What's going on, Albuquerque?

GOP Debate -- "For Insiders Only!"

.... presumably they are debating about what they really think, but don't want the rest of us to hear.

Joe Carraro Debate with Sheriff Darren White. Bernalillo County Leadership Breakfast, JB’s Restaurant, Hotel Circle (Behind the Owl Cafe), 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Kate Nash mentions the debate on Green Chile Chatter. The debate is listed on Joe Carraro's website.

Then Joe Monahan says “no media” allowed. Does this include hung-over bloggers? What if I wear my Ron Paul pin and try not to roll my eyes a lot?

From Monahan:

“Former ABQ GOP State Representative Rory Ogle says KOB-TV is none too happy over his decision to exclude all media from the first joint appearance scheduled between the two candidates seeking the GOP nomination for the ABQ congressional seat. Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White and State Senator Joe Carraro are scheduled to appear at Ogle's monthly Saturday morning breakfast at a local restaurant. Rory says the candidates have agreed to the "no media allowed rule." He says the candidates will be more "candid" with the party insiders invited to the session if the press is excluded, What? They will be telling a different story when the cameras are on?”

A blogger at Clearly New Mexico raises interesting questions about Rory Ogle's role as spokesman for the Republican Party insiders.

This restricting access thing may come naturally to our Sheriff who seems to have a skill set for this kind of crowd control. He required citizens to sign a loyalty oath to the Republican Party in order to get tickets to see Vice President Cheney when he came to Rio Rancho High School. He also exercised this specialty when Bush visited the North Valley and he was sued for that.

The Sheriff has denied that Bush protestors at the event were purposefully hidden from the view of Bush’s motorcade – while supporters were allowed to get up close. But Mark Bralley’s photos from that day pretty much prove otherwise. Bralley asks, what’s wrong with this picture?

Darren calls it good security. Others call it a unlawful. From Bralley:

“Sheriff White equates a distasteful message with a security risk. Citizens who disagree with the administration have as much right to send their message, as do those who are in support. Law enforcement may not quash one, while encouraging or facilitating another.”

As Bernalillo County Sheriff, Darren has overseen an impressive expansion of the Sheriff’s Office and budget. But, not surprisingly, his efforts to end the gang wars in Albuquerque have had less success than his efforts to limit peaceful protest.

But not letting press cover a debate? Was this Darren’s idea?

FBIHOP asks what they have to hide and calls Carraro, “a time bomb who will eventually go off and say something stupid.”

Martin Heinrich’s staff opines:

“America faces some real problems. The shaky economy, the war in Iraq, global climate change, the health care crisis and more all loom very large and it's time for the Congress to address each of these issues with bold solutions. The people of New Mexico deserve leaders who will be honest with them about the tough challenges we face as a nation. This is not the time for pandering politicians who say one thing in front of party insiders and another thing to the voters of New Mexico."

On the other hand, maybe this no media allowed rule is a candid statement that they don’t care what we think.

Are they really gonna tell Kate Nash she can’t come into JB’s? What if she wants some coffee?

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Comment by bleve on January 26, 2008 at 11:02am: Hmmm... closed debate in a public restaurant. Sounds like GOP logic to me. Anyone familiar with lapdogs know they are only comfortable around their handlers.

Seems to be an ethical microcosm of the national GOP scene... a slimy spokesperson trying to legitimatize closed-door, insider events.

But I thought Darren liked the spotlight...

Comment by Dan Ehrig on January 26, 2008 at 11:58am: This reminds me of BIll Richardson's outright refusal to debate during his reelection bid. Having seen his bumbling performances in the primary debates I can't really blame him for not wanting to display how terrible he is at thinking on his feet in public.

Comment by freekbuoy on January 26, 2008 at 12:19pm: Holy shit. That Darren White MTV Video thing was craptastic. What the hell was that? Gotta be from the '80s (the cars, Darren's awesome feathered hairdo, etc.).
He should run that as an ad during his campaign. All the retired hair band types'll vote in droves.

Comment by freekbuoy on January 26, 2008 at 1:06pm: Yeah. Hillary sux.

Now what was this post about?

Comment by Adelita on January 26, 2008 at 1:20pm: Hey bleve, isn't "GOP logic" an oxymoron?

Comment by The Grand Panjandrum on January 26, 2008 at 2:47pm: Jesus! Darren and his boys need to "drive by" the donut shop a little more often. Just say no!

Unfortunately, the restaurant is private property so they can close the doors if they choose to do so.

A great question to ask Darren is the one question many of us want asked (and answered.) Why could he not find Michael Astorga for more than a year after murdering a civilian, but was able to track him down in a matter of days after killing a cop? Inquiring minds ...

Comment by bleve on January 26, 2008 at 6:37pm: Adelita, "what does GOP stand for" check this out...

http://www.perrspectives.com/blog/archives/000412.htm

My favorite is 'George Orwell's Prediction'.

Of course they can close the doors if they choose but I'm of the belief that if you can't speak your motives and plans to the public, while running for the office of public servant, than maybe you shouldn't be running.

Given Sheriff White's history of profiling

, some would say racism, I think the more transparent his political speaking engagements the better.

Comment by SNM on January 27, 2008 at 8:22am: I believe the real issue here is that the national and local GOP has already anointed White and does not really want this fight. Carraro is a fire-cracker and will likely go after White. Martin will do a solid job going after White, why not spare White until then. Not a bad political idea and I like White as well, but I like transparency in government more.

Comment by bleve on January 27, 2008 at 11:25am: Oh yeah I forgot our local press coverage is known for their scrutiny and hard-hitting journalism... we should just wait for them to tell us what to worry about... back to Sunday sports.