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Political Notebook: Who will replace Grijalva if he heads to DC? Grijalva gets Hispanic groups' backing for Interior chief

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Speculation on whether Democratic Congressman Raúl Grijalva will be tapped by President-elect Barack Obama to head the U.S. Interior Department has fueled yet more speculation about who might want his job in Congress, should it come open.

The rumor mill has churned out a veritable who's who of Southern Arizona Democratic maybes. Pima County Recorder F. Ann Rodriguez. State Sen. Paula Aboud. County Supervisors Ramón Valadez and Richard Elías, who, incidentally, replaced Grijalva on the board. City Councilman Rodney Glassman. Even current Democratic Party Chairman Vince Rabago.

The short time allowed for a campaign would favor candidates who already have high name ID, are well-organized and have a strong donor base.

Arizona's resign-to-run law makes the whole discussion even more interesting. How many of these sitting elected officials would give up the power and the influence they have now for a shot at the big time?

Elías was circumspect.

"I think that conversation is premature," he said. "I would have to take a look at it when it's a more appropriate time, after the president-elect has had a chance to make his decision and the congressman has had a chance to make his."

Glassman, a former aide to Grijalva, said to put him down as a no.

"I had a spectacular time working for the congressman, and I'm really enjoying being on the City Council right now. And we're still working on checking off our campaign commitments," Glassman said.

He then launched into a litany of his accomplishments and his priorities for the next year, sounding a whole lot like somebody who's running for something.

Of course, all this speculation could be for naught if Grijalva doesn't get the job.

With Gov. Janet Napolitano already on a short list for Homeland Security and a prominent Hispanic in New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson slated for Commerce, Grijalva's selection for Interior would make him the third person from the Southwest named to a Cabinet position. How likely is that?

But politicians represent multiple constituencies. Grijalva is an Arizonan and a Hispanic, but he's also co-chair of the Democratic Party's Progressive Caucus. Progressives, who backed Obama heavily, have seen most of his Cabinet picks come from the more centrist wing of the party.

To up the odds there will be a seat to run for, Valadez — as noted, a potential replacement — and Supervisor Sharon Bronson placed a resolution on the supervisors' agenda supporting Grijalva for Interior.

And they're not the only ones lobbying. The heads of the Tohono O'odham, Pascua Yaqui, Gila River Indian, Cocopah, Colorado River, Ak-Chin and Quechan tribes sent a letter to Obama transition team chair John Podesta saying Grijalva is "well respected by the tribal community and has worked diligently for his constituents — many of whom are tribal members — over the past six years."

They noted, "He has created an open and working relationship with tribal governments in Arizona and the Department of the Interior would be fortunate to have his leadership."

Out of site, out of mind

It's not clear if it's a parting shot from outgoing state Senate President Tim Bee or the first act of incoming Senate President Bob Burns. But either way, it didn't exactly make reporters feel welcome as the Legislature prepares to enter one of its most challenging sessions in recent times.

At 5 p.m. the day before Thanksgiving, reporters at the Capitol press room in Phoenix were served an eviction notice.

Their lease won't be renewed. But if they like, they can have space across the way in the old Capitol building.

That would be an office building that keeps banker's hours, not reporter's hours. It closes at 5 p.m. While lawmakers are typically long gone by that time, newshounds are generally still recording the day's follies.

Burns said the move is not a shot at the press or an effort to keep it at bay during potentially troublesome times.

He said the Senate needs the space, there were security issues with the location and the Senate could not afford to "subsidize" the lease any longer.

"I understand it may not be as convenient, but no, it won't affect their access," he said.