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Martinez Will Choose New Senator From Nominations Submitted By Six Counties

Office of the Governor

The Santa Fe County Commission has decided to solicit applications for potential candidates as Gov. Susana Martinez pushes to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of New Mexico Sen. Phil Griego.

The county commissioners held an emergency meeting Sunday to consider the next step. They voted to seek applications and postpone making a final decision until Friday.

Griego resigned Saturday, saying a controversy surrounding the sale of a state-owned building that he brokered last year had become a distraction.

The Democrat drew criticism because he was one of the lawmakers who approved a proposal to put the property up for sale.

Griego represents Senate District 39, which encompasses parts of six different counties.

Each county's commission must nominate a replacement. Martinez will then choose from the nominees.

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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.