By KRWG News
Las Cruces – State District Judge Jerald Valentine is retiring and his replacement will be named by Gov.-elect Susana Martinez after she takes office in January.
Valentine's retirement will create a vacancy on the court in Las Cruces as of Jan. 1, which is when Martinez assumes office.
A nominating commission will meet on Jan. 13 to screen candidates and make recommendations to the new governor.
Lawyers have until Dec. 6 to submit applications to the commission to be considered for the court vacancy in the 3rd Judicial District.
Martinez, a Republican, is district attorney in Las Cruces. As governor, Martinez will be able to select her replacement as prosecutor.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.