New Mexico has taken a step toward joining a movement to elect presidents by popular vote.
A Senate committee on Friday recommended approval of a bill to join an inter-state compact that requires Electoral College voters to cast ballots for the national popular vote winner.
Senate bill sponsor Mimi Stewart of Albuquerque says she not only is concerned about political campaigns that focus on swing states but also how presidents govern.
New Mexico has sided with two presidential candidates that won the popular vote but lost the election — Al Gore and Hillary Clinton.
Republican Sen. Mark Moores of Albuquerque objects to the bill because it requires a plurality of votes and not a full majority.
States representing at least 270 electoral votes must join for the compact to function.
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