The results are in
It seems like just yesterday, but in reality, the primary election wrapped up in the wee hours of this very morning with a series of local and statewide nail biters and blowouts. We saw the ouster of two incumbent Northern New Mexico legislators, the handy and predicted victory of Michelle Lujan Grisham for the governor's race and the narrow victory of Stephanie Garcia Richard as the nominee in what promises to be a bitter general election battle for state land commissioner. The roughly 28 percent turnout among major party voters (the only voters eligible to cast ballots in the closed primary) surpassed the turnout during the last midterm primary in 2014.
The new sheriff
One race in Santa Fe County that was cut and dried early in the night was for the region's top law enforcement officer. Adan Mendoza took a clear victory in the four-way contest. Unofficial totals put Mendoza at about 43 percent of votes compares to 36 percent for Linda Ortiz, with Manny Anaya taking about 14 percent and Leonard Romero finishing with 7 percent. Meanwhile, in Bernalillo County, Sheriff Manuel Gonzales III held off a challenge to keep ($) his post.
Everywhere else
Journalists at SFR who stayed in the newsroom till 1 am were in fine company as primary election results poured in across the nation ($). Women made a good showing, and The Washington Post's The Fix column has labeled New Mexico as one of the most likely states to see a flip of power at the top. California is still waiting for results to trickle in.
Cannabis in court
While legalization of recreational cannabis will certainly continue to be a topic in the general election, the state's Medical Cannabis Program is still working out its kinks. SFR rounds up the pending litigation on efforts at a coup d'etat, plant limits, lab "secrets" and even free speech.
Thanks, but no
Two members of the Public Regulation Commission won't immediately recuse themselves from an upcoming vote, as requested by a nonprofit that alleges collusion with campaign donors in a solar power vote. Linda Lovejoy and Sandy Jones say they will only consider the request if a hearing examiner allows New Energy Economy to intervene in the case. At issue is how the PRC overruled an examiner to allow PNM to buy solar power from certain locations.
Colorado blaze
A 2,400-acre fire that has been burning since Friday north of Durango ($) is still only 10 percent contained, and four new fires broke out on the Southern Ute reservation Monday. Tourism officials there say it's ok so far. Tuesday was a quiet day for fires within New Mexico's borders, with a small wildfire in the Pecos Wilderness heading toward containment after help from Grand Ronde helicopter rappel crew members from Oregon, who dropped in due to difficulties getting there on foot.
Nothing complicated
Santa Fe Botanical Garden chooses a plant of the month. For June, it's the yerba mansa, also known by the common name lizard's tail. We know this isn't much in the news department, but probably everyone needs a break. See this and other living things at the Leonora Curtin Wetland Preserve.
Thanks for reading! The Word is reflecting on the meditative growth that can come from three hours of sleep.
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