The mighty Rush has taken a fall. His admission of drug addiction, that he is entering rehab and is under investigation by state authorities in Florida has, like anything Limbaugh does, sparked controversy. It extends to New Mexico where the Limbaugh show is a major presence across the state, including KKOB-AM where he is the top rated talk show host. Albuquerque's Mike Santullo can rightly be called this state's pioneer of the format. He was doing talk when talk wasn't cool, starting at KZIA back in 1973 and going non-stop into the mid-80's with both a daytime and nighttime show. He is now a regular guest host on KKOB radio and offered some thoughts on Limbaugh's changing fortunes.

"Noone wants to take pleasure in another person's pain, even critics of the "Ditto Man". Given the fact that Rush has had to endure severe pain from his unsuccessful back surgery, it is quite understandable that this might drive a "lesser" person to explore alternatives to traditional medicine and perhaps drive that person into the "Black Market" in an effort to obtain relief. But what is extremely disturbing is that an individual such as this, a so-called icon of morality and family values would stoop so low as to obtain black market drugs in such a base fashion as to violate the very principles he espouses on a daily basis.

What is incredulous is that a man who earns a salary of close to $32 million dollars a year would resort to the tactics that Rush has chosen to engage in. Using a maid as a go between with common street drug pushers?? Even if he was turned down by his doctors, a person such as Rush who has preached the moral high ground day in and day out to his audience without ever cutting anyone any slack should have known better.

His rationalizations and excuses just don't cut it with me. He has never offered a modicum of mercy to those of a different political persuasion who had to endure excesses. Now, in his desperation, he is asking his listeners to understand and "pray for him". Sorry folks, I'm all out of Kleenex. He is no better than the likes of Bill Bennett or Dr.Laura who looked down their noses at people and preached morality while at the same time engaging in activities that were anything but moral. It is not the fact that Rush was taking these drugs to help relieve himself of what some say was excrutiating pain, but the manner in which he chose to obtain them that is inexcusable. Perhaps he will learn a lesson from all of this and return to his "golden microphone" no longer as a stone throwing demagogue but instead as a compassionate conservative."

Thanks Mike. I am sure your more conservative radio counterparts will have a different take on Monday. By the way, for you politics watchers, Santullo was a regular presence on the Bernalillo County ballot in the 70's and 80's. In the 70's he made a run for mayor of Albuquerque and the state house. In the 80's he sought the county treasurer's post. Today he prefers the sidelines, but says he wouldn't trade his political experiences for anything. "They gave me a perspective that I think few who comment on the news have." Santullo is a Democrat, but started out years ago as one of the most right-wing commentators in the state. "They call it growth," he joked.

Former Bernalillo County Commissioner Les Houston, hanging out at the Barelas Cafe on 4th street, comes up with this one:

"The big question in California is: What does Arnold Schwarzenegger know.........and when's he going to know it?"

Houston stopped by our burrito laden table and laid a couple of other ribald ones on us that we're sure the Kentucky native will pass on to you when you run into him. Houston is one of the more colorful political personalities in recent NM history.

To say his political career was volatile is an understatement. He was a Democrat for the longest time, seeking the Lt. Governor nomination back in the 70's and then the Dem gubernatorial nod in '82. He went to the State Senate from Bernalillo County and ran for the GOP nomination for governor in 1990.

In the late 1980's, as a GOP'er, he joined forces with Democratic Senator Manny in a bizarre coalition that had them sharing the title of Senate President Pro Tem. The State Supreme Court threw out the arrangment and retired what I had dubbed: "Manny Houston."

History has repeated itself with Richard Romero winning the title with the help of Republicans. And, like Les Houston, Romero at one time was a member of the opposite party; in Richard's case the Republicans. And, again, like Les, Romero has had to contend with Senator Manny.

Who said: " The more things change, the more they stay the same?"

As always, thanks for tuning in. Bookmark our site and let your friends know about us. "

Bernalillo County Clerk Mary Herrera says she will start mailing out ballots for the November 4th city-county Unification Election next week. But we've heard hardly a peep about the election, except for the occasional lawsuit being filed against the chosen method of conducting the election. Opponents are convinced a mail-in ballot gives passage a better chance than the usual walk-up on Election Day and vote method. They are probably right. But a big factor AGAINST passage is the silence of the Republican Party.

Bernalillo County GOP Chairman Ken Zangara was on the Unification Commission and voted for it, but he has hardly started a stampede of support among his fellow conservatives. The State Republican Party Executive Committee, reports member Seth Heath, decided to not take a position on the proposal. State House Minority Leader Ted Hobbs of the Four Hills area quickly dashed rumors I heard that Republicans would support unification because they believe it would boost their chances of capturing elective offices. He added that he is not personally in favor of the unification and that the many northeast heights Republicans he talks with are not talking about the election. If neutrality is the response of the GOP, the charter is in trouble.

The South Valley does not want to be part of the city, east mountain residents are firmly against it, the city-county unions are not raising the pro-unification banner, so who is left to get the darn thing approved? Well, the major newspapers, some top elected officials and some downtown and mid-heights precincts is about it. South Valley County Commissioner Steve Gallegos is for it, but that stance goes against most of his constituents so don't expect him to carry the flag high. Governor Bill has been advised to stay out of the public battle.

However, several groups have organized against the proposal and County Commissioner Michael Brasher, a Republican from the far heights, plans to actively campaign against it. So far, the unification election appears similar to the upcoming special session of the Legislature: It started with a big buzz, but is fizzling fast as it approaches. No doubt, the October 28th city election and the recent special state election hid the unification battle from view, but with ballots in the mail, the pro-forces may be waiting too long to step up to the plate. Maybe they figure the great unwashed masses who normally don't vote will cast ballots when presented with them at home and they don't (God forbid!) have to actually get out of their lazy-boys to vote. True, a couple of years ago Mayor Baca won passage of a transportation tax increase by a slim margin when he managed to get a mail-in vote. But this is a much bigger issue, and with noone proudly yelling how this will save conservative Republicans a bunch of money, it's hard to see how it wins.

How about this theory to explain the general blahs about the unity election: Senator Manny (Aragon, for you newbies) and Governor Bill stripped the city of Albuquerque of significant zoning power and authority over its water system in the last legislative session. The fear that an anti-growth city council was on a runaway train has been dampened by the legislation, and therefore, when it comes to unification, what's the rush? Just a theory, mind you. But in politics you "follow the money" and right now the big economic interests are NOT stepping up to the plate to fight for unification. Manny and Big Bill used the zoning and water bills to put out the slow-growth brushfire started by Councilors Cadigan, Gomez, Griego and Yntema. Maybe the message is that within the city limits you may have your slow-growth fights, but in the metro area there WILL be growth--big time.

Don't' buy it? Ok. What would you do if you were running for president or vice-president and wanted to show America how you created high-paying jobs and economic growth? Just a theory, mind you.

Democratic State Rep. Gail Beam of ABQ did the wedding march in a taupe satin gown and "looked like a million bucks," according to our faithful correspondent on the scene for the weekend match-up of Gail and former State House Speaker and Attorney General David Norvell. And friends, that's all the wedding writing I can do. So I yield to Charlotte Balcomb Lane for the dress details, but I can fill you in on that more mundane love of those in attendance: politics

It all happened at a romantic setting at the country club at Pendaires high in the mountains of Mora County as summer was being ushered out by the beauty of fall leaves turning crimson. The guest list, of course, was strictly Democratic. Those toasting the newlyweds at the quaint retreat, following a small family only wedding at the on site chapel, included: Former House Speaker Raymond Sanchez, former Governor Dave Cargo,(he's an honorary Democrat) House Education Chair Rick Miera and his wife Bernadette and Big Bill himself. No one knows if the guv was officially invited but he is never one to miss a good party and there he was glad-handing the entire hall campaign-style. With that crowd he did not have to do much persuading, except maybe for Republican Cargo.

Gail beamed with beauty, according to our source, who also said love and romance were not the only topics when the guests spoke of her admiringly. It seems a good bunch of the wedding-goers would not mind seeing Gail step it up a notch and move over to the state senate. Senator Cisco McSorley may be stepping aside and making a run for the Democratic nomination for the Bernalillo County Commission seat held by Tom Rutherford who cannot seek another four year term. (If city-county unification passses November 4 that could all change). If Cisco bolts the senate Gail is mentioned as a natural successor. That, of course would leave her house seat open setting off a whole new round of speculation! Former Bernalillo County Commissioner Lenton Malry is also known to be interested in getting back on the panel and is keeping a close eye on Cisco's plans, which we don't expect to hear about for a couple of months because why become a lame duck before you have to?

In any event, tip a glass of cold duck, or for you high rollers, Andre, and toast this union of La Politica and thank your lucky stars for weddings and funerals. Where would politics be without them?

My records on city politics show the last time a city bond issue being defeated was back in 1985. It's been a clean sweep ever since. But bond advocates in the upcoming city election are working extra hard to keep that record intact. They tell "New Mexico Politics with Joe Monahan" they have raised a whopping $50,000.00 from mostly business interests to fight for passage of $158 million in bonds voters will decide October 28th. Why?

Simple. The street bond issue on the ballot totals $52 million, but $12 million of that would go to the hyper-controversial Paseo Del Norte extension near Petroglyph National Monument on the city's westside. Veteran PR and marketing man Gerges Scott has signed on with the bond advocates and told me there will be one city wide mailing to likely voters and then separate mailings into the city council districts where there are contested races. Also, neighborhood groups on the westside have mobilized to turn out the vote to get the bonds passed. All this because environmental groups, led by "1000 Friends of New Mexico" are urging a "no" vote on the street bonds. At least one city council candidate, Debbie O'Malley in District Two, has come out AGAINST the street bonds. Combine the 1000 Friends with other environmental and Native American groups and you have the makings of a much closer bond election, at least on the street bond issue, than we have seen in a long time.

Scott tells me the literature going out in favor of the Paseo bonds will say citizens are getting "misleading information." Paseo, he asserts, will not do damage to any petroglyphs, contrary to his opponents' assertions. And, he retorts, not building the extension will cause even more air pollution from idle cars, something environmentalists should be aware of.

Meanwhile, the Sage Council, an organization opposed to Paseo, has contributed $3000 to the Stop Tax Waste group, the name of the committee fighting the street bonds and Paseo. The group has raised a total of $6,000, nowhere near enough to compete with the Bond Advocacy group, whose treasurer is Jimmie Trujillo, a CPA, and outgoing President of the Hispano Chamber of Commerce. But Paseo foes have shown themselves to be tenacious and they don't need as much money to get their message out.

KOB-TV's Neil Simon ran a piece that had anti-Paseo voters complaining that they mistakenly voted FOR the street bonds on their absentee ballots because Paseo is not specifically mentioned in the issue and they felt deceived because of it. They can blame the City Council for that. When considering the bond resolution a motion to mention Paseo and vote on it separately was defeated. Bond advocates knew that could spell real trouble if passed. So the Paseo money is tucked in with the $52 million street bond issue and you have to vote down all the street bonds if you want to get at Paseo. Scott says that's another big reason to vote FOR the issue. "This is important to all neighborhoods in ABQ.'' He said. "These are long awaited street improvements all over the city that will die if this bond goes down." Anti Paseo voters will have to weigh that when they trek to the polls October 28th. And they will have at least $50,000 worth of messages from the Bond Advocacy group before them when they do it.

Last week I broke the story on this web site "New Mexico Politics with Joe Monahan" and on KKOB Radio of the negative phone calling that had begun against candidates not to the liking of the pro-business Greater ABQ Committee. The ABQ Journal editorial page shared my view that this campaigning was indeed negative and should be halted. Veteran political consultant Dan Houck speaking for Greater ABQ emailed this spirited defense of their phone tactics and I am printing it here for your consideration. I will comment further following the rebuttal.

"Just a comment about the polling CGA conducted. It was done by a highly respected national firm, Public Opinion Strategies (POS), who also polled for us in the John Sanchez vs. Raymond Sanchez race. I have personally seen and read the questions and polling results for City Council District 6. The so-called "rough" questions have been reported incorrectly. They were very neutrally designed to determine what the core issues are for the likely voters in that district. As the Albuquerque Journal pointed out, you don't "push poll" just 250 people. And I'll add, having been there personally, push polling questions are far more loaded.

Polls of this type ask questions on both the perceived negatives and positives of the candidate and the opponents. The purpose is to determine what issues/concerns will "stick" versus those that engender no voter interest. Without disclosing confidential details, I can state the poll did an excellent job of defining the race in District 6 and highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of all the leading candidates.

I have had the opportunity with other local political operatives to work with POS over the last 4 years. Their accuracy is amazing. I think this is because their polling is so rigorously conducted to elicit frank responses from voters, not sway them. As an experienced political operative yourself, I hope you'll help others to understand the difference between scientific polling versus "push" polling in this case.

....I think the criticism of CGA, coming almost entirely from the left, is self-serving to say the least. As usual, the left thinks it is OK for them to campaign for candidates but it is not OK for others to do likewise. I am very heartened to see that Albuquerque's business community has finally decided to work in the best interests of the local economy and good jobs instead of just rolling over as usual and donating to business-hating liberals in the hope they won't do too much damage. It's about time!"

Dan Houck

Dan, thanks for the knowledgable explanation. But whether you call it push polling, or by a new name, it appears to be the same old wine in a brand new bottle. The end result is certainly the same: voters who report receiving the calls say it is clear to them that the calls are aimed at forming a negative view of a candidate by using misleading information. Brian Sanderoff, President of Research and Polling, and one of the Southwest's leading pollsters, believes the calls constitute negative campaigning and says it will make his job of objectively measuring public opinion harder to do. Those of us concerned about city politics being muddied up are not from the "left." We represent a broad cross-section of mainstream society who are simply concerned that city elections, long one of the last vestiges of "clean" campaigns, is going the way of the big money, big attack campaigns. Whether it is developers, environmentalists or Republicans, Democrats or Greens doing the "muddying up" they should be called to account. Greater ABQ Committee is composed of some of ABQ's most outstanding and distinguished citizens. I hope they carefully weigh the tactics they employ in the coming campaign. And the same goes for the critics of the Greater ABQ Committee.

As always, we invite your emails and comments and strive to present ALL sides of New Mexico La Politica. Thanks for tuning in.

It's a six way race to replace outgoing Councilor Hess Yntema in the Southeast Heights. I have Heinrich leading, but am waiting to see if the race gets tighter and how the pro-business Greater ABQ Committee spends its money over there. They have endorsed the lone Republican in the contest, Johanna Tighe, who is in the insurance business. The long-shot strategy by Greater ABQ is to have the five remaining liberal candidates split up the vote and get Tighe in with solid GOP backing. Yntema is more a populist than a Republican and the seat was previously held for eight years by Democrat Ruth Adams. The nature of these things is not to have four or five candidates split the vote, but for two or three serious contenders to emerge. District 7 Republican Councilor Sally Mayer is openly supporting Tighe, as well as Brad Winter's challenger Patrick Milligan in District 4. She is taking some hits for that from critics who say Sally should mind things in her own store. It will be interesting to see how tough the Greater ABQ literature against Heinrich will be and how he responds. See more in the Trib below and, as always, stayed tuned right here.


http://www.abqtrib.com/news/elections/d6.shtml

He's in. And that's for sure. State Senate President Pro Tem was on the fence on whether to make another try for the ABQ Congressional seat held by Heather Wilson. But now I can report that Romero has just sent a lettter to past financial supporters saying he is off the fence and in the race for Congress in 2004. All this on the heels of our exclusive story yesterday that Democrat Gary King is now committed to a run for Congress in the southern CD. Things are breaking fast!

The Romero letter lambastes Republican Wilson for being part of Texas Congressman Tom Delay's "radical extremist" wing of the GOP. Despite that hit, Romero calls Wilson someone who is "nice" as a person! Romero says in his letter that even if the State Legislature does not reconsider redistricting of the congressional seats, he is running. That was the issue keeping him on the fence. But we are told by sources close to the campaign that Romero has been convinced that turnout in a presidential election year will up his chances against Wilson this time. She beat him handily in 2002, getting (without checking the stats) I believe about 54%, making for her biggest victory since she took the seat in June 1998 in a special election following the death of Rep. Steve Schiff.

I wrote earlier this week that Romero may be President Pro Tem in the Senate, courtesy of a coalition of GOP and Dem senators. But State Senator Manny Aragon's "demotion" to Senate Majority Leader has not seemed to weaken his power. In fact, Aragon's legislation has received a warm welcome from Gov. Bill who signed two big Aragon bills taking power from the city of Albuquerque and giving it to Bernalillo county. Romero once said Manny didn't play basketball fair when the two went to high school together. He may feel the same today and a Congressional race is one way to move on. Can he win? Very tough. The seat has been GOP held since its inception over 30 years ago, but the numbers tantalize the Dems and Romero will be given money from the DNC to make the case against a weakened President Bush and those "radical extremists."

OK. So what happens to Romero's state senate seat if Richard sticks to his decision to run for Congress? Weekly Alibi columnist and longtime active and liberal Democrat Jerry Ortiz y Pino says he is in the race to stay. ABQ City Councilor Eric Griego is taking a look at it, but a fellow Councilor says Griego lives in State Senator Manny's district, and lo and behold, maybe Griego would consider running againt Manny! The latest name to surface is John Kelly. That's right! The former U.S. Attorney who made a run against Wilson for Congress in 2000 has been quiet since, but his associates say he is looking at the Romero seat as a possible reentry into politics. The downtown, Barelas seat is safe Democratic and no GOP'ers need apply. The fight will be in the June Democratic primary. Stay with us here because things are really starting to percolate.

http://www.abqtrib.com/news/elections/d4.shtml

Above is the ABQ Tribune link to their profile of council district four, including my analysis of the Brad Winter-Patrick Milligan square off. Both are Republicans. Incumbent Winter ousted Democrat Sam Bregman four years ago with a lot of help from the State Republican Party, which mailed negative pieces into the district against Bregman. Four years later, in an ironic twist, Winter awaits possible attack mail against him from the pro-business Greater ABQ Committee PAC, which lists many prominent Republicans as members.

We wrote here earlier that some Republicans were saying that Patrick Milligan might have his eyes on the state house seat held by Joe Thompson if he loses to Winter. Thompson is set to vacate the seat to seek the Republican nomination for the state Public Regulation Commission seat held by Herb Hughes. But Patrick tells me don't hold your breath for him to run for the Santa Fe job. He doesn't even live in the Thompson district! Makes sense to us, Pat.

Another astute reader writes in to comment on my posting that I can't recall any city councilor in the past 30 years going on to higher office. He points out that Herb Hughes could be the exception to the rule as he was elected to the PRC after serving on the council. That is not statewide or citywide office, but it's a point to consider. By the way, Herb goes way back. I first met him when he was the state's top banking regulator under Democratic Gov. Apodaca. Republican Herb always brought a calm, gentlemanly demeanor to the big public debates on the hot issues of his day. We could use a little bit more of that these days.

Thanks for the email. I enjoy and welcome them. There is an e mail link on this page so use it and pass on your news and comments.

There's another Gary back on the New Mexico political scene and its not the former peripatetic governor. It's affable Gary King who says he has been bitten by the political bug again and will seek the Democratic nomination for New Mexico's Second Congressional District seat held by Republican Steve Pearce who was elected to a two year term last year. Pearce took over for Joe Skeen who held the seat for two decades. Gary gamely took on Big Bill for the Democratic governor nomination last year, but the stars never did line up right. Gary is an attorney, Ph.d and a former state representative whose father is legendary former Governor Bruce King. Rumors have circulated about his plans for a couple of months but this week Gary confirmed to me personally that he will definitely seek the Congressional seat and is busy lining up support. Jeff Steinborn, a former aide to Senator Jeff Bingaman, is also seeking the Democratic nod and the right to take on Pearce next November. Jeff's father is a former multi-term Mayor of Las Cruces.

Gary does not live in the Second Congressional District but his biggest law client is the WIPP project in Carlsbad and he spends most of his working time there. He plans on establishing residency full-time soon. Political observers down south tell me Pearce's fortunes could rest in part with the popularity of President Bush. If the Prez remains popular, a GOP congressman will be tough to beat, but if Bush continues to slip....

A congressman is most vulnerable to defeat in his first term which is a motivator for Gary to get in. He was mentioned as a possible Speaker of the House, a job his father had back in the 60's, but again the right timing was not to be. He hopes his watch is set right this time as he prepares to wage battle for a Congressional seat that is one of the largest in land area in the U.S. Gary feels his conservative/moderate political approach will play well down south. It certainly is not territory hospitable to liberal types. In fact, the Pearce TV ad screaming that Democratic challenger John Arthur Smith was "too liberal" is credited by political consultant and pollster Harry Pavlides as a key reason for the Smith shellacking at the hands of oilman Pearce. Pavlides managed former State Treasurer Michael Montoya's bid for Congress against Skeen in 2000.

Well over 90 per cent of U.S. Reps get re-elected so any challenger has an uphill battle from the start. Gary King has the political acumen and name id to get a fast start out of the gate so southern cd'ers are in for a political treat.

I guess it depends where you are sitting when it comes to seeing how GOP State Chair Ramsay Gorham came out on the battle of constitutional amendment #2. I said after the tight fight she lost that her stock went up because the expectations of her were cleverly set low and she nearly upset the Governor in spite of Senator Domenici's's opposition to her position, as well as a slew of other Republicans. But my position is not shared in all quarters of the Republican Party.

State Senator Rod Adair, running mate to losing governor candidate John Sanchez, is a witty and bright guy who writes that Gorham could have and should have won the fight and that her stock is pointing down, not up, after the Conny 2 battle. He says Republican Congressman Steve Pearce offered to do radio spots for the GOP opposing the amendment but never did get a response from state headquarters. That's an allegation and Pearce, who was against the amendment, has yet to respond. Rod goes on to say that Ramsay may bolt her senate seat and try to turn it over to former State Rep. Judy Vanderstar Russell of Sandoval County, while Ramsay "seeks higher office.' Well, Rod if Ramsay is thinking of seeking higher office, someone is telling her she did pretty darn good Election Night!

I remain unmoved. Ramsay looked like a deer in the headlights when she took over and was placed in a very tough position when Senator Pete said no to Conny two and she had to lead the party in the opposite direction. She handled it with class and aplomb. Not one, I repeat, not one, respected political analyst came out and said the election would be as close as it was. Most said it was a done deal FOR the amendment. If Ramsay Gorham doesn't get credit for pulling out a near win no one expected, who does?

Case closed.

As for her seeking higher office, certainly John Sanchez should not count on automatic renomination as the GOP governor nominee in 2006, but then he could be running for mayor of Albuquerque well before that.

I handicapped each of the four contested Albuquerque City Council races for the Albuquerque Tribune this week. Here is the first entry. I will post the others as they appear. There is also an in-depth profile of each candidate on the site each day done by ace city hall reporter Ed Asher

http://www.abqtrib.com/news/elections/d2.shtml

You heard us right on KKOB last week if you heard us say that Alibi political columnist Jerry Ortiz y Pino is preparing to run for the State Senate seat held by Senate President Pro Tem Richard Romero, if Romero, as expected, decides to step down and take a second run at Republican Congresswoman Heather Wilson. Senate District 12 includes parts of downtown and the historic Barelas neighborhood and is safe Democratic. Ortiz y Pino recently retired from government service and thinks the Romero seat matches his liberal politics. He worked for Mayor Jim Baca in social services and for a brief time at the state Children, Youth and Families Department. His column in the Weekly Alibi is well-read by those of the liberal persuasion. He is also read in the Santa Fe Reporter where he ran for the city council back in the early 70's. But Ortiz y Pino would hardly be the only contender for the Democratic nomination if Romero decides to call it quits. Another name mentioned for the position is Albuquerque City Councilor Eric Griego, whose council district overlaps much of the Romero senate district.

When Griego came on the Council two years ago he was immediately touted by his fan club as Mayor material. But two years of over-the-top contentiousness may have the rookie councilor looking fondly at a state senate seat that could put him in a safe political perch from which he could watch for future opportunities. Romero has easily held the seat for eight years and the 30 something Griego is nothing if not ambitious. I have covered the City Council as a reporter and consultant since the inception of the council form of government in 1974 and cannot recall one of them ever going on to higher political office outside of Albuquerque. Several have switched over to the Bernalilo County Commission and Joe Abeyta became a State Rep. from Wagon Mound.

But city politics has become so embroiled in infighting and bad press that Griego may see the Romero seat as the easiest way out. If he did decide to run for Mayor in two years the smart money has him splitting up the Hispanic vote and playing the role of a spoiler, but not victor. Ortiz y Pino and Griego have much the same politics and would split a lot of votes in a senate primary, leaving the door open for all kinds of Democrats to get into the fray, as they surely will if Romero takes the Congressional plunge. On that subject, we hear friends of the senator are warning him that another run against Wilson may be too tough a battle and that he is best to hold on to what he has or finish his political career in shambles. But the critics ask: hold on to what? Romero is seen as back playing second fiddle again to Senate Majority Leader Manny Aragon, who was ousted as Pro Tem in favor of Romero by a Republican-Democrat coalition a couple of years ago. But it is Manny seen at the Lobo games with Governor Bill, not Romero. And it is Manny's big bills that Mr. Bill is signing. Seems Manny as majority leader tops Richard as pro tem. So even though Romero was bruised badly by Heather in 2002 he may feel it's time to vacate the Roundhouse if the future is more sparring with Senator Manny. Seems some guys don't need a full count to know when the fight's over.

---It seems negative campaigning is not confined to politics these days. The increasingly competitive casino market has prompted some not so subtle digging. Isleta's casino is saying in its ads that if you want real gambling action come see them and "if you want to sit around and watch people dance go to the competition." Well, it was only a matter of time. With the opening of the new Laguna casino west of Albuquerque the market is now officially saturated. I look for even tougher ads as the fight for the same dollars grows more fierce. Will any of the casinos go belly-up? Hard to say, but unless out-of-state gamblers are lured here in significant numbers, it's hard to see profit margins expanding.

---The Albuquerque Museum is one of those local institutions that has just been drifting along. Creative spark has not been its hallmark. But the museum deserves a pat on the back for bringing to town "Millet to Matisse," an exhibit of great master painters including van Gogh and Matisse. The museum has done a decent job concentrating on the history of the southwest over the years, but it needs to broaden its reach if it is to grow with the times. This exhibit is a step in that direction. Let's hope its just the first one.

---Albuquerque's National Hispanic Cultural Center has also had problems getting going, but not for lack of trying. An exhibit on Dennis Chávez, the first Hispanic to serve in the U.S. Senate, opens today (10-5) at the Center. "The Life of Senator Dennis 'El Senador' Chavez" is being made possible with the help of The Dennis Chávez Foundation. This will be a must see for New Mexico political junkies. Up until Senator Domenici, Chavez was the longest serving U.S. Senator in state history, but until quite recently you did not hear much about him. I think he has been rediscovered by the new generation who see his record through a steady advancement in civil rights. It's a bit ironic though because today New Mexico has no Hispanics representing it in the U.S. Congress.

Thanks for tuning in. It's good to have you. My e mail link on this page wasn't working properly, but is now so drop me a line and pass along your news. We don't have to use your name (unless you want) and your contribution will help all of us who love tracking New Mexico politics.

Joe