and value our
friendship and working partnership. I told him that I am eager to serve
in the future in any way he deems useful. And like all Americans, I
pray for his success and the success of our beloved country.
Here's the MSNBC story.
Update, 3:40 p.m.
Here's what Lt. Gov. Diane Denish has to say on the day's news.
"Governor Richardson postponed taking a position in the administration to ensure that President Obama and the American people face no delays in getting to work to fix our ailing economy, and the President-elect said he looks forward to Governor Richardson joining his administration in the days ahead," she said in a statement. "In the meantime, Governor Richardson and I will work together, as we have over the last six years, to tackle challenges at home, to craft a workable budget with the legislature and to strengthen our economy to make sure that every New Mexico family has the opportunity to succeed."
And here's the text of statements from Gov. Bill Richardson and President-elect Barack Obama:
STATEMENT OF PRESIDENT ELECT BARACK OBAMA
It is with deep regret that I accept Governor Bill Richardson's decision
to withdraw his name for nomination as the next Secretary of
Commerce.Governor Richardson is an outstanding public servant and would
have brought to the job of Commerce Secretary and our economic team
great insights accumulated through an extraordinary career in federal
and state office. It is a measure of his willingness to put the nation
first that he has removed himself as a candidate for the Cabinet in
order to avoid any delay in filling this important economic post at this
critical time. Although we must move quickly to fill the void left by
Governor Richardson's decision, I look forward to his future service to
our country and in my administration.
STATEMENT OF GOVERNOR BILL RICHARDSON
For nearly three decades, I have been honored to serve my state and our
nation in Congress, at the U.N., as Secretary of Energy and as governor.
So when the President-elect asked me to serve as Secretary of Commerce,
I felt a duty to answer the call. I felt that duty particularly because
America is facing such extraordinary economic challenges. The
Department of Commerce must play an important role in solving them by
helping to grow the new jobs and businesses America so badly needs.
It is also because of that sense of urgency about the work of the
Commerce Department that I have asked the President-elect not to move
forward with my nomination at this time. I do so with great sorrow. But
a pending investigation of a company that has done business with New
Mexico state government promises to extend for several weeks or,
perhaps, even months.
Let me say unequivocally that I and my administration have acted
properly in all matters and that this investigation will bear out that
fact. But I have concluded that the ongoing investigation also would
have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process. Given the
gravity of the economic situation the nation is facing, I could not in
good conscience ask the President-elect and his administration to delay
for one day the important work that needs to be done.
So, for now, I will remain in the job I love, Governor of New Mexico,
and will continue to work every day, with Lieutenant Governor Diane
Denish, to make a positive difference in the lives of New Mexicans. I
believe she will be a terrific governor in the future. I appreciate the
confidence President-elect Obama has shown in me, and value our
friendship and working partnership. I told him that I am eager to serve
in the future in any way he deems useful. And like all Americans, I
pray for his success and the success of our beloved country.
Here's the MSNBC story.
Update, 3:40 p.m.
Here's what Lt. Gov. Diane Denish has to say on the day's news.
"Governor Richardson postponed taking a position in the administration to ensure that President Obama and the American people face no delays in getting to work to fix our ailing economy, and the President-elect said he looks forward to Governor Richardson joining his administration in the days ahead," she said in a statement. "In the meantime, Governor Richardson and I will work together, as we have over the last six years, to tackle challenges at home, to craft a workable budget with the legislature and to strengthen our economy to make sure that every New Mexico family has the opportunity to succeed."
So much of the attention this year has been on state politics. But there's a mayoral election in the Duke City in 2009, and you know it will be hot.
Mayor Martin Chavez is interested in the post. Again. But he's gotta get a court to OK him to seek a third term.
Update, Jan. 6
(Actually, I missed this one, but a court already ruled Chavez can ran again, so he's good to go. Sorry, I missed that one...)
Then you've got one-time Senate President Pro Tem Richard Romero. He needs money, and as of Jan. 1. will collect seed money for his publicly financed campaign. Up to $100 per person from ABQ residents.
Michael Cadigan is another. He needs more name id, many would say, and to expand his base. The same might be said for Ken Sanchez. And don't forget other dark horse Democratic possibilities. . .
So, those are the Democrats making the most noise so far.
As for the Republicans, Darren White maybe? If you've heard of others, send 'em to me.
Mayor Martin Chavez is interested in the post. Again. But he's gotta get a court to OK him to seek a third term.
Update, Jan. 6
(Actually, I missed this one, but a court already ruled Chavez can ran again, so he's good to go. Sorry, I missed that one...)
Then you've got one-time Senate President Pro Tem Richard Romero. He needs money, and as of Jan. 1. will collect seed money for his publicly financed campaign. Up to $100 per person from ABQ residents.
Michael Cadigan is another. He needs more name id, many would say, and to expand his base. The same might be said for Ken Sanchez. And don't forget other dark horse Democratic possibilities. . .
So, those are the Democrats making the most noise so far.
As for the Republicans, Darren White maybe? If you've heard of others, send 'em to me.
OK political junkies, wake up from that post-Christmas nap and ponder this: Lt. Gov. Diane Denish said today that 15 to 20 people have expressed interest in her job, when she moves to the Governor's Office when (if) Gov. Bill Richardson moves on to Washington to be Commerce Secretary.
Denish said there are a number of "qualified, credible people" who have spoken to her about the post.
However, Denish gave no hints as to whether she had a favorite, saying simply in an interview that she is "going to appoint that person when there's a vacancy in that office."
You've probably heard the same names I have: Lawrence Rael, Hector Balderas, Lucky Varela, John Garcia, Joe Maestas, Dan Lopez. A new one I heard the other day is Pojoaque Gov. George Rivera, and then came Stuwart Paisano's name as another possibility.
But it seems there are others, according to Denish's numbers. Any women contenders? Anyone we never heard of? Send me your nominations now. . .
Denish said there are a number of "qualified, credible people" who have spoken to her about the post.
However, Denish gave no hints as to whether she had a favorite, saying simply in an interview that she is "going to appoint that person when there's a vacancy in that office."
You've probably heard the same names I have: Lawrence Rael, Hector Balderas, Lucky Varela, John Garcia, Joe Maestas, Dan Lopez. A new one I heard the other day is Pojoaque Gov. George Rivera, and then came Stuwart Paisano's name as another possibility.
But it seems there are others, according to Denish's numbers. Any women contenders? Anyone we never heard of? Send me your nominations now. . .
This piece aired on NBC earlier this week.
It doesn't break any new ground, but shows the national media is paying attention to the situation.
This is a draft but I hope it helps those who've been calling for info on taking the free shuttle around downtown Santa Fe from the Railrunner starting Wednesday a.m. Not sure that it's posted anywhere else, so feel free to link.
Santa Fe Pick Up Shuttle Schedule
Arrivals Departures
Inbound Outbound
Start Train Arrives exactly at 6:42 AM Start Santa Fe Depot
b PERA 6:45 AM b PERA 6:45 AM
c Lot 9 6:48 AM c Lot 9 6:48 AM
d Cathedral 6:50 AM d Cathedral 6:50 AM
e Main Library 6:52 AM e Main Library 6:52 AM
f City Hall 6:54 AM f City Hall 6:54 AM
g Sheridan 6:56 AM g Sheridan 6:56 AM
h Hilton 6:58 AM h Hilton 6:58 AM
End Santa Fe Depot 7:00 AM End Santa Fe Depot 7:00 AM
Train Departs exactly at 7:12 AM
Start Train Arrives exactly at 7:44 AM Start Santa Fe Depot
b PERA 7:47 AM b PERA 11:10 AM
c Lot 9 7:49 AM c Lot 9 11:13 AM
d Cathedral 7:51 AM d Cathedral 11:15 AM
e Main Library 7:53 AM e Main Library 11:17 AM
f City Hall 7:55 AM f City Hall 11:19 AM
g Sheridan 7:57 AM g Sheridan 11:21 AM
h Hilton 7:59 AM h Hilton 11:23 AM
End Santa Fe Depot 8:00 AM End Santa Fe Depot 11:25 AM
Train Departs exactly at 11:30 AM
Start Train Arrives exactly at 8:54 AM Start Santa Fe Depot
b PERA 8:57 AM b PERA 3:53 PM
c Lot 9 8:59 AM c Lot 9 3:56 PM
d Cathedral 9:01 AM d Cathedral 3:58 PM
e Main Library 9:03 AM e Main Library 4:00 PM
f City Hall 9:05 AM f City Hall 4:02 PM
g Sheridan 9:07 AM g Sheridan 4:03 PM
h Hilton 9:09 AM h Hilton 4:05 PM
End Santa Fe Depot 9:11 AM End Santa Fe Depot 4:07 PM
Train Departs exactly at 4:10 PM
Start Train Arrives exactly at 12:05 AM Start Santa Fe Depot
b PERA 12:08 PM b PERA 4:59 PM
c Lot 9 12:10 PM c Lot 9 5:02 PM
d Cathedral 12:12 PM d Cathedral 5:04 PM
e Main Library 12:14 PM e Main Library 5:06 PM
f City Hall 12:16 PM f City Hall 5:08 PM
g Sheridan 12:18 PM g Sheridan 5:10 PM
h Hilton 12:20 PM h Hilton 5:12 PM
End Santa Fe Depot 12:22 PM End Santa Fe Depot 5:14 PM
Train Departs exactly at 5:17 PM
Start Train Arrives exactly at 5:46 PM Start Santa Fe Depot
b PERA 5:49 AM b PERA 6:00 PM
c Lot 9 5:51 AM c Lot 9 6:03 PM
d Cathedral 5:53 AM d Cathedral 6:05 PM
e Main Library 5:55 AM e Main Library 6:07 PM
f City Hall 5:57 AM f City Hall 6:09 PM
g Sheridan 5:59 AM g Sheridan 6:11 PM
h Hilton 6:01 AM h Hilton 6:13 PM
End Santa Fe Depot 6:03 AM End Santa Fe Depot 6:15 PM
Train Departs exactly at 6:18 PM
Santa Fe Pick Up Shuttle Schedule
Arrivals Departures
Inbound Outbound
Start Train Arrives exactly at 6:42 AM Start Santa Fe Depot
b PERA 6:45 AM b PERA 6:45 AM
c Lot 9 6:48 AM c Lot 9 6:48 AM
d Cathedral 6:50 AM d Cathedral 6:50 AM
e Main Library 6:52 AM e Main Library 6:52 AM
f City Hall 6:54 AM f City Hall 6:54 AM
g Sheridan 6:56 AM g Sheridan 6:56 AM
h Hilton 6:58 AM h Hilton 6:58 AM
End Santa Fe Depot 7:00 AM End Santa Fe Depot 7:00 AM
Train Departs exactly at 7:12 AM
Start Train Arrives exactly at 7:44 AM Start Santa Fe Depot
b PERA 7:47 AM b PERA 11:10 AM
c Lot 9 7:49 AM c Lot 9 11:13 AM
d Cathedral 7:51 AM d Cathedral 11:15 AM
e Main Library 7:53 AM e Main Library 11:17 AM
f City Hall 7:55 AM f City Hall 11:19 AM
g Sheridan 7:57 AM g Sheridan 11:21 AM
h Hilton 7:59 AM h Hilton 11:23 AM
End Santa Fe Depot 8:00 AM End Santa Fe Depot 11:25 AM
Train Departs exactly at 11:30 AM
Start Train Arrives exactly at 8:54 AM Start Santa Fe Depot
b PERA 8:57 AM b PERA 3:53 PM
c Lot 9 8:59 AM c Lot 9 3:56 PM
d Cathedral 9:01 AM d Cathedral 3:58 PM
e Main Library 9:03 AM e Main Library 4:00 PM
f City Hall 9:05 AM f City Hall 4:02 PM
g Sheridan 9:07 AM g Sheridan 4:03 PM
h Hilton 9:09 AM h Hilton 4:05 PM
End Santa Fe Depot 9:11 AM End Santa Fe Depot 4:07 PM
Train Departs exactly at 4:10 PM
Start Train Arrives exactly at 12:05 AM Start Santa Fe Depot
b PERA 12:08 PM b PERA 4:59 PM
c Lot 9 12:10 PM c Lot 9 5:02 PM
d Cathedral 12:12 PM d Cathedral 5:04 PM
e Main Library 12:14 PM e Main Library 5:06 PM
f City Hall 12:16 PM f City Hall 5:08 PM
g Sheridan 12:18 PM g Sheridan 5:10 PM
h Hilton 12:20 PM h Hilton 5:12 PM
End Santa Fe Depot 12:22 PM End Santa Fe Depot 5:14 PM
Train Departs exactly at 5:17 PM
Start Train Arrives exactly at 5:46 PM Start Santa Fe Depot
b PERA 5:49 AM b PERA 6:00 PM
c Lot 9 5:51 AM c Lot 9 6:03 PM
d Cathedral 5:53 AM d Cathedral 6:05 PM
e Main Library 5:55 AM e Main Library 6:07 PM
f City Hall 5:57 AM f City Hall 6:09 PM
g Sheridan 5:59 AM g Sheridan 6:11 PM
h Hilton 6:01 AM h Hilton 6:13 PM
End Santa Fe Depot 6:03 AM End Santa Fe Depot 6:15 PM
Train Departs exactly at 6:18 PM
Sen. Pete Domenici has been doing calls with radio reporters since 1988. But like the rest of his public service, that, too is coming to an end.
Domenici's office this morning posted the audio from his last press conference.
As he talked about topics including the auto industry bail out bill, Domenici was nostalgic.
"I can't say I'm looking forward to a new time in my life because I loved what I was doing," he said. "So I'm kind of worried about what I'm going to do next, whether I'll like it."
Domenici's office this morning posted the audio from his last press conference.
As he talked about topics including the auto industry bail out bill, Domenici was nostalgic.
"I can't say I'm looking forward to a new time in my life because I loved what I was doing," he said. "So I'm kind of worried about what I'm going to do next, whether I'll like it."
If you're planning to commute from Albuquerque to Santa Fe or vice-versa on the NM Railrunner, I probably don't have to tell you it starts Wednesday. This Wednesday.
But I have been getting calls and e-mails from people wondering how to get to, say, the state Capitol, once they step off the train at the Santa Fe Railyard.
Of course, you could always walk the five blocks and stave off that holiday weight gain.
Or, the Department of Transportation released this handy map of shuttles and other buses that will meet the train. Looks like many state government workers would be able to take the free "Santa Fe Pickup" shuttle, which whooshes around Downtown.There is also a South Capitol shuttle and other city of Santa Fe buses. While there is a route map for the new shuttles, there is no schedule yet.
I called around to see where and when a person who works at the Capitol might get on the Santa Fe Pickup. Turns out there is no set schedule yet, although buses are set to pick up train riders after each train Wednesday. Drivers will determine how many people want to get off at say, the PERA Building and set schedules from there, I'm told. The plan sounds good, although I see the Santa Fe Pickup won't run as late as those famous Senate debates during the session: service on that shuttle ends at 6:30 p.m. But who knows, maybe with big demand, that will change. . .
If you are traveling from Santa Fe to Albuquerque, check out Duke City buses or the Railrunner site for connection information.
A large crowd gathered in Moriarty Thursday for the Alice King funeral, one of the biggest in the state in recent history.
Above is a short video piece I put together this week.
The public funeral service will be at 9 a.m. Thursday at Moriarty High School, in the gym. She will be buried at the Moriarty Cemetery after that.
Her body will lie in state at the Capitol Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The King family is asking that donations be made instead of flowers to the New Mexico Children's Fund, New Mexico Girls Ranch or Carrie Tingley Hospital at The University of New Mexico.
Her body will lie in state at the Capitol Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The King family is asking that donations be made instead of flowers to the New Mexico Children's Fund, New Mexico Girls Ranch or Carrie Tingley Hospital at The University of New Mexico.
Update, 5:00 p.m. Monday
See my obituary and recent video of Alice King here.
Former First Lady Alice King died tonight at Presbyterian Hospital, her son Gary King said. She was 78 and had suffered a stroke Thursday.
The people I've talked to in the past few hours as I've written her obituary have mentioned that there aren't many women like Alice anymore, and they are right. She was tough, a farm girl at heart, but someone who soon grew to know the likes of the Carters and the Clintons. She gave countless hours of her time to New Mexico's children, work that culminated in the creation of the state's Children, Youth and Families Department. She was one of a kind and will be missed.
On a personal note, I'll never forget the first time I interviewed Alice, when I was a reporter at the Tribune. For reasons too long to get into here, the interview with her and Bruce took place in a pickup truck belonging to their son, Bill. I sat in the driver's seat, with Bruce next to me and Alice in the back. I had set out to interview Bruce, but should have known better. They came as a package.
I most recently interviewed the Kings in late July at their ranch. The interview went well until Alice started to look a little antsy; whatever she had whipped up in her pressure cooker in the kitchen was nearly done, and she had to go, with guests on the way. She got up to stir, came back and I asked for ten more minutes. She obliged. I knew time -- like my video tape -- was running out, but wish I would have asked for more.
Photo by Kate Nash. Taken Nov. 25 at the Capitol.
See my obituary and recent video of Alice King here.
Former First Lady Alice King died tonight at Presbyterian Hospital, her son Gary King said. She was 78 and had suffered a stroke Thursday.
The people I've talked to in the past few hours as I've written her obituary have mentioned that there aren't many women like Alice anymore, and they are right. She was tough, a farm girl at heart, but someone who soon grew to know the likes of the Carters and the Clintons. She gave countless hours of her time to New Mexico's children, work that culminated in the creation of the state's Children, Youth and Families Department. She was one of a kind and will be missed.
On a personal note, I'll never forget the first time I interviewed Alice, when I was a reporter at the Tribune. For reasons too long to get into here, the interview with her and Bruce took place in a pickup truck belonging to their son, Bill. I sat in the driver's seat, with Bruce next to me and Alice in the back. I had set out to interview Bruce, but should have known better. They came as a package.
I most recently interviewed the Kings in late July at their ranch. The interview went well until Alice started to look a little antsy; whatever she had whipped up in her pressure cooker in the kitchen was nearly done, and she had to go, with guests on the way. She got up to stir, came back and I asked for ten more minutes. She obliged. I knew time -- like my video tape -- was running out, but wish I would have asked for more.
Photo by Kate Nash. Taken Nov. 25 at the Capitol.
