Burnt Orange Report

they chose the location because Sen. Eddie Lucio (D-Brownsville) who had a heart attack last month, would have access to the type of facilities needed to help him fully recover.

What, that swank Marriott has a hospital? Surely, more modest accomodations exist in Albuquerque that would still be within the ncessary distance to ensure the well-being of Sen. Lucio.

This holiday is a public relations disaster for the Dems. Will they be submitting expense vouchers to the taxpayers of Texas?

Mark... what's your point? You're not paying a cent for the Democrats hotel, but you're paying $1.7 Million for Rick Perry to perpetuate this nonsense, so what's your point?

It may be a pr disaster for Dems on the talk shows, but in the real world, I think that people will see this for what it is.

You're not paying a cent for the Democrats hotel

I assume the special session calls for a per diem allowance for the Senators - will they submit an expense voucher for the increased cost now being incurred?

We already know that the Dems fled to New Mexico via private jet. Perhaps those same special interests will subsidize the additional costs of this resort hotel?

That's my point.

In any event, if Homeland Security procedures were investigated after the last Dem runaway, there should certainly be an investigation into the funding provided for this little venture.

Mark: that's some mighty desperate rhetoric you're flinging there. If you're eager for fuel for outrage, you might start with the actual abuses committed by Republicans in pressing this redistricting mess, rather than resorting to phantasmagorical projections of what the Democrats might someday somehow do. It makes you look increasingly unhinged.

I live in Albuquerque right now, a few miles away from the above mentioned hotel. A couple of things to note:
1) This is the hotel that all passing dignitaries stay in when they are coming through town. It's sort of conveniently located between the state's only major airport and the capital.
2) The picture that they post on the website is rather deceptive, since it cuts out the eight-lane freeway that runs out in front of it. It has a few nice amenities like a good pool and a bar, but it is about as much a resort as the La Quinta across the freeway. I would class it a middling-passable conference hotel. People looking for fancy in Albuquerque stay at the Hyatt downtown. Really fancy people just head for Santa Fe.
3) There are medical facilities in an office complex adjacent, and there is a hospital close by. But they are not all part of the same complex.
So to conclude, this is a place where you can have a nice meeting, or wedding reception, or whatever, without breaking the bank. Just so everyone knows.

This post is simply pointless, but since I used to live in ABQ, and the previous person beat me to that post about the hotel locaiton, I'll just add to her comments about the area where the hotel is.

I don't think its that close to the airport, I was actually kinda shocked they decided to stay at the Pyramid, I thought they would stay near the airport or at the Hyatt or in the hotel in Old Town, unless, as you mentioned, they plan to go to Santa Fe. But its true, I think one of the Presbyterian Hospitals is right in front of it and those who are whining that they are staying in a great resort, they are not, and there is really nothing that impressive in that part of ABQ anyway, unless they travel to the farthest point of hell in Rio Rancho (A nice big mall with 2 cops per person).

And for those who plan to go and visit ABQ and see our Dems, I will recommend a great fast food restaurant: Teriyaki Chicken Bowl. I think with 5 great locations in ABQ. Yummy! And if you like to learn more about Albuquerque, please feel free to ask.

Marriott pride! lol. You're doing a great job Byron.