The fourth floor

DEATH PENALTY ALLY

While a death penalty repeal bill was introduced downstairs, Gov. Bill Richardson said he was still behind the death penalty, with some caveats.

"I support the death penalty with the most strictest of safeguards," Richardson, a Democrat, said.

Those safeguards include proper legal representation for defendants and more DNA testing.

"I support the death penalty for the most heinous of crimes," the governor said. "I've always done that while I was in Congress."

Rep. Gail Beam, an Albuquerque Democrat, said that "the time has come for us to admit the death penalty does not deter violent crime."

Hallway chatter

FROM LEADER TO LOBBYIST

Former House Speaker Raymond Sanchez roamed the Roundhouse halls Thursday - part of his new role as a soon-to-be-registered lobbyist.

Sanchez, a Democrat, was ousted from his North Valley seat two years ago by former Republican Rep. John Sanchez, no relation, who lost a bid for governor last year.

In his Albuquerque law practice, Raymond Sanchez represents the developers of Mesa del Sol. He'll be working with lawmakers to secure funding for long-sought improvements to the development's main road.

"I didn't really want to lobby," Sanchez said. "But I'll do this little bit. I won't be turning into one of those other lobbyists."

Visitor of the day

FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES

Archbishop Michael Sheehan of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe met privately with Gov. Bill Richardson on Thursday. Sheehan said he thanked the Democratic governor for promising to work with legislators in his State of the State address.

"That was a hopeful message for the state," Sheehan said.

Sheehan and the state's other bishops lobbied the governor on social-service programs - particularly substance-abuse treatment.

"He's quite committed to that issue," Sheehan said of the governor. "I think he's also strongly committed to assistance for the poor."

In committee

NO, MY FUNDING FIRST

House Minority Leader Ted Hobbs almost had a good thing going: His bill to fund the in-plant training program with $20 million reflected Richardson's ideas. But House Speaker Ben Lujan had a similar bill, with $5 million less.

When Hobbs' bill got to the House Business and Industry Committee on Thursday, he said, "I ran into a buzzsaw."

Hobbs complained that the Democrat-heavy committee liked Lujan's bill better, and killed his by holding it back.

The in-plant training fund has a $10 million balance, according to Therese Varela, director of the program. Richardson has said he wants the fund to grow to $20 million.

Lujan's bill received a unanimous "do pass" recommendation from the committee. While Hobbs said he regrets the death of his bill, he promised to support Lujan's on the floor.

HELP FOR RAPE VICTIMS

The House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee unanimously endorsed a bill that would order hospitals to offer emergency contraceptives to rape victims.

Rep. Mimi Stewart, an Albuquerque Democrat, presented the bill on Thursday. If taken within 72 hours of an assault, she said, the contraceptives can prevent an unwanted pregnancy.

In a 2001 study, 195 New Mexico women were assaulted, with 40 of the cases resulting in pregnancy.

"This is a way for women to avoid having an abortion by keeping them from becoming pregnant," Stewart said.

Numbers

THAT'S SIX LUNCHES A DAY

Number of people serving as legislators in this session: 112.

Number of people registered as lobbyists for this session: about 650.

Source: Secretary of State's Office

They said it

"We want to get people more involved in the political process. The big money thing turns people off from that."

Mary Wilson, lobbyist for the League of Women Voters, on why her group supports publicly financed campaigns.

On the Web

For agendas, calendars, bill finders and an archive of Legislature coverage, visit The Trib's "Legislinks" section.

Kate Nelson and Shea Andersen

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