A little disappointed

So I went to this event tonight at the Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg hosted by the New Mexico Amigos, a nonprofit organization headed by Governor Bill Richardson. I, like most of the guests, thought that the Governor – a candidate for the Democratic nomination for president – would be there. Unfortunately, Richardson was not able to make the reception.

All was not lost, however. In attendance were a number of local legislators, among them Delegates Lionel Spruill (D-77th), Glenn Oder (R-94th), Senators Frank Wagner (R-7th), Marty Williams (R-1st), Tommy Norment (R-3rd), Hampton Mayor Ross Kearney, and Newport News Mayor Joe Frank. (I apologize if I missed anyone – I’m doing this from memory.) Hmm – lots of Republicans there to see a Democratic candidate. 😉

I got a chance to chat with Senator Williams regarding the meeting that was to be held tonight to decertify him from the primary ballot. Williams laughed it off, saying that the 1st district Republican chair was not even going to be at the meeting tonight. I asked him what he planned to do if by some chance he was removed from the primary ballot. He said that he would be filing to run as an independent. (UPDATE: NLS & BD have the info that Williams was decertified.)

Most of my evening I spent talking with members of the New Mexico Amigos. The group, which started in 1962, is the official goodwill ambassadors for New Mexico. They make an annual Goodwill Flight to various locations to promote the state. According to the brochure handed out, the group is comprised of 260 members. Some 150 of them participate in the Goodwill Flight. They are folks from varied backgrounds. I met a District Judge from Roswell, who was handing out pins referencing that city’s UFO history. We talked a bit about how politics in NM differs from that in VA. I met a college president, who is a retired Army officer and was stationed at the Pentagon during his time on active duty. I met an officer from Wells Fargo Bank and we talked a bit about mortgages and business lines of credit. And there were a few women among the Amigos as well, which I thought was pretty cool.

Interesting fact: New Mexico, a state of 121,666 square miles, has approximately 1.9 million residents. By contrast, the Hampton Roads area occupies 2,628 square miles and has 1.6 million residents. Running races there is a lot less expensive than in Virginia. I’m thinking some of us need to move out to NM 🙂

Even though I was disappointed not to have the opportunity to meet Governor Richardson, I have to say meeting the New Mexico Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish pretty much made up for it. 🙂 LG Denish is the first female LG in the state’s history. Not only that, but this was her first elected office! The third time was the charm – she failed in two previous attempts – for this very charming lady. Should Richardson become president, New Mexico will be in very good hands. I offered to come out and serve as her chief of staff; instead, she recommended I come out and serve as her LG! Flattery will get you everywhere, dear lady 😉

The LG is herself a great ambassador for New Mexico. I asked her about what makes NM a good place to live and she mentioned the diversity. She also talked about dealing with the challenges of extreme poverty, also experienced in her state. On her website, I see that she is an advocate for a voluntary pre-K program for 4-year olds. Sound familiar?

I’m glad I took the time to drive to Williamsburg for this reception. Perhaps Virginia needs to put together something like the Amigos. I certainly learned an awful lot about the state as the result of this reception.

And hey Governor Richardson – you missed a really nice event.

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