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Friday, May 09, 2008

Gov. Must Polish Up Constitutional Etiquette



      Most parents spend hours drilling the importance of a phone call into their teenagers – the need to dial seven digits and let people know where they are.
       Gov. Bill Richardson, a tireless campaigner and Kentucky Derby fan, apparently needs a refresher. Because not only is it a matter of common courtesy to let the fill-in know you've gone to the races, the New Mexico Constitution would seem to require it.
       Article V, Section 7 says “in case the governor is absent from the state, or is for any reason unable to perform his duties, the lieutenant governor shall act as governor, with all the powers, duties and emoluments of that office. ...”
       Flying off to Churchill Downs to campaign for Barack Obama – while en route to Philadelphia to pick up an award – without so much as a by-your-leave to the person designated (see above) to cover for him is, at the very least, inconsiderate. Considering a wildfire was ravaging the Manzano Mountains, it's worse than that.
       Richardson spokesman Gilbert Gallegos says lack of notice to Lt. Gov. Diane Denish was an oversight and blames it on “last minute” travel plans – though a press release issued two days before Saturday's race announced the Philadelphia visit to pick up an “International Role Model Award” at the gay-rights Equality Forum. Gallegos says the governor stayed in touch with fire and Homeland Security officials. Plus, “the governor is still governor when he's out of state. He's still making decisions.”
       That's fine. However, being in touch from afar isn't what the constitution dictates; having the acting governor step up is.
       And that requires the courtesy of a phone call.
      
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