Jeff, are you running for re-election to the U.S. Senate in 06'? You will not get a direct response to that question from Jeff Bingaman and it has caused some fevered speculation in political circles, so fevered that sources close to NM's junior senator have contacted me to calm the waters and let it be know that all signs are pointing to a re-elect run for the Silver City native.

"Jeff has an approval rating of 73% and he is positioned for another run. But he is not going to be rushed. It has never been his style to get out in front early, and this time, despite the way the process has accelerated, will be no different. Right now, he is working hard to help other candidates so the Democrats can take back the Senate this November and he can get back his Energy Committee chairmanship." Said a member of the Bingaman inner circle in a recent deep background discussion.

What got the politicos going is the money thing. Why hasn't Jeff sent them letters squeezing them for campaign cash yet? After all, he will need millions. Also, he was noncommittal when asked point-blank about his campaign plans in an off-the-microphone conversation with radio host Mike Santullo. But, in what may be a prelude to turning up the heat a notch, Bingaman was clashing with Senator Pete this past week and letting it be known, at least coyly, if not overtly, that he is indeed going to go for a fifth, six year term. Probably a good idea, Jeff. The alligators are restless, and if they see further hesitation, they will regard it as a dinner invitation.

TO BLOG OR NOT TO BLOG?

Blogging can be hazardous to your bottom line. Just ask Santa Fe's George Johnson who started a blog in January to cover the Santa Fe political scene. But George is also a freelance science writer for the New York Times and has been admonished by the powers that be at the Old Gray Lady that his donation to a city council candidate was in violation of the Times' ethics policy. This, even though George, formerly a NYT full-timer, is a freelancer.

Johnson, also a noted science author, said he will rescind the campaign contribution, and he says he understands the NYT policy. But he will put his blog and its hard-hitting attitude toward Santa Fe development on hiatus. Johnson has been a political junkie for years. I worked with him when we both were kids at the University Of New Mexico Daily Lobo. How long ago was that? Well, Tony Hillerman was just Tony Hillerman and was our 'academic advisor.' Obviously, Johnson and Hillerman learned a lot more than me. But maybe I'm a late bloomer. Anyway, here's the full story on George's adventures from the New Mexican's Tom Sharpe

COME WITH ME TO TV LAND

TV news has been a busy beat lately with the comings and goings (mostly goings) of a gaggle of local anchors. Friday afternoon I was back in TV land at KRQE where I interviewed on the Prez's ABQ visit with Dick Knipfing. I also had time to talk up battle-scarred PR and news veteran Gerges Scott. Gerges is back as executive producer at 13, coming off of a stint in PR at the Rick Johnson Agency. Gerges, you may recall, was front and center in the ABQ October bond election. His side lost but he says he is on the winning side now, confirming that KRQE narrowly secured the second place spot in the February 10 p.m. news ratings. Gerges is in fighting form and now has his sights set on late-night news leader KOB-TV.

As for Dick, he is one anchor who is staying put. "Only If I am abducted by aliens would I leave New Mexico, but we do broadcast into Roswell, so I guess that's possible," the TV news dean joked. Knipfing, with over 40 years on the job, still leads NM TV political coverage with vim and vigor. Co-anchor Erika Ruiz is also not immune to the lure of La Politica. She says she too is ready for the long campaign ahead. And long it will be.

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