Roman Maes, a powerful Democratic state senator going for a sixth term from liberal Santa Fe, defeated himself by indulging in conservative rants. Your attention, please, Bill Richardson.

Trouble with a judge? The highways? The schools? Who ya gonna call? In New Mexico now, you call the governor’s office.

New Mexico has tried 150 years of colonial resistance, 50 years of make everyone happy Democracy and eight years of gridlock. Now we’re trying it Bill’s way.

Using the highest nonpolitical personnel procedures, said the governor, have him confess to misfeasance in office, unsound fiscal policy, poor negotiation skills, robbery, burglary and bad putting.