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Lawmakers Convene As Political Landscape Shifts

  Their priorities aren't much different — lift New Mexico from the bottom of the nation's education rankings, keep the state's children safe and find a way to boost economic development and job creation.

The best route for accomplishing those goals is what Republican Gov. Susana Martinez and the state Legislature will be hashing out when the 60-day session begins Tuesday.

Efforts to stop the state from issuing driver's licenses to immigrants in the country illegally and right-to-work legislation are also expected to pepper the debate.

Martinez and lawmakers also will be wading into an unfamiliar political landscape.

The dynamics in the Roundhouse are expected to be different this year since Republicans now hold the majority in the House of Representatives, something the state hasn't seen in 60 years.

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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.