We had a good time doing the KKOB-AM radio show and catching up on the latest political buzz. Lobbyist Scott Scanland told the audience he felt City Council District Four featuring two Republicans, incumbent Brad Winter and challenger Patrick Milligan could be a potential race to watch as Milligan is working the District and getting help from some well-know Republicans. I chimed in that the Democrats could very well decide that race since they will have to pick among two GOP guys. I think Winter, the moderate Republican, may have the edge because of that, but with the Greater Albuquerque Committee pro-business PAC apparently poised to help Milligan, we will watch for any movement toward him.

I reported that the first negative campaigning in the October 28 Albuquerque election has developed, or at least that is the accusation from the Progress for Albuquerque Committee. This was set up in direct response to the formation of the Greater Albuquerque Committee. The Progress folks claim their opponents are now using "push polling," where callers are given negative information about a candidate when being asked who they will support for Council. I also reported that the campaign chief for unsuccessful GOP governor candidate John Sanchez is the chief consultant for the Greater Albuquerque group and that many of its contributions are coming from donors who give considerably to the Republican Party. This has led to accusations that the Committee, rather than simply being concerned about the business environment here is also concerned about there not being enough Republicans elected. Fuel to this fire was added when the PAC endorsed all Republican candidates, except in District Two where no Republicans are running. Could all this controversy reduce the impact of the $60,000 raised by the PAC? Stay tuned.

Radio host Mike Santullo had a non-political prediction: That Rush Limbaugh would have to give up his TV gig because of the controversial comments he made about an African-American NFL quarterback. Mike was proved right late Wednesday night when Limbaugh pulled the plug on the TV job.

Back to Albuquerque, Scott and I agreed that Debbie O'Malley may have a slight edge in the City Council District Two race because of her clearly defined liberal views. She is also one of three hispanics in the race but with an anglo last name. In New Mexico the ethnic factor is always a factor to consider. Michelle Garcia, retired from APD, tells me she is working the District hard and is hopeful. Mary Molina Mescall won the Greater Albuquerque PAC endorsement. No word yet if the labor union ASFSCME will make an endorsement in this race. It would be a boost for the candidate who got it considering the resources they have.

There was a lot more good ol' political scuttlebutt tossed about on KKOB radio Wednesday night, and a lot off the air as well! I will post more about all of it in the next couple of days, plus fresh speculation on key State Legislative races, city-county unification and our Congressional delegation. So we will see you back here soon.

Joe Monahan is a veteran New Mexico political analyst, broadcaster and consultant. E-Mail him from the link on this page.