Skandera confirmation, once again, unlikely

From the Santa Fe New Mexican.com - by Robert Nott - It appears that for a second year, Hanna Skandera won't win confirmation as the state's Public Education Department secretary.  There is no law prohibiting the former Florida deputy commissioner of education from continuing to serve as Gov. Susana Martinez's choice to oversee New Mexico school systems.  However, it's unlikely that the Senate Rules Committee will schedule a confirmation hearing for Skandera before midday Thursday, when time runs out on the 2012 legislative session.  The "why" of it all is being left somewhat vague by those in control of the confirmation process, but they express concerns with how Skandera has meshed with various segments of the state's educational community as she tries to steer the new Republican administration's reform efforts.  Skandera is the only one of the governor's appointees not to receive a confirmation hearing this session.  Asked Tuesday morning whether she had heard anything regarding a possible confirmation hearing, Skandera said simply, "I'm focusing on the [education] bills." She said she plans to remain in her position: "I came to New Mexico to do a job, and I plan to do that job." Read more

Skandera confirmation, once again, unlikely