The Convention That Wasn't

Above, the front of Sammy C's Rockin' Sports Pub & Grill. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A little while ago, I returned home from Gallup.

I went there to attend the McKinley County Republican Pre-Primary convention at Sammy C's Rockin' Sports Pub & Grill. It is owned by Sammy Cioda, who is a radio announcer at KYAT-FM for Millennium Media. 

Above, the main hallway/lobby of Sammy C's. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I got there, there was nothing to indicate that there would be a convention or any kind of meeting at the announced time of 12:45 PM. So, I went to the bar and ordered a screwdriver (vodka and orange juice). I hadn't had one in years. It was good.

Above, the bar, where a women's breakaway rodeo was shown on the monitors. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I sat down at the bar, Sammy C came in and greeted everyone. He makes it a point to greet his customers. I met him three years ago. We were introduced by Nandoh. 

I wandered around the place to look over Sammy's collection of sports and entertainment memorabilia. It is quite a collection. 

Above, enjoying my screwdriver in the bar.

When 12:45 arrived, I and others asked about it. Sammy said the time was moved to 5:45 this evening. Apparently, the McKinley County GOP didn't tell anyone.

Since we are supposed to get a rain and/or snow shower storm coming in after 2:00, I decided to leave and do some grocery shopping before heading back to Jamestown.

Above, a standee of Sammy C near the main entrance. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Although disappointing, it wasn't a wasted trip as I got out of the house and enjoyed looking over Sammy C's memorabilia.

Lujan-Ronchetti Debate: RPNM Press Release

Above, Mark Ronchetti.

For some reason, I was expecting the KOB Channel 4 debate between Rep. Ben Ray Lujan and Mark Ronchetti to be held tomorrow night. (That's what I read.)

Instead, it was held this evening.

Here is a press release by the Republican Party of New Mexico:

ALBUQUERQUE, OCTOBER 5 — Tonight Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mark Ronchetti was the clear winner in a KOB-Santa Fe New Mexican debate against Rep. Ben Ray Lujan. The face-off also included Libertarian candidate Bob Walsh.

The debate demonstrated why Ronchetti deserves to be our next U.S. Senator. He focused on crime and the economy, providing specifics and a precise vision of where he wants to take New Mexico for the next six years. Lujan seemed lost and desperately tried to defend his record in Congress but failed to convince anyone that he has achieved any meaningful accomplishments for New Mexicans while in Washington.

Lujan seemed flustered and often evaded the questions. Ronchetti was confident, sharp and on target with his points.

“Mark Ronchetti demonstrated his strong political convictions and truly understands what New Mexico needs in these trying times,” said Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman Steve Pearce. “He exposed Lujan’s weak record in Washington and explained how the Congressman is two-faced when it comes to his actions in Washington and his desire to help his home state. Lujan failed to explain to New Mexicans what he’s done to improve their lives. He offered few specifics and played the blame game with others in Washington. It’s obvious that Ronchetti understands New Mexico and has real solutions. He knows what needs to get done to crack down on crime and to revitalize our economy.”

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