By Arthur Alpert

A lot of Americans are talking about this “cause célèbre,” as N.Y. Times reporter Carl Hulse put it March 2. Senator Jim Bunning’s filibuster, that is, against legislation to extend expiring jobless benefits and keep construction projects – and construction jobs – ongoing.

Bunning says he’s worried about the deficit. Could be, though I’ve read the former major league pitcher may be throwing at fellow Kentucky Republicans who have hit him hard.

Whatever the reason, his GOP mates wish he’d stop. Hulse says they’re looking to resolve “an impasse that is not only having direct consequences on some of their constituents, but also doing some political damage to the Republican brand as well.”

It’s not an earthquake, true, but it’s a colorful, continuing story of some import. Yet the Albuquerque Journal cannot seem to find space for it.

Few New Mexicans, I’ve heard, rely on the Journal for national and international news. While that may be true, it doesn’t relieve the daily of basic journalistic responsibilities, including comprehensive and fair coverage.

I suspect (but cannot be certain that) the Journal’s news judgment in this case reflects concern for the welfare of the GOP.

If we were wagering, that’s how I would bet.

POSTSCRIPT: Sen. Bunning dropped his filibuster and the Senate passed the bill Tuesday. The Albuquerque Journal so reported in an AP Washington Bureau story Wednesday (A8).  AP reporter Andrew Taylor noted that Bunning had been “holding up action for days…”.  Taylor did not question Bunning’s rationale (the deficit) for his objections.