Political Commentary: Heath Haussamen

Let’s Give The New Mexico Auditor Some Teeth

So in September, State Auditor Hector Balderas publicly shamed 87 government agencies in New Mexico by releasing to the media a list of agencies that hadn’t submitted annual and compliance audits to the state as required by law.

It was the first time the auditor publicly released such a list, and dozens of agencies responded by immediately turning in late audits or at least calling Balderas’ office to make arrangements to get their audits done.

But 34 agencies didn’t even bother to respond, though they’re required by law to submit annual audits. (Check out the list of the 34 agencies, courtesy of The Santa Fe New Mexican’s Kate Nash.) Balderas has basically no recourse to get those agencies to comply with a state law that is designed to help ensure those agencies aren’t rife with fraud, waste and abuse.

Political Commentary: Heath Haussamen

A Lesson from the D.C. Sniper Case: People Need Each Other, Not Just The System

You can’t rely on the system. Before you mentally check out because of my use of the cliché “the system,” hear me out. I’m talking about any structure we put in place to organize and improve our lives, and that includes government, churches, the medical system and, in this instance, the law enforcement system. So let me start again: You can’t rely on the system. No one knows this better than a victim of domestic violence, and a month ago I had an opportunity to hear from a woman who understands this reality better than most.

Political Commentary: Heath Haussamen

The Problem of Poverty Transcends Ideology

The pastor of my church caught my attention on Sunday when he said that some people live in such horrible circumstances that they can’t pull themselves out of poverty, and so we shouldn’t fall into the trap of believing poor people are lazy and just need to get a job.

It caught my attention because it’s not the sort of thing you hear every day in an evangelical church. I found myself looking around to see who was offended by my pastor’s words.

Political Commentary: Heath Haussamen

NM’s Rep. Teague Could Be In Trouble In 2010

Analysts and political operatives are increasingly saying that House Democrats could face significant election losses in 2010. New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District is, in my view, one of the seats most likely to flip. The GOP couldn’t have a better candidate to take on a Democratic incumbent than former U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, who is challenging current U.S. Rep. Harry Teague, D-N.M., next year.

Political Commentary: Heath Haussamen

U.S. Attorney’s Letter in Richardson Case Was Inappropriate

“Hi. I’m not going to file criminal charges against your clients at this time, even though my investigation revealed wrongdoing. Know that I’m watching your clients. There are other investigations pending, and if circumstances warrant, I might restart this one as well.”

Political Commentary: Joan McCarter

“He’s Left A Great Void in Our Public Life”

Vice President Joe Biden touchingly described the loss of Sen. Edward Kennedy in a very personal statement, saying “He’s left a great void in our public life, and a hole in the hearts of millions of Americans and hundreds of us who were affected by his personal touch throughout our lives.” I’m among those lucky enough to have had the briefest brushes with the man in his element, in a committee room in the Capitol where I was staffing my then boss in a conference committee. The Senator’s appearance was brief, but decisive. Once he walked into the room, there was little doubt that his amendment would be included in the final bill, though it wasn’t in the House version. And after he spoke any doubt that might have existed vanished. He ruled the day. He elevated the otherwise mundane proceedings, at least for me, giving me a sense of the import and the great gift I had been given to be seated at a table in the nation’s Capitol, having a hand in the people’s business.

Political Commentary: Heath Haussamen

A Microcosm Of NM’s Corrupt Political System

In recent weeks, it’s become crystal clear that New Mexico’s Public Regulation Commission is a mess. State government in New Mexico has been plagued by scandal in recent years. The PRC is a microcosm of that scandal.

Political Commentary: Heath Haussamen

Town-Hall Violence Isn’t Helping Anything

A libertarian activist in Albuquerque crossed a line on Friday when he advocated physical violence against members of left-leaning groups at town hall meetings on health-care reform.

I’m not giving the guy the publicity of linking to his page or publishing his name, but I will tell you that he posted messages on Twitter stating that people should use “retaliation… be it verbal or physical” against members of ACORN and the Service Employees International Union if they decide to attend or disrupt town-hall meetings and should “hurt them. Badly.”

Political Commentary: Joan McCarter

John McCain Holds Up Interior

Six months into a new administration, plenty of jobs are still being filled, and plenty of new policies enacted. But in some key cases--a few very prominent, some obscure, agency chairs are sitting vacant. For the most part, the nominees have been picked, are ready and waiting. But for various reasons, sometimes purely spiteful and petty, sometimes principled, Republican Senators are refusing to allow the nominations to go forward. That's what's happening now with two key Interior positions, where John McCain's ego seems to be holding up the works on a number of policy fronts.