John Dendahl says goodbye to New Mexico

Saying Gov. Bill Richardson “has expanded what I think is corrupt conduct in government in New Mexico, and people of New Mexico have accepted it,” John Dendahl is leaving New Mexico, the Albuquerque Journal is reporting.

Dendahl, who was trounced by Richardson in last year’s gubernatorial race, said that corruption and family considerations are leading him and his wife to move to the Denver area, where they have children and grandchildren.

As a former state Republican Party chair, Dendahl has a reputation as a thug. When he became a candidate, he tried to display a calmer style, but it didn’t resonate with voters, who let Richardson get away with not debating his opponent during the election season.

Richardson ended up getting a record 69 percent of the vote.

Dendahl told the Journal that corruption is so widespread in the state that he doesn’t see those who stand up to it making “much of a difference for the foreseeable future.” He said many won’t fight it because they benefit from it, and others are afraid.

Dendahl was controversial even within his own party, and many Democrats, Republicans and independents will be glad to see him go. Others, most Republicans, but also a few outside the party, defend him as the man he claims to be – one of the few who has stood up to widespread corruption.