I just ran into Sen. John Grubesic, who wrote a candid and not very flattering view of a favorite Legislative watering hole, Gov. Richardson and legislative life in general.
Here's a couple of excerpts
When I walked in, I noticed how everyone was strategically placed. Lobbyists positioned near the entrance poised to pick off the politicians as they walked in, attractive women in the second tier and of course the governor's minions protecting his corner table until he arrived to hold court and have the fops approach to kiss his ring.
Referring to the governor's table, Grubesic wrote:
One by one I see them line up for some face time with Bill. This bootlicking is not partisan; Reds and Blues alternate hoping to protect their pork. It continues for about 45 minutes
(If you haven't already, you can read the whole letter HERE )
Grubesic said the reaction so far has fallen along party lines. "As far as the Democrats go, it was political suicide," he said. "But the Republicans loved it."
For the record, Grubesic is a self-described progressive Democrat.
"It's political suicide," Grubesic said. "But (Richardson) was going to run someone in the primary against me anyway." The senator is up for re-election in 2008. (Rumor has it that Ricahrdson might be more interested in another election that year.)
"Maybe I shouldn't have called him `the flabby king,' " Grubesic said. "That was poetic license."
Grubesic made headlines last year for an incident in which he wrecked his SUV near his home following a visit to the Rio Chama bar after a legislative session. He later admitted that his initial story he gave police wasn't true.
A few months later, he made news again for cussing out a Sheriff's deputy who went to his home after a neighbor complained about his alleged speeding.
Grubesic later apologized for the incident. Following a period of lying low, he came back swinging right before last October's special session.
Apologizing again for the previous incidents and admitting that he has a drinking problem, Grubesic issued blistering statements extremely critical of Richardson calling the special session and denouncing some of the governor's bills.
And now this letter.
Earlier this morning, a reporter asked Richardson if he had any comment about the letter.
"Oh God, no," Richardson said, laughing.
