So, I met with Keith Gardner.

Republican legislative leadership have offered themselves to the "media". It was very informal and, I thought, honest. I have to point out that candor and forthrightness seemed bound infrequently, by political correctness. It is the difference between standing next to the breach, and standing in the breach.

Centurions often suffered heavy casualties in battle, generally fighting alongside the legionaries they commanded. They usually led from the front, occupying a position at the front right of the century formation. They led and inspired their men by example. They also sought to display the skill and courage that may have gotten them to their rank in the first place. It is for these reasons that they often suffered a disproportionate number of casualties. wikilink

Because, he admitted, he doesn't read blogs very much, Representative Keith Gardner was unaware that he is apparently highly regarded as the House Minority Whip, link .

I was disappointed to hear that little attention is being paid to political bloggers. Gardner said, it was a issue of priorities; there are only so many hours in a day.

My advice would be, find a way.

There are perspectives expressed in the blogosphere that are substantially different from the perspectives of corporate media.

Their Communications Director, Camden Hubbard is apparently "on it". She asked me for the names of some blogs that they might want to pay some attention to. I am going to suppose that she would welcome input on the issue, from anyone.

We talked about a number of issues;

On the subject of the Railrunner, their perspective is; pulling the plug should be on the table for candid, forthright, and honest discussion; my words, not theirs.

On the subject of the investment scandals, they said that investigation could be adequately funded without raising taxes.

It was a very satisfying meeting.

As far as I know, the leadership of the Democratic side, has not offered themselves up for the "media". I am curious if they will.

I would like to ask Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez a question; Somewhere in the United States is the state that offers up to the people, the finest example of legislative webcasting.

Why are we not that state?

Webcasting has been on the table in the legislature for years. Even after all of these many years, why is the New Mexico Legislative webcasting still so woefully inadequate?




photos Mark Bralley