Former ABQ City Councilor Greg Payne is rested and ready. Just a month off the Council the controversial conservative is running hard for the District 31 state house seat in ABQ's far NE Heights. It's now held by Joe Thompson who is giving it up to run for the Public Regulation Commission (PRC). Payne, an ABQ native, was at the center of some of the hottest episodes in city political history, including a near fist fight with Council rival Eric Griego and battles with fellow GOP Councilors Sally Mayer and Tina Cummins. (Payne trounced Tina's brother Tim to get on the Council in 99'. Tim Cummins is now a GOP Bernalillo County Commissioner up for re-election in 04'.) But, in what may be a surprise to some, observers in the Heights tell me Payne is positioned for victory. Former State Senator Michael Weiner, also no stranger to controversy, is another Republican looking at the house race, but if no others emerge, the observers say, the hard-driving Payne may find himself exchanging pleasentries, or something else, with Governor Bill at the Roundhouse.

Greg will emphasize his conservative credentials in the campaign in the solidly GOP district. He has been criticized by some GOP members who did not like him warming up to Mayor Marty while on the Council. Payne argues he supported Marty's efforts to get spending under control, not liberal programs, and besides, their political love fest is long over. Payne tells me he has "mellowed" in recent months with the arrival of his first child and a second on the way. He is busy selling insurance at the Jack Daniels Agency, run by prominent Democrat and UNM Regent Jamie Koch. If elected, would that "mellow" Greg in the direction of the Dems? It could be an issue. Meanwhile, Payne will do what he does best--making sure he outworks any opponents he encounters.

DADDY BUSH TO NM
NM fans of President Bush have had plenty to worry about with the ongoing fight between the forces of former GOP Chair Dendahl and his Dendahlites and current Chair Ramsay Gorham over who will control the President's campaign here. That dispute remains unresolved, but the Bush campaign will hoist the flag here January 18 with former President George Bush headlining an evening of money raising at Santa Fe's Eldorado Hotel. Tickets are going for $500.00 a pop or, if you want to get your picture with the ex- Prez, $2000 a couple.

Despite the GOP infighting here, the current Prez is still positioned well because of his rich campaign coffers. And while the Dems battle it out for a nominee, NM Republicans have not let out a peep of dissent over W or his policies, just over who gets the campaign goodies. If the GOP can get its power struggle resolved, the field will be cleared for the Prez, who we will be seeing several times as he tries to put the state back in his column after losing here by just a couple of hundred votes four years ago. By the way, no Dendahlites, including National Committeeman Mickey Barnett, are included as hosts on the invitation making the rounds for the Daddy Bush visit. Car dealer Ken Zangara, current GOP Bernalillo County Chair, is shaking the money tree for the elder Bush affair. He gave a whopping $100,000 to Bush junior in 2000 and is rumored to be eyeing the National Committeeman seat held by Barnett. (See my November 12 report in my archives).

SAY HELLO TO HILLARY


She will be at the Page One bookstore in ABQ Tuesday, January 6 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 for a tightly orchestrated 90 minute visit to promote her book "Living History." Insiders tell me a total of 900 people will be allowed into the event to get their books signed. You must buy Hillary's book at Page One prior to January 6 ($28 a pop). The Secret Service will supervise her visit and only allow 50 people at a time in Page One while Hillary does her signing. It's doubtful she will speak at the occasion, but may squeeze in some time to visit politicos while here (Governor Bill and Barbara?). The former First Lady and U.S. Senator from New York remains at the center of Democratic politics. The New York Times recently reported she is speaking out more than usual on key issues, leading to a new round of speculation about her political plans and whether they include a run for the presidency.

Hillary electrifies the Democratic base and her appearance is a guaranteed sell out for Page One which has been struggling to fight off competition from major bookstore chains here. The Hillary event is a major coup for the locally owned Page One. You can order the book by phone (505-294-2026) and get a ticket to attend the signing or visit the store at 11018 Montgomery NE.

Make our site one of your 'favorites.' Bookmark it now and and send a link to interested friends.

(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2003
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