  Supplementing existing survey data with VLA observations, we have extended
$\gamma-$ray counterpart identifications down to decl. = -40$^\circ$ using our
Figure of Merit approach. We find blazar counterparts for $\sim$ 70% of EGRET
sources above decl. = -40$^\circ$ away from the Galaxy. Spectroscopic
confirmation is in progress, and spectra for $\sim$ two dozen sources are
presented here. We find evidence that increased exposure in the bulge region
allowed EGRET to detect relatively faint blazars; a clear excess of non-blazar
objects in this region however argues for an additional (new) source class.
