Top NM Republicans were claiming to see light at the end of the tunnel late Wednesday with word flying about that ABQ GOP NE Heights State Rep. Rory Ogle, charged with wife-beating, was just hours away from resigning as a candidate for re-election. And, the potential candidacy of Ogle's wife, Anita, falling like a lead balloon among the party's elite.

"Ogle will probably finish out his term (which runs until January 1) but will withdraw as a candidate for re-election," a source close to the embattled lawmaker told me.

As for Anita Ogle: "We are looking for an 'Ogleless' House district. Several names are emerging to replace Rory, but Anita is not among them," added our R insider.

Anita Ogle's bombshell; (see Aug. 17 report) that she would consider running for her estranged husband's seat has GOP officials worried that the whole sordid affair could creep into October and maybe even harm the Prez's election chances here.

POST-OGLE OUTLOOK

When Ogle resigns, and it does appear to be when, not if, the GOP central committee will name his replacement and that person will run unopposed for the two year term since the D's have not put up a candidate in the heavy R district.

"We don't need to have either Anita or Rory running," jabbed one veteran R speaking from his favorite watering hole where he was mulling over the bizarre affair. "Why should voters be subjected to a family fight? This is about our issues, not theirs. Both of them need to go." He opined.

I will post any late-breaking news on the Ogle affair as soon as it happens so check back.

A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN?

What's up with the "nonpartisan" NM League of Women Voters? A spokeswoman for the group was pounding the table at the ABQ City Council Monday night calling on the council to make the controversial Paseo Del Norte road bond a stand-alone ballot measure so voters could decide on the road separately, instead of it being included with millions in other road bonds as the council ultimately decided. Here's what the League spokeswoman said:

"Do not underestimate the strength, knowledge or commitment of your constituents. Give them the chance to vote on the extension of Paseo del Norte," said JoAnne Ramponi, speaking on behalf of the League.

Te League has a pretty good track record for staying out of the partisan trenches. Why they decided to step in where they have not gone for decades is baffling.

47 AND COUNTING

Oil at 47 bucks a barrel and New Mexico still not out of the woods financially? Hard to believe, but true. Despite boosting budget projections by over $200 million for next year, available funds still fall short of anticipated spending for fiscal 2006. What are the politicos going to do when oil starts to fall? Could Big Bill's upper-income tax cuts stand the heat as state revenues crashed along with the price of crude? just asking

BUMPER FUN
Here's one that's getting a laugh. Seen outside an environmentalist meeting: "More Trees, Less Bush!"

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(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2004
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