Governor likely to choose between Schutte, Mitchell

QCS Staff

A spokesman for Gov. Susana Martinez said Friday she will likely select one of two men recommended by a nominating committee as the next 10th Judicial District judge.

“Although a final decision has not been made, we do not anticipate sending the list back for additional names,” Mike Lonergan said Friday.

The governor has 30 days to appoint either Albert Mitchell or Don Schutte or seek more names from the nominating commission, according to the state’s judicial nominating rules.

Mitchell and Schutte were the only candidates to apply for the judge’s position, which became open when Mitchell failed to retain the seat during the Nov. 4 election.

The position will be vacant as of Dec. 31. About half of the voters in Quay, DeBaca and Harding counties voted to retain Mitchell; 57 percent of the vote is needed for retention.

Mitchell said he has applied not to keep his job, but to fill the vacancy created by his failure to be retained.