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KUNM News Special Topics:
NM State Politics
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Airdate: Wed., 1 Jul. 2009 |
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State Employees PAC Calls for Repeal of Pay Cuts |
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By: Jim Williams and Sarah Gustavus
A political action committee for a New Mexico union today ramped up an effort to repeal a law routing more of state employees’ pay into their retirement. State lawmakers earlier this year passed a measure directing 1 point 5 percent of state workers’ salaries into the Public Employee Retirement Association,...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Mon., 22 Dec. 2008 |
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KUNM News Special: 2008 Year in Review |
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By: Jim Williams
A KUNM News Special: A look back at the top local and regional stories and issues of 2008. This hour-long special features political writer and columnist Steve Terrell of the Santa Fe New Mexican, Senior Writer Trip Jennings of the New Mexico Independent, and writer and journalist Marjorie Childress,...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Mon., 9 Jul. 2007 |
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Concerns Arise Over Domenici Press Conference |
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By: Jim Williams
Some concerns have arisen around New Mexico Sneator Pete Domenici's office's handling of its weekly phone press conferences. As KUNM's Jim Williams reports, a press colleague is questioning whether the Senator's staff is employing a tactic of news manipulation.
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Thu., 21 Jun. 2007 |
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Tom Udall Holds To Hold Town Hall Teleconference |
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By: Steve Shadley
Congressman tom Udall is holding a teleconference Town Hall meeting this evening where he'll field questions from people in New Mexico over the telephone from his office in Washington. He wants to discuss proposed federal spending cuts and possible layoffs at Sandia and Los Alamos National Labs. KUNM's...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Tue., 19 Jun. 2007 |
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Labor Bill Proposed |
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By: Nick Layman
In the coming days the Senate will turn its focus away from the hotly debated Energy Bill to labor issues. Senate bill 1041 or the Employee Free Choice Act, is a bill allowing employees to form, join, and assist labor organizations. This bill is meant for workers to form a collective bargaining agreement...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Fri., 15 Jun. 2007 |
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Statewide Ban On Smoking |
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By: Steve Shadley
New Mexico today becomes the 17th state in the nation to start a statewide smoking ban indoors at public places. The law was approved by state lawmakers earlier this year and went into effect early this morning. KUNM's Steve Shadley reports.
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Thu., 24 May. 2007 |
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Concern Arises Around State Ethics |
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By: Jim Williams
The recent indictment of former state Senate Presiden Manny Aragon as well as the conviction of former treasurer Robert Vigil might be considered signals to lawmakers that the state's ethics laws need to be strengthened. Aragon is accused of taking kickbacks from the constuction of the Bernalillo County...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Mon., 30 Apr. 2007 |
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NM Republican Party Elects Officers for Next Two Years |
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By: Danny Hernandez
The Republican Party of New Mexico has elected its officers for the next two years. But not all of the Republican faithful were happy with the results or with the way the votes were counted over the weekend. Danny Hernandez reports.
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Mon., 30 Apr. 2007 |
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Democratic Party Elects New Chairman: Brian Colon |
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By: Evan Woodward
The Democratic Party of New Mexico held its State Central Committee Meeting in Las Cruces Saturday, and elected Albuquerque lawyer Brian Colon as the party's new Chairman. As Evan Woodward reports from our fellow NPR affiliate KRWG, the event had a strong turnout, and the state's Democrats have set...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Mon., 16 Apr. 2007 |
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Anna Canales Elected Bernalillo County Democratic Chairperson |
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More than 600 Bernalillo County Democratic party loyalists filled the Manzano High School gym this weekend to pick a new leader. The delegates elected former Democratic campaign worker Anna Canales to a two-year term as County Chairperson. Listen Canales handily beat out Albuquerque attorney and former...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Mon., 16 Apr. 2007 |
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Bernalillo County Democratic Delegates Speak Out on Aragon Indictment |
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By: Danny Hernandez
Former New Mexico state senate leader Manny Aragon, and three others, plead not guilty to formal charges in an alleged Albuquerque Metroplolitan Courthouse kick-back scheme last week. The four are accused of inflating the courthouse construction costs by 4.2 million dollars. This weekend, in what many...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Thu., 29 Mar. 2007 |
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Governor Richardson Comments on Manny Aragon Indictment |
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By: Jim Williams
Governor Bill Richardson responded today to Thursday's federal indictment of a former state legislator. One-time Democratic Senate President Pro-Tem Manny Aragon has been indicted for alleged conspiracy, mail fraud, and money laundering. From the capitol, KUNM's Jim Williams reports.
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Fri., 16 Mar. 2007 |
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Mayor Chavez Meets with Bill Clinton on Climate Change Initiatives |
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By: Renée Blake
Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez has just returned from a visit with former President Bill Clinton. Chavez says the two know each other from Chavez' first term in office and that many mayors hold Clinton in high regard for his support of urban agendas. Climate change was the topic this time. Chavez says...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Mon., 5 Mar. 2007 |
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Senator Domenici Admits Making Phone Call to Iglesias |
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The Washington D.C. based ethics watchdog known as CREW, or Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington has today filed an ethics complaint against New Mexico's senior U.S. Senator Pete Domenici. Executive Director Melanie Sloan: Listen Domenici press secretary Chris Gallegos says the senator...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Fri., 2 Mar. 2007 |
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Wilson Visits Albuquerque VA Hospital; Refuses To Comment on Iglesias Resignation |
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By: Steve Shadley
New Mexico Congresswoman Heather Wilson continues to avoid questions about this week's resignation of U.S. Attorney David Iglesias. Today, during a tour of the Veterans' Hospital in Albuquerque, Wilson was met by a group of reporters, but she didn't want to discuss Iglesias.
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Thu., 1 Mar. 2007 |
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Pearce Urges Protection of NM Water Resources Via Court Action |
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New Mexico Republican Representative Steve Pearce addressed a joint session of the state House and Senate this afternoon. Pearce said the state legislature needs to make it a priority to fight in court for New Mexico's right to its water supplies, spending whatever it takes to do so. He called water...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Wed., 28 Feb. 2007 |
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NM U.S. Attorney David Iglesias Resigns |
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By: Steve Shadley
New Mexico U.S. Attorney David Iglesias is leaving office today after more than five years. He's among eight U.S. attorneys nationwide who were asked to resign last December by officials with the Justice Department. Iglesias is a Republican and says he is "disappointed" how the situation was handled...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Tue., 13 Feb. 2007 |
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Investigation Underway Regarding NM Help America Vote Monies |
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Republican State Senator Dianna Duran says that during a Senate Rules Committee meeting, she was among those who heard from the new Secretary of State Mary Herrera about an outstanding debt she was left with upon coming into the office. Listen Duran says a federal investigation has been underway about...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Fri., 2 Feb. 2007 |
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State Senate Says Farewell to Former Senator Leonard Tsosie |
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The state Senate bid a final farewell this afternoon to former Senator Leonard Tsosie. The Democrat Tsosie last month left the Senate after thirteen years to take a seat on the Navajo Nation Council. Listen Senators thanked Tsosie for his work to get help for low-income Native Americans and getting...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Thu., 1 Feb. 2007 |
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Former Governor King Recovering from Broken Hip |
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Former Governor Bruce King is recovering at the Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque today after falling on ice at his home. Bill King said his 82 year old father had to undergo surgery and will be able to leave the hospital in a few days and continue with physical therapy. Listen In 1970, Bruce King...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Thu., 1 Feb. 2007 |
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Attorney General To Investigate Regional Housing Authority |
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By: Jim Williams
State lawmakers this week have requested two investigations from Attorney General Gary King's office, and King says he is following through on them. About a dozen legislators Tuesday sent a letter to King asking him to look into alleged misuse of funds by District 3 of the Regional Housing Authority....
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Wed., 24 Jan. 2007 |
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Denish Reacts To Chavez Announcement of Possible Gubernatorial Bid |
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By: Jennifer Jackson
Mayor Martin Chavez has announced that he has formed an exploratory committee for a 2010 gubernatorial bid. Jennifer Jackson reports.
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Tue., 16 Jan. 2007 |
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Richardson Requests Termination of Lottery Lobbyist Contract |
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By: Steve Shadley
The New Mexico lottery authority board has been asked to terminate its contract with a lobbyist hired to oversee legislation regarding the state's scholarship program.
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Mon., 8 Jan. 2007 |
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Expansion of Taos Regional Airport Proposed |
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By: Renée Blake
Wednesday is the final day for public comment about the proposed expansion of the Taos Regional Airport. Some opponents believe it could turn Taos into a resort town like Aspen or Telluride, Colorado. Renee Blake has more.
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Thu., 4 Jan. 2007 |
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SOS Herrera Requests Audit of 2006 State Election Expenditures |
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By: Jim Williams
Newly-inaugurated Secretary of State Mary Herrera wants a close look at how the secretary's office spent federal election money prior to her arrival. According to a copyright story in the Albuquerque Journal, Herrera has sent a letter to the state auditor's office seeking an audit of state expenditures...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Tue., 2 Jan. 2007 |
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Maggie Toulouse Appointed to Head Bernalillo County Clerk's Office |
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The Bernalillo County Commission appointed Maggie Toulouse to fill the two years remaining in County Clerk Mary Herrera's term this morning. Herrera was sworn in as New Mexico Secretary of State yesterday. "Ms. Toulouse possesses a great deal of experience through her work as a political consultant...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Mon., 1 Jan. 2007 |
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Richardson and Denish Inaugurated for Second Terms |
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By: Jim Williams
Governor Bill Richardson and Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish were inaurgurated for their second terms this morning in Santa Fe. The public ceremony took place in the House chambers at the capitol in front of the legislative leaders, supreme court justices, former governors, and Congressman Tom Udall....
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Wed., 20 Dec. 2006 |
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NM U.S. Attorney Iglesias To Resign |
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By: Steve Shadley
Governor Bill Richardson says he is surprised to learn that U.S. Attorney for New Mexico, David Iglesias, will resign soon. The governor told reporters in Albuquerque today that Iglesias' departure remains a mystery to him. Listen Local newspaper reports say Iglesias may be leaving after a dispute...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Fri., 15 Dec. 2006 |
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James Lewis Sworn In as State Treasurer |
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By: Steve Shadley
Swearing in ceremonies were held in Santa Fe today for newly elected State Treasurer James Lewis. It is his second stab as state treasurer. He also served in the post from 1985 to 1991. Lewis enters the office in the wake of a public corruption scandal that led to the conviction of former State Treasurer...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Sun., 8 Oct. 2006 |
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State Treasurer Brown Reduces Staff 20 Percent Due to Incompetence and Corruption |
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By: Jennifer Jackson
Interim Treasurer Douglas Brown has a long history of turning around bankrupted firms, so he should know what it takes to pull an organization back from the brink of disaster. In November, Governor Richardson nominated Brown to serve as interim state treasurer in the midst of the Robert Vigil kickbacks...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Wed., 4 Oct. 2006 |
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"Mo" Chavez Selected as New Insurance Superintendent |
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By: Steve Shadley
A new insurance superintendent has been selected for the state of New Mexico. KUNM's Steve Shadley reports that the Public Regulation Commission has selected Morris "Mo" Chavez over 3 other candidates for the job.
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Thu., 21 Sep. 2006 |
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Judicial Performance Commission Helps Voters Evaluate Their Judges |
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By: Renée Blake
New Mexico courts may have an image problem. People generally get familiar with judges when there is trouble in their lives. When there is no trouble, they tend to get familiar with judges when the judges get into trouble. But there is an effort afoot to polish those images and assist judges who are...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Wed., 20 Sep. 2006 |
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Ethics and Campaign Finance Reform Proposals in Process for 2007 Legislature |
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By: Jim Williams
The state Ethics and Campaign Finance Reform Task Force is meeting this week in Santa Fe to finalize recommendations for the 2007 legislative session. The group is looking at a number of issues, including limiting gifts from lobbyists to lawmakers, and creating a public funding system for state candidates....
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Tue., 19 Sep. 2006 |
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First Congressional House Seat Debate: Heather Wilson vs Patricia Madrid |
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By: Danny Hernandez
The Democratic and Republican candidates for New Mexico's first congressional seat in the U.S. House of Representatives participated in a public debate last Sunday at Congregation Albert. The Republican incumbent is Heather Wilson. The Democratic challenger is Patricia Madrid. This coverage is in three...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Thu., 14 Sep. 2006 |
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Lorenzo Garcia: Republican Candidate for State Auditor |
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By: Danny Hernandez
The controversy over who is to be the Democratic nominee for State Auditor has taken up the lion's share of media attention in that race. But who is the Republican in the race?
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Mon., 11 Sep. 2006 |
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NM Democrats Meet to Vote on State Auditor Candidate |
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By: Danny Hernandez
Nearly three hundred Democratic Party insiders gathered in Albuquerque this weekend in the midst of turmoil and uncertainity. At stake is who might replace Jeff Armijo as the Democratic State Auditor candidate. Among allegations of sexual misconduct, Armijo recently announced he would drop out of the...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Fri., 1 Sep. 2006 |
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Governor Richardson Holds Open Office Hours |
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By: Jim Williams
Governor Richardson opened his office for about 50 constituents today at the Capitol. KUNM's Jim Williams was there and has this report. Williams: The governor occasionally has open office hours for New Mexicans to ask questions and request help with issues. Gilbert Romero is a retired state and military...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Wed., 10 May. 2006 |
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Former Mayor Harry Kinney Dies at 81 |
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Calling him a living computer back before we had them, New Mexico Republican Senator Pete Domenici today talked about former Albuquerque Mayor Harry Kinney and how much he enjoyed Kinney's company before Kinney was mayor and before Domenici was senator. Listen A Colorado native, Harry Kinney served...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Tue., 25 Apr. 2006 |
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Political Infighting Continues in Colfax County |
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By: Eric Mack
A new chapter is set to begin in an ongoing soap opera that has been played out for the past year in sparsely populated Colfax County. The County Board of Commissioners is hoping that the hiring of a new County Planner and Manager will provide a fresh start, but a handful of vocal critics allege that...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Tue., 21 Mar. 2006 |
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Open Government Forum Concerned about Lack of Transparency in NM |
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By: Steve Shadley
Advocates for open government say New Mexico can do more to provide citizens with access to information on how public policies are made. Local watchdog groups say they're concerned some important political decisions are being made behind closed doors. Another forum on open government will be held tonight...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Wed., 21 Dec. 2005 |
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Call-In Show Focuses on Possible Atrisco Land Grant Sale |
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By: Hakim Bellamy
The Atrisco Land Grant is one of the oldest land grants in the United States and one of the very few Spanish Colonial grants still presently owned by heirs of the original Spanish settlers. A proposal by Westland Corporation, which currently governs the grant, would result in selling the land to a housing...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Tue., 20 Dec. 2005 |
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Vigil Case Proceeds Slowly Toward Spring Trial Date |
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By: Mary Woods
While the case of the government versus former State Treasurer Robert Vigil progresses slowly toward trial, the lead defense attorney took center stage at the motions hearing on Monday.
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Thu., 1 Dec. 2005 |
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NM Court Seals Transcript in Case Against Former Judge Gallegos |
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By: Deborah Martinez
The New Mexico Supreme Court has denied a petition from the Judicial Standards Commission that seeks to discipline former Santa Fe Municipal Judge Frances Gallegos. The court also sealed the record and transcript of proceedings against Gallegos. Gallegos resigned in November, when she was charged with...
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FULL STORY |
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Airdate: Wed., 30 Nov. 2005 |
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Vicki Perea Seeks Republican Nomination for NM State Position |
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By: Renée Blake
Vicki Perea has a long and colorful resume, which includes chairing the Albuquerque City Council Finance and Government Operation Committee and the Albuquerque City Council Land Use Planning and Zoning Committee. Today, she announced that she is seeking the Republican nomination for New Mexico Secretary...
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FULL STORY |
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