Sen. Joseph Fidel, D-Grants and chair of the finance committee, has retired.
The move puts into play the most powerful committee chairmanship in the Senate at a time when there’s also turmoil in the House over who will be the next speaker.
Sen. John Arthur Smith, D-Deming and vice chair of the finance committee, called Fidel “a fine gentleman” who “brought a lot of wisdom to the Senate.”
“I wish he’d been able to fulfill his term,” Smith said.
Fidel was 84 and, though he had chaired the committee for the last two years, Smith did much of the chairmanship work. Fidel was the second-longest serving member of the Senate.
Fidel had two years left on his current term, which will be filled by Gov. Bill Richardson. The governor’s office said a statement would be made shortly.
Sen. Leonard “Lee” Rawson, R-Las Cruces and a member of the finance committee, said Fidel has done a good job.
“I think most people would praise Joe as a gentleman, and I would echo that,” Rawson said.
Smith is a possible replacement as finance chair. So is Sen. Tim Jennings, D-Roswell, who has seniority over Smith. He and Smith both sought the chairmanship the last time it came open.
Sources told me Fidel has been planning this for months but wanted to wait until after the election. They also said this could lead to a reorganization of leadership in the Senate.
I haven’t been able to reach Fidel for comment.
Update, 7:30 p.m.
Gov. Bill Richardson released this statement about Fidel:
“The Legislature will lose one of its most knowledgeable and respected members. Joe was a Senator for 34 years – the second longest sitting member of the Senate. He retires as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, one of the most powerful and called-upon legislative committees. For my part, I am losing a trusted colleague and a man I turned to for advice as both a politician and a friend. It’s safe to say that while his seat will be refilled in the Senate; there will never be another Joe Fidel.
“Joe was – is – a man of extraordinary personal integrity, a man of great kindness, clarity and fairness who has never been anything but a straight shooter and a gentleman. If Joe had a gripe with you he’d let you know about it, but in a way that not only made you consider his words carefully, it would also increase his respect in your eyes. That is a rare quality in any person and Joe has it in spades. It’s no wonder his family wants him back to spend more time with them.
“I truly wish Joe every happiness going forward. He can be sure he’ll still be getting calls from me for advice and guidance. And I won’t be the only one calling.”