Gutierrez seeks DNC post, not running for re-election

Joni Guitterez

NMPolitics - The Democrat from Mesilla joins a growing list of lawmakers who are retiring from public office this year or running for other positions instead of seeking re-election. N.M. Democratic National Committeewoman Mary Gail Gwaltney announced Friday evening that she’s stepping down from that post; State Rep. Joni Gutierrez said she will seek to replace Gwaltney rather than running for re-election this year.Both women made their announcements at a Democratic Party fundraiser in Las Cruces. Neither could immediately be reached for comment, but NMPolitics.net confirmed their announcements with multiple sources who were present. Many considered both announcements to be surprises. Gutierrez, D-Mesilla, will finish her current term as the representative for House District 33 but will leave the position at the end of the year. She has held the seat since 2005. Read More News New Mexico

Gutierrez seeks DNC post, not running for re-election

Susana Will Take Redistricting Reversal To The US Supreme Court

Capitol Report New Mexico - Capitol Report New Mexico has learned that attorneys for Gov. Susana Martinez will appeal the recent decision by the New Mexico Supreme Court to reverse a redistricting judge’s decision concerning the state’s House of Representatives all the way to the US Supreme Court.

“We believe there are serious federal concerns,” Jessica Hernandez, general counsel for the Republican governor told Capitol Report New Mexico in an interview on Tuesday (Feb. 14), adding that the New Mexico Supreme Court’s reversal “raises important and unique questions the [US] Supreme Court will want to weigh in on.”

It’s unclear when the appeal to the highest court in the land will occur but Hernandez said “It’s just a matter of doing the research and getting the necessary paperwork done.” Read the full story here: News New Mexico

Susana Will Take Redistricting Reversal To The US Supreme Court

Legislature Approves Anti-Corruption Proposal

From KOAT - SANTA FE, N.M. -- A proposal is heading to Gov. Susana Martinez to toughen penalties for elected officials convicted of public corruption.

The measure allows for a fine equal to the salary, pension and other fringe benefits paid to the official from the time the crime occurred. The fine would be in addition to any prison sentence imposed for a felony conviction for corruption.

Former state Treasurer Robert Vigil continued to receive his government pension despite being convicted in 2006 of attempted extortion.

The bill won final approval in the Legislature on Monday when it unanimously passed the House. The bill previously cleared the Senate. Read full story here: News New Mexico.

Legislature Approves Anti-Corruption Proposal