Due to the recent resignation of state Senator Phil Griego, there has been a push to replace him before the current legislative session comes to an end.
Senator Griego represented District 39, a large district that includes parts of six counties. Each of those county commissions has the right to recommend a replacement to Governor Martinez. Because Senator Griego was a Democrat, Governor Martinez would presumably like to quickly appoint a Republican to fill the seat.
Earlier this week, a petition was filed with the New Mexico Supreme Court asking for a writ of mandamus to compel several county commissions to hold emergency meetings to nominate replacements. (Hat tip to Joe Monahan for the link to the petition).
Today, the Supreme Court denied the petition without explanation, according to this report by Matthew Reichbach of the New Mexico Political Report.
