No vote on Gardner replacement

Roosevelt County commissioners did not decide on a nomination for a replacement New Mexico Rep. Keith Gardner at a special meeting Thursday.

A meeting to take a final vote was scheduled for 9 a.m. today in the commission room at the Roosevelt County Courthouse. Gardner left his seat to become Gov. Susana Martinez’ chief of staff.

The four commissioners present were split in their vote. Commission Chairman David Sanders and Commissioner Scott Burton were in favor of nominating Bob Wooley of Chavez County, while Commissioners Bill Cathey and Jake Lopez were in favor of Matt Rush of Roosevelt County.

Commissioner Kendall Buzard was not present. Four of Roosevelt County’s Republican party officers expressed support for nominating Rush.

Sanders said Rush may have to vote for or against issues in the new position that may hurt him politically. He declined to comment further on why he wants Wooley for the position.

Lopez, Cathey and the Republican officers agreed Roosevelt County should nominate one of its own.