JERRYHOOD

The Justice Department on Monday approved Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.'s proposed $5 billion buyout of rival XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc., saying the deal was unlikely to lessen competition or harm consumers. The transaction was approved without conditions, despite opposition from consumer groups and an intense lobbying campaign by the land-based radio industry.

The combination still requires approval from the Federal Communications Commission, which prohibited a merger when it first granted satellite radio operating licenses in 1997.

The Justice Department, in a statement explaining its decision, said the combination of the companies won't hurt competition because the companies are not competing today. Customers must buy equipment that is exclusive to either XM or Sirius, and subscribers rarely switch providers.

"People just don't do that," Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division Thomas Barnett said in a conference call with reporters.

The government also appeared to endorse a central argument the companies used in pushing for their merger: that ample competition is provided by other forms of audio entertainment, including "high-definition" radio, Internet-based radio stations and even devices like Apple Inc.'s iPod.

"The likely evolution of technology in the future, including the expected introduction in the next several years of mobile broadband Internet devices, made it even more unlikely that the transaction would harm consumers in the longer term," the Justice Department said.

The buyout received shareholder approval in November. The companies said the merger will save hundreds of millions of dollars in operating costs savings that will ultimately benefit their customers. The Justice Department supported that argument in its statement.

"Substantial cost savings likely to flow from the transaction also undermined any inference of competitive harm," it read.

The FCC had no comment on the decision Monday. In the past, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin has said any approval faced a "high hurdle."

Martin said last week that agency staff was "drafting various options" in preparation for a final recommendation. The five-member commission could vote against the deal, approve it or approve it with conditions. The agency could require the companies to freeze prices or make part of their satellite spectrum available for public-interest obligations.

Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wis., chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee's subcommittee on antitrust, said in a statement that the merger would create a satellite radio monopoly and asked the FCC to block it.

"We are particularly disturbed by this decision, given the Justice Department's record in recent years of failing to oppose numerous mergers which reduced competition in key industries, resulting in the Justice Department not bringing a single contested merger case in nearly four years," he said.

The National Association of Broadcasters blasted the decision, singling out the government's argument regarding the exclusivity of the equipment. When the satellite radio industry was created, the new licensees promised to create radios that would receive both services, but never delivered.

"To hinge approval of this monopoly on XM and Sirius' refusal to deliver on a promise of interoperable radios is nothing short of breathtaking," said NAB executive vice president Dennis Wharton.

The companies have pledged that the combined firm will offer listeners more pricing options and greater choice and flexibility in the channel lineups they receive. If the deal is approved, the companies have said they would offer pricing plans ranging from $6.99 per month, for 50 channels offered by one service, up to $16.99 a month, where subscribers would keep their existing service plus choose channels offered by the other service.

XM and Sirius released statements Monday noting support for the merger and touting the consumer benefits of the new programming packages, including one that will allow subscribers to pay for just the channels they want.

"These will be the first ever a la carte options in subscription media," a joint statement read. A la carte programming will only be available for subscribers using new radios "which are in development and will be brought to market following approval of the merger."

Despite the consumer-friendly promises, most consumer groups have opposed the proposed merger.

"If this is what our competition cops do, we might as well close shop and save taxpayers a few hundred million dollars because they're not doing their jobs," said Gene Kimmelman, vice president for federal and international affairs for Consumers Union, nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports magazine.

Both companies continue to lose money, but in the past year have shown significant gains in both revenue and subscribers.

XM added 1.4 million subscribers in 2007 and reported a 22 percent increase in revenue and a net loss of $682 million for the year. Sirius added a record 4.2 million subscribers in 2007 and reported a 45 percent increase in revenue and a net loss of $565 million for the year.

Washington-based XM has more subscribers with 9.0 million, but Sirius has continued to cut into the company's lead. Through the end of 2007, New York City-based Sirius reported 8.3 million subscribers.

Shares of both companies rose following the news. XM Satellite shares were up 15 percent in afternoon trading while Sirius was up 8.6 percent.

The Justice Department on Monday approved Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.'s proposed $5 billion buyout of rival XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc., saying the deal was unlikely to lessen competition or harm consumers. The transaction was approved without conditions, despite opposition from consumer groups and an intense lobbying campaign by the land-based radio industry.

The combination still requires approval from the Federal Communications Commission, which prohibited a merger when it first granted satellite radio operating licenses in 1997.

The Justice Department, in a statement explaining its decision, said the combination of the companies won't hurt competition because the companies are not competing today. Customers must buy equipment that is exclusive to either XM or Sirius, and subscribers rarely switch providers.

"People just don't do that," Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division Thomas Barnett said in a conference call with reporters.

The government also appeared to endorse a central argument the companies used in pushing for their merger: that ample competition is provided by other forms of audio entertainment, including "high-definition" radio, Internet-based radio stations and even devices like Apple Inc.'s iPod.

"The likely evolution of technology in the future, including the expected introduction in the next several years of mobile broadband Internet devices, made it even more unlikely that the transaction would harm consumers in the longer term," the Justice Department said.

The buyout received shareholder approval in November. The companies said the merger will save hundreds of millions of dollars in operating costs savings that will ultimately benefit their customers. The Justice Department supported that argument in its statement.

"Substantial cost savings likely to flow from the transaction also undermined any inference of competitive harm," it read.

The FCC had no comment on the decision Monday. In the past, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin has said any approval faced a "high hurdle."

Martin said last week that agency staff was "drafting various options" in preparation for a final recommendation. The five-member commission could vote against the deal, approve it or approve it with conditions. The agency could require the companies to freeze prices or make part of their satellite spectrum available for public-interest obligations.

Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wis., chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee's subcommittee on antitrust, said in a statement that the merger would create a satellite radio monopoly and asked the FCC to block it.

"We are particularly disturbed by this decision, given the Justice Department's record in recent years of failing to oppose numerous mergers which reduced competition in key industries, resulting in the Justice Department not bringing a single contested merger case in nearly four years," he said.

The National Association of Broadcasters blasted the decision, singling out the government's argument regarding the exclusivity of the equipment. When the satellite radio industry was created, the new licensees promised to create radios that would receive both services, but never delivered.

"To hinge approval of this monopoly on XM and Sirius' refusal to deliver on a promise of interoperable radios is nothing short of breathtaking," said NAB executive vice president Dennis Wharton.

The companies have pledged that the combined firm will offer listeners more pricing options and greater choice and flexibility in the channel lineups they receive. If the deal is approved, the companies have said they would offer pricing plans ranging from $6.99 per month, for 50 channels offered by one service, up to $16.99 a month, where subscribers would keep their existing service plus choose channels offered by the other service.

XM and Sirius released statements Monday noting support for the merger and touting the consumer benefits of the new programming packages, including one that will allow subscribers to pay for just the channels they want.

"These will be the first ever a la carte options in subscription media," a joint statement read. A la carte programming will only be available for subscribers using new radios "which are in development and will be brought to market following approval of the merger."

Despite the consumer-friendly promises, most consumer groups have opposed the proposed merger.

"If this is what our competition cops do, we might as well close shop and save taxpayers a few hundred million dollars because they're not doing their jobs," said Gene Kimmelman, vice president for federal and international affairs for Consumers Union, nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports magazine.

Both companies continue to lose money, but in the past year have shown significant gains in both revenue and subscribers.

XM added 1.4 million subscribers in 2007 and reported a 22 percent increase in revenue and a net loss of $682 million for the year. Sirius added a record 4.2 million subscribers in 2007 and reported a 45 percent increase in revenue and a net loss of $565 million for the year.

Washington-based XM has more subscribers with 9.0 million, but Sirius has continued to cut into the company's lead. Through the end of 2007, New York City-based Sirius reported 8.3 million subscribers.

Shares of both companies rose following the news. XM Satellite shares were up 15 percent in afternoon trading while Sirius was up 8.6 percent.

While I don't agree with Carville, he shouldn't apologize. People need more freedom to say what they will (not illegal) without being made to apologize. We're not five year olds and should be able to handle an insult ever now and then.

While I don't agree with Carville, he shouldn't apologize. People need more freedom to say what they will (not illegal) without being made to apologize. We're not five year olds and should be able to handle an insult ever now and then.

Hillary Rodham Clinton adviser James Carville is refusing to apologize for comparing New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson to Judas.

Carville made the comparison to The New York Times after Richardson, once a member of President Clinton's Cabinet, endorsed Hillary Clinton rival Barack Obama last week for the Democratic presidential nomination. Carville called it an "act of betrayal," and pointed out that it came during Holy Week.

"Mr. Richardson's endorsement came right around the anniversary of the day when Judas sold out (Jesus) for 30 pieces of silver, so I think the timing is appropriate, if ironic," he said.

Richardson told "Fox News Sunday" that he wouldn't respond by getting "in the gutter like that."

"That's typical of many of the people around Senator Clinton," Richardson said. "They think they have a sense of entitlement to the presidency."

Carville told CNN on Monday that Richardson had committed an "egregious act" and he intended to make a sharp response to it.

"I wanted to use a very strong metaphor to make my point," Carville said. "I doubt if Governor Richardson and I will be particularly close in the future."

Clinton spokesman Howard Wolfson told reporters Monday that he didn't agree with Carville's comment.

"If I had said it, I would apologize," Wolfson said. "I did not say it, and if I had I would, but that's up to him."

Richardson served as ambassador to the United Nations and energy secretary during the Clinton administration.

On the Net:

Hillary Rodham Clinton adviser James Carville is refusing to apologize for comparing New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson to Judas.

Carville made the comparison to The New York Times after Richardson, once a member of President Clinton's Cabinet, endorsed Hillary Clinton rival Barack Obama last week for the Democratic presidential nomination. Carville called it an "act of betrayal," and pointed out that it came during Holy Week.

"Mr. Richardson's endorsement came right around the anniversary of the day when Judas sold out (Jesus) for 30 pieces of silver, so I think the timing is appropriate, if ironic," he said.

Richardson told "Fox News Sunday" that he wouldn't respond by getting "in the gutter like that."

"That's typical of many of the people around Senator Clinton," Richardson said. "They think they have a sense of entitlement to the presidency."

Carville told CNN on Monday that Richardson had committed an "egregious act" and he intended to make a sharp response to it.

"I wanted to use a very strong metaphor to make my point," Carville said. "I doubt if Governor Richardson and I will be particularly close in the future."

Clinton spokesman Howard Wolfson told reporters Monday that he didn't agree with Carville's comment.

"If I had said it, I would apologize," Wolfson said. "I did not say it, and if I had I would, but that's up to him."

Richardson served as ambassador to the United Nations and energy secretary during the Clinton administration.

On the Net:

Fleegle says:

"At least women keep it in their pants. Obama got a b.j. from a guy while married, Bill Clinton had his Lewinski scandal...one can safely say that Hillary won't engage in such behavior. That's why women should be priests, too."

When did Obama get a BJ from a guy? Haven't heard that one yet.

Fleegle says:

"At least women keep it in their pants. Obama got a b.j. from a guy while married, Bill Clinton had his Lewinski scandal...one can safely say that Hillary won't engage in such behavior. That's why women should be priests, too."

When did Obama get a BJ from a guy? Haven't heard that one yet.

I want to like Olbermann, but I hate his $50 words, and his slimeyness to awful people and his willingness to sell out his co workers. He shows very little loyalty and he kisses ass a lot to some guests, unless they are crazy conservative. He was the best on ESPN though for sure.

I want to like Olbermann, but I hate his $50 words, and his slimeyness to awful people and his willingness to sell out his co workers. He shows very little loyalty and he kisses ass a lot to some guests, unless they are crazy conservative. He was the best on ESPN though for sure.

Hillary does mudsling more, but to say that Obama has been neutral would be inaccurate. I wish I could watch more debates than I have, but I remember in the South Carolina debate he was the first one to call out Hillary on being a corporate lawyer at Wal Mart while he was helping someone, and then she had to throw it back at him with his shady real estate dealings. Either way, I am sick of apologies from people who say something offensive, no matter who they are. From this chick, who I have never heard of, to Spitzer or Don Imus. They were saying or doing what they felt, and would have more integrity just to tell people to F off and deal with it. As much as I hate Ann Coulter, she says what she feels and does not apologize for it. And she is much more respected for it and the networks continue to put her on despite her ridiculous comments. My two cents.

Hillary does mudsling more, but to say that Obama has been neutral would be inaccurate. I wish I could watch more debates than I have, but I remember in the South Carolina debate he was the first one to call out Hillary on being a corporate lawyer at Wal Mart while he was helping someone, and then she had to throw it back at him with his shady real estate dealings.

Either way, I am sick of apologies from people who say something offensive, no matter who they are. From this chick, who I have never heard of, to Spitzer or Don Imus. They were saying or doing what they felt, and would have more integrity just to tell people to F off and deal with it. As much as I hate Ann Coulter, she says what she feels and does not apologize for it. And she is much more respected for it and the networks continue to put her on despite her ridiculous comments. My two cents.

Gooooooooooooooooooood bye Spitzer....Spitzer. I wonder who clients one through eight were if Spitzer was nine!

Gooooooooooooooooooood bye Spitzer....Spitzer. I wonder who clients one through eight were if Spitzer was nine!

I can understand where Rick is coming from. Bush was mostly an unaccomplished idiot, but was more likable than Gore and Kerry and won. American Idol President is bad for everyone.

I can understand where Rick is coming from. Bush was mostly an unaccomplished idiot, but was more likable than Gore and Kerry and won. American Idol President is bad for everyone.

Martin Chavez condraticts himself at every turn with these camera's. He says it is for public safety to have them reduce crashes in intersections, yet once the revenue is pulled away by the state he suspends them, saying it is not fair. http://abqtrib.com/news/2008/feb/16/new-mexico-governor-decide-if-state-gets-runds-alb/ This is why he had to pull out of the Senate race. People just don't like him at all, as he always seems really self-serving.

Martin Chavez condraticts himself at every turn with these camera's. He says it is for public safety to have them reduce crashes in intersections, yet once the revenue is pulled away by the state he suspends them, saying it is not fair. http://abqtrib.com/news/2008/feb/16/new-mexico-governor-decide-if-state-gets-runds-alb/ This is why he had to pull out of the Senate race. People just don't like him at all, as he always seems really self-serving.

Now that Wilson is giving up her seat and trying to become a Senator, I do hope it fails and she is out of our politics representing the state of New Mexico. She had been nothing but a puppet for Bush and she has barely won her seat in EVERY election she has been in.

Now that Wilson is giving up her seat and trying to become a Senator, I do hope it fails and she is out of our politics representing the state of New Mexico. She had been nothing but a puppet for Bush and she has barely won her seat in EVERY election she has been in.

From NM Democratic website: Mary Gail has been active in New Mexico politics for years and attended her first national convention in 1988. This is her fourth term as New Mexico’s National Committeewoman and she serves on the Executive Board of the DNC. Mary Gail is a forty-eight year resident of Las Cruces whose husband served in the New Mexico State Senate for ten years. Interestingly, Mary Gail’s great-great-great grandfather was the first “Democratic” Governor of Georgia (1831-1835) –Wilson Lumpkin. Governor Lumpkin also served in the U.S. Congress and Senate. (Prior to Governor Lumpkin, there had been Jefferson-Republicans, and Whigs. One was listed as party affiliation unknown).

From NM Democratic website:

Mary Gail has been active in New Mexico politics for years and attended her first national convention in 1988. This is her fourth term as New Mexico’s National Committeewoman and she serves on the Executive Board of the DNC. Mary Gail is a forty-eight year resident of Las Cruces whose husband served in the New Mexico State Senate for ten years. Interestingly, Mary Gail’s great-great-great grandfather was the first “Democratic” Governor of Georgia (1831-1835) –Wilson Lumpkin. Governor Lumpkin also served in the U.S. Congress and Senate. (Prior to Governor Lumpkin, there had been Jefferson-Republicans, and Whigs. One was listed as party affiliation unknown).

From NM Democratic website: Mr. Colón was raised in Valencia County. He received his Bachelor's Degree from New Mexico State University in 1998 and graduated from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 2001. In 2004, Mr. Colón was named Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year by the New Mexico State Bar Association and one of New Mexico's Forty Under 40 Power Brokers by the New Mexico Business Weekly. Mr. Colón has served on the New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association's Board of Directors since 2001 and is currently a member of the American Inns of Court. Mr. Colón also chairs Popejoy Hall's Board of Directors and serves with the Board of Trustees for the Albuquerque Community Foundation. He has served on the State Bar of New Mexico Committee on Diversity since 2003, is a Board Member for the New Mexico College Success Network, has been a Board Member for the NMSU Alumni Association, is active in Lobos for Legislation, and has twice been appointed by Governor Richardson as a Commissioner for the Judicial Selection Commission. Mr. Colón’s civil practice is in the areas of transactional negotiations, personal injury, medical malpractice, inadequate security, products liability, insurance bad faith, and corporate transactions. Mr. Colón also has extensive experience in working with local, state and federal elected officials in order to assist individuals and organizations with their various agendas.

From NM Democratic website:

Mr. Colón was raised in Valencia County. He received his Bachelor's Degree from New Mexico State University in 1998 and graduated from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 2001. In 2004, Mr. Colón was named Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year by the New Mexico State Bar Association and one of New Mexico's Forty Under 40 Power Brokers by the New Mexico Business Weekly. Mr. Colón has served on the New Mexico Hispanic Bar Association's Board of Directors since 2001 and is currently a member of the American Inns of Court. Mr. Colón also chairs Popejoy Hall's Board of Directors and serves with the Board of Trustees for the Albuquerque Community Foundation. He has served on the State Bar of New Mexico Committee on Diversity since 2003, is a Board Member for the New Mexico College Success Network, has been a Board Member for the NMSU Alumni Association, is active in Lobos for Legislation, and has twice been appointed by Governor Richardson as a Commissioner for the Judicial Selection Commission. Mr. Colón’s civil practice is in the areas of transactional negotiations, personal injury, medical malpractice, inadequate security, products liability, insurance bad faith, and corporate transactions. Mr. Colón also has extensive experience in working with local, state and federal elected officials in order to assist individuals and organizations with their various agendas.

From NM Democratic website: Christine is an active Democratic who lives in Albuquerque and was born and raised in Taos, New Mexico. Her father was a land grant recipient of Piedras Lumbres and Conejos Land Grants. She traces her family back to late 1600's with 16 brothers and sisters (11 siblings still alive.) Currently, Christine is the President of New Mexico Federation of Labor-AFL-CIO (the first educator and female to serve in that role and one of three women in the nation); President of New Mexico Federation of Educational Employees/American Federation of Teachers; twenty year veteran teacher (on leave of absence); Commissioner-Public Education Commission-District 3; Albuquerque Member - Education Commission of the States (Appointed by Governor Richardson 2003); Member - NMPSIA (New Mexico Public School Insurance Authority); Vice President - Parents Reaching Out for Children with Disabilities; Vice-Chair LESC Charter School Ad Hoc; Committee Member, LESC EIATF Ad Hoc Committee (Educational Initiatives and Accountability Task Force); UNM Educational Leadership Task Force President; De Colores Hispanic Culture Festival Vice President for Scholarships; MANA de Albuquerque Vice President; and New Mexico Human Rights Coalition Member - NARAL-NM Her awards are numerous and include the "Si Se Puede" Achievement Award, the Albuquerque Human Rights Award, the "Brindis a la Mujer Hispana" Award, the "Women on the Move" Award, the MANA National Public Service Award, and the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Honored Visionaries in Education Award. Christine Trujilo was invited by General George Casey to speak in Bad Krazneuch, Giessen, Baumholder in Germany and the first ever speaker to address the deployed troops in Kosovo at Camp Montieth and Camp Bondsteel. She was also the Keynote Speaker for American Federation of Teachers’ Human Rights Conference. Trujillo’s father is Pablo Augustine Trujillo who was deceased in 1996 and her mother is Susanna Floripa Trujillo de Gonzales— who is alive is 86 years old. Her father, Pablo A. Trujillo, was a guitar player with a group called Los Alegres de Taos. They played "la musica de los viejitos" turn of the century music and his music is in the archives at the Smithsonian. In addition, he had a big role in the movie, the Milagro Beanfield War. He was a character named Gomersindo Leyba in the "Senile Brigade" (the little old men with the guns in the old truck). He had several speaking lines and his band of musicians plays at the end of the movie in the beanfield harvest scene. Christine received her Masters Degree in Elementary Education from the University of New Mexico in 1988 after receiving a B.A. in Elementary Education with Bilingual Certification from New Mexico Highlands University. She has 2 daughters, 2 stepsons, and 1 absolutely darling granddaughter.

From NM Democratic website:

Christine is an active Democratic who lives in Albuquerque and was born and raised in Taos, New Mexico. Her father was a land grant recipient of Piedras Lumbres and Conejos Land Grants. She traces her family back to late 1600's with 16 brothers and sisters (11 siblings still alive.) Currently, Christine is the President of New Mexico Federation of Labor-AFL-CIO (the first educator and female to serve in that role and one of three women in the nation); President of New Mexico Federation of Educational Employees/American Federation of Teachers; twenty year veteran teacher (on leave of absence); Commissioner-Public Education Commission-District 3; Albuquerque Member - Education Commission of the States (Appointed by Governor Richardson 2003); Member - NMPSIA (New Mexico Public School Insurance Authority); Vice President - Parents Reaching Out for Children with Disabilities; Vice-Chair LESC Charter School Ad Hoc; Committee Member, LESC EIATF Ad Hoc Committee (Educational Initiatives and Accountability Task Force); UNM Educational Leadership Task Force President; De Colores Hispanic Culture Festival Vice President for Scholarships; MANA de Albuquerque Vice President; and New Mexico Human Rights Coalition Member - NARAL-NM Her awards are numerous and include the "Si Se Puede" Achievement Award, the Albuquerque Human Rights Award, the "Brindis a la Mujer Hispana" Award, the "Women on the Move" Award, the MANA National Public Service Award, and the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Honored Visionaries in Education Award. Christine Trujilo was invited by General George Casey to speak in Bad Krazneuch, Giessen, Baumholder in Germany and the first ever speaker to address the deployed troops in Kosovo at Camp Montieth and Camp Bondsteel. She was also the Keynote Speaker for American Federation of Teachers’ Human Rights Conference. Trujillo’s father is Pablo Augustine Trujillo who was deceased in 1996 and her mother is Susanna Floripa Trujillo de Gonzales— who is alive is 86 years old. Her father, Pablo A. Trujillo, was a guitar player with a group called Los Alegres de Taos. They played "la musica de los viejitos" turn of the century music and his music is in the archives at the Smithsonian. In addition, he had a big role in the movie, the Milagro Beanfield War. He was a character named Gomersindo Leyba in the "Senile Brigade" (the little old men with the guns in the old truck). He had several speaking lines and his band of musicians plays at the end of the movie in the beanfield harvest scene. Christine received her Masters Degree in Elementary Education from the University of New Mexico in 1988 after receiving a B.A. in Elementary Education with Bilingual Certification from New Mexico Highlands University. She has 2 daughters, 2 stepsons, and 1 absolutely darling granddaughter.

From the Democratic New Mexico website: Annadelle has been involved in politics since she was “5 years old” when her father was a Precinct Chair. For 36 years she worked for National Education Association of New Mexico as the director of Political Affairs. Annadelle’s first job was in the office of Governor Burroughs which she started just after graduating from high school. She continued working there summers and holidays through her college career at University of New Mexico (UNM). During her UNM years she was Vice-Chair of the Young Democrats (a tradition her children continued when they went to UNM). She has been involved in all the Presidential campaigns and conventions since John F. Kennedy when she was a Kennedy Girl. In 1964 she went to the convention in Atlantic City, N.J. as a Johnson Girl. For 18 years Annadelle was the Regional Vice-Chair of the Democrat Party for the 3rd District and is now the State Vice-Chair. Annadelle lives in Espanola and is married to Max Sanchez, the former State Auditor, and is the mother of two children, a son Steven and a daughter Erica.

From the Democratic New Mexico website:

Annadelle has been involved in politics since she was “5 years old” when her father was a Precinct Chair. For 36 years she worked for National Education Association of New Mexico as the director of Political Affairs. Annadelle’s first job was in the office of Governor Burroughs which she started just after graduating from high school. She continued working there summers and holidays through her college career at University of New Mexico (UNM). During her UNM years she was Vice-Chair of the Young Democrats (a tradition her children continued when they went to UNM). She has been involved in all the Presidential campaigns and conventions since John F. Kennedy when she was a Kennedy Girl. In 1964 she went to the convention in Atlantic City, N.J. as a Johnson Girl. For 18 years Annadelle was the Regional Vice-Chair of the Democrat Party for the 3rd District and is now the State Vice-Chair. Annadelle lives in Espanola and is married to Max Sanchez, the former State Auditor, and is the mother of two children, a son Steven and a daughter Erica.

It does seem that Obama is more about trying to insult Hillary these days. Hopefully they can stay friends after this silly mess is all over.

It does seem that Obama is more about trying to insult Hillary these days. Hopefully they can stay friends after this silly mess is all over.

Democratic Sen. Barack Obama said Wednesday a Hillary Rodham Clinton presidency would be a step back to the past, turning her husband's image of a bridge to the future against her. The former first lady decried the tenor of his comments in an interview with The Associated Press.

"I know it is tempting after another presidency by a man named George Bush to simply turn back the clock, and to build a bridge back to the 20th century," the Illinois senator said in Denver.

"... It's not enough to say you'll be ready from Day One you have to be right from Day One," he added in unmistakable criticisms of Clinton, who often claims she's better prepared to govern, and her husband, who pledged during his own presidency to build a bridge to the 21st century.

Within hours, Hillary Clinton pushed back in an interview with the AP and got in her own dig.

"That certainly sounds audacious, but not hopeful," said Clinton, in a play on the title of Obama's book, "The Audacity of Hope." "It's not hopeful and it's not what we should be talking about in this campaign," said Clinton, suggesting Obama was abandoning the core of his campaign.

"I would certainly, through you, hope we could get back to talking about the issues, drawing the contrasts that are based in fact that have a connection to the American people," Clinton said.

In his speech, Obama depicted Clinton as a calculating, poll-tested divisive figure who will only inspire greater partisan divisions as she sides with Republicans on issues such as trade, the role of lobbyists in politics and national security. At the same time, he elevated McCain, fresh off victory in Florida's crucial primary, as the likely Republican nominee.

In the AP interview, Clinton vowed to take the high road and warned that voters in the mega-primaries next week expect that.

"I'm going to continue to talk to people about what we need to do in our country to try to lift people up, to keep focused on the future to be very specific about what I want to do as president because I want to be held accountable," said Clinton.

Obama drew more than 10,000 people to his speech at the University of Denver. They packed a hockey arena and crammed into two overflow rooms and still were lined up outside to get in. Colorado is a caucus state, one of 22 to hold nominating contests Tuesday, and is one of a handful of states where the Obama campaign is predicting victory. Clinton has the advantage in several others, while several are still up for grabs.

"Democrats will win in November and build a majority in Congress not by nominating a candidate who will unite the other party against us, but by choosing one who can unite this country around a movement for change," Obama said, speaking as rival John Edwards was pulling out of the race in New Orleans, leaving a Clinton-Obama fight for the Democratic nomination.

"It is time for new leadership that understands the way to win a debate with John McCain or any Republican who is nominated is not by nominating someone who agreed with him on voting for the war in Iraq or who agreed with him in voting to give George Bush the benefit of the doubt on Iran, who agrees with him in embracing the Bush-Cheney policy of not talking to leaders we don't like, who actually differed with him by arguing for exceptions for torture before changing positions when the politics of the moment changed," Obama said.

"We need to offer the American people a clear contrast on national security, and when I am the nominee of the Democratic Party, that is exactly what I will do," he said.

The two rivals fought hard prior to the South Carolina primary, but the tenor has eased a bit since then.

"I've been trying to keep this on a level where the contrasts and comparisons are certainly fair, this is an election after all," said Clinton. "I've been trying very hard to set the right tone, to be focused on bringing the party together, bringing the country together but around specific goals."

Clinton spent her day in Little Rock, before heading to Atlanta for speeches to the Southern Baptist Convention and a major Democratic fundraiser. She took a colorful diversion on the trip to Atlanta, heading down the aisle of her campaign plane serving peach cobbler to reporters and staffers.

"It was fresh this morning," said Clinton. "I love anything peach."

Obama said he understands voters might feel some comfort at the idea of returning to another President Clinton after eight years of Bush. But he cautioned voters not to buy the argument that Clinton's experience is what the country needs.

"It is about the past versus the future," he said. "And when I am the nominee, the Republicans won't be able to make this election about the past.

"If you choose change, you will have a nominee who doesn't just tell people what they want to hear," Obama told them. "Poll-tested positions, calculated answers might be how Washington confronts challenges, but it's not how you overcome those challenges; it's not how you inspire our nation to come together behind a common purpose, and it's not what America needs right now. You need a candidate who will tell you the truth."

Later Wednesday, Obama gave a 10-minute talk by live broadcast to a joint meeting in Atlanta of four historically black Baptist denominations, where Clinton was to appear in person later. These groups produced some of the most prominent civil rights leaders, including the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.. whom Obama quoted.

"Pastors are pushing this movement forward," Obama said of his campaign, "and I need each and every one of you in this fight."

He asked the audience to imagine what it would mean for the country to see him with his hand on the Bible, taking the presidential oath of office.

"Our children will look at themselves differently and their possibilities differently. They'll look at each other differently," he said.

Associated Press Writer Mike Glover reported from Atlanta.

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                        <span class="strong">Barack Obama</span><br/>                           <span class="dgray f-10">Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks during a round table discussion on healthcare, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007, at Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.  Lorna Hines of Des Moines, Iowa, left, looks on. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)</span>
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    <p>Democratic Sen. <a href="http://www.politicalbase.com/people/barack-obama/3221/">Barack Obama</a> said Wednesday a <a href="http://www.politicalbase.com/people/hillary-clinton/2297/">Hillary Rodham Clinton</a> presidency would be a step back to the past, turning her husband's image of a bridge to the future against her. The former first lady decried the tenor of his comments in an interview with The Associated Press.</p>

"I know it is tempting after another presidency by a man named George Bush to simply turn back the clock, and to build a bridge back to the 20th century," the Illinois senator said in Denver.

"... It's not enough to say you'll be ready from Day One you have to be right from Day One," he added in unmistakable criticisms of Clinton, who often claims she's better prepared to govern, and her husband, who pledged during his own presidency to build a bridge to the 21st century.

Within hours, Hillary Clinton pushed back in an interview with the AP and got in her own dig.

"That certainly sounds audacious, but not hopeful," said Clinton, in a play on the title of Obama's book, "The Audacity of Hope." "It's not hopeful and it's not what we should be talking about in this campaign," said Clinton, suggesting Obama was abandoning the core of his campaign.

"I would certainly, through you, hope we could get back to talking about the issues, drawing the contrasts that are based in fact that have a connection to the American people," Clinton said.

In his speech, Obama depicted Clinton as a calculating, poll-tested divisive figure who will only inspire greater partisan divisions as she sides with Republicans on issues such as trade, the role of lobbyists in politics and national security. At the same time, he elevated McCain, fresh off victory in Florida's crucial primary, as the likely Republican nominee.

In the AP interview, Clinton vowed to take the high road and warned that voters in the mega-primaries next week expect that.

"I'm going to continue to talk to people about what we need to do in our country to try to lift people up, to keep focused on the future to be very specific about what I want to do as president because I want to be held accountable," said Clinton.

Obama drew more than 10,000 people to his speech at the University of Denver. They packed a hockey arena and crammed into two overflow rooms and still were lined up outside to get in. Colorado is a caucus state, one of 22 to hold nominating contests Tuesday, and is one of a handful of states where the Obama campaign is predicting victory. Clinton has the advantage in several others, while several are still up for grabs.

"Democrats will win in November and build a majority in Congress not by nominating a candidate who will unite the other party against us, but by choosing one who can unite this country around a movement for change," Obama said, speaking as rival John Edwards was pulling out of the race in New Orleans, leaving a Clinton-Obama fight for the Democratic nomination.

"It is time for new leadership that understands the way to win a debate with John McCain or any Republican who is nominated is not by nominating someone who agreed with him on voting for the war in Iraq or who agreed with him in voting to give George Bush the benefit of the doubt on Iran, who agrees with him in embracing the Bush-Cheney policy of not talking to leaders we don't like, who actually differed with him by arguing for exceptions for torture before changing positions when the politics of the moment changed," Obama said.

"We need to offer the American people a clear contrast on national security, and when I am the nominee of the Democratic Party, that is exactly what I will do," he said.

The two rivals fought hard prior to the South Carolina primary, but the tenor has eased a bit since then.

"I've been trying to keep this on a level where the contrasts and comparisons are certainly fair, this is an election after all," said Clinton. "I've been trying very hard to set the right tone, to be focused on bringing the party together, bringing the country together but around specific goals."

Clinton spent her day in Little Rock, before heading to Atlanta for speeches to the Southern Baptist Convention and a major Democratic fundraiser. She took a colorful diversion on the trip to Atlanta, heading down the aisle of her campaign plane serving peach cobbler to reporters and staffers.

"It was fresh this morning," said Clinton. "I love anything peach."

Obama said he understands voters might feel some comfort at the idea of returning to another President Clinton after eight years of Bush. But he cautioned voters not to buy the argument that Clinton's experience is what the country needs.

"It is about the past versus the future," he said. "And when I am the nominee, the Republicans won't be able to make this election about the past.

"If you choose change, you will have a nominee who doesn't just tell people what they want to hear," Obama told them. "Poll-tested positions, calculated answers might be how Washington confronts challenges, but it's not how you overcome those challenges; it's not how you inspire our nation to come together behind a common purpose, and it's not what America needs right now. You need a candidate who will tell you the truth."

Later Wednesday, Obama gave a 10-minute talk by live broadcast to a joint meeting in Atlanta of four historically black Baptist denominations, where Clinton was to appear in person later. These groups produced some of the most prominent civil rights leaders, including the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.. whom Obama quoted.

"Pastors are pushing this movement forward," Obama said of his campaign, "and I need each and every one of you in this fight."

He asked the audience to imagine what it would mean for the country to see him with his hand on the Bible, taking the presidential oath of office.

"Our children will look at themselves differently and their possibilities differently. They'll look at each other differently," he said.

Associated Press Writer Mike Glover reported from Atlanta.

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