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Debate Over Senate Vacancy Lands Before Supreme Court

A group of registered voters wants Gov. Susana Martinez and commissioners in four counties to move faster in filling a vacant state Senate seat.

Anthony and Jennifer Trujillo of Santa Fe County and Rick Lopez of Torrance County filed an emergency petition with the New Mexico Supreme Court on Monday.

They're seeking to force Bernalillo, Santa Fe, San Miguel and Valencia counties to perform their duty to call emergency meetings so nominees can be chosen for the seat left vacant by the abrupt resignation of Democratic Sen. Phil Griego.

As an alternative, the petition asks the court to order Martinez to choose Griego's successor from names already submitted by Torrance and Lincoln county commissioners.

Lopez and the Trujillos say they need representation as the Legislature wraps up its 60-day session.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.