I am writing today to announce the closure of the New Mexico Independent. After three and a half years of operation in New Mexico, the board of the American Independent News Network, has decided to shift publication of its news…
While environmental activists played their part yesterday during demonstrations at the capitol building, going so far as to dress up as solar panels and to sing the tune of “You Are My Sunshine,” their counterparts, the anti-cap-and-trade contingency who has…
Roughly one quarter of University of New Mexico students are unimpressed with the state’s flagship public school, according to a survey that questioned college students about their higher education experiences.
It became just about official today: Diane Denish will be the first woman to be governor of New Mexico.
The date that it will happen isn’t set. Bill Richardson says he won’t resign until the U.S. Senate confirms his nomination as commerce secretary, which won’t take place until after Barack Obama is sworn in on Jan. 20. That means the transition is likely to occur in the middle of a 60-day state legislative session in which lawmakers and the governor will have to make up for a budget shortfall of hundreds of millions of dollars.
Denish says she’s up to the task.
“I really want to ensure a smooth transition so that there’s no disruption,” she said today in a brief interview. “I’m ready for this job. It’s a great opportunity for me, and we’re going to ensure that we do it smoothly.”
Denish said she wanted to congratulate Richardson, who she called “uniquely qualified” for the commerce job and “a great addition” to Obama’s Cabinet.
“I just wanted to make sure that every New Mexican knew about how delighted I was about the governor’s appointment as commerce secretary, …” Denish said. “He’s going to be a great economic diplomat for the country.”
Denish said she spoke with Richardson on Tuesday, and the two plan to meet Thursday morning to begin discussing the transition. She said she didn’t want to comment further on the transition, including talking about who she will appoint to replace her as lieutenant governor, until after she meets with Richardson.
