Remember the story about New Mexicans ready to give a grand for a photo with UNM head coach Steve Alford?  The one where funds would go to a GOP Congressional candidate’s campaign?

Ain’t happenin’ … well, sort of.

Alford says he’ll still attend the fundraiser for New Mexico 1st district candidate Darren White, but no one will pay $1,000 for Alford’s picture (and no funds linked to Steve will go to White’s campaign).

“I don’t endorse political candidates,” Alford told The Albuquerque Journal. “However, I’m a man of my word and plan to attend the event”.

Alford said there was a breakdown in communication, and explained to White he doesn’t charge for autographs or pictures.

Of course, that may have been the first time the two talked, since Alford already said, “I wouldn’t know Darren White if he walked in front of me”.

Oops. More on what we think really led to this after the jump

The more I read, the more I think this was some overzealous candidate getting excited about having a big name, and going WAY overboard. Sounds like Mr. White asked high rollers at New Mexico for Alford to stop by, said high rollers felt it was a good way for Steve to hob nob and raise money for the school, Alford agrees, and then White’s people take that as an endorsement and start going hog wild (as we noted before, in ‘07 Alford attended fundraisers for Governor Bill Richardson’s run for President as well as another candidate for Congress, both Democrats).

Another note: If the Albuquerque Journal would like to get with the rest of the universe and give their articles for free, we’d gladly link to them. Otherwise you’re SOL.