Late last night voters in ABQ's NE Heights reported to "NM Politics With Joe Monahan" that they were the targets of a "push poll" about the recent DWI arrest of GOP State Rep. Joe Thompson and Big Bill's comments regarding the case. The poll was done by automatic phone calling and hit the Guv and Thompson by asking whether legislators should be treated differently from regular citizens when it comes to DWI; whether they were aware that Big Bill offered his support to Thompson after the arrest and whether they would vote for Joe Thompson. The polling was done anonymously with no sponsor or candidate mentioned to those being queried. It appeared the poll was targeted exclusively to GOP voters and was intended to "push" those polled to have negative opinions of Thompson and Big Bill.

All this came on a day of intense speculation and political fever over he DWI arrest of Thompson and what will happen in the race for his seat in the far NE Heights of ABQ. Late word came to us that it's even possible that Bill could be getting involved! The deadline for filing petition signatures for all legislative candidates is now only days away (Mar.16). Thompson withdrew from the Public Regulation Commission (PRC) race when he was busted last week, but speculation continues on whether he will try to stay in the NM House.

NEW PLAYER SURFACES

Thompson is not talking, but his chief political operative, Patrick Killen, is saying that petition signatures may be collected on Thompson's behalf just in case Thompson, despite his DWI, decides to rejoin the fray. But if he was serious, why not circulate the petitions himself and face the voters now? Former ABQ City Councilor Greg Payne is already announced and running hard. And now I have learned exclusively from GOP sources that ABQ business heavyweight Carol Monroe, the head of 'Republicans for Richardson' in the 02' Guv's race, is seriously considering a run for the Thompson seat! That brings the Big Bill factor front and center.

No question Monroe would be a friendly vote for Big Bill, just like Joe. But her Richardson association could be a major obstacle in the conservative district. But Thompson was able to play down his backslapping with the Big Guy, so maybe Carol could do the same. Besides the Richardson tie, Monroe was also a member of the steering committee for the controversial Citizens for Greater ABQ Committee which spent heavy in the last ABQ election to get "pro-business' city council candidates elected. The group failed miserably and was derided for negative campaign tactics.

PAYNE
I reached Payne late last night on his cell phone while he was campaigning door-to-door. He said he "welcomed all comers" to the battle and called Carol a "quality" candidate, although he was not convinced she will run. Monroe was not available for comment. Payne pointed the finger at his old nemesis, County Commissioner Tim Cummins, as perhaps having a hand in encouraging a Monroe candidacy. On Wednesday, word was circulating that Monore has decided NOT to run. Payne disavowed any knowledge of the push poll hitting Thompson and Big Bill. GOP officials were not available for comment. One polling expert speculated that the Guv's misstep in embracing Thompson after his DWI may be being used to unite the severely divided Republicans against the Guv. "They can make the governor a common enemy among the R's. That could be the premise behind the polling since it was apparently aimed only at Republicans." He said. Others speculated that the poll could have come from supporters of Thompson who were trying to guage the damage done to their man, and test his future viability.

From this corner It all seems the prelude to an election campaign that will pull out all the stops as the scramble for Roundhouse and White House power escalates day by day.

Make our site one of your 'favorites.' Bookmark it now and send a link to interested friends. Want to advertise to NM's large political community? Email me or call 505-243-4059 for details.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2004
Not for reproduction without permission of the author