Former Rep. Jim Kolbe

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There's no question the outcome of the presidential race could affect Arizona politics.

But most of the attention has been on how the American people's decision will affect the fortunes of Arizona Sen. John McCain, the presumptive GOP nominee, and Gov. Janet Napolitano, who is a supporter of Democrat Barack Obama and a potential Cabinet pick.

There's someone else, however, who could stand to benefit from a McCain win: former Congressman Jim Kolbe.

Kolbe has mostly kept a low profile since retiring from his Southern Arizona congressional seat in 2006.

But the moderate Republican's close alliances with both McCain and Napolitano could provide him with an embarrassment of riches should McCain claim the White House, some insiders are speculating.

As it turns out, Kolbe is one of a handful of a key advisers to the fellow Arizonan's presidential campaign, instructing him on trade issues.

The 22-year congressman is also dividing his time between teaching at the University of Arizona and consulting work in Washington.

Would he have a place in a McCain administration? Well, Kolbe was heavily rumored in 2005 to be a candidate for U.S. trade representative.

And it's no secret he could have another potential gig to choose from. Napolitano would need to replace McCain with a Republican to fill out the two years left of his term. So, why not tap her friend Jim?

Napolitano has refused to comment on her future — or potential picks for McCain's replacement.

And Kolbe, who also usually avoids speculating, didn't return a phone call.

But last year, the governor did pick Kolbe to lead a trade-related task force.

And maybe Kolbe is willing to opt out of seeking the seat in his own right in 2010, allowing Napolitano to launch her own highly speculated run for the U.S. Senate with no incumbent in the seat.

More women would carpool with Obama than McCain if they had the chance, according to a new poll that puts a female twist on the old "who would you rather grab a beer with?" question.

Lifetime Networks found that 51 percent of women would take a ride with Obama, versus 31 percent who would pick McCain.

The poll also asked women which candidate's family they would prefer to vacation with.

Nearly 50 percent said the Obamas, whereas 26 percent chose John and his wife, Cindy.

But another 20 percent said they'd prefer to travel without any politicians tagging along.

So, looks as if everyone really is getting on the alternative-energy bandwagon.

At a local event last weekend held by the Morris K. Udall Foundation, University of Arizona President Robert Shelton joked to an audience that if the football team doesn't make it to a bowl game this season … well, he just might turn Arizona Stadium into a wind farm.

Political Notebook

Daniel Scarpinato