Bagman Blogging

Marston Moore at Duke City Fix has an excellent run-down on the continuing saga of the NM Treasurer's Office scandal, the tentacles from that story that reach into Mayor Marty Chavez's campaign fundraising and the Albuquerque Journal's handling of this story.

Cocoposts chimes in on the Cost of Influence and highlights an on-target quote by Bob Schwartz of the Alibi on "civic extortion." Coco links to Andy Lenderman at the Santa Fe New Mexican, who lays out the facts on alleged bagman Angelo Garcia. And Mario Burgos ponders Chavez's response to the revelation that one of his campaign fundraisers was held at Garcia's home.

Speaking of corruption, how about yesterday's indictment of Rep. Tom Delay for a money laundering conspiracy charge? Seems the corrosive effect of big money in politics is an equal opportunity scandal these days, bagging headlines about offenders from both political parties. Isn't it time for a big pushback from the public to remind crooked politicos of whatever stripe that elected officials should be representating the people, not just seeking what amount to bribes from big-pocket players?