Longtime New Mexico Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez is sure to face more pressure than ever before when the legislative session begins Tuesday. Sanchez is the last line of defense for Democrats with the Republican-dominated House likely to pass any bills favored by Republican Gov. Susana Martinez.
As majority leader, Sanchez is allowed to pick which bills get heard on the Senate floor.
The 64-year-old lawmaker will also have to unite moderate and conservative Democrats in the Senate chamber.
Sanchez was elected as majority leader in 2004. An attorney from Belen, he has gained a reputation as a political scrapper who knows how to argue.
But fellow Democratic and Republican lawmakers say the legislative session will proceed as usual.
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Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com
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