Report: Nearly $13 Million On TV Ads In New Mexico – The Associated Press
A nonpartisan government watchdog group reports that nearly $13 million was spent on television advertising in New Mexico races for governor, U.S. Senate and other state offices.
The Center for Public Integrity says the governor's race accounted for about $6.2 million in ads, with $4.6 million by Republican Gov. Susana Martinez in winning re-election.
Democrat Gary King broadcast ads costing nearly $609,000 through the day before the election. Other ads were by the Republican Governors Association and Democratic primary election candidates.
About $3.8 million went for TV ads in the Senate race. Democratic incumbent Tom Udall spent $2.6 million in winning re-election to $1.1 million by Republican Allen Weh.
The ad figures don't include local cable TV and radio, which means total spending on political advertising can be significantly higher.
Despite DOJ Deal, Albuquerque Protests May Resume - The Associated Press
City officials have signed a U.S. Justice Department agreement to overhaul Albuquerque police. Families of those fatally shot by Albuquerque officers say they are pleased with the blueprint. And advocates are praising police for peacefully ending recent standoffs.
Still, Albuquerque may see another round of angry protests.
Federal officials have not said if officers involved in the March high-profile shooting death of 38-year-old homeless camper James Boyd will face charges. Some advocates say not indicting officers will generate demonstrators similar to those that paralyzed Albuquerque earlier this year.
The uncertainty comes as the St. Louis region braces for a grand jury decision on whether to charge a police officer for fatally shooting 18-year-old Michael Brown in the suburb of Ferguson. That shooting also led to significant unrest there.
Santa Fe Police Still Use State Law For Pot Cases - The Associated Press and Santa Fe New Mexican
Santa Fe police continue to file some marijuana citations under state criminal law despite a new city ordinance that reduces penalties for possession of small amounts of pot.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that about two of every five citations issued since the City Council's Aug. 27 vote were issued under the state law that carries a higher potential penalty than the city ordinance.
City Councilor Signe Lindell sys the council clearly asked that those cases be the lowest priority for police and that they stay in the city court system.
Police spokeswoman Celina Espinoza says possession of small amounts of pot continue to be the lowest law enforcement priority for police.
She says many of the recent citations stemmed from a traffic stop or something else.
New Mexico Veterans' Service Secretary Stepping Down - The Associated Press
New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services Secretary Timothy Hale is stepping down.
Gov. Susana Martinez made the announcement Tuesday during a packed Veterans Day ceremony in Albuquerque. She says Hale is leaving his post to spend more time with family and to take a job as a pilot with a local company.
Martinez called Hale an amazing secretary, saying he has helped to make things easier for those being deployed as well as those returning from duty around the globe.
Taking Hale's place is retired Brig. Gen. Jack Fox. He's an Army veteran and has served in the New Mexico National Guard.
Hundreds of people turned out for Tuesday's ceremony, including Purple Heart recipients, Navajo Code Talkers, officials from Kirtland Air Force Base and Medal of Honor recipient Hiroshi Miyamura.
Tentative Date Set For Navajo Presidential Contest - The Associated Press
Navajo voters are scheduled to go to the polls just before Christmas to choose their next president.
The Navajo Election Administration tentatively has set the election for Dec. 23.
The presidential contest was separated from the Nov. 4 general election after Chris Deschene was disqualified for failing to show he could speak fluent Navajo.
Tribal lawmaker Russell Begaye took his spot on the ballot, but his candidacy is being challenged. He is facing former President Joe Shirley Jr.
A grievance filed against Begaye alleges financial improprieties and questions his loyalty to the tribe. Begaye says it's a ploy to knock him out of the race.
A hearing is scheduled Thursday on the grievance.
Gallup Had NM's Highest Violent Crime Rate In 2013 - The Associated Press
New FBI numbers show the city of Gallup had the highest violent crime rate in New Mexico last year.
An Associated Press analysis of 2013 FBI statistics showed Gallup had a violent crime rate of 2,086 per 100,000 residents. That's more than two times the rate of Albuquerque.
According to numbers released yesterday, Gallup saw a total of 463 violent crimes in 2013 — an 11 percent increase from the year before.
The report says Albuquerque saw its number of violent crimes increase four percent — in 2013.
The FBI classifies violent crime as murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault.
New Mexico Water Agencies To Revamp Website - The Associated Press
New Mexico's top water management agencies will soon launch a revamped website that officials hope will be easier to navigate and provide better access to water data.
A spokeswoman for the Office of the State Engineer and the Interstate Stream Commission says the launch is expected next Monday.
There will be information on the website about water rights, well drilling, settlements, conservation and more.
There will also be a link to a database that includes individual water rights files within New Mexico.
The address for the new website is www.ose.state.nm.us.