The debate emerging from three races for district attorney in New Mexico's largest population centers are stirring up debate over crime and public safety issues that all remain hot topics in the state.
Contested races are underway on the Democratic side for the job of top prosecutor in state's First, Second and Third judicial districts, which separately encompass Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Las Cruces.
Meanwhile, the Republican candidates in the three districts are running unopposed in Tuesday's primary.
Among Democrats, Dona Ana County District Attorney Mark D'Antonio is seeking a second term in the Third Judicial District amid a challenge from Alamogordo prosecutor James Dickens.
Ed Perea and Raul Torrez are vying for outgoing, longtime D.A. Kari Brandenburg's post in Bernalillo County.
And a three-way race is in play in the First Judicial District, which includes Santa Fe.
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