New Mexico House approves PRC redistricting plan

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) – Democrats pushed ahead Monday with plans to revise districts of New Mexico's regulatory agency, despite the objections of Republicans who say the new districts would make it difficult for GOP candidates to compete in some parts of the state.

Two Republicans and three Democrats serve on the Public Regulation Commission, which regulates utilities, telecommunications and insurance. During Senate debate, Republican Kent Cravens of Albuquerque said the Democratic-backed plan likely would ensure the election of four Democrats to the PRC in the future.

“We're settling for one seat that is lopsided and giving up a lot of ground on the other side,” he said, noting that one district would remain solidly Republican.

Sen. John Sapien, D-Corrales, disagreed.

District 5 in south-central and southwestern New Mexico, Sapien said, would be a swing district in which either a Republican or Democrat could win. Currently, a Republican represents the district.

The Senate proposal is very similar to a PRC redistricting measure approved by the House earlier Monday on a 37-33 party-line vote. All House Democrats and the chamber's lone independent supported the proposal, which goes to the Senate for consideration.

The main difference between the Senate and House plans is in Santa Fe County. Slightly more of the southern part of the county would be in District 2, with eastern New Mexico, under the Senate plan.

The city of Santa Fe would remain in District 3, which covers northern New Mexico including Rio Arriba, Taos and San Miguel counties.

District 4 will continue to cover northwestern New Mexico and a portion of Albuquerque west of the Rio Grande. Native Americans will account for about 31 percent of the population in the district.

The Senate and House measures eliminate current divisions in Dona Ana, Otero, Guadalupe, De Baca and Lincoln counties. The city of Alamogordo would be unified in District 2 rather than being split between two districts.

A portion of Dona Ana County in the Las Cruces area currently is in District 2 with southeastern New Mexico, but the House and Senate plans consolidate the county in District 5.

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Online:

Legislature: www.nmlegis.gov

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The House PRC bill is HB15. The Senate PRC measure is SB24.

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