Excitement, grumbling greet Clinton's visit

Steve Terrell | The New Mexican

1/31/2008 - 2/1/08

Former President Clinton's brief appearance at the state Capitol on Thursday caused much excitement among Roundhouse regulars as well as some grumbling among those who wanted to see him but weren't allowed to do so.

Clinton was introduced on the floor of the House of Representatives by House Speaker Ben Luján, D-Nambé. However, the former president — who was in the city to campaign for his wife, U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton — only waved at the lawmakers and the gallery before leaving the chambers.

He then went to the House lounge where supporters of Hillary Clinton's presidential bid had planned a meeting with him.

State police and Legislature sergeant-at-arms blocked the hallways, not allowing Capitol employees, visitors and reporters from getting close to the House lounge.

One legislator who supports Obama said he went to the lounge to see the former president only to be asked to leave by a Clinton staffer. However, the lawmaker said he had the right to be in the lounge and stayed without further incident.

However, one Republican senator, Joe Carraro of Albuquerque, said he and several other Republicans were there for Bill Clinton's meeting.

Carraro said Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, in introducing the former president, pointed out the GOP members, joking they were Republicans for Hillary. "She said that and winked at me," Carraro said.