Gov. Richardson Skips Out on Dem Pre-Primary Convention

According to an AP article, Gov. Bill Richardson will be vacationing with his wife, Barbara, at an undisclosed location in the Caribbean this Saturday when the Democratic Party of New Mexico holds its day-long Pre-Primary Convention at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho. I guess he doesn't need anything from NM's Dems at the moment -- so he doesn't feel compelled to attend the year's largest Party event or help energize the delegates for what will be one of our most important election seasons in decades.

Who are the delegates to the Convention? They're more than 1,900 Dems who've been elected at county conventions all over the state. They're State Central Committee members, county, ward and precinct chairs. They're elected officials, grassroots workers and donors. They're folks who canvass and make phone calls and do the grunt work of the Party, candidate campaigns and the election process. The delegates are a diverse cross section of active Dems who'll be pivotal this November when getting out the vote will be the top priority. Many of them toiled for untold hours before, during and after last month's presidential caucuses -- under often trying circumstances. They'll travel to the event from near and far at a time of incredibly high gas prices, pay for their own accommodations and meals and dedicate another weekend to the Democratic cause.

2008: Make or Break Year
This year, our three Congressional seats are up for grabs, there's a hotly contested, nationally spotlighted U.S. Senate race, elections in every State Senate and House district, judicial contests and more. Doesn't it seem odd that the titular head of our Party has apparently decided he has better things to do than mingle with the Party's rank and file to thank them for their time, efforts and donations and help inspire them for the battles to come?

Many NM Dems donated significant amounts of money and volunteered many hours of time to support Richardson's presidential campaign bid. Many even traveled to Iowa or NH in the dead of winter and paid for it out of their own pockets to help out his campaign. Now, when Dems from all over the state are gathering to hear our candidates speak, approve a platform, build momentum and renew acquaintances, Gov. Richardson will be hanging out in the tropics.

I don't begrudge the Governor some rest and relaxation after a long and grueling presidential run and a combative legislative session. But as they say, timing is everything.

Party On, Dems
I'm sure the Convention will go on just fine without Richardson. We've got an abundance of excellent candidates and enthusiastic delegates. Lt. Gov. Diane Denish and State Chair Brian Colón will no doubt do a great job rallying the troops. Rep. Tom Udall will welcome delegates to a festive breakfast event. The Young Dems are hosting a gathering Friday evening. There'll be barn-burner speeches by candidates and treat-filled booths lining the hall. Dems in each Congressional District will vote for their favorite Congressional candidate -- determining who gets on the ballot without having to gather more petition signatures, as well as the order of names on the June primary ballot.

There'll be lots of NM Dems hugging and clapping and meeting and greeting. But I find it sad that Bill Richardson won't be among us, cheering us on and thanking us for our activism.