Albuquerque’s mayor says Gov. Bill Richardson must oppose cockfighting or he can’t be president of the United States.
Mayor Martin Chávez told an animal welfare conference Monday that Richardson’s wishy-washy stance on the controversial practice might kill his chance at being elected president, according to the Albuquerque Journal.
“You can’t be president of the United States if you think cockfighting is a good thing,” the Journal quoted Chávez as saying.
It’s the second time the mayor has gone after his party’s leaders in recent days. About a week ago, he criticized Lt. Gov. Diane Denish after her driver parked illegally in Albuquerque. Many believe Chávez is preparing for another run at the governor’s office in 2010.
Several months ago, Richardson said on a visit to Las Cruces that he has not made up his mind on whether cockfighting should be illegal, and said there are strong arguments on both sides. New Mexico is one of only two states that don’t outlaw cockfighting, but many subdivisions – including Doña Ana County and the City of Albuquerque – ban the practice.
Richardson’s comments prompted Jay Leno to mock him and drew other national criticism.
A Richardson spokesman told the Journal Monday that the governor plans to deal with cockfighting in the upcoming session, but provided no specifics. A major push to ban cockfighting is expected when the Legislature convenes in January.
It’s the second time the mayor has gone after his party’s leaders in recent days. About a week ago, he criticized Lt. Gov. Diane Denish after her driver parked illegally in