I just spoke with Dendahl, who said Paige is expected to survive, though she's going to require some surgery.
Apparently she was attacked and beaten in the face with a tire iron when she stopped in a bank parking lot to fix a flat tire. Fortunately, paramedics were across the street and heard Paige's screams. They rushed her to the hospital.
Paige reportedly recognized the attacker. At this writing, no arrest has been reported. The attack isn't thought to be related to politics.
Paige, who moved to New Mexico from Nashville several years ago, has held a number of positions with the GOP. She's well known to anyone who's covered state politics here in recent years. I often talk with her and laugh about the craziness of New Mexico politics.
I met her when she was the spokeswoman for House Republicans a few sessions ago. I got both of us in trouble during that time when I quoted her referring to Ben Lujan, Lucky Varela and Max Coll as the "Santa Fe Mafia." Max denounced me as well as Paige on the House floor that morning.
She's also been executive director for the Bernalillo County Republican Party. In addition to workng for Dendahl, she's also been helping in Demesia Padilla's campaign for state treasurer.
Here's a link to a story about the attack: CLICK HERE
UPDATE: The governor's office just issued this statement:
“I am shocked and disgusted by this brutal, senseless attack. Our thoughts are with Paige and her family and we pray for her full recovery. I have also offered the resources of the State Police to assist with the investigation, should they be needed.”Here's a little feature about Paige the Albuquerque Tribune did a couple of weeks ago: CLICK HERE
