The usually passionless Heather Wilson turned up the temperature last night as she graced TV screens across America with a withering attack on Viacom, owner of CBS, and its president, Mel Karmazin, for airing the Janet Jackson strip act at the Super Bowl. The ABQ GOP Congresswoman lit into Karmazin who was appearing before a congressional committee looking into the incident: "You knew what you were doing. You improved your market share and lined your pockets!" Exclaimed Heather, in a near-tearful tirade over Janet's bared breast. The CBS Evening News, CNN and other media picked up her tongue-lashing.

Her high-pitch seemed a bit out of character for the low-key lawmaker. But politically she picked safe turf. The Jackson act has been panned everywhere and the issue especially appeals to conservative Republicans. Heather's previous national TV shots, on Bill Maher's HBO program and a stint on the Fox network's 'Hannity and Colmes,' have fallen flat. This time she was more animated, if a bit demagogic. But you don't get to the U.S. Senate by hanging back and I'm sure her future competitors eyed her new act and are laying plans for their own coming-out parties.

You might ask what senate seat Wilson and her rivals could have their eyes on. Certainly, Sen. Domenici's. But that's not up until 2008. Sen. Jeff Bingaman is up in 06', but when asked recently by talk show host Mike Santullo if he definitely was seeking re-election, Jeff did not say yes. I am sure it was just an oversight, wasn't it Jeff?

OUR GAVEL TO GAVEL COVERAGE CONTINUES

Politicos are speculating on just what the U.S. Chamber of Commerce or affiliated groups hope to achieve by getting involved in supporting a Republican for the NM Supreme Court, if they indeed do decide to pump big bucks into the race. There are five members on the high court and adding one Republican would not seem to have a major impact. "I don't think it will happen, unless it will help Bush," e-mailed one observer. And he may be right.

Pumping money into Republican Ned Fuller's campaign against incumbent Supreme Democrat Ed Chavez might excite some more R's into going to the polls, and perhaps that's enough reason for Chamber involvement. But I also would not underestimate their desire to take out a trial lawyer like Chavez. Even one R on the all-Dem high court would be a major victory since there hasn't been one since the 80's. Through the grapevine, Fuller says he is unaware of any possible Chamber move in his race, but Fuller, at the last minute, opted out of a district court race in favor of the Supreme bid. That he was pledged financial support by someone or some group to make the run is a reasonable assumption. Stay tuned.

ANCHORS AWAY

Veteran Channel 7 anchorman Craig Nigrelli, whose departure from Channel 7 we broke on this web site, e-mails in to say his new job will be way up North, at the Minneapolis ABC affiliate. It's a bigger market than NM and will be a step up the TV ladder for the anchor and political junkie, who brought a measure of experience to KOAT's election coverage. Nigrelli will be joining fellow Channel 7 alumnus Tim Blotz in Minneapolis. Blotz has a job lined up t the Fox affiliate there. The money may be better for these guys up North, but what about the weather fellas? Good luck and take some green chile with you for those very cold winter nights.

KERRY'S PRIVATE LIFE UNDER SCRUTINY
Here we go again. On the Drudge Report, reports of media probes of Kerry's relationships.

LET'S END IT WITH A LAUGH

A final joke on the Super Bowl spat from a political angle. Did you hear about the phone calls after the Super Bowl? George Bush called the Patriots and congratulated them. Al Gore called the Panthers and told them they were robbed. Bill Clinton called Janet Jackson.

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(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2004
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