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.