Two vying to replace Sen. Joe Fidel

Gov. Bill Richardson will choose either the Cibola County manager or a Valencia County commissioner to replace the retiring Sen. Joe Fidel of Grants.

The Socorro and Cibola county commissions have sent the name of Cibola County Manager David Ulibarri to the governor, the Gallup Independent reports. Valencia County’s commission recommended one of its own members, Ron Gentry, earlier this week.

Richardson spokesman Gilbert Gallegos told the newspaper he did not know how soon a decision would be announced, but Ulibarri said he had a tentative interview set for today in Santa Fe.

Gentry is a former House member and majority leader.