The Journal is out with a story this morning confirming what we reported on KKOB radio and this web site earlier in the week: that the first wave of negative campaigning has hit the October 28th city election. We had earlier reported here that Jay McCleskey, the Republican campaign manager for unsuccessful GOP governor candidate John Sanchez was heading up the Citizens for Greater Albuquerque Committee campaign effort. This has led to accusations that the PAC is nothing but a front group for the Republican Party. Further questions are being raised today as details of the negative accusations against Council candidates Debbie O'Malley, Martin Heinrich and Brad Winter are revealed. Basically, the Greater ABQ phone calls paint their opponents as extreme liberals who are afiliated with "radicals." Consultant McCleskey has been paid about $20,000 so far. The initial fund raising by the PAC raised $60,000. I have checked the campaign contributions list and can confirm that the majority of the large givers (over $1000.00) are mostly Republican party donors as well. Four years ago State Republican Party Chairman John Dendahl interjected himself into the Council races and received much criticism. Albuquerque officially has a non-partisan election system. But Dendahl did manage to oust Sam Bregman in District Four. Ironically, back then the GOP supported Brad Winter, who today is being targeted by Greater Albuquerque. In District Eight Dendahl gave the punch four years ago to Tim Cummins who was ousted by Greg Payne. Cummins is now on the Bernalillo County Commission. The question this time is will the negative attacks stick or backfire? Is Greater Albuquerque Committee a front for a Republican Party that does not want to get out in front on this one and subject itself to the heat it took four years ago? And what about the Democrats? Will they "out" the Committee and pitch in some money for the candidates being attacked? Many folks here think the "non-partisan" election system is in shreds and a partisan system should have been adopted long ago so the public could determine where everyone stood. But Albuquerque voters have warmed to the neighborhood feel of their Council contests. Will 'big time" negative campaign tactics backed up by big bucks be enough to move voters away from a candidate who in many cases they know personally? After all only about 5,000 votes are cast in each of these Council Districts. Stay with us for continuing comment and coverage and check out Saturday's Albuquerque Tribune for my comments on the big issues facing our city. Thanks for tuning in.