Posted on 06/17/2006 4:07:47 PM PDT by SmithL
Albuquerque, N.M. -- It looked like Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson would coast toward re-election until Saturday when his little-known Republican opponent dropped out of the race and the GOP named a more aggressive candidate.
J.R. Damron never got much traction in his campaign and was so far behind Richardson in fundraising that some GOP insiders questioned whether he could compete against the popular incumbent.
The Santa Fe radiologist who has never held elected office addressed delegates at the Republican State Central Committee meeting and left without talking with reporters.
About 100 party members from across the state then gave a unanimous voice vote to support former state GOP chairman John Dendahl to take Damron's place. He has no ballot opposition in this month's primary election.
While Dendahl, 67, has upset Democrats and even some in his own party with his aggressive tactics in campaigns, his outspoken sense of style may be what Republicans need to challenge Richardson who is considered to be a potential Democratic presidential candidate in 2008.
Dendahl, a cross-country skier in the 1960 Winter Olympics, rejected suggestions he was merely filling out the GOP ticket, expressing confidence he'll be able to raise money quickly and wage a credible campaign.
"I don't take on any battles in athletics or in anything else without intending to win," Dendahl said. "I acknowledge Bill Richardson is a very formidable opponent. He will have an enormous amount of money."
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
Another awful headline from the AP. The real news here is that a better guy will go up against Richardson, presumably one who will have a chance. The fact that the first candidate dropped out is actually great news.
GOP Gov. Candidate: Damron Out, Dendahl In
Dendahl, a Santa Fe businessman, is best known for serving as chairman of the state Republican Party from late 1994 until May 2003, when he lost a re-election bid to former state Sen. Ramsay Gorham of Albuquerque.
Through the years the outspoken Dendahl has upset Democrats — and some Republicans — for his aggressive tactics in campaigns.
He also ran into trouble within GOP circles several years ago after expressing support for former Gov. Gary Johnson's proposed drug policy changes, such as decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Not surprisingly, Democrats pounced on both angles. "The Republican party has chosen a candidate who embraces division and negativity. We welcome the opportunity to hear John Dendahl explain his pro-drug legalization plan throughout the campaign,'' said Pahl Shipley, a spokesman for Richardson.
New Mexico Democratic Party chairman John Wertheim said: "He is a known obstructionist whose views are outside the mainstream, such as on drug legalization. That's in stark contrast to moving New Mexico forward under Governor Richardson with tax cuts, job creation and health coverage. The candidates could not be in greater contrast.''
Asked about the marijuana issue, Dendahl said he assured GOP delegates that his campaign and his administration "is not going to have the luxury of pioneering new policies'' because he will be too busy targeting Richardson.
Dendahl's a great choice. He may well lose, but the race will not be a yawner. He is sharp, witty, completely outspoken. Sort of like a male New Mexico version of Ann Coulter. He will skewer King Bill every chance he gets.
Seeing a weak opponent Richardson thought those series of Senate immigration bill votes could not hurt him.
No more.
If all the Dems and press can dig up as "divisive" is the man's view on decriminalizing marijuana...they've got problems.
PING!
Huh? What are you talking about? Richardson's a governor and has never been a senator.
Richardson bears watching.
Will Richardson's winning percentage big bigger than last time?
This will be fun! Instead of ignoring the Pubbie candidate, King Bill might actually have to respond to charges like this:
Larry Barker Report: Gov creates over 60 new jobs for friends, allies
Those links are both broken. It seems as though someone has deliberately broken them as the rest of Larry's investigation reports are working. Surprise, surprise. Maybe a note to KRQE would be useful.
I have no idea. I'm just saying that I expect to see more of him as a possible presidential candidate in the future. He has some negatives for sure, but he's quite a likeable fellow and his negatives are certainly a lot less than Hildabeast, Kerry or algore.
He was my congressman for some years and later boss of the agency I sub-sub-sub-contracted for. I found him to be unpleasant, useless, and incompetent. Of course, the Good People of New Mexico elected him governor by a large margind (not bad for a carpet-bagger.) He will probably run for VP in 2008 (with Ms Rodham) or maybe in 2012 if the GOP wins in 2008.
Yes, he does. When Richardson is around, you should keep an eye on his hands and a hand on your wallet.
I agree that this election will be much more interesting, now. I'm hoping for live debates.
"I don't take on any battles in athletics or in anything else without intending to win," Dendahl said.
I think I remember reading about him at that time: he was the ONLY US cross-country skier, was barely qualified to enter, and wasn't considered to have a prayer of getting a medal.
And he didn't.
PS:
I hope Dendahl fares better against Richardson.
Says he is 67 yrs. old. Does that concern anyone?
This will be fun.
Dendahl is so far toward my end of the political spectrum, he and the de facto head of the Republican Party in NM (Sen. Domenici) just can't seem to get along.
Meanwhile, the MSM is awfully quiet next door in Arizona and there is a wonderful GOP candidate quietly gaining traction in Len Munsil...I am so hopeful that he will get the nomination because he is a great man and just what we could use to right the ship after a terrible reign under Janet Napolitano who has vetoed over 115 bills in just 4 years! Many of those bills that would get tough on illegals here in Arizona. I just cannot stand her and all she has undermined in our state. Republicans here had better step up and really axe this woman out otherwise she'll use her final four years here to catapult into the national scene and Janet Napolitano is BAD FOR AMERICA - BAD FOR ARIZONA!
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