The Teague Travails: Silence On Biz Problems Goes On (NM D-congressman)

New Mexico Politics with Joe Monahan ^ | June 11, 2010 | Joe Monahan

[CedarDave]

Where's Harry? That's what the state's Democratic establishment is wondering, a month after potentially devastating news was revealed about how the southern NM congressman was running his oil businesses.

Freshman Teague has been as quiet as a feather falling since a Politico article unveiled how his Hobbs-based energy companies dropped health insurance coverage for its 250 employees and how Rep. Teague, contrary to his public promise, has not yet divested himself of his energy holdings.

Dems ask: what gives? Does Harry want to win a second term or not? Democrats, especially in liberal Dona Ana County, where Teague must pull out a healthy victory to overcome Republican challenger and former congressman Steve Pearce, are especially itchy about Teague's failure to act. Why doesn't he pay for the health insurance coverage out of his own pocket and put the issue to rest? And he if he can't or won't sell his energy companies, why doesn't he explain why?

~~snip~~

The congressman is worth over $40 million. ... Teauge and his wife took in $3 million from the companies in 2008-09, further incensing not only libs but working class Democrats who struggle to keep health insurance and don't see why wealthy Harry won't step up to the plate...

[CedarDave]

Harry received a pass from the Pelosi Dems when he voted against Obamacare both times (last summer and during reconciliation). However, he supports Obama's cap and tax plans to stifle the O&G industry, which is bread and butter for constituents in his district. Either way, we who live here see him as toast come November.

[CedarDave]

Saw a reference to this article on the NM forum. Got an earlier copy from Steve Pearce's campaign so decided to post for all to read.

NM list PING!

(The NM list is available on my FR homepage for anyone to use. Let me know if you wish to be added or removed from the list.)

[Clinging Bitterly]

Toast sounds good! I’ll be down there in time to vote for his opponent.

[Rogle]

From Political the following was sent out to his employees:

On Dec. 21, 2009 — as the health care debate was raging in Congress — a human resources manager at Teague’s Cavaloz Energy sent a memo to 250 employees of Teague-affiliated companies: “Please be aware that effective Feb. 28, Cavaloz Energy Inc., Teaco Energy Services Inc., ABC Rental Tool, Eunice Well Servicing, Teaco Drilling will no longer offer health insurance to [its] employees. We would ask that all employees currently covered under the company’s insurance policy begin to seek an alternative solution.” “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause,” the notice added. “Know that we value your employment here at Cavaloz.” Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0510/36986.html#ixzz0r1u7pOkq

[CedarDave]

Hot Link: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0510/36986.html#ixzz0r1u7pOkq