Joe Monahan
[S]ources in Washington report Wilson has cast [three] votes this month that are clearly aimed at positioning
herself as an ”independent” voice for the ABQ district and not the ”rubber stamp” for the Prez her Democratic opponent
Richard Romero accuses her of being.
”Heather was one of only three Republicans out of 220 to vote for the CIA cuts. It was a clear
break with the leadership and came on the heels of her strong words condemning the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by our military. With Romero
hammering her for being a tool of (House Majority Leader) Delay and the hard-core conservatives, she is clearly positioning herself so
when she calls herself an independent she will have the ammo to back up the claim,” analyzed a Washington politico close to the
action. …
Washington insiders say Heather may not run into trouble with her GOP bosses over her votes because, as one of them put
it, ”they may very well be providing her cover. Her vote was not needed on any of these measures. They know what she needs to put
Romero away and it would not be surprising if they are giving these votes their blessing. I also don’t think these votes will damage
her any with rank and file Republicans”
Whatever the case, Wilson knows that the Iraq war and the President are not awash in
popularity among swing voters in ABQ.She hopes her June declaration of independence will echo on the campaign trail come October forcing
Romero to dig deeper in explaining his rubber stamp argument. Should we call her ”Clever Heather?”
Three votes do not an independent make. mjh