Fund Raiser

We held a nice little fund raiser at Ned Farquhars house in the North Valley today. Ned is the Governor's able Energy Advisor. We raised a nice little chunk of change, about $3500, to add to our final weeks war chest. Monday we will file a report showing that as of May 1st we have raised abut $78,000 in cash and $7,500 in inkind contributions. Total $84K or so. In addition, since May 1st we have brought in an additional $4200 for a total of 88K. See, I am reporting early! This will save my opponent Ray Powell some time tomorrow in checking the Secretary of State's website to see how much I have raised.

The fund raiser today was fun because two of the sponsors, City Council President Martin Heinrich and County Assessor candidate Moises Gonzalez were there.

I will predict that Martin Heinrich has a great political future in front of him. He has shown great skill in shepherding the minimum wage bill through the Albuquerque City Council. He is well respected for his ability to listen and negotiate compromises. He treats everyone with respect and is very even tempered under sometimes adverse conditions. I think he will go to the very top of the political food chain at some point in time. Martin's wife, Julie Hicks, was one of my communications officers when I served as Mayor. They have one son, Carter(3) and another child due in September.

Moises Gonzales is a very gifted planner and land use specialist who is running for County Assessor. He has innovative ideas for that almost invisible, but vital County office. He is liked by everyone. I am especially impressed by his work ethic. Twice this week while traveling around Albuquerque I have seen him and his loyal followers walking door to door working for votes.

The really nice thing about these guys is that they are both unquestionably ethical and honest.