The New Mexico governor's reappointment of a career prosecutor to the Public Defender Commission has revived lawmakers' questions about whether Susan Riedel is legally qualified for the post.
Riedel resigned from the commission before its January 2014 meeting to run for attorney general but lost the race. Gov. Susana Martinez reappointed Riedel on Friday.
The announcement prompted State Rep. Brian Egolf, a Santa Fe Democrat, to say the governor "has it out for" public defenders and the accused who can't afford an attorney.
Democratic lawmakers questioned the legality of Riedel's first appointment in July 2013. They said Riedel did not have the necessary experience with the defense system.
Riedel did not respond to requests for comment on Friday.
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Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com
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