When the Best Of results came in and we saw Gov. Bill Richardson had edged out last year's winner in the Best Politician category, US Rep. Tom Udall, D-NM, we were surprised (so, apparently, was the Guv, who repeated more than once at the photo shoot, "So I beat Tom?") Udall placed second. We thought it unlikely, given the governor's well-publicized frenetic schedule, that we'd be able to pin him down for a photo shoot and were pleasantly surprised when he agreed and his staff made it happen (and no, the governor did not eat any of the cake).
The governor wasn't the only new winner this year. As you read through this year's issue, you'll see some other "upsets," as well as new categories and, of course, star winners from years past. Voting participation in this year's Best Of was up by nearly 25 percent over last year (and last year we saw a dramatic rise). We appreciate all the participation, as well as the suggestions of new categories for next year. Keep those ideas coming-we're ready to mix it up big time in 2006.
