By KRWG News
Las Cruces – Congressman Steve Pearce has introduced legislation to name the United States federal courthouse in Las Cruces after former Senator, Governor, and Judge Edwin L. Mechem.
"Edwin Mechem is an iconic and prolific leader, whose legacy should live on in the state of New Mexico," said Pearce. "His service to our state as a United States Senator, Governor, and Federal Judge deserves recognition. I am proud to introduce this legislation to honor his memory."
The judges of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals from New Mexico, along with the district judges of the District of New Mexico sent a letter in 2002 to the New Mexico Congressional Delegation supporting this legislation. "We believe it would be a fitting tribute to Judge Mechem and to the State of New Mexico to have the courthouse bear his name," the judges wrote.
Earlier this year, Josephine Mechem, the widow of Judge Mechem also wrote to Congressman Pearce, "In every job from State Representative to Governor to Senator to Federal Judge, he (Mechem) felt honored to give of himself in long, hard hours of work, deadlines, pressure and all aspects of service to his beloved state. He brought tremendous integrity and a fine and valued intellect. But most importantly, his fundamental being was intertwined with New Mexico as was so evident in his devotion to its people, its land, its history and its future. There could be no better champion for New Mexico than him."
The late Mechem was a native of New Mexico who served as an elected official and public servant for many years. Mechem passed away in 2002. Congressman Pearce's legislation, H.R. 3742, would "designate the United States courthouse located at 100 North Church Street in Las Cruces, New Mexico, as the Edwin L. Mechem United States Courthouse."