Recounts ordered in two Senate races

KRQE TV

Updated: Jun 26, 2012 2:33 PM

SANTA FE (KRQE) — The state Canvassing Board has ordered recounts in razor-close primary election races for two state Senate seats.

The board and Secretary of State's Office met Tuesday because state law requires automatic recounts for certain offices when the difference between the top two candidates is less than 0.5 percent.

One recount is for the race for the Republican nomination in Senate District 32 in southeastern New Mexico. There Cliff Pirtle leads Chad Hamill by 10 votes out of more than 2,000 cast, according to unofficial returns.

The winner faces Senate President Tim Jennings of Roswell in the November general election.

The other too-close-to-call contest is in the Democratic primary for Senate District 30 in the western part of the state. Maxine Velasquez is leading Clemente Sanchez 1,221-1,218 in the four-way race that has incumbent Sen. David Ulibarri of Grants in third place more than 300 votes back.

Copyright 2013 KRQE TV. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Political Pulse

We welcome your thoughtful comments. Be the first to participate in the discussion. All comments will display your username and avatar.