This article has been updated.
The New Mexico Senate opted today to keep Tim Jennings, D-Roswell, as its president pro tem and continue being a strong check on the governor’s power.
On a vote of 23-19, Jennings defeated Carlos Cisneros, D-Questa, for the leadership position.
Though Jennings is keeping a job he’s already been holding, his victory also represents a revolt against his caucus, which voted late last year to nominate Cisneros to replace Jennings. Jennings won today with a coalition of Republicans and Democrats.
Under that collation, the Senate has been the only real check on the governor’s power in Santa Fe, and many had characterized the leadership battle as a choice between continuing along that path or becoming friendlier to Bill Richardson and his agenda.
Update, 1 p.m.
The Democrats who sided with Republicans to keep Jennings as pro tem were Jennings, Linda Lopez, Linda Lovejoy, Howie Morales, George Muñoz, Mary Kay Papen, John Sapien and John Arthur Smith.
Update, 1:25 p.m.
“While there might be a little divide, that’s over. I am a Democrat and I am here to represent this body,” Jennings was quoted by the New Mexico Independent as saying on the Senate floor after his victory. He added that it is his job “to make sure this chamber is run in a fair and equitable way.”
Update, 5:05 p.m.
Richardson released this statement:
“I congratulate the newly-elected leaders of the House and Senate. I want to extend a hand of cooperation to the newly-elected Senate President Tim Jennings,” he said.