Republican minority in New Mexico House choose new leader
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico House Republicans, who lost multiple seats in this month's election, have chosen a new minority leader.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that Rep. James Townsend of Artesia was elected Sunday to lead Republican lawmakers.
Republicans came away with 24 seats in the 70-member chamber after the Nov. 7 election. It's the party's smallest House caucus since 1996.
Townsend, a retired oil industry executive, replaces House Minority Leader Nat Gentry, who did not run for re-election.
Majority Democrats plan to nominate Brian Egolf of Santa Fe to continue as House speaker when the session begins in January.___
Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.santafenewmexican.com