---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