cross-posted at Daily Kos

The Baltimore Sun has obtained a tape of a campaign operative for Democratic State Senator Paula Hollinger promising an illicit payback deal. According to the tape, "Maureen," who left a phone number registered to O'Connor Public Relations Associates, asked for a contribution for Hollinger's Congressional campaign and then went on to say "Paula will certainly send you money from her state account if need be." According to Hollinger's most recent finance report, O'Connor Public Relations was paid $9,150 by her campaign.

The Attorney General's seat in New Mexico is up for grabs - and, the race is getting hot. Incumbent Attorney General Patricia Madrid is term limited and currently engaged in one of the nation's top Congressional contests against Rep. Heather Wilson. There are three Democrats are vying to replace Madrid and a prominent national Democrat with an eye toward higher office, Governor Bill Richardson, is watching the race VERY closely. The primary is scheduled for June 6th.

On Monday night's Lehrer NewsHour, Heather Wilson said that Michael Hayden, Bush's pro-domestic wiretapping nominee for CIA Director, was "very, very candid about the [Bush administration's warrantless domestic spying] program, its authorities, how it operates, and so forth."