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We the people need to re-elect Senator Ben Altamirano
Friday, November 26, 2004
http://www.thedailypress.com/artman/publish/printer_2878.shtml
Local NewsAltamirano named president pro temBy Nov 22, 2004, 15:55
New Mexico Senate Democrats on Saturday nominated Sen. Ben Altamirano, D-Silver City, as president pro tem, The Associated Press reported.If the nomination is approved by Senate Republicans and Democrats, Altamirano will preside over the Senate when the Legislature begins its annual session in January.Because Democrats hold the majority in the chamber, their nominee is expected to be selected to the Senate's top job.However, that is not always the case. Four years ago, Democratic Sen. Manny Aragon was nominated for the post, but lost to fellow Democrat Richard Romero.Because he ran for Congress (unsuccessfully) instead of seeking re-election to the state Senate, Romero won't be back next year.Sens. Dede Feldman of Albuquerque and Tim Jennings of Roswell also sought the pro tem job, but lost the nomination to Altamirano.The senator from Silver City was unopposed this year in his re-election bid.As the longest-serving member of the Senate, having been initially elected in 1971, Altamirano "is well-liked on both sides of the aisle," said Stuart Dyson, spokesman for Senate Democrats."He's a very congenial and friendly legislator who also is very shrewd," Dyson said. "He's been chairman of the Senate Finance Committee in recent years, and has been a fixture on that committee for many, many years."He's our budget guy; the wizard on the budget," Dyson added.The Democrats chose Michael Sanchez of Belen as majority leader over Sens. Carlos Sisneros of Questa and Phil Griego of San Jose, the AP reported.Sanchez, brother of former House Speaker Raymond Sanchez, is chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He has been in the Senate since 1993.Outgoing caucus Chairwoman Bernadette Sanchez said the caucus adopted a rule that a candidate did not need a majority to win, but rather only had to get the most votes among the candidates.The Senate has been without a majority leader since Aragon — elected to the post 10 months after being ousted as president pro tem — left the Senate earlier this year to become president of New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas.Sens. Mary Jane Garcia of Doña Ana County and Linda Lopez of Albuquerque tied in a three-senator race for majority whip. The third candidate, Bernadette Sanchez, said another vote — probably today in Santa Fe — will break the tie.
Local NewsAltamirano named president pro temBy Nov 22, 2004, 15:55
New Mexico Senate Democrats on Saturday nominated Sen. Ben Altamirano, D-Silver City, as president pro tem, The Associated Press reported.If the nomination is approved by Senate Republicans and Democrats, Altamirano will preside over the Senate when the Legislature begins its annual session in January.Because Democrats hold the majority in the chamber, their nominee is expected to be selected to the Senate's top job.However, that is not always the case. Four years ago, Democratic Sen. Manny Aragon was nominated for the post, but lost to fellow Democrat Richard Romero.Because he ran for Congress (unsuccessfully) instead of seeking re-election to the state Senate, Romero won't be back next year.Sens. Dede Feldman of Albuquerque and Tim Jennings of Roswell also sought the pro tem job, but lost the nomination to Altamirano.The senator from Silver City was unopposed this year in his re-election bid.As the longest-serving member of the Senate, having been initially elected in 1971, Altamirano "is well-liked on both sides of the aisle," said Stuart Dyson, spokesman for Senate Democrats."He's a very congenial and friendly legislator who also is very shrewd," Dyson said. "He's been chairman of the Senate Finance Committee in recent years, and has been a fixture on that committee for many, many years."He's our budget guy; the wizard on the budget," Dyson added.The Democrats chose Michael Sanchez of Belen as majority leader over Sens. Carlos Sisneros of Questa and Phil Griego of San Jose, the AP reported.Sanchez, brother of former House Speaker Raymond Sanchez, is chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He has been in the Senate since 1993.Outgoing caucus Chairwoman Bernadette Sanchez said the caucus adopted a rule that a candidate did not need a majority to win, but rather only had to get the most votes among the candidates.The Senate has been without a majority leader since Aragon — elected to the post 10 months after being ousted as president pro tem — left the Senate earlier this year to become president of New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas.Sens. Mary Jane Garcia of Doña Ana County and Linda Lopez of Albuquerque tied in a three-senator race for majority whip. The third candidate, Bernadette Sanchez, said another vote — probably today in Santa Fe — will break the tie.
