By KRWG News
Santa Fe – Democratic lawmakers are urging labor unions and liberal activists to start gearing up for next year's legislative elections.
Rep. Brian Egolf, a Santa Fe Democrat, told a labor rally at the Capitol on Saturday that Democrats are facing a "mighty headwind" going into the 2012 election season.
The rally was held as the Legislature met in a special session to draw new boundaries of congressional, legislative and other districts for elective offices.
Egolf said next year's legislative elections are particularly important for Democrats because the House and Senate can serve as a check against the policies of Republican Gov. Susana Martinez, whose term runs through 2014.
Democrats hold a narrow 36-33 majority in the state House of Representatives. There's one independent. In the Senate, Democrats have a 25-17 majority.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.