Dendahl hits back at Richardson, Democrats

Republican gubernatorial candidate John Dendahl hit back Wednesday at Gov. Bill Richardson, who fired the first negative campaign shots within days of Dendahl becoming a candidate last month.

During a speech to the Optimists Club, Dendahl tried to emphasize his native New Mexican roots and paint Richardson as someone who’s only here to further his political career.

He called the ethical standards in the Richardson administration “disgraceful.”

“This year, the U.S. attorney has pulled the scab off the corruption in New Mexico,” Dendahl said, referring to the state treasurer scandal. “But there are no ethics laws in the world that can make unethical people behave in an ethical manner.”

“Unlike the current governor, who’s always had his head in the public trough, I bring a business perspective and much successful business experience,” Dendahl said. “And I intend to do two things: one, stay at home, and two, restore a sense of respect for our state employees so they can once again hold their heads up proudly.”

I will say this: It’s easy to know how to hit Richardson. Dendahl may be a political genius, but he doesn’t have to be one to figure that out. He didn’t say anything Wednesday that wasn’t expected.