No, no, two hundred times no.

• Author: Eichstaedt, Peter
• Position: New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson's extensive use of his veto power

NEW MEXICO'S NEW GOVERNOR SHOOK UP A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH A RECORD NUMBER OF VETOES - AND SOME OF THE SHAKEN ARE MEMBERS OF HIS OWN PARTY.

New Mexico's Republican Governor Gary Johnson, a self-made millionaire and owner of one of the largest construction companies in the state, rode into office in November 1994 on the wave of conservatism that swept the nation and transformed the political landscape.

His self-effacing manner and admitted lack of knowledge of government - he had never before held a public office - grated on political opponents, observers and party officials early in the campaign, but made him a refreshing change in the eyes of voters.

After the election, however, his lack of political experience became a source of difficulties for the Legislature.

"He was told the Legislature would eat his lunch," explained Johnson's press aide Diane Kinderwater. "It didn't happen. He held his ground and was able to accomplish what he set out to accomplish."

Exactly what he accomplished has created a dubious distinction for Johnson and drawn harsh criticism from a host of legislators, some in his own party.

A VETO RECORD

Johnson set state and national records by vetoing 200 bills out of the 424 that were passed by the Legislature, far surpassing the previous state mark set in 1957 when 100 vetoes were written by former Governor Edwin L. Mechem. It also appears to be a national record, if not in total vetoes, certainly in percentages, with 48 percent of all bills passed being struck down. Of the 224 that survived, most were subjected to line-item vetoes.

Legislative leaders decided against an extraordinary session to attempt overrides, but the Legislature is free to consider overrides of this year's bills during the regular legislative session that starts next January.

Many of the vetoed bills called for program expansion or creation, said Kinderwater. The proliferation of vetoes was fulfillment of a campaign promise to stop the 10 percent annual growth in state government. Kinderwater said growth was held to just 5 percent, and that due largely to inflation and federal government mandates, but Johnson still is not happy. He has directed his cabinet to find further internal budget and personnel cuts this year, she said.

Many others take a different view of Johnson's vetoes.

One is Republican Representative Jerry Lee Alwin of Albuquerque, an avowed conservative who was incensed when Johnson vetoed two of his bills, one that would have provided a...