Gov. Susana Martinez is criticizing delays by some counties in submitting names of nominees to fill a vacant state Senate seat.
Senator Phil Griego resigned Saturday amid criticism about his role in a real estate sale involving a state-owned building. His district included parts of six counties, and each county must nominate a possible replacement.
Martinez called on the counties to submit their nominees to her by late Sunday, but Bernalillo and Santa Fe counties are among those which said their processes will run into later this week.
The current legislative session will end next weekend, and Martinez called the situation an emergency. Martinez spokesman Enrique Knell called the delays a political decision by Democrats.
Santa Fe County Commissioner Kathy Holian said it's essential to get public input.
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