Lawmakers react to Gov's withdrawal

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The lieutenant governor had already thrown a political bone to conservative senate Democrats by signaling her desire to cut waste, but now those southern Democrats are stuck with the executive they've fought with over the last several years.

Lawmakers, like House Judiciary Chair Al Park, D, are bracing for the return of Gov. Bill Richardson who pushes his legislative agenda forcefully.

"There's not a question about that, Gov. Richardson has always been the 800-pound gorilla and he's going to make sure that everyone knows he's the governor," Park said.

State Sen. Tim Jennings, D, one of the biggest opponents of Richardson's spending in previous legislative sessions, said that we need one governor for all 60 days to deal with the near $500 million budget deficit.

"Gov. Richardson was a part of that, so he's certainly got his share of cuts that are going to have to come to make up that deficit," Jennings said.

House Minority Leader Tom Taylor, R, said that Richardson staying will change what gets cut.

"The governor has controlled the lions share of capital process, and in trying to get some of those dollars back, a lot of that is going to be the governor's money," Taylor said.

Senate Minority Leader Stuart Ingle, R, said that regardless, the financial reality remains.

"I don't know if it will impact the legislative session all that much," Ingle said. "He knows as well as the rest of us that the money situation is awfully, awfully tough."

Most lawmakers said the withdrawal amid a grand jury investigation hurts the state's image.

Jennings points to the tangible economic impact, admitting that as commerce secretary, Richardson would have brought business back to the state.

The legislative session convenes Jan. 20.