Sen. Kernan's Resignation Sets Up Political Fireworks Featuring Two Brother And Sister Teams; Her Senate Seat Appears Headed To Rep. Scott But The Family Intrigue Is Over Replacing Him In House

Sen. Kernan

We don't know the last time a brother and sister have served together in the NM House (if ever) but it could happen this year, and it's all because Lea County area GOP state Senator Gay Kernan has decided after 21 years of service she will retire effective August 1. 

And did we mention that there is a second brother-sister combo that is also front and center in the political intrigue about to unfold in Lea, ground zero for the historic oil boom? Let's do this. . . 

Kernan, who turns 76 this year, could have stayed until the end of her term in '24 but she's playing tag with GOP state Rep. Larry Scott who is already talking up members of the three county commissions (Chavez, Eddy and Lea) that comprise Senate District 42 and that will nominate a replacement for Kernan to send to MLG.

Scott, 71, an engineer in the oil biz and who has served in the House since 2015 from District 62, all of which is in Lea, appears to be a lock for the Senate seat. He is a reliable conservative and his oil background is a plus.

Kernan is a former teacher who stood out in the Senate for her education expertise while Scott would be one of the chamber's top fossil fuel experts. It's hard to argue the Legislature doesn't need them given the immense state revenue coming out of the Permian Basin and that's set to continue for years.

BROTHERS AND SISTERS

Rep. Scott

Now to the possible brother-sister act that could open in Santa Fe soon.

The fireworks are coming over Rep. Scott's House seat that will be vacant if, as expected, he secured the Senate seat via appointment.

Already lining up for the House appointment that would be made by the Lea County Commission is Deborah Hicks, a Hobbs power house, who once chaired the NMSU Board of Regents and also is president and CEO of Pettigrew and Associates. 

For over 55 years, Pettigrew & Associates has been a leader in fully integrated engineering, surveying and construction services serving New Mexico, Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma and other states. 

The Pettigrew would be none other than GOP state Rep. Randy Pettigrew of District 61 in Lea, first elected in 2020 and brother of Deborah Hicks. (Also an engineer. Surprise!)

But don't go searching for brother-sister congratulations cards just yet. There's another powerhouse working to replace Rep. Scott. She would be Elaine Sena Cortez, the Executive Director of MyPower, Inc., the largest youth development program in Lea County.  

And get this: Her brother is Lea County Commissioner Jonathan Sena. (Hit that explanation point!)

Elaine Sena Cortez

The problem is that brother Jonathan has sent word that he will recuse himself from voting on any replacement for Rep. Scott because of his relationship with Elaine. 

The count we're getting from our GOP Alligators reveals Sena Cortez is just one vote shy of the three needed on the five member commission to snag the House appointment. 

Our R's report that the Scott district is getting increasingly Hispanic and Sena Cortez would be a good fit but when she ran in the '22 GOP primary against Scott he beat her 64 to 36 percent.

As for Hicks, although she was part of the Gov. Martinez political machine that split the party in two, like Sena she is also a top notch Lea County product.

SO. . . 

Can Sena Cortez find a third vote on the commission to thwart the entry of Hicks into the House and pull the curtain down early on the Hicks-Pettigrew brother sister act?

Deborah Hicks

Maybe her best bet is to get a DNA test that reveals Commissioner Sena is not her brother after all and nail down his vote. 

More seriously, perhaps Cortez Sena's commissioner brother has a change of heart and decides to vote for her anyway giving her the three votes needed to go to the Roundhouse. There's no law that says he couldn't but there would be repercussions from Hicks and her bro Randy. 

All we can say is stay tuned and if you're looking for some real fireworks this Fourth of July, don't forget Lea County. They're lighting up the sky this year.

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(c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2023