The New Mexico Senate had a quorum when it convened today for a special session called by Gov. Bill Richardson. Senate Democrats are meeting in a closed caucus meeting now to discuss the situation.
The Senate convened shortly after noon, but Majority Leader Michael Sanchez, D-Belen, soon called for the recess.
The House has a quorum and is currently meeting.
The question now is whether Senate Democrats, when they emerge, will vote to end the session or will get to work.
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Update, 1:20 p.m.
One House member just told me there is a “somber mood” in the chamber. The House is taking care of some routine business now, and then Democrats will go into a caucus meeting.
Still no word from the Senate.
Update, 2:35 p.m.
The House has recessed until 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Democrats and Republicans will meet in caucus this afternoon and then committees will meet to begin consideration of the items on the special session agenda.
The governor’s about to have a news conference.
Still no word from the Senate.
Update, 4:15 p.m.
“I want an up or down vote on each of these bills by the House and Senate,”
Senators are still meeting in secret caucuses.
Update, 4:25 p.m.
Sanchez is meeting with Speaker of the House Ben Lujan and Senate President Pro Tem Ben Altamirano, Kate Nash is reporting on her blog. She’s hearing the same thing I am: that the Senate has the votes to adjourn sine die.
Update, 5:45 p.m.
No surprise here – House committees have already passed several of the bills
The Senate Democrats are still meeting in secret.