Bingaman Hosts Democratic Delegation.

Photo: by Senate photographer John Klemmer

Senator Jeff Bingaman greeted Ben Ray Lujan, Martin Heinrich, Tom Udall and Harry Teague in Washington on Wednesday. The Rep-elects are in Washington for freshman orientation.

While all the Dems above seem to smiling and having a great meeting, Republicans, back home, are still nursing their wounds from an election day beat down.

And rumors are swirling as the Republicans try to figure out how to bounce back.

Joe Monahan inaccurately reported Sheriff Darren White was considering a run for ABQ Mayor next fall.

NOT TRUE JOE.

White told us tonight, "No Way!" He would not say what he was going to do in two years, but said he's happy being Bernalillo County Sheriff now.

NO WEH.

Earlier this week, we posted a letter to the ABQ Journal from Farmington Doctor Allen McCulloch, who has openly criticized current GOP Chairman Allen Weh, and acurately reported he's considering putting his name into the hat to become the chairman of the NM Republican Party. He'll host a get together in ABQ on Friday night to get the ball rolling.

Now we're learning, from a NMFBIHOP report, that Steve Pearce, who lost his Senate Bid to Tom Udall, may also be considering a run for party chairman, but that's less likely if he ultimately want to run for Governor in 2010.

A Hat Full of Names

We've learned that Pete Dinelli, who worked for then Attorney General Jeff Bingaman for three years, is definitely putting his name into consideration to become the U.S. Attorney in New Mexico. Dinelli may have the inside track with the Senior Senator. How much influence will Governor Bill Richardson and Jr. Senator Tom Udall have on Bingaman's final recommendation?

Dinelli's pursuit of the U.S. Attorney's post could be a sign that Mayor Marty Chavez is nearing a decision to run for a third term.

Dinelli was said to be waiting for his boss to make a move before deciding whether or not to enter the city-wide contest himself.