Griego trial
The final day of arguments in the trial of ex-senator Phil Griego was full of interpretations and allegations as attorneys wrapped their case and each side tried to tie a bow on it for the jury. Tom Clark, Griego's lead defense attorney, accused three state officials of perjury because he said they didn't acknowledge that he'd disclosed a financial interest in the deal. Prosecutors cast it as a desperate attempt to place blame with someone other than Griego, whom they said had "50,000 reasons" to hide his $50,000 commission from public scrutiny.
UNMH trial takes turn
In Albuquerque, a doctor is suing the University of New Mexico Hospital for illegally firing her after she reported being raped by a colleague. As testimony drew to a close yesterday afternoon, attorney Randi McGinn asked for a mistrial when a witness changed testimony to say Dr. Cynthia Herald, who filed the lawsuit, had previously alleged another rape by a different man. While the judge decided on the matter, McGinn had a few choice words for attorneys and the witness in a hallway confrontation. The case will continue.
Powell out, Garcia Richard in for land commissioner
Citing the onset of an autoimmune disease, Ray Powell has dropped out of a bid to reclaim the state office he's held twice before. Powell said yesterday that the condition has made it hard to speak. In his announcement, he endorsed Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard, D-Los Alamos, who announced her candidacy a short time later. Two other Democrats have already declared their candidacies: state Sen. George Muñoz, D-Gallup, and Santa Fean Garret VeneKlasen.
McCamley in for state auditor
The political musical chairs continues as Las Cruces progessive Democrat Bill McCamley says he'll run to replace Tim Keller as state auditor. That job will be held by someone else for at least 13 months, as Keller will step down at the end of this month to assume duties as Albuquerque mayor and Gov. Susana Martinez will appoint a replacement. Like Garcia Richard, McCamley is a committee chair in the House of Representatives. Democrats control the body by just six seats.
Railyard sale
A federal judge has approved a California company's bid to assume ownership of the Market Station building in the Railyard. The previous owners had been in bankruptcy proceedings. The winning company actually loaned money to building's original developers. The deal should be finalized by the end of the month and no new plans for the property have been announced.
Payne-ful parking
State Sen. Bill Payne, R-Albuquerque, is one of the many legislators who avail themselves of the special red license plates identifying them as elected state officials. You've probably noticed a few around town or across the state. Somebody noticed Payne's plate because his car was parked in two spaces outside a post office. They snapped a picture. Payne's wife says she was driving and has apologized, saying, "There's no excuse for that."
Devils dashed
The tradition of Las Posadas is one of the myriad things that makes Santa Fe special. The holiday pageant depicts Joseph and Mary's search for a room at the inn. In the Santa Fe version for the past few decades, they've been turned away not by innkeepers, but by devils as they make their way from the Basilica Cathedral of St. Francis to the Palace of the Governors. That's changing this year.
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