Actually not much new to report here about the vicious attack on Paige McKenzie, GOP gubernatorial candidate John Dendahl's spokeswoman and longtime Republican activist.Paige was severely beaten in the face when she stopped to fix a flat tire in a parking lot in Bernalillo after 7 p.m. Wednesday. Luckily EMYS were nearby.
Police say they have no suspects. Dendahl has told reporters that a friend told him Paige might have recognized her attacker, though police won't confirm that.
The good news is that Paige is no longer in "critical" condition. Late yesterday afternoon, UNM Hospital changed her condition to "serious."
Her parents, who live in Florida, arrived in Albuquerque yesterday and issued a statement through p.r. whiz Tom Garrity:
Garrity said the family will set up a fund to help defray Paige's medical cost. I'll post that here when I get the details.
"We are saddened by the brutal sequence of events that have left our daughter fighting for her life. We appreciate the prayers and support that has come through in various forms. The support, skilled doctors and Paige's faith will get us all through this difficult time. We are grateful for the Sandoval County EMT's who first found Paige and started work to save her life. The care and attention by the doctors here at UNMH is unparalleled.
We hope that those responsible for this despicable act will be brought to justice soon. We appreciate your prayers and support during this very difficult time."
A few details, I learned yesterday:
NewsMax, a conservative publication for which McKenzie has worked, quoted her brother Patrick McKenzie saying the flat tire apparently had been slashed.
McKenzie had been working at state Republican headquarters in Albuquerque shortly before the attack and was apparently was on her way home when she pulled over to fix a flat tire.
Personally I hope by the end of the day I'll be writing about an arrest.
UPDATE: This just in:
Albuquerque, NM - Today family and friends of Paige McKenzie established a charitable fund at First Community Bank with the goal of offsetting rising medical costs associated with the brutal attack against her earlier this week. People can donate money to the "Paige McKenzie Fund" at any First Community Bank in New Mexico. First Community Bank made the first donation of $500.00 today. People can donate funds in person or send a check to:
First Community Bank
Attn: Paige McKenzie Fund
Post Office Box 3686
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87190
Checks should be made payable to the "Paige McKenzie Fund."
