Paige McKenzie, the woman who was John Dendahl’s spokeswoman until she was brutally attacked during the 2006 campaign in Bernalillo, has made an amazing recovery and spoke with reporters Thursday about her ordeal for the first time.
McKenzie, who is still having some problems with one eye and needs dental work, will begin work next week as a Republican analyst at the Legislature, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican.
She recalled the story of what happened that night in October, which you can read in the New Mexican or the Albuquerque Tribune.
McKenzie said the attack strengthened her faith.
“All things work for good for those who love the Lord,” the New Mexican quoted her as saying. “He has an amazing ability to make good out of bad. This was the worst thing that’s ever happened to me, but I’ve received so many blessings.”
That includes kind words from Democrats.
“I received so many warm wishes, cards and flowers from those from the other side of the aisle,” the New Mexican quoted McKenzie as saying. “People have a diversity of philosophies and values. But a lot of them recognize evil when they see it.”
McKenzie released graphic photographs of herself taken shortly after the attack, when her face was unrecognizable. The attacker, who has not been caught, hit her in the face several times with a tire iron.
“If talking to the media, releasing these pictures, causes women to take steps to protect themselves, if it causes people to get angry enough to say, ‘We are not going to tolerate this kind of violence in New Mexico anymore’ – I just want as much good to come out of this as possible. That’s why I decided to finally talk,” the Tribune quoted her as saying.
As the legislative session begins and partisan politics ramp up, McKenzie’s attack should make us all pause and think about what’s really important in life.