The New Mexico Supreme Court has denied an emergency petition that was filed in an effort to speed up the process for filling a state Senate vacancy.
The court issued a brief order Thursday but offered no explanation for the decision.
Anthony and Jennifer Trujillo of Santa Fe County and Rick Lopez, chair of the Torrance County Republican Party, filed the petition Monday.
They sought to force Bernalillo, Santa Fe, San Miguel and Valencia counties to call emergency meetings so nominees could be chosen for the seat left vacant by the abrupt resignation of Democratic Sen. Phil Griego.
Bernalillo County nominated Santa Fe County Commissioner Liz Stefanics on Wednesday. The other counties plan to meet Friday to name their selections.
Gov. Susana Martinez will choose from the list of nominees.
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